As I scrolled through Instagram yesterday, I ran across this post from one of Natalie’s friends. And I thought, “Adults do Too!” In our world today, the arts are suffering. There are no large gatherings for concerts. Plays are cancelled, and so many museums have been closed. If there were ever a time where we need art, it is now. The world is filled with fear and concern and offensiveness, even hatred. So many people seem to be focused on what is wrong in the world instead of what is right or beautiful or good. There is so much of that in the world. So much beauty in nature. Oftentimes in history and even in our own lives, when the focus is on survival art gets pushed to the side. I know why that is the case today, but I will say that even in tough times and especially in those times focused on just surviving and staying healthy and getting groceries and keeping a job, it is art that helps us keep going. I would say that it does more than keep us going, it enhances life. A great song in the car, a great movie or series, or a great book can bring a little sunshine into a tough day. I know I have talked to so many people that survived the quarantine with Netflix and great books. Art is more than painting or coloring. When I say art I mean The Arts—plays, music (symphonies and concerts), poetry, architecture, novels, and visual art. So, I think we all need art. Kids need art! Adults need art! We are all creators and spectators. Nature is the greatest creation. Take some time to get out in it. Take a walk. See what you can see! Picasso is known for two quotes I love—”Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” “Every child is an artist. The problem is to remain an artist once they grow up.” The last quote doesn’t mean that we are all meant to be painters or song writers. It means every child is born creating like the Creator, but life gets in the way and we forget. And we get serious and focus on survival and forget to create and to dream and to dance and to read good books and to have child-like faith.

Today, I went for a run in the woods. The whole time I kept thinking about Ashton’s t-shirt. And I kept thinking how important art and beauty and nature and love are to the enrichment of the human life for both young and old alike. I felt like maybe there was something I could do. So, I want to challenge anyone who may be reading this to share beauty somehow. We owe it to the world. If we have joy, we can share it. If we have love, may we share it. If we have hope, may we share it. If you have an Instagram or Facebook account, make one post of something beautiful or artistic—a photo of beauty, a poem, song lyrics, something. “Share beauty. Share love. Share art.”

After my run I went home and gathered lots of my art and drove back down to where I had my run. I may be arrested for littering, but I left the pieces there for others to take or to share with a friend. Each one had a note saying it wasn’t litter, but a gift. It may have been weird, but it was today’s idea for how to share my art. I wanted to share more than a photo on social media or a blog post. I wanted an idea for how to share the real thing. In a world where people are sharing germs, criticism, condemnation, judgement, and fear, may we share love and hope and our own individual versions of art. As the little card says in all my art—”You are unique! You are special! You are a masterpiece!” And you are made in the image of the Master Creator. So, create and share that beauty whatever your type of “art” may be!

This is one of the spots where I left the little paintings. I hope paople understand that they are gifts.