Everyday life teaches us the best stories. Yesterday our hot water heater stopped working. I know nothing about mechanical problems. I called my land manager to seek advice. He said he would come out to take a look.

He and his beautiful wife came out around 5 PM to take a look. They had stopped at a hardware store to pick up all kinds of parts. They spent several hours with us, and unable to find the right parts after two separate trips back to the hardware store, were unable to proceed. They finally gave up at 9:20 PM. They said we would have to call our plumber, who would probably know where to get the part. After that extreme effort they did not want to accept payment! I insisted, and shoved a bill into his pocket!

The important part of the story is that this couple couldn’t be more distant in their political beliefs than me. They are arch conservatives. I am a WOKE liberal. We don’t let it spoil our business or personal relationship. We just avoid it. We are family to each other in the best possible way. They would do anything for us, and my sis and I adore them.

Life is wonderful for country painters…..

I belong to a few artists groups on Facebook. One is for bird artists. I am awed by the skill of some of these bird artists! There are some who are hobbyists, but many of them are top notch.

It’s almost depressing to see artists with that skill level, knowing I will never be that good. I did say “almost”. If I were a more sensitive painter it might bother me. Instead, I am excited to see others whose work reaches that level. Excellence is so very hard and a long road.

I used to think that it was really just hard work that makes great artists. That was really naive. Great artists have the rare gift that few of us peons possess. There is a magic to their work that goes far beyond disciplined effort like mine. Though I work very hard and improve in stages, I’ll never be a master painter. As a young painter, I would have been crushed to know that. As a mature painter I have the deep understanding and wisdom that being a life long painter with joy is good enough.

This country painter is a lucky one…..

Some artists quit trying when times get tough. Times are getting tough right now. Political and economic problems are increasing every day. I’ve been writing ideas about frugality for artists for a few posts now. 

The best thing you can do during bad eras is to get your art out for people to see. I don’t mean acting like a used car salesman or carnival barker. I mean a genuine sharing of your art and life with those who care for you. I don’t mean showing the same posts all day long or every day. People turn away from that. 

 As many of you know, I have three big studio food parties a year. Sometimes lots of people come. Other times few. I never know and never ask people to RSVP. Most of my friends have a favorite food party they always come to. It evens out. I sometimes invite speakers or authors as guests. 

 I post the parties on social media, but more importantly, I send out post cards to my postal mailing list.  The value of these parties are not just sales. They allow me to thank my friends for the gift of my wonderful career. The value of these post cards is that they are a reminder that I am still in business and that it is fun to hear from me. The recipients put the nice card on their desk or refrigerator for a week or two and remember me. Even if they don’t come to my party, the card has done its job. 

Reaching out to others, just in friendship is a way to include others in your life. Give out some sketches or scribbles to friends. They will remember you when good times return. Just keep plugging along and be grateful to those who continue to be your friends who help promote you. Every time a friend shares my painting on social media I am thrilled and deeply grateful. Just don’t give up. In my 60+ years as a painter, I have been through many hard times.

This country painter always finds a way…