Painted Stones (controversy)

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I taught art in a mental institution once. Later, I was PR Director for the Pinellas County Arts Council serving 26-adjoining municipalities in the Clearwater-St. Pete area. Then, a few years ago, after a hard personal loss, I took up painting South Pacific/Maori-style fish designs on scraps of wood.

So I guess you can say I’m inclined to appreciate mankind’s artsy side, especially beachy art things made by beachy people.

Painted stones are neat. I have a few at Pineapple Hill. I didn’t realize it was controversial.

beachy art things designs on scraps of wood painted stones Pinellas County Arts Council South Pacicifc Maori-style

Bad things happened, an entire run of them that shut me down, caused me to withdraw from everything except my inner self.

One afternoon, in a hammock, I took a photo of myself. Just my legs. But there was no one to send it to. No one to understand.

I needed a sidekick so I sketched an armadillo because they’re crusty on the outside but not within. I made him my butler. Crusoe’s manservant Friday.

We began interacting—my hammock photo speaking to that critter, that critter speaking back.There’s a folder of cartoons somewhere. For now there’s just this one. (LINK)

Eventually after that I began writing novels.

I’m still a hermit, marooned you might say, but leaving my shell more and more—my inner self seeking its freedom through writing.