Ho, ho, ho! It has always been my attempt through these monthly words I share with you, to serve up a snack of artful endeavors and creative thought. Something to munch on, if you will. As we begin waving goodbye to 2006, one can't help thinking about receiving a shinny new 2007. All new memories and options to enjoy. That new year smell, what could be better? Perhaps a navigation system? The best thing is, while there is some paper work to do (there's always paper work), you don't have to haggle over the price ..... because it's FREE! Can you imagine, what a deal. Every year you get a nice new year for free, to do whatever you want with. There's one catch, you have to survive the one you just traded in. I'm sure some of you are now thinking, well Tom, that was a let down, but it's not intended to be, that's life. As they say "This is not rehearsal, this is the play and the show is on." So, live it to your fullest and to do this, it helps to be creative. Creativity is a way of thinking, not something you can buy it in a store. Some of us will waste the year a way, wondering what to do, pondering over decisions, dilemmas and even death. Others will live life creatively, with the curiosity of youth, with all the adventure of a great book and knowing that life is not about the shinny new year you'll get, but making the very best of the one you have. We live in a world so often only measured by income. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with income, it's part of life too, but it shouldn't be the ultimate yardstick of life. Possibly the better measurement is to ask, did you challenge yourself? What did you learn from it? How will you use it tomorrow, not just next year ? What did you give to your community? What have you discovered? Did you meet someone new? How might that person affect your life?

I was at a social event last night. There was a fairly large crowd. Conversation filled the air. (that's code for, it was noisy) As I rounded a corner, there was an older women sitting by herself in a chair, but smiling, just looking about. I sat down for a second and said "How are you?" She look at me and said "Very, very well". I said, "Wow, not just one very, but two, that really says something". She responded with a bigger smile and a bit of laughter and vigor, "Yes, exceptional". "Everyone looks so nice and everything is so pretty". Her many trade ins of old years for new, was no surprise to me. She had a great attitude. I suspect she got more out of one year, than many of us will get out of five. She is a young thinker.

Yes, this year is largely in your rear view mirror, but it still has places it can take you. Let it.

FOR THE NEW YEAR

Next year, I would like to not only continue to explore the topics of art as I have, but go a step further by sharing some of my personal experiences as an artist and spotlighting others who immerse themselves in creative thinking or businesses. As well, I would love to hear from any of you that may have topics or questions I might be able to help with and certainly this also includes the wider reading audience of this paper. All the best to you, your families and friends. Have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and yes, NEW YEAR. I understand for those of you with a busy year ahead, that the new 2007 comes with reclining bucket seats! Enjoy!