The Artiste

My family is remarkably creative. We have many photographers with a range of favorite subjects. We have musicians too, and at least one ballerina, as well as a joker or two. Lately, a number of us have taken to the blogging thing, and I have to admit, I was slow to even consider joining that whole thing.

I watched my wife watching others' photography sites and I visited CAD blogs to learn my trade better, and, over time, I sort of started having ideas of my own. Of course I think I used up all my ideas in about a week. Bottom line, I didn't presume that I had anything interesting enough for anyone to read. But I like to write. And I like to think "out loud." Well, that's the selfish side.

I have been promoting this blogging thing to all the nay-sayers and the uninitiated as well because I love the flexibility to visit friends and family – most often at times when it would be rude to make a phone call, and after the kiddos are in bed. In a world where normal is a ten hour day, chores and kids, this is a great place to get to know people around me in a way that I couldn't otherwise. I have come to appreciate the artists and the thinkers in the circle of bloggers.

So, what I thought was a fad has become something of a hobby, but more than the normal hobby for me. My normal hobby is fishing or fly-tying, which is good for getting away from things by oneself for some thought, prayer, or contemplation of the relaxing sort; but that hobby is pretty hard to accommodate, and it is rather solitary, except on the rare weekend trip. But maybe it is something else too…

I thought of my high-school days when I drew and painted and I think it reminds me a little of that too. When I have a thought I sit down in my recliner and start rambling, roughing out the shape of the idea with large, but obscure ideas that hopefully will become a rendered image someday. Sometimes, it is much, much less complicated than that too – simply a notable link to something or another.

Well, I guess that is where I have landed on this subject. I have one of the best commutes in the world, and I have seen almost daily the kinds of views that most people see only on the periodic vacation. We have an Artiste for a Father, and it runs in the family. Our Father loves music, creativity, worship, but most of all, us. We are made in His image, so it is in our genetic disposition not only to accomplish tasks and to achieve goals, but to do it with style and beauty – like He would, and how He would like it done.

So, whether in word or deed, doing it all in the name of the Lord Jesus… (my paraphrase, Colossians 3: 16,17)