The next logical step after “not giving up” is “falling in love again.” With life itself.

This morning I decided, much to my surprise, to call my local art school and sign up to teach another series of sketchbook classes. I am ready to get back in the saddle. I have only reached for the fountain pen and paper a few times since the retinal hemorrhage in December but each time it felt good. Amazingly good.

It took a while. The first sketch in late December had me convinced that all my art supplies were now useless. Wobbly lines, running off a page that I could barely see. Not fun. A couple weeks later I gave it a go again, at my desk in my apartment. Safe environment, all the comforts and privacy of home. Results: not great but not appalling. The hemorrhage seems to be receding, leaving less permanent damage than expected.

Third time’s a charm: We had a freak heat-wave in early February (up to 60°F for the day) and on my way back from an errand on Main Street I thought, “I just can’t let this pass, I have to stand outside in the sun for just a little while longer and attempt an ‘urban sketch’ like I used to do every day.”

The east end of Warren Street was my subject once again, a very shaky rendition that will forevermore bring a smile to my face when I see it in my sketchbook. It commemorates the day I began again. (Stay tuned: my next blog post will be a story about this.)

I had thought this defining part of my life was over. I was wrong, for now. So now all I have to do is practice getting used to my new vision yet again, so I can continue living a life based on, “Look At THAT!”

If you live near Concord, come join me! You have three options:

If you are interested but not ready to commit yet, why not visit My First Open Studio! Sunday afternoon, March 3^rd, 1pm-3pm at The Yellow House Back Room, Kimball Jenkins Estate, Concord, NH (Follow your GPS to 266 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301. When you arrive, follow signs to the lower parking area. You will pass the classroom door on the way.) As an Open Studio, there will be no formal instruction, just sketchbook artists and wannabes drawing, painting, and hanging out together.

If you are ready to dive in with instruction, sign up for:

Sketchbook Adventure Part 1  Saturday March 16^th, 9am-noon. $45 tuition plus one-time fee of $35 for materials that will last you for a very long time. Pre-registration appreciated. 

If you have taken Part 1 and are craving more, sign up for:

Sketchbook Adventure Part 2  Saturday March 30^th 9am-noon. $45 tuition  More of the same, continue to develop skill and motivation in a friendly atmosphere. Bring your supplies from Part 1 and any questions you may have. Pre-registration appreciated. 

Please feel free to share a link to this post with anyone you know who might be interested in joining me. We never know how long we have to do what we love. Seize the moment. Grab the paper. Go!