To be a professional is to be able to perform in real time. When you’re up there on the stage, in the spotlight and it’s time to perform, are you up for the task? I’ve had several instances when a panic attack will hit me hard, self consciousness comes in and slows you down, your body starts shaking. It’s not fun. But today I’ve been able to keep such things at bay mostly by underachieving, which isn’t a very good solution if your aim is to be a professional. I’ve lived long enough to let go of some of my anxieties and hangups, because at the end of the day you have to be comfortable with you.

One of the good things AA taught me is the Good Orderly Direction acronym for a higher power. Sometimes it helps to set goals for yourself just to see if you can accomplish them and be able to do it in an timely manner. So that why I painted this watercolor with the Tin Man’s heart, sometimes just keeping in time is a form of love.

The necklace is an upgrade for Dorothy, a ruby encrusted Golden Compass, so she can go wherever she wants and doesn’t have to follow the Yellow Brick Road anymore! I’ve got a plan for a new painting with this concept in it along with the other characters, so keep a lookout for that!