Recently a friend of mine was feeling disappointed about all the mistakes he made and opportunities he squandered over the years.  It's funny how he began to feel this way after enjoying the fact that now, at fifty eight years old, he's thrilled to have the life he has today.  Then he went on to explain that after giving himself a thorough mental beating about how foolish he had been all those years previous, a random thought changed his attitude.  He thought of a newborn child and how content they are. 

He went on, "They have no idea of the past.  When they are born they just find themselves here.  Once they are here, the baby just 'is,' they appreciate everything in their life and all the people that love them.  Then I thought of the newborn born with a handicap.  They have no idea that they are handicapped.  They just find themselves here too and enjoy all the people in their life that love and care for them.  Then I thought of me and that's when I realized that I was just born an old man.  I don't need to concern myself with my past, I can appreciate where I am right now and everyone in my life who loves me today."

What a great way to start each day.  Thinking this way instantly eliminates all my regrets and 99% of what I beat myself up over.  Imagining what it would be like to have just woken up today, born a new with no reference to the past seems to put everything in perspective.  I become extremely grateful for everything in my life that I tend to take for granted.  I am going to remember this one so that the next time I feel bad about a missed opportunity or an old regret I can remind myself that - it's time for me to grow up and appreciate life like a baby.  This gives an entirely new meaning to "acting like a big baby," doesn't it?

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present.
- Unknown

Although it’s been a long bumpy road to get here, I finally have a card that I'm having a lot of fun handing out.

When I was a kid I looked forward to the day I would have my own card.  For some strange reason I had the idea that once I obtained a business card I’d have credibility.  I’d be respected and admired.  They seemed prestigious. 

I was too naïve at the time to realize that anybody could have a business card printed on their own declaring themselves to be what ever they desired.  I believed all business cards were legitimate.  You could look like a bum but if you handed me a business card stating you were the CEO of General Electric, I’d believe it and be impressed too. 

By the time I was issued a business card of my own it wasn't what I expected.  Nothing changed.  My card didn’t have any of the oomph I imagined.  No one went, “Ooooooh” with admiration as they looked over my card.  Nor did they look back up at me with new found respect.  Nope.  All they did was take my card, give it the obligatory glance, and say, “Thanks,” before smushing it into their front pant’s pocket.

Funny, rarely was anyone impressed with my card.  It has taking some time to realize that you don’t need an impressive title or card to make a lasting impression because your actions always will.  The card just turned out to be a convenient way for me to give others my number.

Just one week ago I got the idea to make my own card.  I decided to keep it simple: no title, no business affiliation, just 100% me.  Nothing to explain, live up to, justify, or pretend to be.  Do I expect to hear, “Wow, this is great card!” when I hand it out?  No, but if that happens I'm ready with the perfect response, "Thanks!"

The Double Dutch Dinette in Culver City, CA was a place that always made me feel good.  Although I never ate at the Double Dutch Dinette I loved it.  I know I loved it because every once in awhile I would get the sinking feeling of how sad I would be if it were gone.  That’s when a twinge of guilt would hit me, "I got to get in there and eat one of these days - to show my appreciation.”  

The reason I loved the Double Dutch was because of the huge mural that was the main feature of the restaurant's facade.  It was a gigantic photograph of jubilant kids with their smiling moms standing curbside around the ice cream man on a sunny afternoon. 

Every time I saw it, I would be instantly transported back to my childhood.  I could feel the warmth of a summer day back in New Jersey and hear the excited chattering voices of my friends outside.  The photo could have been taken from our living room window.  Before I turned six years old we lived on the second floor above the Stefancci’s in their two family house on Lincoln Street, Passaic, New Jersey.  Everything about the giant photo seemed incredibly familiar.  The style of the clothing, the hairstyles and automobile fit the time period perfectly.  It felt so close to my childhood memory that I just decided to believe it was.  I even became convinced that the license plate on the car was a New Jersey plate.  Since I didn't want to be disappointed if it wasn't, I avoided studying the plate too closely.  But one day I couldn't help myself and took a closer look.  It was hard to believe I wasn't just seeing things, because it looked like one of the old New Jersey plates.  It was! 

For 10 years I have enjoyed driving by the Double Dutch Dinette, like a huge window with the best view of my past.  So when I saw an "AVAILABLE" sign hanging over the mural, I felt a little sad.  What would it be like to never see this wonderful view ever again?  When the demolition began and the façade was covered with scaffolding I just sighed, “Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.” 

Since I am a regular at the Starbuck's was just two doors down from the Double Dutch, I’d see my favorite local landmark slowly disappearing.  During one of my Starbuck's visits I saw the construction crew busy at work and I forced myself to ask what was going to happen to the old facade and Double Dutch Dinette sign?

When the foreman made it clear the Double Dutch Dinette sign was up for grabs I quickly volunteered to take it off his hands.  Nothing was said about the huge mural and I didn't bother asking.  I just assumed it would be destroyed, besides it was too big for me to even consider.  Where the hell would I put it?  But at least the sign would be nice small piece of history I could remember the place by.  It was agreed that I would come back in a week for the sign.

When I returned a week later to the now gutted interior of the Double Dutch, I noticed the sign carefully placed to the side in perfect condition.  The foreman generously asked where I lived and offered to have his crew deliver it to my home during their break that day. 

"How much do I owe you?"  I asked.

He said, "Nothing, don't worry about it."  

"Let me run to the ATM.  I got to at least give you something for delivering it.  I'll be right back." 

As I turned to leave I saw a four by ten foot panel of the old mural leaning against the wall, the other three panels neatly stacked behind it.  It looked magnificent!  

Without hesitating I asked, "What are you going to do with the old mural?"

"No plans, why?"

"If you are just going to get rid of it, I'll take that too!  If that's OK?"

"Really, you want that?  Sure."

He agreed to deliver it to my house with the sign and I ran to the ATM.  I had no idea what the hell I would do with the huge mural but I figured I'd jump off that bridge when I got to it.  Then I called wifey to share the great news.

Today the mural covers a wall in our living room with the letters from the Double Dutch Dinette sign hanging randomly on the walls.  Every morning when I sit quietly with my coffee I enjoy every inch our new space.  It's perfect. 

When guests arrive their response is awesome.  "Oh my God!  This is from that place on Washington Boulevard.  Right?  I loved that mural!  I can't believe you got this.  Wow!" 

Apparently you didn't need to be from New Jersey to appreciate the magical affect this mural seemed to have.  It was just one of those places we all hate to see disappear. 

Have you ever been tempted to walk into an art gallery or museum but that was as far as you got?  If you were afraid to step inside because you didn’t want to feel stupid if you didn’t understand the artwork, you are not alone.  Most people are intimidated by art, including me.  Thanks to fellow artist and teacher, George A. Rada, I can walk into any art gallery or museum and enjoy whatever art is on display, and so can you.

George and I met at an artists’ get-together held by art dealer Molly Barnes at the Roger Smith Hotel in New York City sixteen years ago.  George and I became quick friends.  Over the next few years we visited each other’s studios and enjoyed encouraging one another.  At that time, George was a much more established artist than I, and a teacher at the prestigious Art Students League, so I would listen closely to what he had to say.

One evening he shared how his new student’s were often intimidated by art.  He explained that the reasons most people are intimidated is because they think they must understand art intellectually before they can appreciate it.  Or they think they need to learn a lot more about art before ever setting foot in a gallery or museum.  And trying to learn more about art can be intimidating in itself.   Even art reviews tend to be more pretentious then inviting.  So what’s the solution?  George put it simply, "The idea that you must be sophisticated or knowledgeable to appreciate fine art is erroneous."

The way to enjoy art like a pro is simple: you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy art.  Matter of fact, the less you know the better your experience.  This all may seem like B.S. since it’s contrary to what you may believe, but it should come as a relief.  The only thing necessary for you to do to enjoy art is to bring yourself to an art exhibit, and let the artwork do the rest.  Forget what you’ve read, forget all your preconceived ideas, and just allow yourself to respond to the art on display.  Trust me, it works.

What will happen?  You'll enjoy your own interpretation.  Maybe the artwork will  awaken a long forgotten memory.  Or  a strong emotional feeling will wash over you.  A movie may begin to play in your head starring the characters portrayed in a scene painted by an artist.  There could be a strong attraction to shapes and colors that you can’t quite explain and find fascinating.  You might even become inspired to try something new when you leave, or have the overwhelming compulsion to call up a friend to share what an incredible time you had.  The great fact is, when we allow ourselves to experience art without the burden of anyone else’s opinion, including our own, we feel like we've been a good friend to ourselves.

Hopefully this gives you the confidence to step boldly into an art exhibit any time you have the desire to do so.  You can think of it like going to the theatre, only instead of having actors on stage working to entertain you, you can allow the art to awaken a surprising response. 

What about George?  Sadly George passed away unexpectedly in 2002, but every time I enjoy myself at an exhibit I think of George with a smile and say to myself, “Thanks, George.”