Bedrock!

Affectionately "coined" by my "sis", Arlene..."Bedrock" a.k.a., downtown Niles. My home of 55 plus years and it's Sunday afternoon. I'm sitting here in my "temporary office" at the Hob Nob Restaurant mulling over bids, layouts and an unseen, unknown future. Niles, that little town on the river, I have to admit I love this town. Everyone says, "Move away, there's nothing there." I have always seen the other side of the coin and it's just perspective. Maybe once again it IS the Artist in me. I see the river as blue! I have friends and family here. This interlude in my life is a "temporary imposition", a test of my character, my integrity and my "faith" in myself.

It's been sometime since I have had "my home". I neglected to keep that little house on Maple street. I sold it in a time of weakness placing my bet on a secure future. "My bad!" I long for peace of mind. I realise it hasn't been there for quite some time, I have been fooling myself through the years that I had a home, a wife, security. Interesting. Interesting how the world can just "toss aside" any sense of remorse, guilt, etc. when it comes to the "maintenance" of people. I'm not feeling sorry for myself, really. Actually, I feel stoopid for my investment. I feel abandoned. However, the other side of the coin has it's (her) own story which I would imagine is justifiable as well.

Yesterday I was going to go out with friends. During the morning and a good portion of the day I worked on signs, in the cold. I went back to my "temporary lodge" to clean up and call the "Pirate" and "Sis". Instead I had an overwhelming desire to just lay down. I set up my laptop and played old movies (no TV, tough to get along without), no internet service (gotta go to my "office" for that). sleep overcame me. Maybe the cold, maybe just the weeks of anxiety, or both! However, it was for the moment, "my cup o' tea". Today, I feel better. My mind is beginning to see beyond the fog and I'm pressing my self to get more business. Nice thing about my talents as a signman, despite the economy, SOMEBODY needs advertising.

It's snowing outside, not laying down, but melting. Spring has a way to remind us of that long silence shared by many who live here in the cold waiting for the temp to edge ever higher. I saw a Robin on my run last week and was reminded that this cold will soon pass. I love warmth! I love green. I love the sound that a Robin makes. It all says "soon, the weather will bring our much needed relief!" Today is just a day to relax and once again, reflect. Tomorrow, well, the Robin's are here till the seasons pass.

The River is blue, dear Readers! It's just the colour of paint we lay down on the canvas.

From the "office" of the "World's most Unfamous Artist", time for a beer!

Time for another story about influences. Next blog.

PEACE!!!!!!!