2015, like a snake shedding skin.

1. "Go to the people whose eyes light up when they see you." I scribbled that in a notebook years ago and it's a quote that I use as a rudder in both business and personal relationships. Life is so much simpler with this in place. 
2. Find a balance between being too flexible and too busy. A couple of years after moving to LA I had a studio visit with the director of the Santa Monica Museum of Art. What I remember the most was how the appointment was booked. It's a model for how I book meetings and how I view others when they handle appointments. It was gracious and accommodating, taking in account that artists have lives also. Here's the lowdown: They called and left a message on my answering machine a week in advance saying they'd like to do a studio visit. They offered me two days (something like Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) and three slots (morning, afternoon and late afternoon). This way of handling appointments gives both parties some flexibility and takes in account that artists have schedules too. It also saves the back and forth that goes on when trying to find a "convenient" time to meet via email or txt. I also use this as a judge of character. I figured if a museum director in Los Angeles could be gracious and flexible in scheduling appointments, everyone could. 
3. Go with the gut.
4. Say yes, or no— not, maybe or why not.
5. Don't buy into other people insecurities. 
6. Stay away from the crazies. 
7. Say thank-you.
8. Support causes you believe it.
9. Support artists you believe in. 
10. Don't skimp on the important stuff. 
11. Stay away from people who do. 
12. Hold doors open for people who have their hands full.
13. Budget for travel, no matter how small or mundane.
14. Take more pictures.
15. Don't give up on painting.
16. Talk to people. Hear their story.
17. Listen. Be aware of people who pretend to listen. 
18. Sit. Still. 
19. Love. 
20. And for the love of God, don't ask for something when you don't want it or advice when you don't need it. [slap]
21. Find a job, pick up lucrative free-lance assignmrnts that make you feel good about having earned two degrees AND having paid off all your student loans. 
22. Have compassion for people who don't get it. 
23. Out with the old!