When I started doing this blog thing I wasn't sure how I wanted to flow with it. I knew I wanted to share my work. I knew I wanted to share art and pop culture stuff I liked and I knew I wanted to keep my private life private. What I didn't know is how much fun this could be. I also didn't realize how hard it would be to find the right balance between the personal and the popular and to find that right 'tone' to communicate in.

I've received some great feedback from a lot of you and it's appreciated. As I read over the blog today I realized that I really haven't been sharing very much of me with you. I will always remain a fairly private person because that's simply who I am. However, I also realize one of the best things about the internet and blogging in particular is that you can connect in a meaningful way with other people. So I'm going to do just that today.

As I type this, it is the best of times and the worst of times for me. I am in a group exhibition called White Lies-Black Noise that opens on November 18th at Rush Arts in Chelsea. It's my first major show in NYC and I am excited about it. This blog has taken off, I"ve been selling new paintings and drawings recently, I'm presenting an award in a televised awards show in DC in November and I just resumed shooting fashion spreads this past week. My fine art photo portrait series about the Urban LGBT community is proceeding full speed ahead and I have one other surprise up my sleeve.

Simultaneously it has also been the worst of times. The last 18 months have seen my stepfather pass away, my favorite Uncle die suddenly and before he turned 60 years old, my favorite Aunt is losing her eye sight to diabetes and today my grandmother's long, slow and emotionally painful battle with Alzheimers ended in her passing.

It is not my intent to depress you, but to point out that which is most important. I am sharing this because in the midst of all this death and sickness I have realized and remembered some simple truths. Death is a part of life, but what you do with the days, moments and memories created between birth and death is what defines your life. Life is fragile and temporary so it should be enjoyed everyday like it's your last. It's this kind of passionate living that creates fond memories, lasting success and loving bonds that even death cannot destroy.

My mother has shouldered her burdens with grace. The love my family shares transcends the reality of life and death. My grandmother was nearly 101 years old and was been blessed with a good life and a family that loves her and survives to carry her wisdom to the next generation.

When I cry (and I do often), it's tears of joy and gratitude. I am grateful for having people love me unconditionally, I am grateful for the gift of creativity. I am grateful for having been taught how to love without condition. It's this capacity to love that has blessed me with great friends and business associates that have become an extension of my family.

So to each of you I say this:

live each day like your last and love freely expecting NOTHING in return

To do this is to live a full and complete life and to put more joy into the world.

You are what you dream, so dream beautifully and live the results...I do.