Not everything can be about money

Yesterday afternoon I put down the two commissions I had in progress, poured myself some red wine in a plastic cup, took that and my camera (in its bag along with the Tiny Moleskine Sketchbook and a pencil) and went out walking.

On afternoons like these I don't know how old I am or what year this is. There's just now: sunlight, the rhythms of tree branches and railroad tracks, the very last sunflowers hanging on, the maples red like hot embers. There were little birds out gathering seeds.

Sketch from a cleared lot near Wabasha. Two pages of my Tiny Moleskine Sketchbook, about 5 x 7" total

 Some people think it's either/or: take pictures, or draw. I prefer both/and.

Last light on the treetops

Today, I feel better for the hour I spent wandering and sketching and photo-taking just because I could. Chances are I won't profit from it monetarily, but not every moment of life can be about paying the bills. Even artists (sometimes, I think artists especially) need to remind ourselves of that.

The Obligatory New Year Musings

Weird a year as 2010 was, hard as it's been in so many ways, I can't bring myself to do the thing I've done in the past and jeer at the old year as I leave it behind.

Because that would mean ignoring the astounding generosity of my family and friends, the stunning turn my business took in the 11th hour month, the fact that I am whole and well and blessed in more ways than 90+% of the people on this planet, and that I believe in a God who is endlessly good to me even when I absolutely don't deserve it.

It's been real, 2010. Not easy, often not fun, but real. I hope 2011 brings much less upheaval -- I could do without moving any more, for one thing -- and a lot more prosperity for all of us, but when I look around at what I already have, I am so grateful I could cry.