A Thirsty crow came upon a large water jar, that had only a small amount of water remaining at the bottom... She tried to take a sip but it was too far down for her beak to reach.. No matter how she tried she could not touch the water or come close enough to it to quench her thirst... Then she thought, if she could tip the jar over, and spill the water to the ground, she could get to the water... but try to no avail she did not have the strength to push over such a heavy jar...
...she felt she would surely die of thirst...
Soon exasperation made her think more clearly ... as she looked around, an idea came to her... she then began dropping pebbles into the jar... one by one... one at a time... one after the other...
one more... then another... then another... then another........... just one more...
Soon her efforts and determination had coaxed the level of the water to the top of the brim... she was then able to drink to her heart's content...
...Never give up... keep on trying even when you think all hope is lost.. try one more time... a different way.......... it worked for her...
... didn't Churchill say he would never give up?
...my interpretations of an Aesop Fable in story and drawing ... approx 4" x 6", pen and ink and watercolor in my sketch book ...
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30 comments:
Even before this you made me like crows, Gwen. And the story is fitting for you, because you work so hard and don't give up.
There are some blog posts which I just look forward to, and yours is one of them. Have you ever illustrated a children's book? Your ink and wash drawings are lovely. The way you capture the essence of animals and birds is so good.
I had wondered what Desideratum meant, then I came across the word somewhere else which said that it means 'things that one desires'. Am I right?
Gwen, this is a beautiful sketch! I know I'm a bit of a crow obsessive, but this is lovely. So lighthanded, and expressive!
Beautiful story, and of course great sketches.
Oh ,that's a beautiful sketch! A great story too. I enjoyed pulling up a chair in front of your beautiful woodstove to listen.
Your photos of the view and the quilt make me so nostalgic for the country. Gives one the urge to leave the city behind and cosy down in Fundy.
Beautiful draw in your sketch block, Gwen! Great post as always!
Really liked the story and the painting. So charming!!
I've heard this story before. It wouldn't surprise me if it weren't true. Crows are so intelligent.
I'm always happy to see your sketches and I really needed to be reminded of this story:) Thanks Gwen!
Great story and sentiment. Oh, and I love the illustration.
I love this fable and your pen and ink is so expressive. Roxanne
I always loved this fable as a kid. Now if the book had been illustrated by Gwen Buchanan it would have been even more enjoyable.
Thanks Ruth, I love Fables and their little lessons...
Thanks Priya, can I keep you on my shoulder for moral support!!
yes, Desideratum is a latin word.. "your heart's desire or yearning " or "something missing and longed for"
This post tells a bit about it and our logo,
gwenbuchanan.blogspot.com/2008/06/desideratum-art-jewelry.html
Thank you, Danielle, the intelligence and curiosity of crows is a joy to watch isn't it? the two build on each other...
Thank you Guillaume.. I love the way that fables are softened by using animals..
Thank you so much Rebecca.. did I tell you I have a daughter by that name?
Shayla, I am so pleased you shared it with me...it is nice to have a friend visit and enjoy the warmth of the fire... I have to warn you though Shayla, if you come down to the Fundy Bay in St. Martins you will never want to leave.. it casts a spell on you!!!.. Please come!
Thank you so much Black and White!!
Hi Sandy, do you tell fables to your little grandchildren?
Anet, I needed to tell myself this too!!.. We have been working on our jewelry lines and are almost ready to put them into the tumbler for polishing, but then we have to do a couple more designs.. then it is just 2 more designs... then two more... and so it goes... sometimes it feels like we will never get to that stage... sometimes hard to stay focused...
Thank you Roxanne, We are having a long snowy winter and to have the chance to draw in-between jewelry making is such a treat...
Wouldn't that be a treat Robyn to make a book and have it published... Have you done that?
Beautiful! And lovely story, too!
Sorry I haven't come in so long.
oh my goodness MamaS deario.. you are a very busy girl.. come when you have a moment... I'll still be here...
Shayla,what Gwen says is true - St. Martins casts a spell on you! Our family visits often and are finding it increasingly more difficult to leave. Truly wishing I had purchased that house so many years ago - but priorities had to weigh in against one's 'Desideratum'. Perhaps some day I shall beach myself on the sandy shores and stay. Maybe we shall have an early spring that will allow us to camp earlier this year.
However, for now we much enjoy the time that we can spend along it's shores and the people with whom we have become friends.
Stoke the fire Gwen, put the tea/coffee...
'til next time my friend
Oh Gwen! I love this drawing and the fable so much. Your ink drawings are expressive and full of life. I love everyone of them.
Hey Shelley you have truly been bit by the bug, too.... That is what happened to us when we first found this hidden secret by the sea... small, quiet, peaceful, room for your mind to be free.. on that vast ocean..and that gentle tide or at times the roaring powerful waves... and to be so close to the new Fundy Trail which has all those amazing views....
..... I don't think I will ever get it out of my soul...
Thank you Leanne, I have been having such a good time trying out some new nibs and inks!!..
I am enjoying so much the pots you are working on ... they are such a delight.. everyone of them .. I love all the exploring you are doing!! feels like freedom!
so lovely,the story and your sketch!
have a nice week,Gwen!
I loved reading your adaptation of the fable. Just what I needed at this point in my day to feel more focused and centered. And the illustration is wonderful - so much motion implied.
Giving up and not giving up depends on what you are doing Gwen, Churchill never gave up drinking and smoking his cigar. i am inspired by that. So i am not giving up smoking. i don't drink.
This should be taken as wrongly inspired ? i think yes. Bad influence.
Your crow has an attitude Gwen. Looks very angry.
Rauf... she is not angry... she is concentrating!!! and I will salute you with a big quenching gulp of cold homemade beer!!!! yumm tastes good!!
...and there is also a difference between giving up and knowing when to put your efforts to a better purpose!!
Right-I-0??
Thanks Dada... a lovely week to you too.. The Rembrandt exhibition you went to was fabulous!!
Thanks Debbi, I have quite a few more jobs to do before my day is done too.. gotta keep on, don't we?...
I have grown to really appreciate crows. They roost in our pines and they are great hawk chasers.
I love Aesop's fables. they teach such good lessons, while being entertaining.
Your drawings are super
Thanks Don... it is amusing how many Fables involve crows ... do you suppose it is because they are one of our larger birds and easier to observe?
when i lived in the desert years ago it was amusing to watch the crows plotting to steal bones from the Dog. a couple of crows would go and dance about in the dust some distance away...foolish dog would be taunted into the chase and then the backup crow crew would nip in behind and fly off with the booty!
Hahaha... that would be cute...They are a wily bunch aren't they? Necessity...
we have a family of 5 that come everyday, flying from treetop to treetop around the house each keeping an eye out for the whereabouts of the dogs... when they see a treat that suits them and the dogs are at the proper distance they zip in, do a snatch and fly...
to fly like a bird... what a way to go...
Kathi, this sounds like you are absolutely loving your holiday.. don't you wish it could last forever!!! the nature sounds spectacular!
...oh and a hoarder is good especially when it comes to books... who could bear to throw one away.. not me..
oooh! I really like crows :)
you seem nice. lots of lovely pictures.
I am glad you like crows Fool ... I think better in pictures than words.
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