Welcome back to Soulful Sundays! This week, it felt right to share a project we did in art class. The task was to think about a story about water. Then, however we chose, we draw it. There were no limitations or restrictions. Just create art that tells the story. I decided on a literal story because I love storytelling. And this time it felt right having words enter the art. Then, wanting to do more, I created the little figures along the borders to help tell the story. (I want to use this style more.)

From there, I wanted to draw an underwater scene that still showed the darkening sky as a storm rolls in. Nailed it! What I couldn’t do, was find a way to put figures into the water. I did, but they were so cartoonish that I felt they detracted from the water that I am so proud of. Eventually, the words and the little figures found a way to combine with the water, and here we land.

The story…I’m a little afraid to leave it here because it’s personal. So much has changed since that day, but it’s one of the few childhood memories that I have. Sharing it is scary. But I hope that you’ll enjoy it. I’ll post the story under the image so that it’s easier to read.

My Water Story

While they visit friends, we play in the dark waters of the lake. With so many people around it’s easy to get lost. Or be forgotten. But the squeals of two young girls as they splash about ensures that they won’t disappear.

Summers at the lake were starting to be common. As common as my appearance at my cousin’s home. This is their family vacation.

The sand underfoot crackles and powders as bare feet move across it. The way the sand melts underfoot doesn’t hinder speed when the lake calls me back to it. We have imaginary pets that we are chasing. Real pets were a pipedream for families with money. But my German Sheppard dog was forever by my side. And as we hit the waters, he became a sea creature to match his mermaid partner. We were always partners in whatever form we took.

The waves are easy to dive beneath. I love the feel of the water running its fingers through my hair. I love the coolness of the water taking away the heat of the day. It’s almost a shame that I must surface for air.

When I do, there is a wonderful surprise. The clouds above treat us to more water. Heavy drops fall upon my face as I turn it up to the sky. Behind me, people are running back to their towels to keep them dry. But who cares about a little water falling from the sky? When the thunder begins, my smile goes wide as I search for the flashes of light I long to see.

“Girls, get in here!”

“April, we have to go. Mom’s calling.”

“Why?” I still stare up at the sky. “You don’t want me here anyway.”

Selina Elliot