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...Shakespeare has such a way with words. They stir up powerful visuals, which never become shopworn from over use.

This article will lean more towards the “sticking place,” than the “screwing your courage.”
I was reminded recently of an early “aha” experience. When my kids were younger, I was involved in many projects with them. When my son Jim, became interested in rifle shooting, we joined the NRA and I taught rifle safety...one of the points made, was to maintain a position, even after the round had left the rifle....it was called follow-though...keeping your eye on the mark.

And when my son, David, became interested in bowling, I taught bowling. And for all you bowlers out there, you already know about continuing your upward arm movement even after you release the ball...it is called follow-though.

Then, on that “aha” day, I remembered typing and guitar playing (one at which I am fairly good and the other, at which I stink). You can know where all the keys/chords are, but until you practice them (which is a form of follow-through) nothing much happens. You only improve and pick up speed and ability by repetition.

I began looking at all areas of my life, and became certain that “follow-through” was a real key to growth, improvement and self/spiritual development.
It is a form of self-discipline which we impose upon selected areas of our lives. I say selected, because of our own talents and interests, we must choose where we will spend time in “repetitious” movement.

I remember, while living in Sedona, a friend of mine, Al, did carvings from plaster of paris cubes. I was intrigued and he handed me a cube and a carving tool. My first face was quite a disappointment to me. But, as I studied it, I realized what needed to be done to allow for more stylized features. I did three faces, each more detailed than the last. And then realized that I had before me a mini-museum of the history of man’s carving abilities. I had the flat faces of early carvers, coming along to more focus on cheek and nose detail to more intricate details and balance of eyes and mouth. Through my choice to spend time in the repetition of carving, I saw abilities mature––not through anyone else’s direction, but through my own self-correction. I studied my work and made changes to areas which were unsatisfactory, thus improving each subsequent effort.

I carry that self-correction into my life today. There is hardly an issue of The Messenger, which is not scrutinized and pondered over for change and improvement.

With this in mind, I hope you enjoy our new covers. They are taken from painters and digital artists from around the U.S.

Also, please be aware that our March issue will give birth to a new Palm Springs Section, with local writers and events.

And, back to self-reflection...where do you give time for “repetition” in your life? What areas have become sluggish and are in need of self-correction? Where do you want change?

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