If you want to live an interesting life go into the arts.
One of the perks of being a professional artist (or just a rumply art bum like me) is that it makes for excellent fodder to kick start a conversation whenever and wherever you find yourself. Over the years I’ve discovered that no matter where I go people are fascinated when they find out I’m an artist. Who knew?! Whenever they hear that tidbit about me they will (usually) become quite sociable and pepper you with questions and want to see your work. Or maybe they will want to talk about their own grandkids and how talented they are. Sometimes, if I’m really lucky and they are in a good mood, they will ask me to do a little something for them. Like help them carry their groceries to their car. I can handle that! Or even spit shine their shoes! Hey, I can do that too! I got lots of spit and I know how to use it! I’ve got the Air Force to thank for that because I never knew how (or even cared) how to spit shine anything until a grumpy TI in basic training acquainted me with the noble art of the spit shine. I never did learn to fly a fighter jet but boy could I make my boots shine in the dark! And now here I am, an artist using my hard won creative skills to help carry heavy grocery bags for elderly folk and making shoes shine brighter than anyone ever dreamed possible everywhere I go. I knew my artistic talents would carry me far and I’m so happy that my creative work is finally being recognized at long last. And if you’ve ever wondered, shoe leather really does taste better than escargot.
