[1] HELLO to all.  I want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your interest in my site and in my activities -painting and writing. I hope you will continue to find my comments useful and encouraging. Also, if there is a topic you would like to suggest for discussion, questions you would like answered, or just feel like expressing yourself, please feel free to respond. You may click onto the “comment” at the end of each entry, or contact me privately. I always enjoy hearing from other painters and writers, but also from those of you who appreciate and find enjoyment in the works of others. It doesn’t have  to be about art - tell me about your favorite activity, or send me your favorite recipe.  If you would like more New Orleans recipes, just ask.

 It has been a busy winter season here in south Florida with the snowbirds (I use that term without malice) sharing our sunshine, sports of all kinds, shopping, as well as tropical sea breezes and sandy beaches. Now, they have returned to their various homes in the north, and I find it a great time for catching up on domestic and artistic chores. I may even start another book since the main character is entering my thoughts more often than is comfortable - demanding to be heard.

My next project is a wedding portrait; a happy couple who want to preserve their special day for their children and grandchildren. No matter how many commissions I do, there is always a bit of apprehension and insecurity before I put brush to canvas. But one must overcome the usually unwarranted “fear of failure” and get on with the job at hand. After finishing a portrait, I find it necessary to de-stress by painting something abstract or inhuman like a landscape or still life.

All creative activity has a tendency to take one into another world where worries and cares are forgotten for a time. Perhaps that is why writers and painters never “retire”. In fact, I’m so preoccupied when painting or writing that I jump when interrupted. I forget time; I forget to eat (new fad diet?); I make a cup of tea and forget to drink it - in fact, I’ve even attempted to clean my brush in a cup of tea. Don’t try it - it doesn’t work and could be dangerous to your health. Frankly, in this time of unrest throughout the world, and in order to preserve our physical and mental health, we need to have short periods, at least, of pleasurable distraction. I’m a huge fan of journaling and always carry a small note pad to jot down thoughts while waiting for the doctor, the dentist, the car repairman, or for the coffee to brew. Much can be learned by watching the activities of strangers, or observing the awesome complexities of nature.

Summer is a good time to re-assess the world around you, set priorities by deciding what is important in your life, spend time with family and friends, read a book - or write one, visit a gallery and learn more about art - or even more exciting - create your own art. It’s never too late to be a kid again.

June will soon be “busting out all over” and I wish all of you a renewal of spirit as you “bloom where you’re planted”.    xxxxxx