Sorry!

Hello there. I just want to say I'm sorry. 

This is not because I've done anything I need to apologize for (not that I know of anyway.) This is a preemptive apology in case I do something to upset or insult anyone in the next few days. Heck, in the next year. Actually, I'd like to cover my bases for the rest of my lifetime.

I'm sorry!

Truth is, I'm very nice. In fact, people say I'm too nice. But, I don't know what that means. Really. Should I be not nice?!

Sorry!

Like me, you probably did something wrong at some point in your life. You don't even remember the specifics, but you'd like to clear the air, so you say you're sorry. Just in case.

Creative friends, I would like you to consider the possibility that this thing you want to apologize for is actually your secret sauce and very useful for all sorts of art-making. It's the thing that pushes you into the forest of confusion. And that’s a good thing, but since we human beings don't like to live in a state of confusion we try to find our way out of it. We apologize. We get defensive. We even get into fights. 

And we push the Sorry! button. But, I would like to suggest that you resist this impulse to fix things. Rather, stay still. Feel the guilt, the pain, the confusion, the unease. Let it swirl around you until you feel absolutely dizzy and you're sure you're going to faint. 

Now, wait for the room to grow dark and for the stars to appear inside your head. Appreciate this magical dome of confusion. Embrace the moment when the stars form a pattern—a picture, a story, a poem, a song or a dance.

Now it’s time to begin the sacred act of art-making.  

And, have fun.

Love,

Jamie