Standing in the store, I looked at the supplies seriously. With gift cards in my hand, I saw easels (画架), brushes of all kinds and paper of all sizes.
My friends and family had asked what I wanted for my birthday. Instead of replying 1with "I'm happy with whatever you choose", I said 2, "Gift cards for the painting store."
"Are you sure?" my husband asked tentatively. "3," I replied. I was beaming (笑容满面) with 4. "I've never painted before, and I think it's time I improved myself. "
If 5 be told, it has been a decade since I took any time to 6 my own interests. I used to love to read; now my books 7 dust. I used to love to hike; now my boots sat 8in my cupboard. I missed doing all those things. I wanted excitement and creative expression, but mostly I wanted 9.
I 10 the most interesting supplies: a full-sized easel, brushes, and the most marvelous colors. "I'm so excited," I told my husband. "I have a (n) 11 that you'll put these in the same 12 and never touch them again," he replied.
For a 13 second, I doubted my commitment. Then, I 14 myself to the checkout. For the first month, he was right. I 15 the supplies every day, but I couldn't seem to find the 16 to start.
"Mommy, when are you going to paint?" my son asked curiously one day. I'd been 17my easel far longer than I realized. "No better day than today," I 18.
Within a year, I sold my first four works. Within eight years, I had the courage to 19 my art to a gallery. My life was full of color. Most importantly, I had a new 20.
