Gifford Pinchot State Park: Revisited

We traveled to the Midwest to visit my wife's parents in Missouri. We stopped in Gifford Pinchot State Park in Pennsylvania again on the way out, having visited for the first time in 2012. We arrived after dark and had about one hour to set up tents before thunderstorms and rain were predicted.

We got it set up quickly even in the dark, with the second white tent offering steep deflecting sides over the rain fly. I just barely had time to tie and peg everything down before ravishing wind and rain hit us. Mommy and Itsy Bit were inside arranging cots and sleeping bags. I got soaked while finishing last tie downs! Itsy Bit was quite upset at the rain and thunder and lightening.  But we got through the night in quite good order. There was very little rain on the tent floor next morning. Cots and sleeping bags were dry! Hurrah! Our first real test of the new storm configuration. We were very pleased with the results.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Dry after the Storm Torrent

The calm after the storm the next morning was quite peaceful. The fog lifted off as the morning ensued for a beautiful day. 

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot State Park Early Morning

There were not many folks at the Pinchot State Park this visit. We had a well-drained, beautiful site at the right hand corner of the swim beach. There were some early morning swimmers but I was able to get an undisturbed view of the beach before they arrived.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot SP Swim Beach at Dawn

I looked forward to seeing the herons again after our last visit and true to form, they patrolled the environs routinely. 

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Heron Patrol at Dawn

Later in the day, it felt as if we had the swim beach to ourselves. It was a beautiful day, the water temperature was delicious, and the clean, sandy bottom was soothing. It was very relaxing after the storm-filled night.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot SP Swim Beach

Out littlest, Itsy Bit, was well-equipped to enjoy the depths of the swim beach!

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Itsy Bit's Goggle Face

A popsicle-shaped floatie was a gift to Itsy Bit from a family friend. This picture was sent via smartphone to the gifter to inform of its use across the national vistas.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 A Popsicle Floatie

Life in camp was very relaxing. Campfire at night and in the morning. One must use local wood and not import any from another state. Swimwear and towels drying on the line. Notice the dog relaxing at tent-side. 

We learned after the fact that pets were not welcome in the sites close to the water front. We surmised perhaps due to potential water contamination from pet doo-doo. We even had the chance to meet a college intern measuring water contamination after storm runoff. So they conduct routine water quality and temperature measurements.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot Camp Life

It makes sense and we had not considered the issue until traveling with a new pet this trip. Once aware, we kept her in her kennel and walked her in approved areas. 

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Dog Stuff

The site had excellent gravel and drainage. Although it made pegging the tent down a bit more difficult, it wasn't impossible with the steel pegs.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Drying Out after the Storm

I marveled at the abstract nature of the shore-side water plants. There were slight ripples from the water insects and fish that I tried to capture on film. 

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Abstract Water Plants

Parking for up to two cars was available at each site right proximal to the tent setup. We had a beautiful view of the lake at Site 114. It may well be the best site available. We felt so lucky.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot State Park Site 114 Beachside

After a long day of resting and swim activity, the sun quietly drew back over the distant hills.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot SP Sunset

After a swim-filled day and a full tummy after camp dinner, Itsy Bit was quick to sack out at the evening campfire. 

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Itsy Bit Sacks Out at Campfire

 And the last light at the camp site before turning in.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Last Light - Day is Done

Summer Fruit: Juicy Peaches and Cantalope by the Basket

I have taken some time off from work for the summer and have been anxious to paint again. Was able to set aside some time in Maine while visiting friends at camp during the July 4th festivities. To me, this is reminiscent of Renoir and Cezanne.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Summer Peaches and Cantalope by the Basket

I have received some comments and feedback about the painting from family members. For the first time, my dear wife put a price on a painting and said I should sell it for thus-and-such dollar amount. A short time later she even raised her price expectations. My youngest daughter, Itsy Bit, wanted to see another cantalope basket faded and shaded in the background like the model I had arranged. My mother-in-law wasn't immediately sure what the cantalope was and had to be informed of the matter. I realized that the cantalope selected did not have the longitudinal rind lines that some folks may be familiar with and that those could be added for clarity.

My wife asked if I would change the painting but I replied I would rather paint another one anew if I were to add or change anything. In any case, this one makes me happy each time I look at it.

I have numerous other ideas to work on for the memories and feelings of summer-time. One step at a time. This is the Daily Walk.

On July Fourth: In Maine

We were once again fortunate to spend some time with friends at the camp in Maine this year. The lake was cool, quiet, and peaceful. The weather superb. The fellowship was Grade A Number One!

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Day is Done in Maine Camp

Our youngest, Itsy Bit, believes herself to be the world's best fisherwoman. This year at eight years old, she learned to bait the hook herself with the struggling, resistant, and slippery nightcrawlers. And also, remove the kibbers from the hook once caught and drop them in a pail of water. Once she collects a dozen, she releases back into the water and catches them again.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Itsy Bit Fishing for Kibbers

Vacations are for relaxing. My lovely wife illustrates well that putting up one's feet, setting up in the partial shade and sun with a good magazine, soft breezes, and quiet are the perfect algorithm for a nap. I think that is an iced "Not Your Father's Root Beer" in hand!

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Totally Relaxed in Maine

And what would the Fourth of July be without a bit of evening noise? Each year, it seems we try to outdo ourselves just a little bit more over the prior year! I love the color and lithography on the fireworks packages!

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Preparing for Evening Fireworks 01

This year, we had so many fireworks that I called out a tribute and blessing to many parties just prior to each launch:

God Bless the Lakes and Ponds!

God Bless the Town of Sangerville!

God Bless the State of Maine!

God Bless the US House of Representatives!

God Bless the US Senate!

God Bless the US Supreme Court!

God Bless the President of the United States!

Etc! Etc! Etc!

We cast many blessings upon the waters...I kid you not! We heard a few chuckles from other camps across the water!

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Preparing for Evening Fireworks 02

And here is my friend, the Irish Patriarch of Festivity, the local Artist-in-Residence. Thanks for all your hospitality and inspiration, Bob!

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Irish Patriarch and Artist-in-Residence 

Usually, the last thing we do before we drive away each year after our visit is get a picture of the gang. This is a thirty-eight year tradition!  Hard to believe.  Here is this year's rendition of the Fourth of July gang.  The memories are precious.....

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Fourth of July Gang

Walking for Car Repairs: The Pine Barrens

I had decided to retain my old car this summer as a secondary vehicle despite its high mileage and get some repairs and updates accomplished. It's been a long and winding road over the weeks to accomplish the feat. Along the way, we were down too many vehicles with too many appointments and I had to walk from here-to-there to get my wife's vehicle. Along the way, I traversed these shady pine barrens and thought them lovely in the summer heat.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Pine Barrens 01

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Pine Barrens 02

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Pine Barrens 03

I like the chiascuro potential and the depth of field.

Getting Ready for Summer: Yard Work

I have been personally discouraged about the extent to which the property and yard work has gotten away from me. I have a list of, oh, so many, projects...inside and out. But I have been able to complete just a few tasks to move things in the right direction. Once upon a time, when I was younger.....I was so good at the adage of "A Place for Everything.....and Everything in its Place"!

Tidying the corner mulched bed by the playhouse.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 The More Tidy Corner

Building raised beds for the vegetable garden to make better use of limited space and add some visual effect. The earthworms love the warm raised beds and really keep the soil turned over during the growing season. Leaf mulch is used in the aisle paths over a weed cloth.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Vegetable Raised Beds

Populating the flower boxes at the house and playhouse.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Flowers at the Playhouse

Repairing and updating the outdoor balance beam cover for my youngest gymnast, Itsy Bit. There are lots of handstands, roundoffs, and walkovers going on in the yard as well.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Updated Balance Beam Cover

Ensuring the pillar of flower pots is abundantly overflowing with color this year.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Pillar of Pots

Relocating the Flower Girl statue that my mom gave us and planting lavender for scent and johnny jump-ups for color.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Mom's Flower Girl

Installing the water fountain on the patio. The sound of trickling water is soothing.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Water Fountain on the Patio

And getting ready for the Fourth of July, we post the flag to the garage.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Fourth of July

So, Idle Acres has made some progress this early summer.

The Mid-life Crisis Checklist: What now? What's next?

Charlie Vensel lists seven warning signs that I may be having a male midlife crisis:

1. Persistent Dissatisfaction. Just not happy. Check.

2. Inauthenticity. What happened to the person I used to be? A feeling of having drifted and not being true to my genuine self. Check.

3. Insignificance. I dream of more. Am I just sitting in the chair? Do I feel like I am not making a difference? Check.

4. Shallow Commitments. Depressed at status quo. Trying to recommit to important things and stay the course. Trying to not commit to new things. Rehearsing duty and obligation. But discouraged. Check.

5. Relational Tension. Everyone around me doesn't understand what I am going through and how I am feeling. They are so familiar with me so they can ignore me. This life change of mine affects everyone around me. Check.

6. Leaking. Bored to tears. Trying to contain frustration or angst. Reaching out. Trying to share the journey. Venting to significant others around me. Often isn't constructive. Check.

7. Recapturing Youth. Revert to what worked when I was younger. Hard work. Persistence. Focus. Values. Check.

So there are "good" ways to react? And "bad" ways to react? Three paths to consider. Three choices recommended.

A. Recapture What Worked. Return to the ways of thy youth. May not be the complete solution. Beware of immature or off-limit choices though.

B. Focus on Known Competencies. Dig in. Tough it out. Suck it up. Beware of stubbornness and rigidity as symptoms. Watch for bitterness and anger as a side effect. Beware of vices as an accommodating binge. Avoid the blame game towards others.

C. Grow and Change. Awaken. Mature. Move forward. Answer the call. Maintain self-control and self-discipline. It's about Doing. Duty and obligation. It's about Being and Becoming. Motivated about living and passion. What is it that stirs me but has not been expressed before? Of all the perceived options, select and move towards the best, most authentic things. Manage fear of change and fear of very different and fear of unknown. Beware of radical change. But don't get stuck in the transition and renewal.

Or maybe a little of A, B, and C to round out the portfolio. So Charlie advises:

• Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat well, rest, and do some things just for fun. Can do better. Check.
• Journal about what you are thinking, feeling, and sensing. Check.
• Find someone with whom to mentor and be coached who has successfully been down the path before. Kind of Checked.
• Find someone to hold you accountable to maintain balance. Kind of Checked. 
• Finish well. The jury is still out. To be determined.

Honest Trepidation: Riotous Perspective

I must be in the middle of a male mid-life crisis. 

Started a new job. Money's good. Commute is short. I am busy. Loaded on with too much too soon, I think. Meeting new people. Learning a new company's ways and means. But there is an element of boredom to it.What is this observation, I say to myself?

I don't feel happy. Or satisfied. Or fulfilled. This is not good. I say to myself.

Granted it's been a riotous week. There have been other things going on in my personal life. Causes long hours. Unrest. Background anxiety. Background tension. Nothing terrible or catastrophic. Just daily living in the modern life. New job. My dad had hip surgery. My wife is working long hours and burning the candle at both ends. 

So I am feeling at odds. I don't feel rested. An emotional roller-coaster. Or at extremes. Not centered. Not quite sure how to really sum it up yet. 

A rejection from a permanent job did roll up in this morning's email. From a series of interview's with VP's over a month ago. Hahahah!  The path not taken. They invite to look at other roles on the company website.  A minor anecdote to the continuing saga.

So I just keep telling myself. One day at a time. One hour at a time. One task at a time. One minute at a time. Do what is important for now. Live in the moment. Delay constraining decisions. Pray.

Drove into the yard from work last night. The sun was soon to set. The corner flower garden was increasing its crescendo. Some riotous tulips. I like the color contrast and tempestuous abandon in these shots from last evening. I wanted a different perspective.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Riotous Abandon

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Upright Posture

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Emotional Extremes

So I have resolved this morning. Taking just one step at a time. With honest trepidation. Seek to learn and inquire. Obtain the meaning in each transaction that builds towards the future task. Ask on a deeper level...what's next?

Funny? Asking about the meaning of life. Now? Asking....why am I here? In this place and time?

I am a nomad, a sojourner, and a stranger in a distant land. An older nomad, sojourner, and stranger.

Seeking oasis.

Yard Sale Season: A Stitch in Time

Yard sale season has started since April 1 and is ramping up into full swing. The flea markets have opened and folks are anxious to buy and sell. The weekend warriors are out in abundance. It has been a long winter of discontent.

On Saturday yard sales, I bought some German beer steins from circa 1960 from an amiable old codger who said he worked top secret projects in Wurzburg, Germany from 1959 - 1966. And drank a lot of beer from these steins. His second wife had died last year and he was unloading stuff. He was contemplative and solemn but seemingly wanting to talk about things. I appreciated the personal story behind the steins.

At a separate sale just down the street from the old patriot, I was able to purchase a cute Hummel No. 255/31, A Stitch in Time. It is 6 1/2 inches tall and has what is known as a TMK-4 trademark, the three line mark, and is dated 1963 which places it at about the same time and place as the beer steins.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 A Stitch in Time

My wife was born in 1962 in Weisbaden, Germany when her Dad was in the Air Force. These are nice pieces contemporaneous to her birthplace and time. Adding to the memories and making connections. A Stitch in Time.

New Way to Go: New Things to See

Spring is only inching its way toward us. The blossomed trees and shrubs are out but the leaves on the trees are only mild buds and have not yet popped. I took a different route to my new workplace to see what sights I might see. A display of spring blossoms including forsythia and cherry tree.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Spring Blossoms

Splash of Spring: 70 Dozen Bulbs

Mom passed away last year. She and her mom loved flowers. I had started the bed years ago in a remembrance when my Aunt Elaine, mom's college roommate, and an artist, had passed away in North Carolina. Aunt Elaine had disappeared on her 77th birthday in the summer months. Instituting this flower bed was a way for me to think of her throughout the winter with the hope that we would find her. Her remains were found the following spring.

I took the time to grieve for Mom this past year by refreshing the corner flower garden by the old stone wall with seventy dozen bulbs. Have been taking lots of pictures to capture the emergence and profusion of color.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Seventy Dozen

There are fond and deep-felt memories of the beauty and compassion and caring of these ladies special to my heart. Hope springs eternal as new life emerges on an annual basis. Aaah, me!

Contrast: A Spring Dandy Against Winter's Bark

I take a ten-minute walk to and from lunch each day at the new job. Nice to get my salad greens. The fresh air and sunshine, if we have it, does me good in the mid-day. The air has mostly remained brisk though. I am picking up a bit of color in my face and along the way. I selected a weedy dandelion from the sidewalk and smelled it's winter abandon.

It brought back an early memory. And reminded me of my Mom in the happy-go-lucky days of childhood play. The first rural New England farmhouse we lived in had an abundance of stubby, wild chamomile. Mowing the lawn or pinching the stems and flowers between your fingers would release the fragrance of apple blossoms.

Internet Fair Use - Wild Chamomile with Apple Blossom Scent

My smartphone camera didn't auto-focus well when I tried to capture the dandelion flower against open space. And it retained a lot of glare. So I put the bright color against a dark tree trunk and got better contrast and detail. The yellow reflects against the blue-grey-green-violet of the woody surfaced-lichen. It helps to have the stark contrast of winter's bark to highlight a Spring fancy.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Spring Dandy Against Winter's Bark

It is a more solemn and deep enjoyment of Springtime warmth when the Winter has been long and frigid. Soaking it up on a Daily Walk. And reminiscing.

Emerging Spring: Blackbirds in the Marsh Grass

Spring is inching towards us here in the Northeast. My new job offers the shortest commute I have had in my career. Twelve miles and 25 minutes. Along the way, some abandoned farmland along the road had some tall marsh grass. It made me think of another past employer where the first birds of Spring, the blackbirds, would flock and twitter in the grass.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Blackbirds in the Marsh Grass

The palette is still a winter one and drab. The snow is gone from the landscape but not my mind. I haven't yet warmed up.

An Unusual Retrieval From Artistic Obscurity: May Audubon Post

I am always visiting the local second-hand stores. Seeking affordable books, paintings, frames, farmhouse kitchenware, knick-knacks, bric-a-brac, etc. This is my routine, my Jaunt, and part of my overall Journey. It is unusual, however, to find really good, original art. Particularly with any vintage. Particularly in good condition. In my Daily Walk today, I found a framed piece of pastel art signed "May A. Post".

Photo Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Dutch Girl with Dolls in Landscape Detail by May Audubon Post

It was attractive to me at first sight because my eight year old, Itsy Bit, of course, loves her numerous dolls and has played with them intensely during her childhood. 

This exquisite image is of a quaint, little Dutch girl in profile hugging her two dolls.  It appears to be original art and there is no evidence online that it or similar art by the artist has been reproduced.

Photo Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Dutch Girl with Dolls in Portrait Detail by May Audubon Post

It is nicely framed [28 inches high x 24 inches wide] and double-matted with a deep 1/4 inch separator behind the matte board..

Photo Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Dutch Girl with Dolls by May Audubon Post

The exposed portion of the image is 18 inches x 14 inches. It has reflective glass which makes rendered photos a bit difficult. I may consider replacing with non-reflective glass and thereby also gaining a chance to inspect the artwork and take detailed pictures. Fortunately, the frame and matte approach appears to be in excellent condition and the pastel image is about 0.25 - 0.375 inches away from the glass.

It appears to be an original pastel on dark, green, fine, french stippled paper or board signed "May A. Post" with lovely, even, round, clear, connected handwriting. 

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Signature of Mary Audubon Post

I researched May on the internet when I got home. Not much out there but a little digging turned up some reference sources to build an initial background.

May Audubon Post [age 69 years; born Nov 21, 1860; died Feb 8, 1929] attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where an art fellowship is established in her name. Unfortunately, I did not find any personal images of the artist...yet.  

Her address during some of her published American exhibitions is listed as 4446 Sansom Street, Philadelphia on the corner of South 45th Street according to GoogleMaps. It would take me 5 hours and 291 miles to get there to see the place. But online, today, it is a renovated three-floor, red brick and red-painted tenement surrounded by similar-size buildings in a neighborhood that offers some Spanish style. 

Internet Fair Use - 4446 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Perhaps May painted in the second floor nook, southern-facing bay window as her studio in the early 1900's!

In 1901, she went to Vollendam and Merken Island, Holland which appeared to be a significant artist colony and ensuing influence on her painting genre. According to online sources, she was close to other artists of her period including William Merritt Chase, Cecilia Beau, Charles Grafly, Hugh Beckinridge, Howard Pyle at the Drexel Institute, and Lucien Simon in Paris.

Her genre is characterized as illustration, human activity, human figure, figurative, religion/mysticism, and child portrait.

The pastel I found is similar in size and portrayal to two other pieces using frontal quarter full-body portrait views: A Dutch boy with a pond boat and another Dutch girl with a doll, both in traditional Volendam and Merken style of dress replete with cobbled stompens.

 Internet Fair Use - Dutch Girl with Doll by May Audubon Post

Internet Fair Use - Dutch Boy with Pond Boat by May Audubon Post

My initial working hypothesis may be that these images were part of the calender series for the Dubois Iron Works listed below. But I can't yet determine the year these items and the one I recently found were produced.

Further listed artwork that I have found thus far includes the following pieces:

Marken Child Island of Marken, Holland (Oil painting sold $1200 USD, 2009-01-03; 37.75 inches high x 29 inches wide] The similarity of artistic approach includes a quaint, Dutch child in profile conducting an activity with dolls in attendance.

Marken Child, Island of Marken, Holland by May Audubon Post

Paris: Rue des Ursins (Unsold at auction; 11.42 high x 9.37 inches wide)

Santa on the Roof (Unknown)

Fishwife of Holland (Exhibited at Annual Exhibition of Oil Painting and Sculpture, Art Club of Philadelphia, No. 49, April 1903)

Fisherman of Holland (Exhibited at Annual Exhibition of Oil Painting and Sculpture, Art Club of Philadelphia, No. 56, April 1903)

Italian Mother and Baby (Exhibited at Annual Exhibition of Oil Painting and Sculpture, Art Club of Philadelphia, No. 57, April 1903)

Old Man of Holland (No.19; May be the same as No. 56 above)

Old Woman of Holland (No. 20; May be the same as No. 49 above)

Alone (1909, 17th Exhibition, Mar 15 - Apr 18)

Holland Baby Marken (May be same as Marken Child above, International Studio, Vol.54; Described as "haunting, quaint") 

Old Fisherman and His Grandson (1917, 23rd Exhibition of 138 works, International Studio, Vol 61)

Internet Fair Use - Old Fisherman and His Grandson (1917) by May Audubon Post

The Spinner (1917, Society of Independent Artists, Exhibition, No. 98)

Internet Fair Use - The Spinner by May Audubon Post

Holland Children (1917, Society of Independent Artists, Exhibition, No. 99)

My Big Brother (1911, NY Watercolor Club, 22nd Annual Exhibition, No. 240)

A Rainy Day (1911, NY Watercolor Club, 22nd Annual Exhibition, No. 240)

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates (illustrated by May Audubon Post)

Internet Fair Use - Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates Illustration by May Audubon Post 01

Internet Fair Use - Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates Illustration by May Audubon Post 02

Fairies Among the Lilypads

Internet Fair Use - Fairies Among the Lilypads by May Audubon Post

 Fairies by a Steaming Cauldron

Internet Fair Use - Fairies by a Steaming Cauldron by May Audubon Post

Bunnie Cottontail: A Rabbit's Own Story (1908, By Blair Matilda, Illustrated by May Audubon Post, Published by McGloughlin Brothers)

My Little Italian Book (191-, By Ernest Nister)

Child Life in Holland (Illustrated Calender Series, Dubois Iron Works, Dubois, PA, Factory and Industrial Management, Vol. 35)

So there is much more to study and investigate but this daily entry constitutes my first round of Endeavor.  A delightful part of the Journey to think of May Audubon Post and share her work!

Job Interviews: My Current Economy of Transactions

Interview last week. "Permanent" job in financial industry. International company with a brand name on the US east coast. A new role being created by them. Commute within 30 minutes. Open house. Spoke with one of ten people I would be supervising. Very young. She asked questions from a checklist and wrote in the answers. Sent my thank you emails to her and the recruiting manager who was a no-show at the event. No response from them as yet.

Interview today. Contract job. Good company with a brand name. Health care industry. Short term 3 mths. Might be extended. Has taken a long time with repeated applications to get my foot in the door. Commute within 30 minutes.  Will speak with three project managers. Was advised by the recruiter to wear a suit and arrive 15 min early. Hah!

Interview Friday. "Permanent" job. Company in a formidable industry I have been in previously. Commute is 60 - 90 minutes. Will speak with 4 senior vice presidents.

Which is the more prepared of the three? Interested in the candidate?  Professional? Serious about the business?

Just thinking on things.

P.S. After a couple days....and another phone interview....looks like the contract job is the only one that might come through. Doesn't seem like there are any real jobs out there. Sad.

Reminiscing: Back to Basics is Required...Again

I frequently think about Scott Lightfoot and his struggles with unemployment, duty, motivation, inspiration, responsibility as a family man, and with his Artistic Endeavor. He is the reason I started my art blogs. He is gone now after a courageous bout with cancer. I revisited my first blog Impressionism From Idle Acres and many of my entries were a response of my online reviews of his blog entries.

This is my second round of unemployment in the last five years. Work life is changing in America. It may be a truism that as we get older, there is a bias against older employees. Or it may be a bias against higher salaries. A capability of companies with mature processes and procedures to get by with younger, less expensive, and lesser experienced employees. An economy that is the employer-market with lots of candidates available to choose from.

After the year end holidays, and the New England record-setting snowstorms, it appears that the employment market may be picking up again based on my personal activity results. Spring is coming and perhaps the work forces are getting back to the near term needs again after the wintery distractions.  I have a few job interviews lined up with some substance to them. Finally. This week is busy in any case with on-site interviews.

But all along this unemployment path, I have continued my Journey of a Daily Walk, of the Struggle, the Artistic Endeavor, and the Creative Pursuit.

But, thinking of Scott's commentaries, getting back to basics also means discipline. Routine. Having the studio and working the Works.  I have some spring cleaning to do. A lot really. I have my health regained so doing these projects is more feasible now then it has been in the last seven years. I am looking forward to it.

But I remember Scott's dilemma. We only have a limited time remaining. Take each day and make the most of it. Try to focus our Life's Energy to the Creative Pursuit and the Artistic Endeavor. Work mentally and physically through the limitations that impose upon each of us. The Battle. The Struggle. The Journey. The Daily Walk.  I haven't forgotten.

Just do it.

Anticipating the Next Leg of the Trip: A Devoted Companion to it's Master

My devoted two-year-old puppy dog, Grace, gets so excited when I put on my jacket to go out on local errands and anxiously anticipates her inclusion in the agenda to ride along in the car with me. If I grab her personal kennel carrier, she excitedly noses the screen door and can't wait to get in and settle down on her soft pad within,thereby assertively suggesting that she is ready to assist in the trip by accompanying me to wherever the day may lead.

I get incredible eye contact and tail-wagging to display her devotion to the task and her desire to be with me. It is quite adorable.

Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Grace Accompanies Me

She reflects my feelings this week with her behavior in that I am anxiously awaiting my next employment assignment. I am nosing the door and can't wait to settle in. The search can be fun but there is an element of drudgery and routine to the search as well. I have a hint of what I would really like to do next. Last week I was approached with a lead online through an electronic job matching system. I really liked the job description and role-responsibility. I followed up. It appeared to stall and nothing appeared to happen. I was not convinced that the job match tool being used was reliable or robust enough to enter me as a candidate into the hiring company's visual field or capture net. 

I chased the lead more directly through a different venue. And was contacted by the company the next day by email and invited to an open house next week to discuss the desired position. Can't wait! Tail wagging! A chance for more direct eye contact. I am nosing into the carrier to see where the next leg of the Journey may take me.  On for the ride. Following the Master. Just doing what I am supposed to do. It's a dog's life. Ruff.