Adventure is always scary

I was waiting in line at the post office the other day.  I watched a young woman get a huge package, an expected huge package.  She was clearly excited.  Just as I thought it she said it, " How am I going to get this home?"  I had seen her ride in on her bicycle and the box was not a 'tuck under your arm' kind of package.  I offered her and her huge box (a surprise love package from home) a ride to her apartment.

This adventurer had moved to Alaska to finish up her schooling. She wanted to do something different before the cogs of adult life started grinding away.  She was still wild eyed and a bit unsure about the life Alaska brings.  But she had hiked a mountain peak and couldn't not believe she had done something so amazing and so beautiful. 

Adventure is always scary.  Big scary or small scary there is always a disclaimer that comes with something new.  Take this watercolor of a young wolf pup.  I was hired to illustrate another author's children's book.  He wanted watercolor as the medium.  Period.  I reminded him my speciality is oil.  He picked up my first illustration job, a book called "Super Sprouts", and said, "This is watercolor right?"

Curses! He had me.  I could see by the manuscript that watercolor was the right fit but taking on a job with detail watercolor was scary!  Yes, my focus in college was watercolor but I am sad to say that was MANY years ago.  Do I bail on a new, challenging adventure?  Yell FIRE and head for the exit?

I have gone through a lot of watercolor paper but I am finally in the groove.  I am really enjoying myself too.  Being at my drawing table instead of an easel feels good.  Finding those techniques learned long ago can only make me a better artist.

As Signore Greve would tell you, adventure never disappoints.  Maybe it only makes for a great,ridiculous story of disaster with friends and a bottle of wine but who doesn't love a great, ridiculous disaster story?  If your caller i.d. tells you adventure is calling be sure to answer, even it is with a hesitant hello.