Return to Wonder

"Return to Wonder" - acrylic on paper, 18" x 12".  Available here and at Artfinder.

To be alive is power,
Existing in itself,
Without a further function,
Omnipotence enough.
--Emily Dickinson

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The final painting of 2018 is a return to abstraction.  A paint over with a little nod to the ethereal wonderland that is the wilds of Oregon.  

There is a desire to reflect at the end of a year...to set goals, analyze successes and failures and to make resolutions.  I am a huge supporter of future planning and goal setting!  But this time - this time I am going to simply be alive.  As Dickinson says, existing in itself, without further function.

And for me this is a massive leap into the unknown.  To just exist, to let one year roll into the next without (GASP) a plan?  Inconceivable!  And yet, I am going to do it.

Wherever you are in the wide world, as the new year opens the door to unending possibility, I wish for you a return to wonder and the unwavering belief in a trail of breadcrumbs that points to the best life possible.   And, of course, a liberal dose of malarkey along the way.  Happy New Year!
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This week's picks in PDX!

​Hiking:  Tryon Creek Park.  This park in south west Portland is a great hike when you can't commit to a full day.  Lots of small trails, plenty of incline and interesting bridges and gullies.  And it's dang pretty!

Dining:  Wayfinder.   Great beer, great food.  Try the Freedom Hash (vegan) or the Chicken Schnitzel.  And they deliver through the Caviar app (when you don't want to get out of your pajamas).  Easy peasy.

​Fun and Games:  Guardian Games.  The largest selection of board (and other) games I have ever seen.  And a pub.  And some super helpful game nerds who will make sure you leave with the best game ever.  We really appreciated their IRS sale (The IRS really sucks inventory reduction sale) and so did half of PDX who stood in line with us.