I’m back and I’m “bionic.”

After an extended sabbatical for a couple of surgeries and some other general maintenance, I feel primed to resume carving steel.  [Just for the sake of those who keep track of these things, I now have two titanium hips and two toric lenses, replacing cataracts in each of my eyes and I won’t even go into my dental work.] 

Obviously, for the form of art I produce, having two working hips and two working eyes is excellent.  I started some work before the hiatus, and it has been a source of guilt induced avoidance for some months.  It feels really great to anticipate finishing those partly done pieces. 

At 85 years old, I am distressed at the number of important people I am losing from my life.  Producing art can’t really replace them, but I am grateful to be able to produce art still and to witness the growth of our many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  I could say it keeps me young, but it doesn’t.  It is wonderful, nevertheless, and I want to be there for them in this chaotic time on the planet.