Tuesday Musings

"Eleanor" - mixed media on aquabord, 6" x 6"

Home again, home again after a whirlwind trip, gatherings of creative rebel doodlers and major mojo magic in Charlotte.  There is nothing quite like the combined energy of artists gathered around a worktable...it is a special, sacred, joyful space where anything can happen.  Even "fairy hogmothers" and forests of magical trees!

As I often do on these lengthy road trips, I listened to an audio book.  This one, Quiet, is the latest book about introversion and how introverts relate to BIG OVERSTIMULATING WORLD OF NOISE, LIGHT AND PEOPLE!  A lot of this book resonated with me.  I was especially delighted by the chapter on the physical manifestations of introversion (extreme sensitivity and physical response to overstimulation) and on the examples of introverts throughout the book.

Eleanor Roosevelt was discussed in detail.  It put her in a whole new light for me.  I've never really put the words "Eleanor Roosevelt" and "introvert" in the same sentence, and the author really captured how introversion likely shaped Eleanor's careful, tenacious and serious approach to the things she felt passionate about.   And also how effective it made her, despite her reluctance to be in the limelight or mingle with the power people in Washington.  There is strength in quiet folk, it just isn't as obvious at first.

So when this little girl appeared from underneath my paintbrush, I knew right away she was an introvert.  Quiet, a little mousy even, but with steely determination and strength.  Doing her best girl power move.  Eleanor.