Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt for July 20

I am joining in with the super-creative Candice Coates for her Monday’s Muse.  She provides a photo and an opening line on Monday, then posts her results on her blog on Thursday.  Guidelines on how to join in are at the bottom.  (The opening line provided is in bold).

My Peaceful Sanctuary

“It’s a simple room, but it will be perfect for what you need.” Their warm hand rested upon my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.  That’s exactly what I needed right now…simple.

Ruth was such a friendly person.  She was asking me all kinds of questions about myself, not trying to be nosy, but genuinely interested. I hoped she believed what I was telling her, because I was trying to convince myself.  I heard the words I was saying, but they were foreign to me.  I guess over time that would become easier.  I was still the same person, only the facts had changed, the ones you see on paper.  Ruth continued to talk and tell me about herself.  She had such gentleness in her eyes.  It was as if she could look deep down into my soul and knew exactly what I was guarding in my heart.  She gave me the keys to the room, and with a welcoming hug, she said, “If you need anything dear, don’t hesitate to ask.”

As I stood in the middle of the room, I hugged myself tightly, not because I was cold, but because I was trying to contain the emotion that was trying to overtake me.  I could finally breathe easy.  Allowing me to rent this room for practically next to nothing, was more than I could have dreamed of.  This place would become my sanctuary, where I could lose myself in my painting, to awaken my creativity that lay dormant for so many years.  I rented a small cottage on the other side of the woods that adjoined both properties.  The daily walks on the trail with the peacefulness of nature, the fresh air, and the transcendent beauty would lend itself for inspiration.  Yes, it was perfect, exactly what I needed…I needed a place where I could lose myself in my art…I needed the peace and solitude…I needed to heal.

Because no one, ever, left my husband’s family and lived…until now.

© 2015 Carrie Ann

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Join Monday’s Muse:

• Using the opening line and the picture provided, (Or one of your own choosing) create a story (or even a poem) within 15 to 20 minutes.

• Once you have finished your super awesome masterpiece, add your story’s link in the comments section here, for others to read.

• Also include a link on your page back to this original post for others to follow along and write with as well. In your “tags” section, add the tag “Monday’s Muse.”