Larry Bird

Small Good Things

Yesterday was a horror. I’d been a little concerned that someone might attempt an incident at an opening of The Hobbit somewhere. I never imagined anything like this massacre of children. A day ago it was unthinkable. Now it’s not. What’s next. God help us.

That’s not a figure of speech. It’s a fervent prayer.

Yesterday was the kind of day that makes those of us who are artists, writers, etc question the worth of our work. Me, anyway. Whatever tiny bits of art or entertainment I might contribute to the world seem insignificant, useless in the face of this kind of darkness. But this morning it seems to me that trying to make something beautiful or calming or inspiring of wonderment or whatever- all those things I try for- is more important than ever. So many people seem bent on darkness. Me I like light. I can make only little tiny bits. I’ve no illusions of great import. But we must keep trying to make what we can. If we despair, if we stop, darkness wins. Can’t allow that.

If you believe in prayer, keep all those who’re grieving and devastated in yours. Most of us will get on with our lives today. I’m grateful for mine this morning, for all the small good things. Because days like yesterday remind us: No good thing is small. And the big ones: No one’s shot me. No one’s shot a child or a woman I love. I’ve been given another day to do what I will with. Likely no big thing. But however small, I’m going to do something good.

Atlas Fantasy Art House

I'm very happy to be represented by Atlas Fantasy Art House, Carmel, Indiana. Atlas specializes in illustrator, science fiction and fantasy art, and represents many of the finest artists working in these fields.

A Higher Calling and five other original drawings are currently available at Atlas. Like the gallery's Facebook page to view the rest.  Contact gallery director Bill Niemeyer at 317-364-0833 for more information. 

Angie and Twitch

The girl singer Angie was hot. She was maybe twenty-five and ignored the crew or tried to. More on this later. The guy singer was older. It wasn’t like we were knowledgeable fans of the Sammy Kaye Orchestra but you figured he’d been with them awhile. Maybe when Sammy was still alive. The guy singer wasn’t badlooking but he had a bad eyetic. It scrunched up the whole left side of his face in a big exaggerated wink. It fucked with his phrasing. I didn’t know his name. We called him Twitch.

Last Load

Thunder rumbled to the south, but no rain fell, and I kept cutting. At sunset, I stopped to take this photo. She's an old horse, but she's still running.

Cut, Split, Stacked

No time for laying stone lately. But there's this. Much more momentary, but I've learned to value momentary. Life helps with that. Andy Goldsworthy's work does too, and opens up your head to a gazillion possibilities. Art is anything you make of it. Greeting cards of this image are available at my RedBubble store.