The Veins of Nature Paiting and the Creative Process (The Arts)

This painting came out of a couple days of creative wandering, which is a polite way of saying I stared at a canvas until it got awkward and then finally put paint on it. I’m not the world’s greatest painter—and I don’t pretend to be—but this piece was meant to be an impressionist abstract showing how every society has a lifeblood running through it. That’s what the “veins” represent. The lighthouse is there to guide us toward something better. And the ocean? Honestly, I just really like oceans, so boom—ocean.

The painting is for sale, and I’ll even cover shipping because I’m nice like that. If you’re interested, send me a message on the right. I can ship it matted, unmatted, or emotionally supported—your call.

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A creative process

1. Start With an Idea

I begin with a mental image of what I want to create. Sometimes I sketch it first. Sometimes I just start painting like a chaotic goblin with a brush. It depends on the day.

2. Lay Down the Base Colors

Next comes the big color blobs. No mixing. No finesse. Just the artistic equivalent of yelling “FOUNDATION!” and slapping paint on.

3. Add the Details

Then I start refining—adding details, fixing things, creating depth, and pretending I totally meant for it to look that way.

4. Step Back and Adjust

At this point I step back, squint at it, tilt my head like a confused dog, and adjust whatever looks weird. This loop repeats approximately 47 times.

5. Stop When It Feels Finished

Eventually, I reach that magical moment where I declare, “Yep, that’s done,” either because I’m satisfied or because I’ve run out of snacks. Either way—finished.

6. Share the Final Painting

Up it goes on the webpage! And yes, it’s still for sale. And yes, shipping is still free. And yes, I will still ship it matted or unmatted. I’m flexible like that.

7. Reflect on the Process

People sometimes ask why I bother with painting in the first place. Simple: art is a deeply human experience, and honestly, we need more of that. Every painting teaches me something new, gives my brain a much-needed stretch, and lets me see things from a fresh angle.

I’ll never claim to be a great artist, but the process keeps me thinking, keeps me curious, and keeps me learning—and that alone makes it worth doing. I also have an art page I'm building. Art Page

The Veins of Nature

The Greater Responsibilities To Foster Transactional Trust By Minimizing Hate and Corruption (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only). 

A philosophical discussion
on the real and hidden 
nature of men and how
bringing focus on 
togetherness and shared
histories and futures
leads to greater social
development and economic
performance. 

Review Son of 
Man

(Sorry I like philosophy and art.)

Let’s talk about how hate and corruption affect society and economic development. Social and economic systems are deeply connected. Economics is really a measurement of choices, and those choices are shaped by our social values.

The Story of the Clan highlights how a society can split into two groups—an in-group and an out-group—and what consequences follow. When institutions or groups treat others differently, injustice grows, and both social and economic systems begin to degrade. This story helps us imagine what that breakdown might look like and how institutional failures, bias, and corruption can lead to long-term decline.

But the allegory has a silver lining and also shows the opposite: when divided groups come together around shared principles—like fairness, rights, shared futures—new value is created. Social cohesion strengthens economic resilience, sparks new knowledge, and encourages growth.

If institutions favor one religion, race, political identity, or group over another, unwritten rules begin to replace fair ones. Once that happens, the underlying economic assumptions shift. Patterns become harder to measure, and the risk of instability increases. It may not happen immediately, but the likelihood of economic and/or social disruption grows.

On the other hand, when society unites around shared values, exchange improves—both in speed and in quality. As a transactional process improving the efficiency and value of social exchanges among different people leads to value creation. Much like you would find if a new market was created except this one is right there in front of us but we struggle to see it as assumptions hold us back (Mirroring back sometmes leads to new information and minimization of assumptions that allow us to see new paths.) People share more knowledge, trust increases, and the overall economy benefits  Research supports this: stronger social trust leads to stronger economic performance. 

Perhaps our renaissance was infront of our face waiting to be tapped.

Trust is essential in any society. To build a stable future, we have to think beyond the present, consider the needs of the next generation, and bring people together around common principles. Doing so puts us in the best position to maximize human potential and support sustainable economic development. Any time you can improve an institutions performance around core values we should do so. There is a greater responsibility beyond the narratives of the day. 

Law should support the moral conscious of the heart.

*As a philosophical theoretical discussion you can adjust or change around the elements and come up with your own conclusion. There is no right or wrong answer but helpful and unhelpful ones. Take with a grain of salt. 

January Inflation 2026 Consumer Price Index 2.4% for 2025 (Janice Starts a Business to Pick Up Extra Money)

(Illustrative Only)

Janice starts an outdoor
clothing shop selling
snowmobile, side by side,
and atv clothing.
The goal is to take her
money and put it into
something she thinks
will make more than inflation.

She things Escanaba
might be a good place to start
her clothing line.

Inflation is a measure used to understand how the value of money changes over time. As inflation rises, your purchasing power falls. That’s why earning $20,000 a year a century ago meant something very different than earning the same amount today. When our grandparents paid 50 cents for a gallon of gasoline and we now pay $4, $5, or even $6 depending on the region, that’s inflation at work.

While taxes, import costs, and other factors influence prices, inflation itself is typically measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI tracks price changes across a collection of common goods and services. You can see the governments consumer price index below.

Inflation can occur for several reasons:

• Demand-pull inflation — too many dollars chasing too few goods.

• Cost-push inflation — rising expenses for raw materials, metals, tariffs, or supply chain disruptions.

• Inflation expectations — when people and businesses anticipate higher prices, which can reinforce rising costs.

So far this year, inflation has remained relatively moderate. A few categories have seen noticeable increases, which you can view in the charts linked above.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX - JANUARY 2026

• Headline inflation (CPI) rose 0.2% in January 2026 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

• On a 12-month basis, consumer prices increased 2.4% (not seasonally adjusted).

• Core CPI (all items less food and energy) increased 0.3% in January (seasonally adjusted).

• Over the past year, core inflation was up 2.5% (not seasonally adjusted).

• Shelter prices contributed to the overall increase in January.

• The next CPI report (for February 2026 data) is scheduled for release on March 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Finding Meaning: The Idea of Purpose, Enjoyment and Human Capital

Let’s move on to human capital development through the lens of finding purpose and meaning. Many young people begin their careers without really knowing what they want to do or what they should study in college/tradeschool. They often choose something that seems interesting, familiar, or influenced by what they’ve seen on TV or from others around them.

Every person brings a unique set of skills—some innate, others developed through learning, training, and exposure to new ideas. But many people drift without direction, letting life push them around. Sometimes they end up in good places; other times, they get lost at sea. Having a sense of purpose creates a focal point for one's actions and decisions.

Over the years, I’ve met people with a wide range of passions: some love working with orphans (I’ll include a link below in case you’d ever like to donate), others love sports, camping, painting, fixing cars, the outdoors, fishing, or hunting. These interests become their outlets, and sometimes their callings.

Ideally, you can combine your passions with your work. Making a living doing what you enjoy is a wonderful thing. If you love teaching, you’ll naturally gravitate toward activities related to it—and if you can earn money doing so, even better. If you love theater and it’s tough to make a living in that field, you can still participate in your local community and pick up occasional side gigs.

When choosing your purpose or focal point, think about what you’re genuinely good at and what truly captures your interest—not what others say you should like. Then, find ways to develop those skills so you can use them meaningfully. Use them to develop your community and society. Always strive to make a better place.

For example, I enjoy painting. I’m not particularly skilled, but I’ve sold a few paintings and I find the process fun. Is it a major passion in my life? No. But it brings me joy, and that’s enough. Want a painting let me know. I do custom stuff...even when not great. :)

If your purpose is simply to enjoy life, that’s perfectly valid—just do it intentionally. Btw way.....Donate to Orphans

You might be interested in this study on finding meaning and gifted. Gifted and Meaning

The Pastie-Empanada Hybrid: Fuel Efficient and the Best of Both Worlds (Camp Cooking)

(Illustrative Only)

Jack thinks these youngsters
don't know where their food
came from and they getting
out of shape because they didn't
have to walk to school 
both ways without shoes,
or chop wood, or
knit and tan their own clothes like
they did in the old days. 

After years research
scientists "discover" that 
fitness and healthy food
go together. Jack 
must have been a genius because
it seemed like common sense to
him. 🙃

He threw a few things in the
bowl and thought about
how the pasties came
to the Upper Peninsula
The History of the Pasty

 Cooking takes time—annoying, I know. But once you learn the basics, things suddenly become way less painful. The problem is we’ve all become dependent on over-processed grocery-store mysteries wrapped in plastic. We’re “busy” doing a million things… none of which actually improve our lives. Meanwhile, cooking forces you to slow down and make something real, from actual ingredients that once grew somewhere, not in a factory.

And the closer you get to raw materials—flour, veggies, meat—the more impressive you become. This is why grandparents could cook everything from memory. They felt their food and when they got something good they wrote it down. My mother and grandma had those little recipe cards that lived in a box older than electricity. They were basically sacred texts. And yes, grandma's potato sausage was legendary. Still trying to figure it out.

At some point, all the basic knowledge blends together. Pie crusts? Same crust, different pie. Pizza dough? Same dough, multiple situations. Soups? A big pot where you invent something, and no one can tell you you’re wrong.                                 

So that brings me to this latest creation—a chaotic but successful “pastie-empanada hybrid.” Around here, we have pasties (thank you, Cornish miners). I lived in California, so I also know empanadas (thank you, Mexicans). I basically took both concepts, ignored the rules, and made something in between. Bigger than an empanada, smaller than a pasty—so basically a confused pastry going through an identity crisis.

I grabbed frozen veggies from the freezer (shocking, I know), tossed in fresh cheese, chopped chicken breast, garlic butter, onions, crushed tomato sauce, and whatever seasonings fell into my hand. Then I wrapped it all in pie-pasty dough and baked it until it looked edible. Very scientific.

Tip: poke a couple of holes in the crust so it doesn’t explode. I didn’t. Mine came out flatter than my first attempt at sourdough.

Cooking in camp, cabins, or on a boat isn’t impossible—you just lose access to all the nice tools that make you feel like a real adult. But this recipe… if you can even call it that… works anywhere.

When I posted it on Facebook, three or four ladies immediately asked for the recipe. The problem is…I don’t actually have a recipe. So I sent them a link to a generic pie crust and said, “Put whatever the heck you want inside and throw it in the oven.”

Boom. Chef status unlocked. 400 cals, 25 protein, 30 carbs ish

BTW: I 'm a licensed fitness trainer looking to pick up some more side hustle work. If your interested in some virtual stuff/coaching let me know and we can figure something out. Send a message to the right.

Just in case you needed the crust Flaky Pie Crust

When Courts Fail to Correct they Also Fail to Respect (The Story of the Clan)

The Story of the Clan and Intentional Default:

(Illustrative Only)

Freedom and justice
are not owned by any 
individual, party, person,
institution, or ism.

We will always
be free people if
we do the little things
that keep the dream alive.

Support each other, encourage
right over wrong, foster 
accountability, ecourage kindness,
question hueristic beliefs,
and stay faithful to
your oaths and social contracts.

Each generation relies on the one
before. What we leave them
is up to us. What are you
willing to leave behind?

A Study on the Relationship
between Human Rights and
Corruption

This a philosophical, theoretical, thought experiment on the process of hate and corruption to help explore potential solutions. Take with a grain of salt and come to your own conclusion. It is meant as a learning allegory on, philosophy, ethics and values so one can draw their own personal conclusion. No true right or wrong but only helpful and unhelpful conclusions.

Onto the story.....

Let us consider the Story of the Clan, in which clear corruption took root through coordination between a partisan judge, a few compromised officers (who do not represent the vast majority of the many honorable men and women who serve with integrity), and a group of bigots (...not all bigots but enough poor actors that are willing to acto on other's behalf and rumors.). They carried out coordinated psychological and physical forms of aggression against people they thought were subhuman, and anyone who reported these actions—even good people with a proven track record of accuracy—was quickly placed on a target list. It became a horrendous display of hatred and misuse of authority, creating second-class citizens through intimidation and discrimination.

Wrongdoing goes uncorrected when individuals lose sight of an institution’s true purpose and the sacrifices of generations who fought to secure our freedoms. They took it on themselves to accept the histories they want and reject the ones that provide a much rounder view. They are working outside of their authority and serving parties and ideologies above the social contracts and the people. When this foundational respect deteriorates, the system drifts away from justice and toward serving private interests. Trust collapses, while ignorance and misuse of authority rise.

There is an unmistakable responsibility to prevent such failures from recurring and to protect future victims. Something they forgot about as they turned a blind eye to each act of wrongdoing. In this example, the court not only ignored these responsibilities—it actively rewarded the perpetrators and silenced those raising concerns. When necessary reforms are ignored, it becomes willful negligence, raising serious questions about whom these institutions truly serve. The purpose of the law must be upheld—not twisted through technical loopholes designed to benefit friends, allies, ideologies, religious beliefs, or partisan agendas.

Their duty to the public should outweigh any loyalty to the “isms” that cause rapid harm and painfully slow correction. This situation did not emerge by accident but through intentional lower of the value of life reminiscent of darker moments in history. Too often, problems are allowed to fall on the victims rather than being resolved by those entrusted to uphold justice—and sometimes even caused by those very same individuals. This pattern has become increasingly visible and underscores the need for meaningful reform. That reform is intentionally slow and that slowness creates new victims.

Discussion

Consider the broader context: declining trust, increasing corruption, fewer opportunities for younger generations, wealth becoming concentrated, and reforms moving at a glacial pace. There is much to be proud of in any society, yet in this learning example the justice system clearly needs improvement. It is far too easy to misuse systems for purposes they were never intended to serve. Good officials should be very much more rewarded and their contributions honored.Those who benefit from avoiding reform feel no urgency to fix the problems—leaving us with the challenges we see today. While the Story of the Clan may end, the need for greater loyalty to our values is apparent. As truth, justice, and hope fade so does futures. We each make a choice in that.

Let us start thinking about what would help even if such ideas are initially impractical, or worthy of greater examination, that draws from the development of groups, culture, and best practices. No allegory is of any particular value unless it brings forward new solutions or solves a dilemma of moral conscious.

*This is a hypothetical, philosophical, theoretical thought experiment on how and hate and corruption can impact the environment. You may change around the elements and come to your own conclusion. It is also ok to change your conclusion. 

Project Point to Help Business Start-Ups and Growth in Escanaba: Could it have an impact the downtown and the local economy?

(Illustrative Only)

If you have an idea
start by attending events and
creating a business plan. 

10 Steps to Starting
a Business-SBA

Rejuvenation and growth come from both economic and social development. On the economic side, communities benefit from strong financial planning, infrastructure, zoning, education, and the marketing of new opportunities. On the social side, growth happens when people get involved—joining local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, taking courses, attending events, supporting downtown shops, and committing to building businesses in the area.

Not every business will succeed, and many young entrepreneurs don’t always know the next steps to turn an idea into something real.  Yet not only will some succeed a few will really take off with the potential to transform towns. That’s why these courses and programs matter. They spark creativity, share practical knowledge, and connect people with those who know how to make things happen.

(One might also consider socials of start-up businesses to help people learn from each other and connect to people who can help them.)

A single startup downtown can transform more than just one building. It can improve surrounding properties, raise tax values, and draw more people into the area. When customers visit one shop, they often stop at others. Positive exposure can also attract new investments—not just small business owners looking to relocate, but also mid- and large-scale investors, as we’ve seen with companies like Billerud and Amazon.

Teaching people how to develop their businesses has a long-term impact on economic growth. Tourism and downtown revitalization go hand in hand as well; people enjoy browsing local shops and discovering unique items. It impacts quality of life, draws more dollars for local wealth, and foaster retention and development in larger anchor businesses. 

If you have an interest in starting a business or expanding one in the area, consider reaching out to these organizers to see what they offer. Congratulations on another milestone in our community’s development. It is this kind of forward thinking is what creates new opportunities. You might not fully see the impact yet but you will. 

How Cities Can Spark Economic Transformation through Entrepreneur-Led Economic Development

Project Point Workshop Series: Helping Delta County Businesses Grow

The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority and the Delta County Economic Development Alliance are launching Project Point, a monthly workshop series designed for both current business owners and new entrepreneurs in Delta County.

Event Details
• Location: Escanaba City Hall, 410 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
• When: Second Wednesday of each month
• Time: 3:00–5:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Hosted by: Downtown Escanaba, Delta County Chamber of Commerce, and Escanaba DDA
• Info & registration: https://escanabadda.org/project-point

Each session focuses on a different area of business—from launching a startup to strengthening and growing an established operation. The format is moderator-style, encouraging audience participation and discussion.

Kickoff Workshop was Held – February 11-Contact to Get Involved.
Featuring the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Presented by Nicole Young Potvin, SBDC consultant, entrepreneur, and marketing specialist.

Topics include:
• Accessing free SBDC one-on-one consulting
• Writing a business plan
• Pricing strategies
• Marketing support and research
• Buying or selling a business
• Additional tools and resources for local businesses

SBDC’s no-cost services offer practical support to help businesses stay competitive in a changing market.

Why Attend?
“Taking time for workshops is crucial for business owners to stay competitive and adapt to evolving market trends,” — Ed Legault, Executive Director, Delta County EDA
“It’s like attending a business conference every month.” — Craig Woerpel, Executive Director, Escanaba DDA

Participants will leave with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and new connections with fellow business owners.

Bonus: DDA Business Partners Committee
Right after each workshop, the DDA Business Partners Committee meets at 5 PM at City Hall. It’s a chance to stay updated on downtown initiatives, including February’s Restaurant Week.

Join us each month as we work together to grow, strengthen, and launch businesses across Delta County.