May 3, 2026-A Quiet Dream, Answered
I am, in many ways, a late-blooming artist…finding my voice in watercolor painting later in life. I have always been drawn to color, texture, and design,
and have long found inspiration in nature; whether through designing gardens, decorating my home, creating jewelry, or capturing moments through nature photography.
And yet, throughout those years, I never once imagined myself as a watercolor artist. In fact, after receiving a less than encouraging grade for my art in elementary school, I quietly stepped away from anything that involved drawing or painting. Even though I felt drawn to watercolor, I never believed it was something I could truly do.
And still… that quiet pull towards this art form remained.
After closing the book on my teaching career, I began to reflect on what chapters I wanted to pursue next.
And in that quiet space, my heart whispered,
“I want to be a watercolor artist.”
This time, I listened.
I still have those early attempts; visual reminders of how far I’ve come. There have been many mistakes along the way, but each one has taught me something that I can carry to the next painting on my table. I continue to be deeply grateful for the mentors and teachers who have guided me on this path, and taught me the values of both patience and perseverance.
Today, I set up a display of my watercolor paintings at the Gilford Public library; a collection of original pieces created through the winter months and into the early days of spring. It will be there for the whole month of May.
After everything was in place, I sat down for a moment and simply looked.
At the work.
At the journey.
At what had slowly, quietly taken shape.
And in that moment, I felt something I hadn’t expected…….
A quiet sense of awe…and a deep, gentle satisfaction.
It made me realize something simple, yet profound; that it is never too late to follow a quiet dream that has been waiting patiently within you.
Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. I sincerely hope that if you have a dream quietly whispering inside you…
you will pause and listen. You never know where it might lead.
This collection grew quietly over time. If you would like to see more of the my work, you can discover it here. https://dreamscapejewelry.com/dreamscapes-visions-of-nature-photography/
In peace and harmony,
Wendy Oellers-Fulmer
Quotes to Inspire the Dreamer
“There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.”
Rumi
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
— Joseph Campbell
“Go out in the woods, go out. If you don’t go out in the woods nothing will ever happen and your life will never begin.”
Clarissa Pinkola Estés
“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy,
care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”
Jean Shinoda Bolen
