Reflections of Flexibility

What do I think about 2007? The jury was out until about two hours ago when I received a call from Christy Buchanan, one of my wonderful art buddies and one of three gals I like to call my sisters. I've not been a good friend to her or several of my buddies in recent weeks but I found out that is just alright with them.

Since the end of my travels this year Christy has called occasionally to check up on me and the family. I've been a bad boy and hadn't returned the calls just yet. Another good friend, Charlie Smith, e-mailed me just before Christmas and there was no return response. To be honest I am completely burned out. I've picked up brushes only to touch up some things one of our nurses bought for family gifts. My thinking was that I really don't want to talk "shop" right now. I discovered that my "hiding" was unnecessary and the rest of my peers feel similar. They don't want to talk business but would rather hear how Ben is doing and what the family might accomplish in the "off-season."

Today was also a deadline date for a couple of shows I've done in the past. Joan and I met for lunch to today to discuss them. Had I talked with Christy earlier I wouldn't have fretted over today's deadlines and just enjoyed another day off.

After we hung up I thought a great deal about the past 365 days. There were many ups & downs. The downers mainly hinged on how well I did at a show and the ups seemed few and far between. Upon further review I discovered some terrific things about 2007.

• Ben has been extremely healthy all year. In fact there were no hospital visits and very few sicknesses. He's been a handful to keep entertained. Our boy made great strides in his therapies while keeping up his determination to live life to its fullest.
• Jessie is the best young lady I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. My daughter is incredibly talented and is a pleasure to have as a child. Her demeanor is infectious to the point that several friends and relatives always want her around to influence younger kids.
• Financially we aren't great but I'm still a full-time artist. This is a gift from God and I do treasure it. Joan has continues to excel at her job which she truly enjoys.
• My family gained another grandchild/niece/cousin who is healthy and whole. All of my nieces and nephews are wonderful kids. They are great fun to be around!
• I'm still married to my best friend and the prettiest woman I've ever known. Why? I have absolutely no idea. It is certainly nothing that I've done.
• I still have nights that my children fall asleep in my arms or on my lap. Those are the moments I treasure the most. To run my fingers through their hair, to fiddle with slender fingers, to caress less than chubby cheeks still makes me wonder how I could be the parent of something so special.

Enjoy your New Years Eve. Please be safe and return here often. You are all wonderful friends to us and we appreciate every visit!