A few days ago, I went to the Soup and Bread benefit night at the Hideout pub. My friend, Chuck Sudo, editor at the Chicagoist, was moderating a discussion with three artists from Chicago. The discussion theme was how does living in Chicago influence one’s art. Tony Fitspatrick, graffiti/collage/tatoo artist, said that everyone has their own Chicago. We all have a story or memory that we want to get back to whether it is last summer or that certain neighborhood corner market that no longer exists.  As I work on Paddling in Spite of the Ordinary, I am reminded of why I want tell stories. It is the act of making stories that keeps me engaged. Part the challenge will be if the stories I tell will take us back or forward.

I’ve decided to start a new series of teasers for Paddling in Spite of the Ordinary(to be released in 2016). Enjoy the first in the series.