you take them both and there you have...well life.  This week has been one of those weeks that proves that one's life really is filled with both highs and lows, and how taking either to seriously can lead to real disappointment.  I'd really like to say that this has and is going to be a good week when I look back at it, but unfortunately it probably won't.  Yeah I know in the title of this blog, I'm quoting the theme song from an 80's sitcom, but sometimes words from my own mouth fail to capture what other's have already so eloquently stated.  

I'm not sure who was the first to say...so you want the good news first or the bad?, but whoever they were, they had the most brilliant grasp of the obvious.  But see this is my blog and I know if I have the choice, so which is my preference?  I guess I would prefer to have the good news last.  I think it's easier to plan and move forward from a posititve position than it is from a negative.  Wow look at me being all "glass is half full"ish.  Yeah I don't believe it either.

I'm not going to go into details, as this affects family members who I'm sure will want to remain nameless, and I don't blame them.  They've had the unfortunate opportunity to experience one of those life lessons, that no matter how good you think things are going, you realize that fate is just sitting there waiting in the shadows to give you a little..."Oh, really, you seem a little to happy.  Why don't you try this on for size?"  They've had a bad week, and my heart really hurts for them, and my only consolation is that they are a strong person who will come away from the situation even stronger.

And then we have...

the good news.  Well I hope I don't jinx anything but it appears that I might have sold my first piece to be used for cover art for a book.  I've never been one to want or even enjoy accolades of my work.  Hell that's why my art is not in my own name in the first place.  I've already explained in previous blogs, that my artwork has always been a personal thing that I never intended for others to even see, let alone enjoy, so I find myself in a very strange place where someone actually want's to pay me to use my artwork for the cover of a book.

Okay, I have to say, it feels good.  REALLY good.  No really it does.  Okay so I'm a sinner.  But really is the eighth deadly sin really that bad when taken in moderation?  I know one is supposed to humble, and I've always tried to be, but can it really be all that wrong to take pride in a job well done, especially when that work helps someone else?   But I'm putting the cart in front of the horse, and I'm not sure I believe it yet.  You see I've been told that my artwork is good, and I appreciate those who say so, but I honestly don't understand it.  The pure amount of GREAT artwork out there, including the vast amount on this site, is well beyond anything I could even possibly even conceive let alone achieve.  So when someone actually tells me my art is good, I'm of the mindset that they obviously are judging from a rather limited scope, and will re-evaluate their decision once they have a better sampling of what real artists can do.  

So fate certainly likes to show whose in control.  This week has been a prime example of it's mighty power.   So does my family member move on from their experience and attain a happier situation...God I hope so.  They certainly deserve it more than I do selling a piece of art for a book cover.  

On the other hand, does this legitimize my artwork?  I honestly don't know.  I'd like to think so, but I can't.  It's certainly nice to be in the race though.  


To end this blog I really want to send out some kudos and dedications.

John and Jesse...I hope your pending nuptials see you happy and joyeous for the remainder of your lives.

April, my muse and wife.  I hope you know how much you mean to me, even though I know I never say or show it enough.  

Diana...hang tough better things are on the horizon.  

Mom and Dad...I am what I am because of what you taught me and who you are.  Love always.