Yeah, I'm a Romantic...."Whatcha gonna do about it?"

An observation recently shared with me, "Daniel, your work has become too romantic." ......Well, hmmm? Let's see....

Ok, after carefully considering this remark and reviewing myself I have decided, "Yes. I have become more of a romantic." I am also probably halfway through my lifetime ......and after all the bumps, bruises and asskickings life has dished out, I had to decide at some point to "either learn to look on the brightside or be miserable" and risk becoming a cynic. There is a difference between life toughening you up and allowing it to put a chip on your shoulder.

And folks...."Cynics suck the life out of everything."

Their observations, although often true, leave no room for compromise. They have forgotten what the roses smell like, because they are too upset about the bullshit underneath. For them it is not enough to point out cold truths or enlighten us to life's politics. They can't just mention things and let it stand for consideration. I believe they get off on making themselves, as well as those around them, miserable..... and woe be to the one who tries to explains to them that, "There is a difference between sharing a viewpoint and clubbing the crowd bloody with your soapbox."

Besides, who really wants to end up a miserable old person dumped in an old folks home. I would rather listen to kids playing than to hiss and chase them out of my yard. I would rather my family enjoy me being around, than have to draw straws to see who will tolerate me during the holidays..... AND..... I would rather paint "what I want to" and "because I love to", rather than "what or how" others think I should.

"Yo Daddy Don't Like Me", 36x45"

When I was a kid I dated this girl for a couple years. "Amy Marcle".......It was serious. She was much more to me than just a date, a pretty girl, or locker room bragging rights. I even had to deck a couple of guys who "inquired" about the nature of our intimacy. Being that I had lost my virginity with her, what we shared was more than just, "a fuck". It was special and I loved her. Hmm......I really thought we would get married after high school and be together to this day.

And wouldn't you know it....her dad hated me.

During this time I had long hair, an earring and was fond of sleeveless tshirts. This was the eighties.....Sweetwater, Tx......long hair and earrings were not acceptable. Not to mention the crowd I ran with. Felons in training......everyone. But I could not convince him I had the best intentions. That underneath the rough exterior was an altarboy. (Go ahead, laugh...I really was a good kid) He even chased me off once with a hose. I came walking up the sidewalk and he was watering the yard. I said, "Hi Johnny", and I was answered with a cold burst in the face and him yelling, " Get the hell outta here!" (Although, I envisioned the village carrying torches and screaming, "Kill the monster"!)

Time has a way of providing perspective. I'm 41 now and I live a long way across town from 16. A lot of what I thought would happen between myself and Amy... I now realize was just a boy's romantic notions. I am aware I hung out with punks and looked liked one. And..... I'm a daddy.....of three beautiful daughters.....whom I love dearly......and only want the best for. Whom I am not above killing for, or at least maiming, to see their hearts aren't broken. I am also a judgmental daddy of my daughters suitors, callers, notepassers, kiss blowers, etc. If a kid with long hair, earring/s, and a sleeveless AC/DC tshirt came knocking...my radar would set off national emergency warnings in my head.......and I would light a torch.

"Hound" 48x72"

Hound- 1. a type of dog that assists hunters by tracking or chasing the animal being hunted. 2. a person who pursues like a hound; especially : one who avidly seeks or collects something.