He was so tenacious he defied the distraction of women by refusing to have them in his presence, just as later in life he denied his blindness by calling for more and more candles. ↗
In the fairy tale the painting represents the here and now. The book is actually divided into five sections, through which the key character, the muse, leads us. ↗
Maybe it has something to do with turning 30. I don't feel as shy or nervous or self-conscious. I have more confidence that I can handle what life brings me. I don't feel scared to have an idea and express it. ↗