One Log at a Time

Wood, wood and more wood

All stacked

It was 4 below last night. Because it has been so cold, we've burned through more firewood this year than we had planned on. Another cord was delivered this morning and it needed to be stacked today before it snows again. As we were stacking I was thinking that sometimes stacking wood is like making art, not the creative part, but the work part. You begin with enthusiasm and work for a while. Then you get tired, take a break and review your work. Somehow, the pile looks bigger than when you started. You think of reasons to take another break but you keep working and It still looks like you're never going to get through it. At this point, it would be very easy to walk away and have a cup of tea, watch a movie or check your email, but you slog on through and keep stacking and stacking and stacking. All of a sudden, the pile on the ground is gone and a beautiful stack of wood has appeared.

I have often heard Peter tell students to make a small painting every day. At the end of the month, they will have 30 paintings that they didn't have last month. The same is true for all creative endeavors. In order to refine your vision, cultivate your skills and build a body of work you have to start today and keep working every day, even when the popcorn and lazy boy are calling your name -- resist, focus and press on!