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What do you want to be when you grow up? Kids begin fielding this question at 3 years old while having fun, tailgate open, hanging on the edge, pretending the family mini-van is a garbage truck. By next week the goal may change. In high school the questions mount, unanswerable for so many teenagers. Endless options and possibilities abound, some occupations yet to be. Having a dream, a goal, something to focus on is constantly stressed. Though most goals aren’t achieved without a map, we must not wear blinders, looking only straight ahead or we miss the scenic route. New encounters, new activities may change our focus which is OK. Veering off our initial path may make us happier. Each painting needs a focal point, and interesting points throughout, and the artist may change the focal point in the midst of painting. Life can be like that too as our focus changes at different stages of our lives. Keep following the lodestar and enjoy the light from others along the way. My current North Star - retirement and endless days of doing as I please. All sounds heavenly. Because of my paints, I have endless paths. Three of my side paths are 3, 3 ½, and 4 ½ years old and I thoroughly enjoy these distractions. They too love to paint. All stand around the ottoman, paintbrush in hand, painting on their pads. Occasionally one helps the other with a stroke or a dot…maybe some extra water. Painting relaxes me and calms them as well, eliminating pent up energy when needed. The trek up the stairs to the studio excites them and eases their wildness. Will any of them love to paint when they are grown? Not sure, but I hope I have planted a seed.