make: a statement #2

A very wise little sister sent me the above card on the occasion of my recent birthday. She rightly noted that I always seem worried about my birthdays. I do worry. And I don't like my birthday. I like my friends' and family birthdays. I like frosting and champagne. I just worry about birthdays. More so than New Year's. I enjoy the time for reflection and resolution setting that comes with January 1. But birthdays provoke the same sort of reflection and goal setting, but with the added reminder that you are now older. And then there are the comparisons that happen when you look at other people your age. And all that they've accomplished. And that creates a downward spiral that can lead to drinks stronger than champagne. This year, though, despite my dread leading up to it, I felt more at peace with my birthday. I didn't do much reflection and no goal setting -- I'll leave that for January 1 -- but I let the day pass peacefully. I enjoyed time with family and friends. I enjoyed something sparkly and several cakes. It was nice. And I'm going to carry the above message with me for the rest of the year.

Compendium card.

make: a statement #1

It's not what you look at that matters. It's what you see. -Henry David Thoreau

You guys. Good quotes are a personal weakness. I have a compulsive need to write down every wise word, inspirational message, and truism I come across. Today's make is admittedly a bit of a cheat. I didn't make this statement. But I can't resist sharing it here. (And there will probably be more.) While Thoreau's statement applies to many aspects of life, I find it speaks particularly true to art. I studied art history and developed a skill set for how to look at a piece; how to pick out characteristics, technique, and meaning. But ultimately, the best part is still the unique what that each of us sees. We all see something different.

Image from here via here.