Just Drawing. Lol- there was so much i wanted to show you. I came here to post something quickly - perhpas the Street Caricatures I have on my phone camera, the more detailed ones I drew while relaxing in Europan Cafe, or the great fun idea I dreamed up last night with colored paper.

So I clicked on my website, saw the most recent picture here (of Bill O'Reilly), and decided instead to draw a new picture. Here's what I came up with - playing with the ideas I had when I drew that picture.

I took the whole morning off today! That is Soooo unusual for me.

I certainly didn't plan on it, but I'm glad I did it. Today was just a step, a little time spent towards my personal growth. Not my artistic growth. Not my business growth. Not finally getting this house in order. But seeking out my quiet heart - the sweetness that isn't heard while I focus on everybody else.

A friend had called. Complaining that another friend of ours had disappointed him. Again.

Started my regular work. Called an agent. Prepared detailed travel directions for a very hectic day next Sunday (Face Painting at a Labor Day Party in Whippany NJ followed by Caricatures out east at Stony Brook University). Then, Stop. I stopped. I took time to be my own friend. But I wasn't very good at it. Not accustomed to giving to myself, but I persisted. And I felt supported in my efforts by the wonderful Olivia Newton John CD I was listening to.

Enjoying the photo on the cover of the CD, I tried to experience her content mood by Caricaturing the photo. Here's what I came up with. I particularly like how I signed it at the top of the page. It looks like Olivia is looking right at me, speaking right to me:

The music really adds the feeling to the poety, but all I can do here is write the words of some of the songs that supported my morning off:

LOVE IS LETTING GO OF FEAR:

The pain is something that you can't ignore You're always wondering what the hurt is for Your heart feels something, that is can't explain You yearn for love but you're afraid to change Remember the wounded bird still sings Remember that faith has tiny wings

Love is letting go of fear Love is letting go of doubt Love is letting go The chains that tie your spirit down and Love is letting go of pain Love is learning how to dance Inside the light again.

You're always haunted by the love you've lost You're scared that you'll forever pay the cost You believe tis is the bitter end Better lonely than be hurt again Remember there's always one more chance Remember that love's the only dance - and

Love is letting go of fear Love is letting go of doubt Love is letting go The chains that tie your spirit down and Love is letter go of pain Love is learning how to dance Inside the light again Love is letting go of pain Love is learning how to dance Inside the light again.