trees and how to live

Willa Cather said, "I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do."

pure white ground

"For those colors which you wish to be beautiful, always first prepare a pure white ground."
~ Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)

Starting with a white canvas, is that a bit like starting with a clean slate? No clutter. Nothing in the way. Not even you.

Just a pure white ground that lets what you put down--brush strokes, words, notes--shine out in all their true colors.

In writing, I think that means getting out of the way so the story can come through.

My editor once gave me some great advice: don't ask, "am I a good writer?" Ask, "am I telling a good story?"

Joy and the story

"The story begins and ends in joy." J R R Tolkein