Just finished browning the meat, cutting up vegetables and adding all the spices , beans and tomatoes for a big pot of chili. My daughter has been sick and asked for some the other night. I've been working so many hours of late that there is seldom time for anything except some house work, a quick meal and some writing, sketching or both. Haven't touched my guitar in two weeks!!! Yikes, got to get back to it before I lose all my hard won callouses.

Anyway, I came up with another children's story the other day before work. I started the storyboard and then ran to my computer and began to write. I got a third or so of it down in fairly smooth draft, doing as much revision as possible as I work. As with most of my stories this one also follows a bit of my life. Moments of revelation or inquisition are my muse. The unraveling of the why, who, and how of my life....the way I seem to find understanding. Strange isn't it? The crazy way creativity works, or maybe its just my mind. Whatever, as is always the case these days, too little time but I'll take what I can get.

I'm feeling good, despite all the storms that try to slow me down. Yes, I do slow down, but only for introspection, meditation and to give thanks. Feels like I'm riding some sort of personal growth roller coaster and all I can do is my best, don't question, pray and hang on. Seems that's all any of us can do these days and maybe that's enough. "All things," my Mom used to say "Arrive in due time." One can not push the river, but rather learn to flow with it. Me?...Well I'm learning to let go and just flow. To trust the love and the light within me, to learn to fly even if I'm not always certain I have wings. No matter, if you believe the wind will catch you in its updraft at the very least.

This was my first illo of Shulynn and the Dragon King for this particular scene. In some ways it is still my favorite, because of the unspoken tenderness Shulynn holds for him. I feel some of that deep love does not shine through as obviously in my third draft. What do you all think?

Yesterday was the first chance I had to get back to this and I reworked Shulynn (the background figure) yet again. This is the third time I've changed her. I will post the first in a moment. Art, like writing is all about revising till it feels right. This use to be an unkonwn concept for me, being self taught I always assumed that ever artist/illustrator executed his work perfectly the fist time. Ha! Just like playing an instrument or anything else in life, you do it again and again till you get it right. ; )
I think this one conveys the feeling I wanted in this particular scene more accurately. In the two other illos she was loving, supportive and starry eyed almost idealistically so. I wanted her to show what I felt a true friend should be...loving, supportive, strong and wise...one who could also help the Dragon King not burdened him. I wanted to show her character's growth...maturity throughout their relationship.

Hooch, our 8 month old puppy waiting on me to play.

My drafting table and old Billy Bones (my model) in the background














Sketch on my Wacom tablet using a digital felt tip pen for my Songs For The Dragon King novel














View of my desk and digital work area














View of my bed and drafting table

As some of you know my two youngest children and I have been on our own since July. Its been a tough journey though filled with blessings such as freedom of expression...to create, to read, to take a walk in the park...

I miss my woods and my home my dear animals. When I stop to think of the price we had paid for our freedom...well, I still choke up. I could be very bitter, but that's never been me. I can't stay angry, nor upset. There are rhythms and quests that the soul requires for growth and when you don't listen...when you try to hang on and fix others that don't want to be healed... Yes, I'm learning to listen more carefully, to let go more readily. To trust and commit to my dreams more fully. Things always work out for the best, you just have to hang on and have faith.

There have been so many blessings surrounding us. Many in the form of Self-realization, others in the form of humanities many kindnesses towards us. Its amazing how beautiful and powerful the world really is and the impact it has on us. Of course much of this has to do with being open, as in keeping your heart, your soul open to others...to humanity as a whole. For me its about growth, letting go, having faith, staying the course no matter the storms and being brave. Oh, and a huge measure of happiness in the gifts however subtle found and given on our quest is essential. One must never focus on the dark side of things...FEAR, the deep darkness within. But, like a lonely sailor tormented at sea, you must do your best and leave the rest up to God, Nature, Spirit...whatever your soul calls home.

I've been blessed with more hours than normal at work lately...season an all. But in between I still make time for my dreams. Here is a view to my new home where my friends constantly tell me I spend way too much time in. Except for work and the dog park I really don't get out much, so this is my sanctuary...the home of my dreams and stories...my bedroom and studio alike. And, my latest sketch for my Songs For The Dragon King. This one I'm sketching on my Wacom tablet. Its been too long since I had it up and running....so much to relearn in Painter X, though hopefully a bit of practice will help.