The Blog

I've watched surfers in Hawaii, San Diego, and yes, even here in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, which is also known as "The Malibu of the Midwest." The majority of a surfer's time seems to be spent paddling, floating, and waiting. From what I hear, it's all worth it, because the feeling you experience when you're in the middle of a great wave, having timed it just right, is a moment of euphoria. I feel like I have some sense of this as an artist. There are moments when I'm in the zone at my easel, when time stands still, every brush stroke feels pre-ordained, and the joy of creating fills my …

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Everybody I run into is so excited about being in election season! Not. We've only just begun, and the weariness and dread is palpable. In the United States, this is the most important election in our lifetime. Pay no mind that this is said every four years; maybe they're right this time? Of course, the issues at stake matter, but is there any way to make a difference without being sucked into the division and negativity that's become so prevalent? As a professional reminder-er, allow me to share some insights that you probably already know, but are easy to forget when emotions run …

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Things that aren't supposed to happen are happening all the time.  One such happening was the construction of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, which my family had the chance to visit this summer. Its very existence was considered an impossibility by some very smart people. The Arch was dreamed up by architect Eero Saarinen in 1947 as part of a design competition to build a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. Although his design won unanimously, construction did not begin until 16 years later, in 1963. There were many reasons for the delay, including funding …

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I like dogs. I think they can be wonderful companions and bring a lot of happiness into a person or family's life. But I don't want one. It's amazing how that simple statement throws people into a tizzy. So many people immediately go to great lengths to convince me why a dog would be great for me and my family. Some feel judged, as if I think they were wrong to get a dog, despite me starting this reflection to the contrary. Here's another grenade: I have no desire to go on a cruise. I love traveling, but despite the many benefits, a cruise does not sound appealing to me, at …

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Do you feel it? It's subtle, but if you quiet yourself just enough, you may be able to pick up the vibrations of a slow build of energy gaining momentum. The timing is uncertain. It might be tomorrow. It might be next week. It won't be long. Something wonderful is about to happen. It's hard to pinpoint just what it will be, but that's part of what makes it so tantalizing. It could be anything! It might be life-changing. It might be small but immensely satisfying. It might be a total surprise or an answered prayer that's been a long time coming. The only certainty is that it will be …

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