Washed Up.
Not by a long shot. Thank goodness I don’t have a dog to wash up, as it would be another thing to add to the long list of things I need to keep up on. Even as a youngster living on the farm we didn’t have the task of washing the dog. We simply had him tag along when we went to jump in the pond down in the pasture, or the creek running through our property. But with all the other jobs we had to do as kids it helped us build a strong work ethic. That work ethic has helped me get through some challenging times. It has also helped me maintain a sense of positivity when approaching a new prospect.
Positivity.
As we’re approaching the final months of 2022 I’m trying to look forward with a positive attitude after a difficult summer of trying to be supportive of my elderly father who’d struggled since losing my mother, and eventually passed himself as this autumn was upon us. Autumn for me is a time of bringing things to a close. I put away summer camping things. The garden has finished producing, and I find myself needing to mow the yard less. It’s time to think of how to prepare for the next season. Snow boots, and winter jackets and gloves. Now I need to think of how our family moves into the next season of our lives without that connection to parents, grandparents.
Drawing from within.
As in all times of introspection I look to my connections with family and friends, nature, community, and faith to build strength. That ingrained work ethic from my youth doesn’t provide the answer to everything. Sometimes we have to lean on others. I guess that’s why people enjoy having pets as companions. It’s just not for me. But thinking about all those types of relationships are certainly an inspiration for my work. So I’ll keep drawing from within, and always keep drawing.
Quick sketches, like this little pencil drawing for a dummy I’m working on.