The years fly by so fast and the kids grow so quick that my head spins. I found the past year challenging, a not so satisfying year of illustration, though I was very busy and won a few awards, just didn’t “feel” it. It’s an ongoing challenge trying to be a patient parent, I struggle to get my children to be a bit more active and engaged. Not sure how successful I am on either front. I’m sure all fellow parents will agree that trying to compete with the juggernaut of children’s entertainment is an epic battle. I’ve taken Evan and Rowan on a couple camping trips late in the fall just to have a few non-gizmo days, and they were glorious. Amazing how interested they can become in a pocketknife or a strange fungus growing on the side of a tree. So, one of my goals for 09 and forever is to get them “out there” more. On both of our camping trips we did some hiking on the AT. We met a through hiker on our hike up to Annapolis Rock, an impressive endeavor that I would hope to attempt someday, with one or all of my sons.

    I’m working at home entirely now as I have sublet my other space at the Clipper Mill. This is a good thing as I like to get working very early and I find drive time a waste of time, though sometimes I would bike. The only drawback with working at home is sometimes being here all the time is not always good, a separation of work and home is sometimes advisable. The other is the feeling of isolation one feels. I sometimes miss the excitement of NY, just walking down the street surrounded by energy was at times quite a thrill. I don’t wish to be working a 9 to 5 but I do miss being a bit more social. I do however have the opportunity to communicate with some of my fellow illustrators on Drawger. I’m humbled to be included in a group of such talented an renowned artists.

 

    I did a bit of biking in 08 starting with some indoor cycling and spin classes at the gym then a trip to Death Valley to join a cycling camp. I had come down with the flu the week before leaving, debated as to go or not, went and suffered, left early but still had a memorable experience. I hope to get out there again with my brother Michael in the fall to do a charity ride to benefit (?) I have so many ideas in my head for cycling and hiking adventures, so many and so little time. One idea I had obsessed over quite a bit was riding from Quebec City to the US border and then down the Hudson river valley, possibly to Baltimore, or possibly taking the train home from Albany. I made it to Burlington VT and may possibly finish it in 09. In addition to those two trips I did a few centuries in the area including the Seagull Century back in October. I was joined by my friend Bennett who I met in Montana. Sadly my boys were for the most part excluded from any biking in 08. I think Ian has had enough though I think he enjoyed the bike trip in France 07. I did buy one of those enclosed trailers for Rowan and we did the Tour Dem Parks here in Baltimore and a few short trips on the NCR. I have mentioned to Evan that I would like to ride cross country some day, with him, and he seemed somewhat interested. Who knows what the future holds, patience.

 

 

 

 

 

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