when the world crashes

It's a good thing to sit quietly for a while and hug something nice.

who needs a hug?

There now. Isn't that better?

cat scratchings

My daughter has written a story from the perspective of a pet cat. We're going to work on it together to see if it can be turned into a book. Here's my initial sketch of the hero.

some days are like that

Maybe it's the weather.

working, waiting, working

I've written a little story. Sent it out. Hoping to hear from the recipient whether or not it is a worthy endeavor.

While awaiting, here's something to mull over:

"The person who is waiting for something to turn up might start with their shirt sleeves."

OK, back to work.

DUCK!

An ancient (and my favorite) Chinese saying:

"Man stands for long time with mouth open before roast duck flies in."

pins and needles

So the whole joke for me is that happy little porcupines with balloons will soon be sad little porcupines.

But I'm not sure how convincing this drawing is. Do you immediately know it is a porcupine? There should be no doubt or hesitation.

I've been looking at it too long. Any opinions out there in blogland?

reflecting on reflection

From a work in progress.

It reminds me (in a barely related way,) of what Joseph Conrad had to say on the subject: "Reflection is a destructive process; a reckoning of the cost. Great achievements are accomplished in a blessed, warm mental fog."

As my wonderful editor Maria put it to me more directly: "Don't overthink it Paul."

a fine day for painting

oldie but goodie

Dug this up. It's intricate, curly line work contrasted with the flat, bright colors still makes me happy.