I look forward to being with my friends and family when there are less demands on our time. I know you do too. In fact I dream about these beautiful windows of time when we get a chance to see a different kind of light together or to maybe by chance, hum the same tune. Not that I dislike that laser point focus that keeps us all sharp in our choice fields of employment. I like my work. However every Friday evening I can feel an energetic renewal sweeping over me like a gentle ocean wave. In my youth it might have been the night for wild and crazy madness but as I age there is less ambition for the outlandish and more capacity to take a well deserved breather with a couple of friends over wine and snacks. I don't know when this part of me changed. It might have just quietly evolved as my relationships developed. Time changes you for the better. We have many opportunities in the course of our lives to learn more about the inner most parts of ourselves. It is that journey that inspires me to savor brief moments together.
This week's highlights include a friend who has always talked about a tuna fish dish I made decades ago as if it was yesterday, gave me 3 cans of tuna commenting "no pressure." A young 15 year old fan of Micro Museum dropped by to say hello. He and I had the same flash of color in our hair. He said "This just proves that we are super cool." A neighbor stopped me on the street and thanked me for being inspiration because the museum's AC/DC Window on the second floor is a "treat for my eyes and soul." Another business owner remarked that he wished for my creativity. I suggested that he could cultivate his creativity too. He replied "I know but next to you my candle seems dim." I finally finished several drawings that were lingering on my desk. I have so much gratitude for these simple exchanges, which makes my Friday evening feel tranquil when I know there is a teaming metropolis right outside my door that is far from peaceful.
Trust me the pressure is on, but just not tonight. An artist life is full of ups and downs. I can hardly wait till tomorrow because we get to work with a favorite art handler and prepare for 2 semi-public events next week. But for the moment it is fun being in relaxing Friday night mode.
I am reminded about a great story I heard from Gloria Steinem where she said that lots of people ask her about passing her torch onto someone else. She said "I am holding onto my torch but I am happy to light yours so that you can have a torch too."