Maybe this should be titled Finding the Unicorn Within. I’m not sure. I do know we all have that uniqueness inside us, that thing that makes us special and rare. Even while we know that at our most essential level, we are all the same.
Adapting to leaving an organization to whom one has devoted so much of her time, life, and energy after 35 years has proven a very different change than I expected. From the still-getting-used-to my not needing to be at my desk at 9 a.m. to the fact that my day is completely mine to structure, to the alarmingly slow realization that my creativity is completely mine to unearth and explore … it’s been a sea change.
I began sorting through years of accumulated work samples, tossing most, saving some, all in the interest of making my work space reflect where I am now and where I am going now. I rediscovered an Inspiration folder that I’d created for ideas, and inside it was a quote that I have always loved. So, as I continue to evolve daily into a newer and brighter self, I share the quote with you, from The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle.
“It’s a rare man who is taken for what he truly is. There is much misjudgment in the world. Now I took you for a unicorn when I first saw you, and I know that I am your friend. Yet you took me for a clown, a clod, or a betrayer, and so I must be if you see me so. The magic on you is only magic and will vanish as soon as you are free, but the enchantment of error that you put on me I must wear forever in your eyes.
“We are not always what we seem, and hardly ever what we dream. Still, I have read, or heard it sung, that unicorns when time was young, could tell the difference `twixt the two – the false shining and the true, the lips’ laugh and the heart’s rue.”
~ Schmendrick the Magician
The Last Unicorn
Still A Dreamer 
Isn’t that a lovely quote?!
Congratulations on this new adventure, Jeanne! I can’t wait to see what dazzling creations bloom from your heart and imagination in the years to come. I know they will delight and bless the world.
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Oh, thank you, Kitty. Your words just touch my heart. This time has been a matter of, at first, calming down from so many years of stress, and now it is evolving into my finding who I am again in so many ways, not the least of which is artistically and spiritually. I can’t wait to share with you whatever comes, my friend!
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Jeanne, I’ve always loved this tapestry. However, I have never read or heard any quotes from The Last Unicorn by Peter Beagle. Very powerful. Thanks for sharing. Apparently, there’s a 1982 animated film of the same name. Do you know it?
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It’s probably based on the book, but I loved the book – it’s on my bookshelf upstairs with my children’s books even though an adult fantasy. And I probably wanted to pass on the movie for some reason. (Like cuz sometimes the movie is bad and not like the story at all!)
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Beautiful tapestry and quote. I must have missed an earlier post. I didn’t know you had made this change. Best wishes for all you do!
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Hey Cheryl, yes, a longtime work situation which was once so rewarding began to become toxic under new leadership. It was my time to go in every sense of the word. It was time for me to really return to and grow the talents I have that have been struggling for a place in my life. Thanks for the good thoughts – I’ll take them with me!
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I have caught up again, Jeane, and I wish you the best on your new life going forward. It has been a long, long time since I read the last Unicorn.
The one constant in life is change.
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So true – change is always in motion, and a good thing. The Last Unicorn is on one of my permanent bookshelves. You never know – someday I may read the whole thing again! I hope you’re well, and spring is being good to you out there. 🙂
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Hello, Jeanne! I have a small embroidery of the Unicorn tapestry in my home and have loved it since I first saw the original in a Metropolitan Museum of Art In NY. I love this quote – thank you! I recently retired (March 4th) and I am just beginning to realize that I know longer have to worry about my job (31 years for me!). We’ve been busy with PT for my husband, William, who has Parkinson’s – he’s been winning that battle for 20+ years now. I am busier than I ever thought I would be in retirement, but very thankful that he and I have this time together, and his therapy is really helping him. Unfortunately, he needs a his replacement, so we’ll deal with that soon. BTW, Jeanne, my daughter, Jen, named her Viszla ‘Dolly’ in memory of the wonderful dog you placed in our home so many years ago. Love reading your blog! Stay Well!! Kathy Acosta
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Hi Kathy! Wow – so good to hear from you. As you read, I left the humane society after 35 years, but it’s no retirement for me. I’m busy developing my own work, including helping people self-publish, and, of course, finding new homes for some of my own books. Or self-publishing them myself. I’m practicing up on my drawing skills. But congrats on your retirement and having time with William – glad he’s doing well. I – and Dolly – wherever she is these days 🙂 – are both honored that your daughter named her dog in Dolly’s memory. She is certainly one I – we – can never forget. Thanks so much for reaching out, and I wish you the best of everything, and glad you follow and like my blog. Be well! ❤️ Jeanne
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A thought-provoker, for sure. Thanks for sharing. Meanwhile, I sent a friend one of your cards, and here’s what she wrote: “Thank you so much and much praise to Jeanne––a lovely work reminiscent of Henri Rousseau (I wrote that before I took the time to read the back of the card:).”
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We’re all unicorns in our own way, are we not? 🙂
That’s funny about your friend, so at least I know she “got it.” Haha. Let me know when you’re ready for a refill.
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It may take some getting used to, but i’m sure that before long your creativity will be bursting through and taking you on lots of new adventures.
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Most days I think that’s true, too. LOL. The challenge is to be patient with myself, and know that I’m a work in progress. Thank you for your words of encouragement – much appreciated.
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