Often I feel as though I have no special talent. Nothing that is unique or that Wows others. I don’t create masterpieces of art. I struggle to show even a speck of originality in anything I do in my everyday, ho-hum, mundane life.
So it was with great interest that I read Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky by Chris Greenhalgh for Silicon Valley Moms Blog book club. Both artists design beautiful masterpieces–Stravinsky composes music such as Rite of Spring, while Chanel creates designer couture and perfume. The book is also a fictionalized account of the short love affair between Chanel and Stravinsky. I had no clue that they were even alive in the same era, much less involved with one another!
The book left me wondering what causes a person to realize their talents and become a great creator of art, fashion, or music? And further, how is that greatness revealed to the world? The Husband and I have discussed how a variable in any one person’s success is often Other People: Other People who mentor and encourage the talents they see in others. Other People who go out on a limb for someone. Other People who put out time, energy and money for a starving artist. Other People who manage PR of an artist who would otherwise go unnoticed. The variable of Other People is not easily controlled nor predicted. So for every one discovered artist, there may be 20 others who didn’t meet the right Other People to become famous.
Anyway, back to me and my lack of talent since it’s all about me, right? About the only thing in which I’ve had success is gestating and birthing children (whether or not I’m raising them successfully remains to be seen!). Many friends who have struggled with infertility tell me I am lucky it’s been so easy for me, and watching their heartbreaking attempts confirms this for me. So recently, I’ve recruited some Other People who can guide me to helping others have children. That is, I am looking into becoming a gestational carrier for another couple who is unable to carry their own baby. I don’t know yet where this journey will take me, if anywhere. It’s not a moving score of music, or a design of clothing that could change the trends of fashion…but it is something that I can potentially do to help create beauty for one other couple.
This post is written in response to Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky by Chris Greenhalgh, the SVMom’s Blog Book Club selection for January. Members were given the book to read and discuss on our blogs. Read more responses to the book at Silicon Valley Moms Blog (this month’s book club host)..
Wow, what a courageous and selfless thing to do!
bonggamom´s last blog ..My love affair with pearls
I’ve watched my sister struggle with infertility for five years. The pain is unimaginable.
To give the gift of a child to another family is indeed selfless. It is a gift of love to others and another chance to bring hope to a hurting world.
Shayne´s last blog ..Holy Lightbulbs, Batman! (or…SSS #2)