Off and running

Well … I survived the holidays. It took some effort, as a whirlwind end of 2008 culminated with a busy start to 2009. But, all in all, it was worth it, as I got to spend some very quality time with my family and friends.

Moving into 2009, there are few things of note I’d like to share. First up, my print shop – Chromatics Photo Imaging, located in downtown Nashville – selected me to a featured artist in their current art show in their upstairs gallery. The show is called “In the Biz,” and it’s dedicated to artists like me who hold down day-jobs in addition to their pursuit of their artistic careers. I’m one of 20 artists in the show, joining some extremely talented photographers, painters, book-makers and digital-graphic artists. In the Biz runs until April 16, so if you’re in downtown Nashville, please stop in and enjoy the artwork. Chromatics is located at 625 Fogg Street, and it’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Little Red Fly Shop, located in Heber Springs, Ark., has been a big supporter of me and my artwork for several years. They’ve sold my prints and paintings from their full-service fly shop and have recently begun offering a limited number of giclée prints on their Web site. The Little Red River in Heber Springs is an absolutely great trout stream located in the midst of the southern Ozarks. The scenery is as incredible as the fishing, and if you head that way, please check in with Jed, Mark or Pam at the Fly Shop. They’re good people, and certainly know everything there is to know about the fishing and the area.

Through the holidays, I’ve been working on several commissioned paintings – and I’m getting ready to start one more. Commissioned works are always challenging, yet rewarding for me, and I’m thankful to have to the opportunity to pursue them. But, I’m also looking forward to working on some original paintings in the coming weeks. As I finish them, I’ll do my best to share them on the blog.

I hope everyone is off to a great start in 2009. Best of luck to you throughout the year!

Blessed beyond words, but I'll try anyway

Betsy and I, with our vacation just behind us, soon realized that we had left the beach and returned to the reality of the holiday season. First, there’s Thanksgiving, with the familiar family feast, festivities and all the gastrointestinal gluttony that comes along with it. It’s quickly followed by the Christmas season, which presents the opportunity for us all – regardless of religious affiliation – to celebrate faith, family and the season of giving.

I’m thankful for so much and blessed with more than I probably deserve. I’m blessed to live in the greatest country in the world, in the middle of the best state in the Union (of course, I’m biased) and married to the best woman in the Universe. Betsy is my wife, my muse, often-times my mentor and forever the love of my life. Without her, well, I can’t imagine it. It’s cliché, but it’s true – she completes me.

I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family, led by my parents, who brought me into this world and instilled in me faith and a core value system which has helped me to succeed and excel, to give and to share, to love and to cherish and to smile and to laugh. They’re the reason I’m who I am, and I’m eternally grateful for their guidance through every part of my life.

I’m also thankful for being blessed with a wonderful extended family and a bevy of great friends. Both groups help make my life even more special. I’m a very lucky guy.

Admittedly, the freedom I enjoy I often take for granted, but it is because of our brave volunteers who devote themselves to protecting this unalienable right that I’m able to fly-fish on the weekends, do my Christmas shopping on the internet and eat 12 lbs of sausage balls through the holidays. Their commitment, their bravery and their steadfast pursuit of protecting us from the enemies of democracy are appreciated beyond words. They are our nation’s heroes.

Truly, God blessed me with the ability to express myself artistically. That gift has already led me down some pretty cool paths and promises to guide me down others in the future. Needless to say, I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for me.

I also really enjoy my guitars. And, my fishing stuff. And, my truck.

Well, the list goes on. I’ve got more than I deserve, but I also think it’s important to take time – not only during the holidays, but throughout the year – to remember those in need and to do your part to lend a helping hand (so to speak) to those who really could use one.

Moving over to my artwork ... Christmas time is normally my busiest time of the year, and this year – despite the doom-and-gloom reports of the demise of America and the free-market system – is no exception. I’ve maintained a good inventory of giclee prints, and several outlets – The Art House Gallery in Murfreesboro, the Ellen Hobgood Gallery in Heber Springs and the Shallowfish.com online gallery – can help you find the perfect painting for the perfect person. Or even an imperfect one. Person, I mean.

Despite the recent cold weather and the occasional rain, I’ve been fishing here and there – mainly with a core group of guys as addicted to fly-fishing as I am. The last few trips have involved Guide David Perry (Southeastern Fly Guide Service) – one of the more dedicated and hard-core fishermen I know. Fishing in David’s comfortable Hyde drift boat is highly-recommended, so please give him a call to set up a fly-fishing adventure soon. In the meantime, please check out his Web site for the most recent report from the river.

Until the next blog – tight lines and Happy Holidays.