Signed, Sealed, Delivered...

Yesterday I attended the 40th birthday party of my friend Jay. I walked into the day as I would any social situation, wondering if I'd manage to socialize like a normal human or end up looking for a way out. It was easier than usual in that I pulled up at the same time as Jim Fore and was able to walk in with him. Then someone recognized me from an online pagan men's forum and we had a really good chat. From that chat I somehow managed to segue into another and then another conversation. I met a friend from Twitter who lives in NYC who happens to also be friends with Jay and his partner Scott as well as their friend Jeffrey who I had visited for a long weekend in St. Louis once. It was quite the party and I socialized as if I don't have any anxiety about parties at all! I also re-connected with Pepper Partin. She is a writer and fabulous human I've had the opportunity to brush up against at parties before. I really hope to connect with her this time in a deeper way as I really respect her and the work of hers I've known. She and her partner are building an 'urban ranch' on their property in historic Irvington. How awesome is that!?

At any rate, none of this is the point. The point is that I gave Jay a piece of art for his birthday. Not just art, but something I made myself. It is the first time I have framed a piece of my own work that I can remember. It is the first time I have signed something I've made since I was in high school. It was amazing to work myself up to that. At first it was this thinking, "If it's going to be a gift it has to be framed." I used a really nice frame that I had at home with a nice black matte board. That part was easier. The decision to sign it, though, was harder. Signing this thing I'd made was like stating to the world, "I'm an artist." I don't think of myself in those terms. I like to make stuff but it doesn't feel like what I think artists do. I know some artists.

The gift was a hit, though, and I was and am excited about that. It is also going to be a new practice. I realize that I must start signing all of my "art." It's okay to lay claim to what we present to the world whether it comes from us or through us. I think, in fact, that it is a way of offering gratitude to the muses of genious and beauty who bring to and through us the gifts we offer. So, I'm thinking that way regardless of what it is. I feel as if some part of me is more full with this owning of this gift. I don't know if that makes sense. Words are hard for this one.

Below is a digital version of what I gave him. Print it. Before you put it anywhere, though, sign it. Its yours too. Remember? You are all only here to bring me to my enlightenment so that I may fully recognize you in yours. May you sign this image and remember your own Buddha nature. May you reflect back to others theirs as well.