I was always jealous of artists that drew really well. I do many things: write stories, compose music, do math etc. etc. But I could never draw the way I wanted. Probably due to lack of practice as I would always be occupied. But there is always this desire to be able to draw well in the back of my mind.
A few months ago I sat down with a notebook and paper and began drawing. After 3 or 4 hours of trying I finally managed to draw a woman’s face JUST the way I wanted it to be. Like, straight out of my mind.
I get a lot of compliments. I am regarded as one of the smartest in the family and people regularly comment on my skillset. I do not enjoy getting compliments. They are background noise. Since I am used to getting compliments and the knowledge I have has been gained from reading and doing stuff for fun, I never ever really felt that “achievement” feeling. Like, shit just happened man I didn’t really work for it. Well I DID but guess not enough to register as something worthwhile I suppose.
So being able to draw a face was the first feeling of achieving something in my life. And my greatest so far. Will probably remain that way for a long time.
When I was like 9 I was playing tag with this boy who did track. He was really cocky talking about how fast he is and how he’s gonna win. He get’s everyone else and then comes after me. So he is chasing me, and I run up this slide. As I hit the top my feet slip out from under me and I fall backwards and slam my back onto the platform at the top. It’s like a wooden square box with a slide on one side and a ladder on the other right? He stops and is shocked. Thinking I must be hurt bad. I just ignore the pain, roll sideways, push myself off the wall, slide down the ladder, land on the ground and twist my ankle but stay on my feet, and then sprint right past him on a twisted ankle and get to the “safe zone” (my friend’s porch). This boy was flabberghasted and I felt like a badass. Still think about it sometimes and I’m old as dirt.