Canvas, Paint, & the Stubborn, Sloppy Act of Daily Gratitude: Day One

(Sometimes it’s tough to feel at home in your own city.  Which is why I’ve given myself a challenge:  each day, for forty days, I’m going to find *one* thing I love about this place.  And then I’m going to tell you about it.  If you want to follow my journey, start here.  Today is Day One.) 

Yesterday, I did something I should have done a long time ago:  I took an art class.  For the first time since elementary school.  Yes, really.

I showed up at a local studio, Salem Art Center .  I sat down for two hours and painted, even though I didn’t really know what I was doing.  Even though I’m not a “real” artist.

I met people.

I got paint all over my hands.

I laughed at my mistakes.

I made something that might be, in its own small way, beautiful.  Eventually.

And then I came home, feeling just a little bit more alive than I have in months.  If I had to pick a perfect place to begin my stubborn little journey toward loving my city, this would be it.

Here’s to messy, faltering new beginnings.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.