There is no doubt that we are living in difficult times. And it seems that there is not much that we can really do about that. The forces at play are vast and powerful; it feels like our personal area of influence is limited.

I have always had a small bit of flair in my choice of clothing. While selling my fine-art photography at our local art fair here in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I learned that folks like to buy art from an artist that, well, looked like one. For they were not only buying my art, but the whole experience of being there – the amazing high altitude blue skies, the scents of cedar and sage, the remarkable sunsets, and the charming artist who looked like they were living the artist’s life. Interesting, unique and free. 

The great Irish poet, Seamus Heaney, wrote in Station Island 

‘ Your obligation is not discharged by any common rite.

What you must do must be done on your own

so get back in harness. The main thing is to write

for the joy of it.  Cultivate a work-lust

that imagines its haven like your hands at night…