China marker, pastel, linseed oil on wood. Based on Edvard Munch’s “Puberty.” (author of quote unknown)

I have been quiet on here for a while.

But somehow- the creative life putters on with audacity and hope.  I sometimes question what my drive is and why I carry on despite at times crawling forward on my knees.  But I am grateful for that audacious and hopeful drive.  It gets me up in the morning, keeps my heart alive.

I feel the slingshot being pulled back, pulled taut.  I am preparing for renewal in the new year.

Recall:

Whenever I feel overwhelmed or out of balance I turn to my version of  The Slingshot Principle. It’s simply a reminder that in order to fly forward, often we need to first pull back. Just like a slingshot, the real power and velocity comes from being stretched and pulled… but in a backwards motion.  It’s that backwards motion that is the hardest direction for us to go but vitally important if we are to create momentum, speed and forward progress.

– Daniel Decker, The Slingshot Principle

Check out Brain Picking’s: 

That was all a man needed: hope. It was lack of hope that discouraged a man.
— Charles Bukowski (Factotum)