My daughter's wedding

I was at my daughter's wedding yesterday.  There is something about weddings-- both new and nostalgic.  It made me visit the past.  Pictures of that precious little girl growing up, scrapes, kissed boo-boos, dancing in pajamas, cooking pancakes, naming the chickens, prom and graduation, overseas in the military, college, etc.  So many memories flashed before me while watching her up there vow to give her life to some guy I barely know.  I tried not to cry but failed.  Though we all wish the best for our children, it is a sad fact that we love it when the "need" us.  And now she will no longer need me.  Now she will need him.  My role, once again, has morphed into something else.  Life is a funny thing.  Just when you think you know the rules and are comfortable with who you are and what your role it... it changes into something else.  I'm not sure I'm comfortable with my new role.  But just as before, I will learn to like it.  The wedding also made me remember my own wedding so long ago.  I wonder if my mother felt some of these same things.  I think I know why she cried that day.  I think I begin to understand a lot of things.  Too bad I wasn't so wise long ago.

"Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." --Pablo Ruiz Y Picasso--

I believe that is true.  It seems children are unconcerned with the outcome and pressure of conformity and just enjoy the process of color on paper.  That is how I strive to be all my life.  What better way to live?

Mother's Day

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." --Abraham Lincoln--
I agree.  Me too.

Famous sayings

"A painter paints a picture with the same feeling as that which a criminal commits a crime." --Edgar Degas

Do you think that is true?  You have to think about it.  A criminal usually is compelled by greed or some subconscious need to commit a crime.  I would think they both fear success and hope for it.  I think I do approach art that way.  I love it and fear it at the same time.  I want success and fear it too.

A criminal typically can't seem to stop himself, so I have heard.  I'm the same way with painting.  I am compelled by some deep need to keep painting no matter what.  Even if I never make money at it, I must do it.

But that's where the criminal and I must part company.  The criminal want to make money.  The thief steals to get ahead, doesn't he?  Not just to have something to do.  I may never see my work make real money.  But that will never stop me from pursuing it.  I love it.