Who persists, endures; who endures can astound . . .

Me, that’s who.

I have already admitted to having had more than my fair share of lucky breaks in my lifetime. And I have no intention of turning in my life-lottery tickets, either; I’ll gladly keep collecting such loot any and every time it’s tossed my way.

But it’s random. It’s unreliable. And if I’ve used up my fun-karma and crazy mountains of bliss already, I’d like to think that my skill and hard work and cleverness and dedication will fill in any resulting gaps. (Well okay, would that my good luck would grant me a quick smack on the pate first with that glittery wand imparting the necessary will and skill to make this possible.)

Lacking any guarantees of some handy grant-wishing genie, indefatigability fairy or goodness-gnome just flitting into my neighborhood on a whim, what I get to thinking is that there are all kinds of motivation and inspiration out there if I just get my own effort the slightest bit underway. When I think of family and friends, and certainly of some of the great famous icons of fortitude and endurance, those who have risen above the general tide of humanity through sheer force of personality, the strength of their own determination, their patience in times of trial and intense belief in something special well worth their doing. To be unwavering in the pursuit of what is important takes passion and faith.

I’ll have to work on that still. I’m pretty sure it’ll only happen in very little increments and at a glacial pace. That’s how it works, I guess.

So here I am, starting a blog and plodding on, day by day, trying to keep my mind hopping just enough to move forward, ever forward . . . dainty little molecule by molecule. Here I go, planning the next minor move toward putting my more of my artwork out there in the world. Here it comes, the next foray into a new phase of constant art-making practice, stumbling along and hoping that my totems and talismans of dedication and determination will push me yet further toward–what? Being a better artist, that would be terrific. Being a better person, that would be outstanding. Being committed enough to work toward getting there any way I can: that’s the real goal, and I hope with all my heart I find the fortitude to go that route.

Teach me how to do this, my friends . . .