Try listening

Slow down time

Charcoal on bond paper

Skype drawing

8 1/2 x 11 inches

Barbara Muir © 2012

I like this drawing of my son Sam from 8 years ago.  He was talking to

me on Skype at the end of the day, and was getting up and biking

to work at a Starbucks to open the store at 5 in the morning.  He was tired,

like we all are now. 

Things looked up for him after this.  He moved into a house with a bunch 

of kids he liked, and had fun for the rest of his university studies.

What I like about the drawing is the fact that he is listening.

And he's good at it.  

It seems to me, living in a family of talkers.  As teachers, actors,

project managers, film directors, writers -- we know how to talk.

That is a lucky break for us.  And at this time in our world, it's

also important to listen.  Hear what people are saying, and figure

out what to do. And that's about all of it.  I was happy to

see that the mayor of D.C. ordered a huge Black Lives Matter 
message to be painted in bright yellow on the street leading to
the White House. I was happy to see so many protests taking place.
Change is happening.  If we listen, there is hope in the air.