International Dot Day: Make Your Mark, Life Lesson Learned

"The Dot" by Peter Reynolds is a simple little picture book that packs a HUGE lesson..."Make your mark, and see where it takes you."  In every aspect of life I cannot think of a greater lesson.

In the spirit of this amazing book, people all over are celebrating International Dot Day!  It was just too much for this kidlit blogger to resist.

However, the experience was more than I expected.

A little backstory...earlier in the day I had run with my team, training for the NYC Marathon which is only a short 7 weeks away.  We ran through the Palisades in New Jersey.  It was so scenic and breath-takeningly beautiful...although I am sure that it was the intense hills that were taking my breath more.  But, I felt strong, I felt good...until I got done and realized that I was running at a really really slow pace.  My bubble was burst!  I felt totally deflated.  I had only run 11.5 miles and I was hoping for more. 

So...I headed home feeling a little discouraged about the upcoming marathon and wondering just how dark it will be outside when I finally hit that finish line.  Ugh.

After a bite to eat and a hot shower, I dusted off some old art supplies to complete my dot for International Dot Day.   I decided on watercolor...not because it is the medium used in the book, but because it is my absolute favorite...AND I feel totally UNABLE to use it. What a perfect place to start. 

I sat with my aching legs raised and frozen Brussels sprouts on each sore shin, and I slowly dipped my brush into the water and then into the brilliant yellow watercolor. 

I began. 

I made a dot.  I let it dry.  I added more color.  And repeated.  And repeated.  Each time the dot became more and more beautiful than before.  My pride grew.  I was creating something one step at a time.  It was a slow process, but I was an artist.

Remember, I am a picture book WRITER who is always incredibly quick to let others know that I AM NOT artistic and I DO NOT illustrate! 

I am also a runner who does not call herself a runner. 

But step by step.  Dot by dot we create.  We make our own unique mark.

Lesson learned...

My dot does not look like anyone else's because it is mine.  My body does not look like anyone else's either...it is mine.  My marathon will also look like no one else's.  And I will cross that finish line in my own way.

 I will make my mark...however, slowly it may go.  Because great accomplishments take time and patience.