I’ve been a mostly unconventional person. Against my parents’ wishes, I’m a self taught artist. When I published a book, I published myself. Many people follow these paths, but the shadow of stigma looms, by not being main stream. When I searched for a way to offer my art for sale online, I searched for… Continue reading

In an alternate universe, I would have been a prolific writer, and probably published by age 30. I would have a social network of associates and friends that would support my work. Instead, semi-retired, I’m finally getting around to it. I spent my youth unduly focused on my father’s problems. Now, that I have finally… Continue reading

Years ago I developed a practice of writing something new every day. I went over three years without missing a day. I did this to help me prioritize my writing as important to me. I grew up in a family that discouraged creative activity. In college an English professor said I was a rotten writer.… Continue reading

I used to listen to music when I worked, but I’ve gotten out of the habit. Music always influenced my painting. But when I write new material I need quiet. Music or television is a distraction. I listen to it rather than the voice in my head. When I write, it is not pure quiet,… Continue reading

I developed a habit of writing something new each day, even if I write only a few lines. Much of that daily writing appears on my blog. I’ve been doing this four years. I have built up a library of essays, poems and stories that I can develop into something more. More importantly, I make… Continue reading

I have a tendency to get myself worked up, often over little things. Once I get started, I keep going until I blow up. It’s bad for people around me and bad for my health. My wife is afraid I will stroke out. I’ve learned to take some deep breaths and that seems to come… Continue reading

I’ve heard many stories of people uncomfortable with retirement, bored because there’s nothing to fill the day. I am not sure I will ever be retired, because my work will never be done. I write and I have plenty to say. I once heard Kurt Vonnegut say he stopped writing because he had nothing new… Continue reading

It’s a good list, some of my best moments, the first time I kissed my wife, out wedding day, the first image I saw of my child, and both days my kids were born. When I was a kid, I won trophies for my customs in some local parades. When I was in my thirties… Continue reading