The Fleetingness of Beautiful Things
This is a picture of my amaryllis – or to be more accurate, Adam’s amaryllis, which is in our kitchen. It flowers twice a year if I’m lucky. The flowers last for about a week. And then they die. Isn’t it stunning?
And isn’t it sad that it is so fleeting.
And it got me to thinking about other fleeting and beautiful things. Like sand sculptures that will be washed away by the next tide.
And what a good emotion that is – that beauty that you cannot keep – for writing a short story.
As fleeting as a short story itself, maybe!
So I wrote one. I wonder if anyone will buy it. And what are the fleetingly beautiful things that stir other writers to create?
I would love to know.
Patsy Collins
Sometimes things are beautiful because they are so fleeting. An ever-lasting-dust-collecting version of that flower wouldn’t have quite the same appeal, would it?
Della Galton
Yes, I suppose you are right. That is exactly how things are, aren’t they. Am feeling philosophical today 🙂
Diane Fordham
What a lovely post Della and yes, such a stunning flower.
Della Galton
Thanks. It’s beautiful isn’t it.
Maggie May
Very thought provoking. So much work into such a beautiful sand sculpture, and gone in a tide. I love the pavement artists, especially the ones where you think you are standing on the edge of a cliff or a building. It feels like wasted talent because so few get to see it. That’s why we need to keep sending our work out, or what is the point?
Della Galton
Absolutely, Maggie, I couldn’t agree more xx
Frances Garrood
Choirboys’ voices? Oh, and ( my) youth 🙁
Susan Jones
Hi Della,
Enjoyed your story in People’s Friend about the sand pit. Lovely. Of course you’ll sell your story. Blossom on trees is fleeting isn’t it? Amazing how just when they look spectacular, a gusty wind comes along and makes a wedding shower…. Love that beautiful flower as well.
Della Galton
Hi Susan,
Thank you. That People’s Friend story was sparked off by a Canarian legend about a prince who married a lady from a snow covered land and then when she didn’t feel at home in hot Tenerife planted an orchard of trees, so when their white blossom fell to the ground it would look like snow and remind her of home. Rather beautiful I thought.
Karla
Shooting stars and ice sculptures come to mind … the first are so fleeting, there’s not even time to think ‘there’s a shooting star,’ before there isn’t. The second are very sad, their sharp edges blunting and blurring until finally they fetch up as a puddle! Bet you sell your story no probs – thanks for the thought provoking post and lovely flower pic – have a great weekend 🙂
Della Galton
HI Karla
Interestingly I’ve written stories about shooting stars and ice sculptures. I think I’m just an old romantic at heart 🙂 I just had that story rejected by the first market. Ah well, it’ll soon be out again 🙂
Linda King
Lovely amaryllis and a post to get us thinking! A surge of emotion is often what throws the premise for a story into my head. So many things are fleeting – I always feel especially sorry for moths and butterflies… I really popped by to let you know that I’ve mentioned your book ‘Moving On’ on my blog today. http://excusemewhileinotethatdown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/all-floaty-and-dreamy.html Best wishes, Linda
Della Galton
Thank you, Linda, that’s really sweet of you to mention my book on your blog. And yes, a strong emotion does it for me every time when it comes to writing stories. I often get an idea but if I don’t have the emotion driving it, it doesn’t always work. many thanks again. Della xx