Another year is about to close

I'm typing sort of in a hurry, because New Year's Eve tends to be a whirlwind of preparations and mood swings which go from slightly pissed while doing the sketching of it all, to incredibly happy when it is all going on, to melancholic five minutes to midnight, to hopeful and cheerful at the stroke of twelve to pissed again for having to clean the mess.

For all that was worth, this year was good to me, as I discovered that between the dodging and the taking on life punches, there are pockets of peace and moments of wonder that make it all worthwhile and in the long run, if we really sit down through it; peace and the wonder have a bigger share than misery, if we let go that horrid human habit of brooding in the bad stuff.

I am grateful because I have found myself a being the with ability to take the best life has to offer and give a bit forward. Am I hoping things will be better? Hell Yeah.

The quote... it was written in 1999. I found it in 2000 at a card shop in the East Village and I keep it in my poetry journal. I pull it out when I need perspective or when I forget that the impossible is as possible as my imagination allows it...

HOW TO BE AN ARTIST
"Stay loose.

Learn to watch snails.

Plant impossible gardens.

Invite someone dangerous to tea.

Make little signs that say "YES!" and post them all over your house.

Make friends with freedom and uncertainty.

Look forward to dreams.

Cry during movies.

Swing as high as you can on a swingset, by moonlight.

Cultivate moods.

Refuse to "be responsible."

Do it for love.

Take lots of naps.

Give money away. Do it now. The money will follow.

Believe in magic. Laugh a lot.Celebrate every gorgeous moment.

Take moonbaths.

Have wild imaginings, transformative dreams and perfect calm.

Draw on the walls.

Read everyday.

Imagine yourself magic.

Giggle with children.

Listen to old people.

Open up. Dive in. Be free.Bless yourself. Drive away fear.

Play with everything. Entertain your inner child. You are innocent.

Build a fort with blankets.

Get wet.Hug trees.Write love letters."
by SARK ,1999