I am delighted to provide you with my personal thoughts and further insight into the inspiration for this watercolor painting that illustrates my enlightened perspective on dating, particularly in this new ‘many fish in the sea’ online era.

"The One," is a vibrant painting of a pelican with its wings wide open, thrashing the water in pursuit of one fish amidst a sea of endless possibilities. When thinking of ideas for a new piece, I knew I wanted to add an interesting sea bird to my Coastal Collection, I also wanted more than just a pelican perched on a piling.  I challenged myself to create a scene that is alive with energy and motion and to create an interesting narrative. While deciding on the composition, a whimsical story began to reveal itself to me. The narrative became clear, drawing inspiration from dating, especially at this stage of my life.  The pelican and the fish are in pursuit of “The One”, a perfect mate, in a vast sea of possibilities. A metaphor for the complex world of on-line dating, a place where there is instant access to many different species of ‘fish’. 

Determining which type of fish you have on your line, can be extremely difficult.  Immediately, you will be pursued by schools of hungry ‘Dogfish’ eager to feed, ‘Catfish’ that are not what they seem, and even a ‘Swordfish’ or two that lure you in then stab you in the back.  There are ‘Barracuda’s’ and ‘Piranhas’ that only want to dive into your wallet or skin you alive.  Online dating can be a daunting cycle of catch-and-release, while trying to still hold on to the belief that you are going to find a keeper.  Let’s face it, there’s a shoal of unhealed people on dating sites.  Some days you may want to cut bait and give up.  It can take some practice to learn to cast your net wisely and if you’re often asking yourself if it’s “The One”—it’s probably not!

I have always believed that the person you choose to spend the rest of your life with, is the most important decision you will ever make.  Although you may tire from days of fishing, please don’t give up, your ‘Kingfish’/ ’Queenfish’ IS out there!  You may drop a few anchors and let a few fish enter your boat before you discover the perfect one for you.  Sometimes it might be best to let the current steer you to your true destination.  When you find “The One” it will all be worthwhile.  Be patient, don’t settle, you may ‘Flounder’ a bit, while looking for the best catch for you.  Be still.  Be Patient. Work on you.  Remember the best fish are caught with the best bait.  

This scene may leave you to ponder—is this “The One” that is caught? “The One” that got away?  Or perhaps “The One” that came into your life only for a season.  You do not always know the reason everyone comes into your life, but there is an abundance of beauty and great wisdom gained from every connection.  If you haven’t already reeled in your ‘Angelfish’, I hope you keep fishing until you do.  It may take patience, faith, and time before we know the true ending of this fishing story— 'The one that _______’.