In Memory of the Dreaming Mage

I needed a few days before I could write about Mage. My heart hurt to much to do so before now.

I met Mage through my blogger friend Raine. Mage and I instantly hit it off in chat on msn. He did not comment very often on my blog, but in chat he would tell me he read my blog, and always had a kind word of advice or encouragement to give me.

He felt I was not doing as much with my paintings as I should be. He told me he loved my work, and felt I should be selling my paintings. He shared with me how he had collected art over his life time, and expressed that my work should be valued and not discounted. He truly loved a painting with soul and feeling.

Mage aka Mark to his friends had a wonderful blog. His blog spoke from the heart. He was a man of passion, and he had a wonderful way of expressing his feelings. He spoke of his struggles with being bipolar. I know that he was an encouragement to many with the illness. He told me one day that if he just helped one person who suffered with the illness then he would be happy knowing he had made a difference.

Even though I am not bipolar, he did help me in many ways. He helped me in gaining courage within myself, and he helped me gain confidence in who I am as a person. He knew this because I did share with him how his words of encouragement had helped me. He inspired me to continue painting, and not worry what others might think of my work.

I am only sorry I did not get to talk with him one last time, and let him know what a wonderful man he was.

Mark you will be missed. You will not be forgotten. Your words of encouragement and love for your family and friends will live on in each person you have touched.

***One day last summer i was chatting with Mark, it was a very hot and humid day. I had told him i was headed toward the beach. He asked me to walk in the water for him also please so we both could cool off! :) The photo above is from the beach in our area taken by my husband one morning. I am posting it in Memory of Mark.

Mark my friend, I will be taking another walk soon along the shore, and you will be in my thoughts!