A collection of stories, thoughts and good vibes from my back porch

Painting is wonderful. It's an escape, a trip to another reality. I don't have to think about the economy, politics, or people's petty stuff. I can just do something beautiful, enjoy the outdoors, and be happy. - Pauly

There are 3 things I try to avoid discussing at all costs - Politics, religion, and sports. All 3 start fights, divide people, and are of little interest to me. In the past, I've made judgements because of someone's views on politics or religion (sports have never interested me, so I don't care who your favorite team/player/sport is). Personally, I would rather not know how you feel about republicans or democrats or what your religious beliefs are. I am quite comfortable with my beliefs, and what levers I pull in the voting booth are for me to know and none of your business. 

I am OK talking about spirituality, especially when it applies to painting, nature, or people. I made this decision several years ago, when I realized there were so many things getting in the way of seeing the beauty in people. One morning in 2004, shortly after my dad passed away, I was sitting at my kitchen table discussing things with my friend, Bobby, and I realized I had spent all of my life looking at the wrong things, and I made the decision then to just love people, and just love myself. It changed my life overnight. I began to learn about compassion, acceptance, and tolerance. I realized people loved me even when I was not very compassionate, accepting, or tolerant. I think the journey I've taken over the last 11 years has made it the best years of my life. I like being the way I am and even if I disagree with you, I like who you are too. It's a much better way for me to live, and lets me focus on the positive things life and people have to offer. 

This freedom allows me the opportunity to enjoy painting because I am unencumbered by anger and judgement. I don't have my mind on trying to change someone else's mind to conform to my way of thinking. I'm not spending hours in front of a TV yelling futilely, hoping  my passion is going to change the outcome of a game, an election, or a supreme court decision. In the end, it doesn't really matter what I think, or how passionate I am about what I believe, I can only change one thing, and that is myself.

When I paint, I can experience color and light, and add emotion, beauty, and enjoyment - not only for myself, but for others as well. And it doesn't matter if you like what I paint or not. I paint for me. I paint because I enjoy the process, and most of the time, I enjoy the outcome. But even if I don't, I can start another painting, and try to make the next one better.

I'm not frustrated when I don't sell my work. I just enjoy it. When someone likes a piece enough to pay me for it, it's a bonus. I'm glad to give things away also. When someone can smile because they receive a gift of art,  it's good for them as well. My smile is because I could give the gift, not for the receiver. When someone smiles because they purchase a painting, I am glad for them as well. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy selling my paintings - and yes, it is work, and I believe painters (myself included) should be compensated for their work, but it's not the sole purpose of painting. There is a deeper, spiritual joy that comes with creating a scene with a white canvas and a few colors. 

So I will remain apolitical, agnostic to doctrinal discussion, open to spirituality, and accepting, tolerant, and loving to others. I will paint for myself. I will paint for those who enjoy what I paint. And if I don't respond or participate when talking about S, P, or R - please understand, I am just trying to love you, tolerate you, and look for something beautiful.