A Fox – Scribble Picnic
Another week with not much time to paint. But I did do a sketch of this week’s prompt – a fox.
We have seen a red fox a number of times in our backyard here in Haliburton, but never in time to snap a picture. In my sketch I thought of him. Our fox looks very healthy so we don’t worry about the safety of our small dog. And she isn’t allowed out without us.
I thought about the fable of the Fox and the Grapes while I was sketching him.
Here is one version from Aesop’s Fables:
ONE hot summer’s day a Fox was strolling through an orchard till he came to a bunch of Grapes just ripening on a vine which had been trained over a lofty branch. “Just the things to quench my thirst,” quoth he. Drawing back a few paces, he took a run and a jump, and just missed the bunch. Turning round again with a One, Two, Three, he jumped up, but with no greater success. Again and again he tried after the tempting morsel, but at last had to give it up, and walked away with his nose in the air, saying: “I am sure they are sour.”
I thought about that fox reaching for something that wasn’t possible and then going away making the excuse that the grapes would have been sour anyway.
Did the fox make a wise decision?
Sometimes the dreams we desire need more than jumping up and down. We might need a helper to fulfil our dreams.
Failures may not really be failures – they could be restarts. (tweet this)
The fox gave up.
Quotes on Failure:
“Giving up is the only sure way to fail.” – Gena Showalter
“Failure isn’t fatal, but failure to change might be” – John Wooden
We might need to take one step at a time to reach our goals.
For me I like to ask God for those seemingly impossible jumps. He usually shows me a way around the problem. I think the fox might have wisely asked someone for help.
Here is this week’s sketch.
I found a painting that I had done a few years ago. He came second place in an art show at our little park in Arizona. He hangs in our home down there.
Would you like to get 2 free books? Join me. Click here.
Visit my bookstore to look at my children’s books and my Bible study.
Find out more about Scribble Picnic here.
We can learn a lot about life from the red fox. 🙂
Hi Lux,
So good to see you again. We can learn so much from life and living things – can’t we. I guess that’s why Jesus’ parables are SO powerful.
Blessings,
Janis
Enjoyed your foxes and the various quotes. The second one appears to be looking for a little understanding–they have to eat, too!
but not sour grapes 😉
Yup – they do have to eat – … lol 🙂 Glad you enjoyed them.
Blessings,
Janis
Your sketch is is handsome and certainly the spirit of a fox in it. So fun that you won for your fox painting.
Tammie,
Thank you – my handsome fox, eh?
Blessings
Janis
both are lovely foxes 🙂
Thank you. I am late at catching up on my replies.
Blessings
Janis
Janis, I’ve never read that particular fable before. How apropos and, along with your fox, really liked this: “Failures may not really be failures – they could be restarts.” Well put. Thank you.
Michael,
One of my writing friends has a saying when you come to an impasse, PIVOT. Don’t just walk away, blaming the world but figure out your next step forward. That’s what I thought about for his fable.
Blessings
Janis
Enjoyed this interesting post Janis.
Your new sketch for the ‘picnic’ shows a fox stance which is perfect.
The older painting is just lovely – I can see why it hangs in your home (and won an award) – it’s a kind looking fox with gentle eyes – and the dark blue background is so nice.
Happy day – Mary
Thanks Mary,
The fox is the way I see them – slinking around the backyard.. looking for trouble. lol 🙂
Blessings
Janis
maybe sometimes you just had to give up? I know you should try your best before giving up but sometimes, you really do have to give up or rest waste a lot of time on something you can never achieve, am I wrong?
that sketch of the fox looks a bit angry? that painting looks good.
have a lovely day.
Lissa,
This is an interesting observation as I got an email from hubby about the same thing. He said the fox had no choice. But I said it was the attitude of the fox when he left – blaming something else – that was noteworthy.
I guess I should have said – we don’t have to necessarily keep trying the same way – but take that as a failure – but try something else that will help your dream come true.
But if there is a chance at achievement to do everything possible to get it to happen before giving up. Even if that means trying a different method.
I hoped the fox looked intent – like he was looking for a prey.
Blessings
Janis
Lovely fox art, Janis…interesting fable too.
Thanks Serena,
Janis
Janis, your foxes are wonderful. Such a good lesson in your writing. Is that your quote about failures being restarts? I love it and would like to credit you if I use it on something.
Lorraine,
Thank you. My writing friend always talks about pivoting when we hit an impasse. I wrote about the restarts. I keep thinking of all those people who kept writing, painting – with many failures – and then got a break. Edison too. Keep trying is my motto.
Blessings
Janis
So failing at something could simply mean you need a “plot twist.”
Excellent sketch, and such a true fable….how often that is the decision one makes.
Wanda,
Thanks – I know that sometimes things just won’t work – and that’s why we have restarts or pivots.
Blessings
Janis
Wonderful work on the foxes and thanks for sharing that meaningful story.
Thanks very much Christine,
Blessings
Janis
That’s wonderful Jan and very good advice. Thank you.
Hi Hanna,
Are you going to join Scribble picnic again? I saw you a couple of times. And how is your book sales going?
Blessings
Janis