James J. Cudney IV

365 Challenge: Day 323 – Paint

Paint: to cover the surface of something with a colored substance that dries to leave a thin decorative or protective coating

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I have absolutely no talent when it comes to painting, but I know someone who does. I’m always in awe of a person with this talent, but when it is a friend–who feels more like family–it’s special. When that person goes beyond your expectations and surprises you with a custom painting to match your book cover, it’s undeniably amazing. If you haven’t figured out whom I am referring to, then let me uncover this beautiful artist: Roda from the Growing Self blog that many of you already follow. If you don’t know her or the blog, click the name to get familiar with an inspirational and passionate woman who has shared so much with many of us about her life running a farm, a family, and a dream in Michigan.

If you want to check out her art website, you must visit Artistically Roda where you will see not only this painting, but several others she’s created over the last year(s). Roda has an amazing approach to how she builds layers and designs her art, even sharing this process on her site. I was utterly shocked when her painting arrived in the mail, as I knew she was doing something special for me, but I never guessed how wonderful it would turn out. I moved the painting around a few different rooms in my apartment before hanging it, as I wanted to see where it would look best. The colors worked in most rooms, but it seemed to pop best in two places. I decided to wait on hanging it until after the holidays when all the Christmas decorations had been taken down. In early January, it found it’s home in the central spot of the apartment — the hallway where I cross through all day long. It’s between the bedroom and kitchen, which means I see it each time I wake up and walk into the main part of the apartment and before bed when I go to sleep.

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I adore this painting, but I adore my friendship and connection with this wonderful person even more. I’m grateful to all she’s given to me this year, especially the camaraderie we feel when referring to one another as Big Sis and Lil Bro. Thank you, Roda, for this perfect gift and for being one of my greatest treasures in 2017. And when I think of the word paint, it means so much more… to paint the beauty of life, to paint with inspiration, to paint the fabric of a shared connection… to paint the words that bond.

 

About Me & the “365 Daily Challenge”

I’m Jay, an author who lives in NYC. My debut novel, Watching Glass Shatter, can be purchased on Amazon @ http://mybook.to/WGS. I’ve always been a reader. And now I’m a daily blogger. I decided to start my own version of the “365 Daily Challenge” where since March 13, 2017, I’ve posted a characteristic either I currently embody or one I’d like to embody in the future. 365 days of reflection to discover who I am and what I want out of life.

The goal: Knowledge. Acceptance. Understanding. Optimization. Happiness. Help. For myself. For others. And if all else fails, humor. When I’m finished in one year, I hope to have more answers about the future and what I will do with the remainder of my life. All aspects to be considered. It’s not just about a career, hobbies, residence, activities, efforts, et al. It’s meant to be a comprehensive study and reflection from an ordinary man. Not a doctor. Not a therapist. Not a friend. Not an encyclopedia full of prior research. Just pure thought, a blogged journal with true honesty.

Join the fun and read a new post each day, or check out my book reviews, TV/Film reviews or favorite vacation spots. And feel free to like, rate, comment or take the poll for each post. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.

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46 comments

  4. She is, very talented. I went to her blog, took a look around and quickly became a follower. This morning, I checked out you book at Amazon, and had to put on my reading glasses to be sure it said your rank for Kindle books was #7551. I am so happy you’re doing well. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. I can’t wait for your second book! I’m just about finished your first (yes, I’m slow), but I got to savor it. I also went back, and reread some of my favorite parts.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you very much. I love hearing such positive messages. The 99 cent offer helped push it up, but it will go back to the 30K range by the end of the weekend. I have to find more ways to promote.

      I’m glad you checked out Roda.

      I need your help, btw! I downloaded your book that day you told me it was on the other site. I thought I put it in my bookmarks to go back and see how I could download it into my kindle to read, but I can’t find the link. Do you know the site name?

      Like

      Reply

  7. What a gorgeous painting and a beautiful gift! She is so talented and I’m a new follower.

    I’m a big art fan but alas do not have the gift for painting. I studied art in college and even went to Europe in my high school days. I’ve dabbled in the past but nothing of merit. I think I’ll stick to writing. lol!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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