Written by For our prompt of “Bubbles” today, it made me think of being a kid again and how much fun it was to chase after soap bubbles and pop them. In truth, even as an adult, I would run around in circles popping bubbles with my nieces and nephews when they were young. Sometimes people say things like “Sorry to burst your bubble, but…” which means they’re about to tell you that something you believe is actually wrong or they don’t believe you can succeed in something you’re about to try. Being a born dreamer, I’ve been told this quite a lot in my life. I have big ideas that do seem a touch impossible to make happen. But, each time someone has doubted me in my life, it’s not always because I’m living in my own bubble. I’m often quite aware when my ideas get a bit crazy and improbable. But, very few things we dream are ever truly impossible. Some just take a bit more effort to make happen. And we should never be limited by someone else’s lack of imagination.
Once, many years ago now, back when I was doing theatre, I had someone tell me that I wasn’t going to get the part I wanted. “I hate to burst your bubble,” he said, “but you’re not right for that role.” This is always an interesting choice of words, because people who talk like this actually rather love telling someone these things. They don’t hate it at all. The comment was delivered with the usual smug sureness and I have to admit that it caused me to doubt myself for a moment. This was a fellow actor, indeed, but he wasn’t even auditioning for this particular show. So, it made me question whether or not he might be right. This is the part of the story where one might expect that I simply ignored him and went on to grab the role I wanted. That’s not what happened. I realized that my youthful and giggling demeanor wasn’t a great fit for this character who was a bit older than I was. So, I went to the audition “in character” and stayed that way until I left. And, I didn’t get the part. Turns out I still looked a bit too young. But, I got the part of the younger brother and was named the understudy for the lead role.
What I’ve learned is that it’s good to step outside my own bubble sometimes and see myself how others see me. And rather than simply ignore someone when they try to pop it, I listen to what they have to say. I’ve learned so much by taking a moment to listen to views that didn’t match my own. Sometimes they change my mind, and other times they galvanize my original opinion. But, I think it’s important to know when I’m actually living a dream or simply living safely inside of one. For my own part, I do try to change people’s minds on occasion. Often, I’ll hear people say that they can’t draw or paint at all, or that they just aren’t very talented. In my heart, I don’t believe this to be possible. I’ve not seen one person who takes on one of my monthly challenges who didn’t show improvement by the end. The trouble is, they can’t always see what I see. So, it’s become my mission to reach as many people as possible and build a community that inspires each other. Together, we can make a difference in the world, proving that anyone, anywhere has the talent and creativity to make the art they choose, while happily bursting bubbles.
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Fantastic Charlie! Getting outside our safe bubble can be difficult. I’m finding that it gets easier the older we get. Maybe life experiences teaches us that it all will be ok so we might as well embrace it all and have fun.
Thanks so much, Karen! 😃💕 Yes, I think that’s the case. We’re brave when we’re young only get that bravery back as we get older!
I love your bubbles..and the whole picture so colorful! And yep we just have to keep plugging away and not let anyone burst our bubbles!
Thanks so much, Priscilla! 😃💕Yay to that! Here’s to always plugging away with hope and happiness!
Wonderful post, Charlie. Hope bubbles will always make me smile!!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕Me as well!
Listening is an art unto itself. Thank you for sharing your wonderful art and thoughtful words with us Charlie.
So true! Thanks so much, Laura! 😃💕
I’m here to burst your bubble. You need to add another Facebook site. World Watercolor Group for Beginners. So many people feel too untalented to post with the excellent people who are in the regular group. Ask around, and see if I’m wrong. Or maybe your Sketching Stuff site does enough, but I know when I first found WWG, the other members were so good, I was terrified to post my junkie tries.
But it is best to be taken out of your comfort zone and be proud of your work. I used to be this way until I let go. I still see others awesome art but block it all out when it’s my turn to create.
Aww I love that way to look at it, Mireya! 😃💕
Yep! To be honest, World Watercolor Group on Facebook ended up with a ton of masters. 😉 So yeah, my Sketching Stuff Group is the quite different. First, it’s a closed group, and much more focused on people started out. It’s actually medium agnostic as well though. So all types of mediums are welcome. 😉
Mireya is undoubtedly correct, but I think most newbies aren’t there yet. OtOH, Charlie, I do think the sketching group might be the beginner’s ticket to building confidence and skills. And btw, I love seeing the masterful work in WWG.
Yeah, it’s always a dance! Everyone should post with confidence, because there’s always someone who will love it! I bow to the masters as well… I’m not there yet and don’t know if I’ll ever be, but I adore showing what I make anyway! It’s that little kid inside! 😉
Fantastic bubbles don’t let anyone burst yours!
Thanks so much, Susan! 😃💕 Here’s to that!
Fantastic colours. The bubbles look so shiny.
Thanks so much, Gary! 😃💕
Great post Charlie!
Thanks so much, Fatima! 😃💕
Hmmm….I wonder what a hummingbird would do if he came across bubbles.?? Beautiful colors. I am one of those you encourage everyday and I appreciate it! Now if you could post my pics for me everyday. Lol
Thanks so much, Lori! 😃💕 hehe… I do wonder if a hummingbird would have the urge to pop a bubble! And thrilled I’m encouraging you! But yeah, you still have to post the pics yourself! lol
Love the way you used your colors!
Thanks so much! 😃💕
Beautiful!!!! to see a humming bird popping bubbles!! 🙂
Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕
Lovely and colourful.
Thanks so much, Linda! 😃💕
That’s right never be limited and I often think if bubbles as always being happy with the simple.
Yay to that Mireya! 😃💕 Yeah, I think bubbles are beautiful symbol of how to keep life fun and easy.
I know including ourselves
Love your bubbles Charlie and thank You for getting me back to painting.
Thanks so much, Tazzie! 😃💕 And yay for getting back to painting! That makes me so happy!