30 years ago, I thought my life would be very different than it has turned out. Regrets, as Frank Sinatra sang, I have a few (more than a few). There are so many things that I would have changed "if I knew then what I know now." But, I recently read a book written for incoming college freshmen, The Naked Roommate, by Harlan Cohen (very much recommended). One thing I took away from Mr. Cohen is that "10% of things in college are bad, but 90% is awesome. Problem is, we focus so much on the bad 10%, we forget about the awesome 90%."
This statement can be applied to life as well. We have been given a lot of challenges in the past year or so, and, even being an optimist most of the time, I have been down a lot. But this bit of advice can be taken to heart---most of life is pretty good, and if you focus on that, then you can get through all the crap.
I'm very luck to have a wife that supports my choice of art--not many spouses are willing to let their husbands draw strange, nude women--not only does my wife stand behind me, she is very instrumental and always offers unbiased critiques. I am very lucky!
So, I wish all of you the best for the rest of 2011 and beyond. May you take what life gives you, and if it's lemons, make the proverbial lemonade.
Vince, you will have this birthday wish whether you invited it or not. Happy 51st Birthday! The best is yet to come!!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the premise of the 10%, I learned that a long time ago with course evaluations of my university teaching. Invariably, one person in the class would not like me and would give me a crappy rating. I despaired over that one person way too much until I finally figured it out. Oddly enough, once I forgot about that one dissenter, the dissension disappeared. My last course evaluations were 100% positive.
You reap what you sow.
Happy Birthday!
so true, Carla, and thank you. You were my inspiration for this post. I have always admired how you have embraced life--my lord, beginning a nude modeling career took guts.
ReplyDeleteYou've been a great friend these past months, and I thank you!
You've been a great friend these past months, and I thank you!
ReplyDeleteDitto.
Happy Birthday Vincent! I've been following your blog since it started and I love your work. I can't wait to see what you do next!
ReplyDelete(And I live in hope that you'll be drawing our own Dr L in the future!)
Thanks Lin, I appreciate it. Dr L is very beautiful, both physically and as a human being, and I would be honored to have her included in my portfolio
ReplyDelete