My friend Glen Gunnell recommended I read the book “Steal Like An Artist” by Austin Kleon, and it is a treasure box of amazing thoughts, ideas, habits, and simple truths. One chapter that rang true for me was “Step Away From the Screen.” I spend a lot of time in front of the screen, and while I enjoy it, there are times that I feel the life force being sucked out of me if I remain glued too long. Kleon quotes Lynda Barry, a cartoonist, “In the digital age, don’t forget to use your digits!”

“While I love my computer, I think computers have robbed us of the feeling that we’re actually making things.” – Austin Kleon

My Dad always told us to have a hobby or something that we can do with our hands. He always had his pocket knife or drawing pen, and during the years he suffered with cancer it was the drawing, sculpting, and carving that gave him the joy for life to keep a smile on his face in spite of the pain he had to endure.

Thanks for this life lesson Dad. I miss you, but every time I pick up a pen or my carving knife I think of the fun times we had.

You were a true artist Dad.