Making Choices

Now What?

   In recent history, a U.S. President likened his being elected to the car-chasing dog that finally "caught one". Now what? While I operate an a different level entirely, I find myself wondering "now what" about my playground here.
    Should I publish daily? Weekly? Somewhere in between? What regular features could I include?  When this lark started, I simply wanted to put my drawing out there and see what might happen. Truth be told, my major goal was to find something that would push me to keep drawing and trying to do something "creative" every day. Another truth: that daily creativity isn't easy and I'm beginning to conclude that the "showing up" is as important as the final product. That's my take. I suspect that if readers decide "meh" and click on to something else, that might be because not every drawing and every post is worthy of the the New Yorker. Uh Bob....call me.
   The liberating thought about these ponderings is that the blog remains my playground. This whole project is meant to be fun. For me. (I feel guilty for writing that). Granted I hope others enjoy some of what's here too. Maybe others can tell I'm having fun and they find enjoyment in that too.
    Once in a while I get a spammy comment about "increase your web traffic and make lotsa money". I politely delete said spam and Bwaaah haaa haaa all the way to the sketchbook.

Put on a Happy Face

    My wife returned from a trip to the U.S. to be with her mom and family and to attend a funeral. Because I would be at the office when she got to the house I thought maybe 'somebody's' face should welcome her at the door even before the dogs did....so this guy was "elected".  I probably looked much the same when I got home and my bride was unpacking and settling in.
     I feel much more like "myself" now that she's back---that sense of feeling lost and disconnected when someone is away makes me think about people who are separated from loved ones for longer periods (like families of military personnel) or even when the separations  are permanent (as with those who have had a relationship end or are widowed). May those feeling 'lost' and separated find comfort.
    In a completely unrelated note....I get a kick out of reading the "statistics" on this blog that note countries where someone is looking at these faces. Thank you all for reading and I'd like to especially greet the folk in Germany and Ukraine who have been reading. Interestingly, many who live in our town in Canada have ancestors who come from these two countries....we also live in a home owned by the Ukrainian Catholic Church. So we're connected, yes?
 

Facing up

Huh...a twelfth of the way to a year of broken resolutions

I didn't get around to making any resolutions...officially. We're making travel plans. I want to try a new glaze recipe for pottery this year.I want to start working on techniques for caricatures.  If resolution is about a self improvement list, maybe mine would be nearly encyclopedic? Is there a statute of limitations on these things? If I come up with something "good" can I resolve after January?
To my defense, I did organize a bit in the pottery studio and went through college mementos and culled things a bit...Had I resolved to do that, I could have kept a resolution. Next year I resolve to be more foresighted....I'm already farsighted, so there.

Facing Forward

Couped up is all right by me

   For the first time in two weeks the weather has warmed to above zero. I saw tracks in the lot next to us for the first time in a fortnight, which makes me think some creatures have decided it's nice enough to venture out again. Many of the two leggers around here are getting out more too and a few are driving around just to be outside the house--hence the distinction between "cooped up" and "couped up".
   I notice several 'technical' elements I'd change if I were to re-do this toon but not today.  The day awaits and there's lots I want to do today. Happy Motoring on this Monday!

Facing Left Overs

People put their name on their carry out boxes?

This picture came by e-mail--a meal with our family from quite a while ago. Little did I know my mother-in-law saved the carton. Syrofoam is a very durable medium. I've learned.
Funny that this picture would come about the time I was blogging about "breakfasts out". Happy Saturday!

Facing Duplicity: That's my mote

The preacher's right, just shameful about all these sports practices going on and stores being open on the Sabbath. Confound it! Where is that waitress with our Sunday brunch special?

   Some of you know my professional title is "pastor". This blog is like my play ground so I try not to get preachy. Well, I'm trying to work out some things and the playground seems like an OK place to do that. No collection will be taken; so if you're willing, kindly read on....Otherwise, have a great Friday and see ya tomorrow.
     This week our readings are about Sabbath and how Jesus runs into trouble with the religious people for breaking the rules and--get this-- delivering somebody from their suffering.
   Here's my "deal". I love the idea that everyone needs a break and a way to rebalance and regain harmony with their lives and with those they love. Nice to remember that BEING is what we are and the doing can sometimes wait. But before I get all high and mighty here....
  There's ol' bartster who loves "breakfast out" any day and any time of day. Sundays are great breakfast out days too. But somebody has to get up early, open the restaurant, put on coffee, and start cracking the eggs so I can have my little treat. Then they get stuck with the dishes!  Say nothing about public safety workers, caregivers, and others..do they EVER get a break?
   Maybe here's my point: So many make it possible for some of us to enjoy rest and restoration. I just hope those kind souls get their turn too. If that rest has been long deferred, what gift could I give to make the road easier for them? Tipping the server is probably only a beginning.  Please stand for the hymn.....

Facing Wind Chill

bartster's winter stargazing abruptly halted by nostrils freezing shut

A clear night in Manitoba is simply awe inspiring. The stars in these northern latitudes shine so bright and seem so close. One can look heavenward and marvel at the expanse of the universe ud-tid dor dostruls preeze shudd add ips toe told oub-tide you gobba geb idda houb (read this phonetically--out loud-- and you'll get the gist).

Tonight it's 27 below, but the winds are down, so the windchill is only about 30 below F. Good news, by the weekend, it's supposed to warm up enough to snow.