christmas card

a Christmas card,

sent to my relatives in Groningen

O come, Desire of the nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid every strife and quarrel cease
and fill the world with heaven's peace.

R-DubbleYeah-F

I haven't been to the Royal Winter Fair since school, 'twas a nice little treat to venture forth with the roomies and bust out the watercolours, sample cheeses, draw livestock, observe folks. 

ye olde watering hole

I was in a conversation last weekend in which the conversant (an artist) lamented 'it's too bad [one] can't make a living doing art.' I find these shruggy blanket statements a bit maddening and would like to say right here that there are people who have done it and continue to do so, myself included.

It's hard work, to be sure, and I'm not saying this lightly. It's not for everyone, nor perhaps for all phases of life. Sometimes it's scary, sometimes it's discouraging, and uncertainty is in its nature. But if you need to create and you've got the skills, go do it. If you don't have the skills, develop them or seek out someone who has them. Find ways. Know what you want to do as well as what you don't want to do so you can sidestep things that would lead you down other paths. Listen, ask questions, make your own decisions. Surround yourself with people who are supportive. 

And I can't stress enough how important persistence is.
    

postcards

postcards for pen pals and roommies currently in other parts of the world

a sunday in grange park, with sparkly Michael Jackson socks