Controlling your own rudder: We few. We happy few.
February 1st, 2013
I turned 40 last summer. It was kind of a non-event for a milestone birthday really. We were in the middle of closing on our house, trying to get out of our old house, organizing people to help move and watch the kids, and oh yeah… work. It was what it was … just another day. We’re hoping to do something special for my 41st since that is the one that really gets the party hopping (you know … being that I was able to remain 40 for a whole year).
Anyway, it got me thinking. When am I going to start doing what I want to do. I’ve taken care of my family, I have seen my loved ones through good times and bad times, I have dusted myself off every time I’ve been pushed to the ground, and I’ve charted my own course in doing so. Recently, I joined a group of fellow bloggers – some serious, some not so serious, yet all are sincere. The goal was for each of us to post once of week. We’re kind of a secret society, so a lot of people know about it – well… a lot of people just blankly stare and nod.
This group, this band of bloggers, is really encouraging me to take more control over those things that I enjoy. It’s like there is a group out there for me, and they are just as much of a misfit as I am – except one guy who owns a manatee (long story; involves kelp I think). Whether it’s picking up my pencils again, drawing on the computer, or digging into audio recording, I am really starting to feel like it’s my time to stretch my legs. And it’s making me a better father. My kids are unknowingly raising me because now instead of trying to keep their attention to put on their clothes (yeah, that never stops) they are trying to keep me doing what I love doing, and that is creating. They see me making stuff and want to jump in.
The next major goal for me is to start selling prints of my work (as seen below). I have a lot of research as far as budget, shipping, printing, and how many should I do a first run. In the mean time, playing with my band the VertigoGo’s, dancing to Culture Club, and finding new ways to make my family laugh. Life is pretty good. I am sure I could find something to complain about, but it wouldn’t do that much good, so I focus on everything that is right.
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition[...]- Henry V, act IV, scene iii
It’s a great feeling. I have a lot of people to thank, and I haven’t met all of them. I will soon. In fact I think there are some fruity drinks that should be had and soon.
A friend of mine saw a piece that I recently did, and asked me if it was for sale. Honestly, I had only thought about selling my work as a kind of lofty dream. I never took it seriously.