​I am in the middle of reading a small pile of books that either ignite a spark, or calm me down. I love that. Knowledge awaits! Here is a small list of my favorite non-fiction:
 
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth
 
Change Your Thoughts – Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao, by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer.

​Grit and Change Your Thoughts kind of balance each other out, OR they seem to oppose each other. I like the dynamic, and they each give me plenty to ponder upon.

​I have delved into writing this year. I'm just doing more of it, and trying to learn to make things interesting when I write a blog or newsletter. Being genuine is the most important thing to me, and while I’m learning, I know that I may be trying too hard.

 So, in regard to that thought, another book that I am currently reading, Bird by Bird – Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott, is a great read right to my core. The first part addresses the kind of people that are “creatives” . If you are a creator, a maker, writer or artist you may find the first part of this book describing intimate parts of you and your psyche. It was jaw dropping for me.
 
I bought this book because I am interested in writing, so you have to realize that is where the book is headed, it's about writing. Even though I’m looking forward to continuing and studying further what the author has to say, I could read the beginning over and over again. It's just that I feel that I have just discovered an ally who utterly and completely descibes in words the familiar chatter in my mind. And now I know that there are many more people out there who operate similarly as I do. And Ann Lamott is really funny, dry, and really funny. I smile and giggle a lot while reading.
 
And I cannot leave out “the life changing magic of tidying up – the japanese art of decluttering and organizing, by marie kondo
Just buy it, and at least go through your bedroom closet. A real peace maker, here.
 
I read a number of fiction books in 2016, and these are the ones that really stood out for me:
 
Leaving Time, by Jodi Picoult
Mystery, humor, sadness, the habits of elephants in their natural habitat and otherwise, an easy read.

The Kindness of Strangers, by Mike McIntire – not fiction, but good stories. I read a number of travel books this year, but this was my favorite.
 
State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett
It was great traveling down the Amazon River with the protagonist. I was entertained, and learned a heap about biological research. It gave me lots to think about regarding our colliding lives on this planet as well.
 
I read a great many more books that didn’t quite warrant a recommendation from me, but I would re-read these three.
 
I read on a Kindle. After an episode with one of my retinas a couple years ago, I don’t see the way I used to, so I’m grateful for the magnification that I get. Still, I miss paperback books, the feel of the paper, being about to find a passage in my old, familiar way. BUT, hey, no complaining here, look at all that I can do, and still paint. I’m very blessed.
 
Would you do me a favor? I would love a book recommendation from you. Feel free to send a note if you have the time.

I have missed my regular painting schedule, that usually consists of painting every morning from 8 or 9 to 2:00. Following that I work at my desk, doing writing, marketing, and lately, setting up a store.

​That has consumed much of my painting time. I'm endeavoring to offer another way to collect my work. I have to admit, I'll be new that this sort of thing, yet I've had a lot of great advice, and I'm going for it.  Read more below . . .

​Today and yesterday I have been working on a new work, and I'm going about it differently than I have done before. It's less planned out, but I know how I want it to feel . . . deep and warm with somber hues that make the reds pop. The trick will be to make and keep the somber hues quiet and deep, but still rich and not muddy. I had a great painting teacher, a master colorist, Susan Sarback, so I don't take paint into the mud. It's still tricky.

That's the technical part. From the inspiration part, I want the painting to FEEL alive, rhythmic, and pulsing.

​You'll have to forgive the casual style that I'm showing the progress. The light and cropping are really poor, (iphone, winter light, ect.,).  In the end, I'll show the completed painting properly lit and edited so the lines are straight, and the colors clear and beguiling.

And I know the title, right from the get-go. It's "Heart Beat", oil on canvas, 48" x 36". Thank you for your interest! Come back in a few days and watch the progress.