Heavy heart on a beautiful day.

Yes, it's gorgeous outside today. Sunny but not too hot... my favorite kind. But we all see on the news what's happening around the country, and more often than not it's just a little difficult to stay unaffected: the huge Metrolink crash in Chatsworth, Hurricane Ike, Iraq, the economy, friends sinking in the mire of the real estate market, the dirty politics of the current presidential campaign, and more. I can't help but get frustrated, angry, sad, and more than a little blue. I think I'm in the same boat as the majority of the country. (Big boat.) A lot of folks are suffering in various ways, and I send out prayers and good thoughts.

And while I think that it's important to retain a bit of discontent in tough times – It's a catalyst for change. – it's also important to count the blessings. That's what I'm a-gonna do. The family is doing great. Grandma is rarin' to get back to her routine after quite the year of surgeries. Niece Maddie and nephew Karson had their first day of school. I loved the pics of Maddie with her beautiful "first day of school" flowers. Friends are doing great (and doing some great work on stages around the country). I look forward to a bit of globetrotting over the next couple of weeks: NYC (to celebrate friends and meet up with some friends who have come to me via the illustration work) and Wichita (to celebrate Music Theatre of Wichita and have a great time drawing and singing for folks). I'm thankful for art projects that are getting off the ground with great promise for the future. And I look ahead to a great job during the holidays. And more. There is so much to be thankful for.

And finally, there's this beautiful day. The warm sun. The cool breezes. Gentle blessings often taken for granted. I give thanks and look ahead to an even better day. So be it. Take care, all. Peace and love.

Good day (and more to come).

Sometimes days just line up with a good vibe and some nice productivity. Today, I visited church, successfully tackled some illustration work while nurturing a nice caffeine buzz, grabbed a bite with brotha Sammy, and made some headway on planning the upcoming NYC trip. And along the way, I found this little random burst of color (see photo). At the CPK near church, it looks like someone did a little vigorous coloring. Scribbling like the wind! I like that.

Yes, I'm heading to NYC in just over a week. Can't wait! Many friends are in various chapters of their runs in NY shows, and I can't wait to celebrate that. I also look forward to visiting some of my Squigs' Ink peeps. I'm hoping to be able to take part somehow in the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Broadway Flea Market. If it works out, I'll be lending a hand to friends at the [title of show] table. And in addition to spending my usual time in the Theatre District, I want to venture out a bit further and see more stuff Uptown and especially Downtown. I just picked up a tote big enough for my sketchbook, camera, and a guide book, and along with my Metrocard, it sounds like a little package of adventure! I can't wait to see all sorts of friends – NYC friends, Wichita friends, Texas friends, LA friends, Vegas friends. And I'm thankful to friends who are helping me with accomodations... Colby Q, Garrett Elise, and Kilty. Thank you, folks!

So now I'm spending the week taking care of some bidness. I also want to catch my buddy Scotty's one-man show Served at the Whitefire, Plaid compadre Stevie in the pre-Broadway Memphis down in La Jolla, and maybe the Watkins at Largo.

So from LA to NYC (then to KS), life is nice and full. I'm so thankful. Take care, all. Be curious. Peace and love!