Let go of concerns

Cut the ropes holding you back

Get into the flow.

I’m using the 1,2, skip a few method to end my term. (In case you haven’t noticed, the topics have been alphabetical up to U. We end up with Z, skipping w, x, and y.) It has been a fun and interesting spin down the road to becoming a real writer. As we wind up 2025 and my term in one fell swoop, I give you a wish for zeal.

A fellow artist has been encouraging me with reels of Michael David Mayo. Who is this? Someone who gets me and my art. Someone who explains the need, the energy, and the hope of creation. Michael David Mayo inspires me to keep moving and experimenting when others have told me to “stick with writing.” You see, I can’t.

I have been a writer since I first experienced the amazing ability to observe lines, curves, and meaning in words. Walking home from school in first grade, the connection reverberated through my little mind. Note: I did not attend kindergarten as they were building an addition to the school and didn’t offer it that year. You’ll have to guess the year. Enough about younger me.

Books are fascinating. Vehicles of meaning that travel through time, books communicate with words, images, and context. I’m awful at impromptu discussion. There doesn’t seem to be a filter between my brain and my mouth. Never has been. Writing gives me to opportunity to ruminate my thoughts. Books take the communication to a whole new level.

You’d think all that points to writing as my worthy goal. Don’t misunderstand, to a very large extent it is. Yet, it opens a door to my drives and compulsions that lead me to other creative avenues. Sometimes it works the other way. I’ve begun a writing project by jotting words down and end up with an image that I must create. Conversely, I’ve begun a process in thumbnail sketches that stimulate words and feelings which become a written piece. Moss Piglet has been the recipient of many such pieces.

Side note: If you haven’t experienced Moss Piglet, the time has come. Published by Krazines, it is a local zine that publishes art and writing without commercial complication. Moss Piglet opens me up to expressing myself in whatever way is most relevant (short of singing).

Michael David Mayo reminds us creators that this is who we are. Our creations are part of our existence. So many writers I meet are also artists. Of course, it goes the reverse. Someone you know who is an artist may also be a writer. His meditations get at the core of letting ourselves do what we must – create. As my term winds down, my wish for you for 2026 is to do what you must. Create a colorful loud piece, a dark work, or songs without words. Let your zeal overcome the clock, the hesitancy, or whatever holds you back.

Appreciation is due to ArtRoot for this amazing experience. I’ve learned the meaning of “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Working through weekly blogs, public writing, and developing a unique experience opened me up to a new flow of creativity. There will be a new Writer-in-Residence for Kenosha and Racine for the next term. I wish them all the joy of creating and zeal for communicating with others.

Thank you to Vintage & Modern Books for allowing me to perch weekly. Check in with Adam Booth about current open mics, writing groups, and performances. Appreciation also goes to Trek Bicycle Store Racine for allowing me to park there on the last Tuesday of each month. I’ll be there this afternoon for my last public outing.

Thank you for checking in and reading my posts. Happy new year!