I hate cities and this one was no different, dingy and grey. The crowds of people, far too many and far too close, were as washed-out and lifeless as the cold concrete.
I passed a pavilion filled with sterile art. I steamed by, dismissive until I noticed.
Bright colors of nature in the form of traditional Japanese art.
I caught my breath.
The artist was painting a new scene, fresh as a spring day.
“How…?” I pointed.
He smiled.
“Beauty is not out there; it is in here.” He touched his heart.
Print in hand, I explored the beautiful city.
***
word count = 100
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo by @ Brenda Cox. If you want to join or see other stories, go to the inlinkz linkup.
**
I don’t remember when I last participated in Friday Fictioneers. It was a busy December! I hope to be able to start back up again :)
Trent's World (the Blog) 
and we always look for it everywhere except within
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Yes, as we do with happiness…
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And he finally found beauty. Great piece :)
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Yes, his eyes were opened to it… Thanks :)
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Art has a way of opening the mind. A delightful tale with which to return to the fold.
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Thanks, Keith. yes, art does open the heart and mind.
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A true fact stated by the artist, and beautifully told in your story.
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Oh, I love this! The tourists change of heart. Nicely done, Trent!
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Thanks. Yeah, I had to delete quite a few words from my original thought to get that last part in, but it does make the story.
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A little change of perspective is a good thing! Nice to see you again, Trent.
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Sometimes that little change of perspective can make a world of difference… Thanks.
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And the heart is then presented on the paper. Lovely tale! Happy New Year, Trent.
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Yes, it is. Thanks!
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What a great salesman to strike the emotional side of his customer, leaving her with a smile and warmth. I enjoyed this story, it has redeeming factor in the human soul.
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Thanks. Yep, the artist was able to sell more than just color on canvas, hitting the MC at a deeper, emotional level – something which the MC was then able to carry through the day, and hopefully beyond.
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What a wonderful story of transition. Nicely done, Trent.
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Thanks, Bill.
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A well-told story. Perspective is everything.
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Thanks. Sometimes we just have to open those inner eyes…
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Loved this.
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Thanks, Robyn.
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I truly love this.
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Thanks
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Dear Trent,
I so admire these Japanese style paintings. So delicate and elegant. Lovely story. And really good to see you back in the FFFold. I’ve missed you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I do think that style of painting is great. Thanks, Rochelle. It is great to be back slowly catching up with everyone.
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Lovely, Trent. I read the painting up close. The writing is Chinese though. I have a set of the painting of the for seasons!
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Thanks, Miriam. I think my guesses with languages are usually wrong. lol. I do like the style, both a little more abstract than western art and yet more realistic on another level.
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And wat a lovely return you have made, Trent. The painter is right. We see beyond the eyes.
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Thanks, Dale. Beauty is often what happens between the eyes, not what enters the eyes… (or perhaps “between the ears” would make more sense, but wouldn’t play off of what you said ;) ).
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Yes! Between the ears, I think is what we say… I think.
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Yeah, I usually say “between the ears”, but I was trying (too hard) to be clever ;)
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Laughing!
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I like the upbeat message of your story. Art can transform even the bleakest city.
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Thanks. Yes, art can make us se in a different way.
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Great story. Almost didn’t realize it was a Fiction story for a prompt- Excellent Job
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Thanks. I do like to give my fiction a spark of reality when I can, though I actually do enjoy the city… as long as I can leave ;)
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Unless it is in here in the heart, it cannot be expressed in a way that it touches another heart.
Nice story.
My story has a heart connect too :)
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I think people can tell when it is from the heart… I’ll be by in few :)
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I have missed a similar amount of FF, nice to be back and reading your work again. Good story – culture can bring a city to life!
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I think we weren’t the only ones – even in November it seemed like fewer participants than usual. I hope they all come back for the new year! Thanks! It will be nice catching up with everyone.
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This is lovely and so positive, something we need in these times. Welcome back.
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Thanks. I think starting the new year on a positive note is always good :)
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