Storytelling. Fact and fiction. One word at a time.
I just finished reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and I had a couple of thoughts.First: "I'm doing alright based on what I read."Then: "Shit! I have a lot of work to do based on what I read." I do go to war regularly with Resistance for the sake of art. I often... Continue Reading →
Halfway through my Fine Arts Degree, a professor told an anecdotal story about an early experience he had selling his art. As young artists, we were curious about making money. Let's be honest no one wants to be a starving artist. I listened, hoping to take a nugget of information away that might possibly help... Continue Reading →
When I first started writing I wondered when I would call myself an author, officially. I'm completely serious. I wondered if I would wake up one day and say "Ta-da-I'm a writer." It didn't happen like that. According to a friend during a lazy morning conversation, the thing that makes one a professional writer is... Continue Reading →
I have a friend who uses the word awesome to describe almost anything that pleases him. Yes, it's simple (and a hyperbole) and maybe, in his case, it's a tiny bit overused. Yet, that simple word is also extremely expressive to him and there is a great deal of feeling in his delivery of 'awesome'.... Continue Reading →
Some achievements feel epic. The house that I built feels like an epic accomplishment. I got a big girl loan from the bank all by myself. *This may also seem like it's not that big a deal but in the 80's I needed a man to co-sign for me. I will never take the path... Continue Reading →
I do this thing when I read. I take a pen, usually a colored one, and draw a loopy circle around a section that I love or that I want to find later. It stands out and it's easy to find. I do this because of Mrs. Hynd, who taught me in 1981. "Circle all... Continue Reading →
Mr. Robertson, my high school art teacher would give me between a 70 to 80 on my assignments---always. Occasionally I’d get a 68 (ouch) and sometimes I’d get an 85 (yay) but generally I sat squarely in those mid-marks. Those were my best grades in high school, Art and English (and occasionally Social Studies). Every... Continue Reading →
The Dalai Lama says, in his book How to Practice The Way to a Meaningful Life: Analyze. Think, think, think. When you do, you will recognize that our ordinary way of life is almost meaningless. Do not be discouraged. It would be very foolish to give up now. On those occasions when you feel most... Continue Reading →
When I was in Grade One, our teacher, Mrs. Lawrence, would put a piece of paper that was super big (probably only 11x17 but it felt gigantic) on each desk and then she would go around the class with a permanent marker and make a line or a squiggle on everyone's page. From that single... Continue Reading →
My friend Ashlee reminded me that today began one of the craziest weeks of my life---so far. Those last two words leave room for more wild times, and why not? It's easy for her to remember my crazy week as it is also around the birth of her first born. As I think about that... Continue Reading →
Angie Counios 