I Remember When

I painted this about ten years ago in Arizona. I know it was about ten years ago because, a tiny bit more than ten years ago, just before we moved to Arizona, I had one of the most memorable experiences of my life. 

This painting reminds me of the mysterious and my life has often been a mystery, even to me. 

I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I spent some time cutting concrete and pumping gas. I thought being a Marine would be a nifty idea and the Marines is one of the best ideas I'd ever had, but that's another story altogether.

When I was young I had trouble choosing a direction. I couldn't figure out if I wanted to be a brain surgeon or a fry cook.

So, I drifted, and I dithered. I had dreams and inklings of what I wanted to do but never really went for it. 

I've always been hesitant to go for it. You know, to go for it with everything you've got. What's wrong with going for something that you want to do. Well, it's pretty scary. 

As a consequence, I think I've spent too much time thinking about doing things and living in my head. I've discovered that being out where the rubber meets the road, doing the things that you love to do, is so much better. 

For a long time, I liked playing the guitar, and I dreamt of being in a rock and roll band. I never thought I would be good enough until, about ten years ago, I started hanging out with my friend Doug. We'd periodically get together in his basement to make music. Perhaps we only approximated music, but we had a lot of fun doing it. 

We started telling friends what we were doing and how much fun we were having. Eventually, Jon, Wayne, Harold, and Kevin joined us. They may have known what they were doing, but I certainly hadn't a clue. All I knew was I was having fun and more fun than I'd had in a very long time. I loved getting together and making music with those guys.

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Eventually, we went from playing in the basement to playing out at various places. I got such a thrill from that experience. If I could have glowed, I would have. It was relatively short-lived, but for that brief time, I had so much fun being a rock and roller. 

Eventually, I moved away; the guys kept playing together, and, of course, they've been getting better all the time. 

When I come back to Dayton, I look them up to see where they're playing. I love to go to their gigs and experience a bit of rock and roll vicariously through them. 

I feel great that, at that time, I went for it. 

Maybe, someday, I'll pick it up again. Maybe. 

For now, though, I think I'll stick to writing these letters, and instead of picking up my guitar to play, I pick up my brushes today. 

With any luck, I'll continue to get more creative, more proficient, and better able to express myself.

I hope you've found ways to express yourself. It feels so much better doing than just thinking about it. 

Until next week, I wish you peace. ​

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