U is for Unearth

 

Unbelievably Ben Franklin probably stood in this very spot I took this picture.

 

Merriam Webster defines unearth as:

to make known or public : bring to light <unearth a scandal>

Examples of UNEARTH
An old document was unearthed from the files.
They unearthed evidence that he had accepted bribes.

I was a little undecided (another “U” word) about what to write about and then unearth just came to mind.  I believe we all have a passion and fire burning inside of us.  For some it takes longer than others to unearth and bring it to the surface.  For me it’s a love of our colonial history.  I’ve always been fascinated about our nation’s revolutionary period.

What makes the statement above more amazing is, I’ve lived within 25 miles of Philadelphia, Pa for 55 years and rarely after my childhood have I visited the birthplace of our country.  That all changed when I found myself wheelchair bound a couple years ago.  Determined to not just sit around like most of the people I was with in the physical rehab, I vowed that when I got out I was going to move forward as if nothing happened.

Since that time I’ve embraced our history and have incorporated it seamlessly into my passion for painting and photography.  Every chance I get now, I’m reading about that period in time, researching new places to go and sketch or take pictures and am never at a loss for something to inspire me.  Have you discovered something that has unearthed your passion?

Rule #20 find something to unearth your passion.


T is for Time and Technology

Tavern

For me, technology has given me a lot more time for my artistic endeavors.  I rarely leave the house without my laptop or digital camera these days.  No matter where I go or what happens, I’m prepared to capture the moment and take notes for future reference.

No longer do I have to schedule time for writing, I just pull the laptop out when an idea pops into my head and I’m off writing because I want to instead of because I have to.  I used to schedule time to go out and take photos whether they were for the actual photo or a reference for a painting.  With a digital camera by my side all the time, there is no disappointment because the sky was bad that day.

I now do a lot of digital painting.  With my trusty laptop by my side, I can now paint when the mood strikes me.  This freedom I’ve been given by having my tools at my disposal all the time has definitely increased my creativity because I’m doing it when the mood strikes me, not when I have to.

Rule #19 technology can help with that old nemesis, time. 

R is for Rest and Relaxation

Railroad Station

 

Ah rest and relaxation. I took some of my own advice today and had some fun and relaxed.  I hopped on the train and went to Philadelphia and just strolled around in my wheelchair without a care in the world.  Amazing what a little relaxation and fun can do for you.

The photo above just may be one of the best I've taken in my life because I was just doing it for me.  As an added bonus besides getting Railroad and Relaxation into my post for "R" words if you look at the set of doors on the left that's my reflection of me in my wheelchair taking the photo.


Rule #17 don't forget rest and relaxation to recharge the batteries.

A is for Art

A Beautiful Philadelphia Skyline 20" x 30" Painting

The definition of art is a debate I’d rather not get involved with.  Is architecture art?  How about the art of negotiating?  In my opinion life and everything in it is art.  Hell, I’m from Philadelphia, put an Italian Hoagie or Cheese Steak in front of me and I’m going to tell you they are works of art.

I’ve chosen art as my theme for the A to Z challenge for a reason.  I personally am not a writer and therefore I am out of my league in this challenge.  Most of my fellow challenge members are writers.  That being said I do have some interesting opinions and comments about how one should pursue their love for art and will be presenting my own rules and theory’s on the subject no matter what your passion is.

If you’re a writer, photographer, painter or stained glass maker hopefully my rules will help you out.  Of course I'll be providing one of my digital paintings each day to.