...well then I'll just have to shoot them.

This relatively new pursuit of full-time fine art is proceeding in magical ways. Three years ago, I entered my first ever juried show. The Artists Guild of Northwest Georgia (AGNWG) is an active organization with many extremely talented artists. They're also in a wealthier part of the state and many of the members are active participants in the goings-on at the Booth Western Art Museum. It naturally seemed like the best first place to enter my art. That first year, I won second place in the painting category for my "South by Southwest," the barrel cactus split open to reveal the rich red fruit of a watermelon inside.

I entered three pieces in this, my third year of the competition. All three were accepted. This last Saturday evening, I attended the reception and experienced the unexplainable joy of having been awarded First Place for my "Loving Mother," painting of a Hopi "Crow Mother" Kachina I own with her crow "children," flying around her head. Just when I felt like I could fly with those crows, the second announcement came, that I'd just been awarded "Best of Show" for my multi-media piece including a 3-D carved vintage Plymouth heading through a treacherous, stormy canyon. "Go West" was on the license plate. After I completed it, I realized it was about me. The car is about my age and, like me it's "Headin' West" (the title), taking chances and finding success in stormy financial times. It's about leaving the day job, cranking up the old vehicle, and going for it.

My life is blessed by a gift that I'm able to share with others and I'm forever grateful.