Why Some Are Creative: Every Artist Starts Somewhere

Click for my Gallery

I've been making some progress on my painting adventures! I've got a few new pieces finished, and I may have another one coming soon featuring an orange sunset with some silhouettes inspired by a photo I took. We'll see if my paintbrush cooperates.

I'm not claiming to be the next Monet. I'm just trying to get a little better with every painting. That's half the fun. The other half is seeing if someone actually wants to hang one on their wall instead of using it to cover a hole in the drywall.

I'd also love to sell a few pieces here and there. It helps fund fun things like going out to eat, traveling, and donating to charities I support. A hobby that pays for tacos and good causes? Not there but trying. That's a win in my book.

A few years ago, my photography was accepted into a California photography association, so my next goal is to have my paintings juried into an art association. I need to submit three pieces, so wish me luck!

One of my artist friends also told me I can get a free booth at a local farmers market next month before I head out for a while. I figure I'll set up my paintings, enjoy the day, and see if anyone falls in love with one. If not, at least I'll get some fresh air and probably buy more kettle corn than I should.

For those who have asked, I lowered my prices while I experiment with what people think is fair for "enthusiast-level artwork." I've wandered through galleries and seen paintings priced high enough to require a second mortgage. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, and so is pricing!

Most of my paintings are now around $80 with free shipping. I also sell to friends at the highly competitive "buy me my favorite beverage" discount.

If you see one you like, let me know. If nothing else, thanks for following along as I continue learning one brushstroke at a time!

The key point is that if you want to do something just do it because every artist starts somewhere. 

Check out this study on creativity....

New Study Reveals Why Some People Are More Creative Than Others

• The study found that creativity is linked to the interaction of three major brain networks: the default mode network (idea generation), the executive control network (evaluation and refinement), and the salience network (switching between brainstorming and focused thinking).
• Researchers used functional MRI (fMRI) scans while participants completed a divergent thinking task, demonstrating that stronger communication among these brain networks was associated with higher levels of creative thinking.
• Participants who generated more original and useful ideas during the experiment also reported greater involvement in creative hobbies and achievements, suggesting the findings extend beyond laboratory testing.
• The findings challenge the belief that creativity depends on a single "creative center" in the brain. Instead, creativity emerges from the coordinated activity of multiple brain systems working together.
• The research suggests that creativity is a cognitive skill that exists on a spectrum and may be strengthened through activities that encourage both spontaneous idea generation and deliberate critical thinking.

Beaty, R. E. (2018, January 16). New study reveals why some people are more creative than others. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/new-study-reveals-why-some-people-are-more-creative-than-others-90065

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (7/7/2026): Fish, Budget, Maps, Bidding and Working Together

This was an interesting County Board meeting, so I wanted to post a brief summary for anyone who doesn't have time to read the full agenda or minutes.

There were several positive developments. The county moved forward with competitive bidding on a few projects, which helps promote transparency and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Former Commissioner Doug Boven also donated a beautiful stained-glass map of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, a thoughtful gift that reflects the pride many residents have in their community. Another highlight is the upcoming MSU Extension fish fry, which has generated quite a bit of local interest. I may have to work that day, but I'm hoping to stop by for at least part of the event.

The biggest discussion centered on the preliminary budget, which currently projects a relatively modest deficit. While it isn't a major shortfall, it does present an opportunity to look for efficiencies before the problem grows. Often, cost savings aren't found through a single large cut but by improving processes, reducing unnecessary overtime, filling positions strategically, leveraging technology, or finding better ways to deliver services. Sometimes the best solutions come from rethinking how work is done rather than simply reducing budgets.

The commissioners are still exploring their options, and that's an important part of the process. Good decisions take time, especially when balancing the need to provide quality public services with responsible financial management. Thinking creatively and considering a wide range of ideas can often produce better long-term outcomes than making quick, short-term cuts.

Of course, the conversation isn't only about reducing expenses. Counties also need to look for ways to strengthen revenue through economic growth. Attracting new employers, supporting local businesses, encouraging investment, and expanding the tax base can all help improve the county's financial position over time. Economic development and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand.

If you have constructive ideas for improving county operations, reducing costs, or generating additional revenue, this is a great time to share them. Strong communities are built when residents participate in the conversation and work together to find practical solutions.

Tips for Balancing County Governments

Summary of Commissioner Meeting:

All commissioners were present and unanimously approved the June 16, 2026, meeting minutes.

Three agenda items were added: Service Center office remodel RFP bid opening, RFP bid award, and a DTE Energy utility easement correction for the fairgrounds.

Former Commissioner Doug Boven donated a stained-glass Upper Peninsula map and a commemorative silver plate to the county.

The FAA completed its June 2026 airport inspection with positive results and closed all outstanding issues from the February 2026 inspection.

MSU Extension announced a community fish fry on July 24 at the Escanaba Marina to promote local fisheries.

Proposed updates to the county animal ordinance remain under legal and stakeholder review and will return in the next fiscal year.

The preliminary FY 2027 budget projects a $78,192 deficit, with expenditures of $13.67 million and revenues of $13.59 million.

The administrator presented three contingency plans ranging from hiring delays and spending reductions to layoffs, office closures, and elimination of discretionary funding if the Headlee rollback fails.

Commissioners discussed increasing revenue through updated service fees, surplus property sales, and reimbursement agreements with other county departments.

Board members expressed concern that staffing shortages continue to increase employee workloads, delay vacations, and slow FOIA request processing.

The deadline to place the Headlee rollback proposal on the November ballot is August 12, with a final board vote expected at the first August meeting.

The board approved nearly $2.5 million in county claims, commissioner and jury expenses, and proposed formalizing the county administrator evaluation process within the board's rules of procedure.

Ducks, Variations and What the Arts Do for the Community and for Tourism

 Let's talk about the value of the arts and theater in a community. And when it comes to The Duck Variations, there's definitely nothing to quack about—except maybe the ducks.

(Illustrative Only)

George realizes
he shouldn't have
littered in these
duck's home.
Quack Attack!
Ducks Reflect 
Environmental Health

This production is a unique collaboration featuring 13 directors, each creating their own interpretation of a scene. Every segment has its own personality, style, and vision, making the entire performance feel like a sampler platter of creativity. No two scenes are alike, which keeps the audience wondering, "What are they going to do next?"

The best part? It's completely free to the community. While everyone involved is having fun putting on the show, the arts do something much bigger. They improve quality of life, support tourism, and help make a community a more vibrant place to live and visit. It also can be a factor in encouraging more tourism, retention of talent, and revenue.

Think about why people come to places like Delta County, Escanaba, and Gladstone. They're not traveling here to admire office buildings. They're here to fish, sail, relax on the beaches, hike, bike, enjoy the outdoors, downhill or cross country ski, visit quaint shops downtown (once the construction is done), and experience the recreational pace of life. Those same visitors are often the people who enjoy local theater, art galleries, wineries, breweries, and community events. The arts become another reason to stay a little longer—and maybe spend a little more money while they're here (One might want to think about a whole service conception from marketing, to entry to exit and follow up.).

The Duck Variations is a perfect example. It's funny, a little quirky, and surprisingly thoughtful. Beneath all the laughs, it touches on topics like pollution and its effects on wildlife. If you're a duck hunter, you'll probably appreciate the humor even more. I tried duck hunting once. Let's just say the ducks and I reached an understanding—they'd keep flying, and I'd stick to watching theater. I might try again.

Whether you're a local looking for an enjoyable evening or a visitor wanting a few good laughs, this is a great show to see. Admission is free, so you don't even need to bring your wallet—unless you'd like to make a donation to the Bonifas Fine Arts Center or Players de Noc, which would certainly appreciate the support.

Join us this Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bonifas Arts Center. Come for the ducks, stay for the laughs, and leave with a greater appreciation for what the arts bring to a community.

Think about the study below. While it is dated and the numbers are likely to be larger, consider how there can be a positive upswing local economics 

The Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry in Virginia Beach

• The report found that Virginia Beach's nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $87.7 million in economic activity, supported 2,875 full-time equivalent jobs, produced $52.5 million in household income, and generated approximately $7 million in combined local and state government revenue.
• Nonprofit arts organizations spent $25.9 million on employees, facilities, supplies, and services, creating economic benefits that extended to businesses across many industries, including construction, technology, accounting, and event planning.
• Arts audiences contributed an additional $61.8 million in event-related spending outside of admission fees through purchases such as dining, shopping, transportation, parking, and lodging, providing significant support for local businesses.
• Cultural tourism played a major role in the local economy, with nonresident visitors spending 41% more per event than local attendees. Nearly 60% of nonresident visitors reported that attending an arts event was the primary purpose of their trip.
• The study concluded that investing in nonprofit arts and culture strengthens both community quality of life and economic development by creating jobs, increasing tourism, generating tax revenue, and encouraging residents to spend money within the local community.

Americans for the Arts. (2017). Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences in the City of Virginia Beach. Americans for the Arts.

CPI Index Declines .4% for June 2026-Energy and Impact

Consumer prices edged lower in June, offering consumers some relief after months of elevated inflation. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), prices fell 0.4% from the previous month, with lower gasoline prices accounting for much of the decline. Watching these indexes help you better understand the shifts in different sectors and some of the input and output factors of the economy.

The CPI tracks changes in the prices consumers pay for a broad basket of goods and services. Although no single measure perfectly captures inflation or purchasing power, the index remains one of the nation's most closely watched indicators of the cost of living.

The drop in gasoline prices was a key factor behind the month's lower inflation reading. Energy markets can shift for a variety of reasons, including changes in global supply and demand, production levels, and geopolitical events. While lower fuel costs generally benefit households and businesses, they also highlight the importance of maintaining reliable energy supplies and long-term energy security.

Some economists believe that food and energy prices are among the most fluctuating components of the CPI. For that reason, they often examine both the overall inflation rate and the core CPI, which excludes those categories to provide a clearer picture of underlying inflation trends.

Lower energy prices can have effects well beyond the gas pump. Because energy is essential to transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and distribution, declining energy costs can gradually reduce expenses throughout the supply chain. As a result, businesses may face lower operating costs, and consumers may eventually see lower prices on a wider range of goods and services.

The report also underscores the broader importance of a resilient energy system. A diverse mix of energy sources—some are oil, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, coal, solar, and wind, etc.—can help stabilize costs, strengthen energy security, and improve the economy's ability to withstand supply disruptions. That argument of course doesn't always take into consideration the other less calculated costs such as polution or environmental impact so a well balanced discussion here can help understand the different points of view. 

Consumer Price Index Summary: June 2026 Inflation Cools

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined 0.4% in June on a seasonally adjusted basis, largely driven by lower gasoline prices, marking a notable easing in monthly inflation.
• Over the past 12 months, overall consumer prices increased 3.5%, down from 4.2% in May, suggesting inflationary pressures moderated during the month.
• Core CPI, which excludes the more volatile food and energy categories, was unchanged for the month and increased 2.6% over the previous year, indicating underlying inflation remained relatively stable.
• Falling energy prices were the primary contributor to the lower inflation reading, while many other categories experienced more modest price changes.
• The cooler inflation report reduced expectations of an immediate Federal Reserve interest rate increase, although policymakers emphasized that additional months of favorable inflation data are needed before changing monetary policy.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, July 14). Consumer Price Index Summary. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm

A Butterfly on Flower (Photography)

 Recentely while going through some older photos and I found this one. 

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. 50% for charity
and 50% for me.
Send me a message to the right
or my email.
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page. You may
also send the amount and 
size you want with $50
for any photo to
PayPal Photography

2026 Midyear Economic Outlook-Adapting to Change and Building Resilient Organizations

 It is helpful to review a variety of economic reports and forecasts to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing businesses. This report highlights several key factors shaping the global economy, including geopolitical uncertainty, higher energy prices, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. It also emphasizes the importance of building organizational resilience through strategies such as diversifying supply chains, strengthening portfolio management, and remaining adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.

Ultimately, adaptation is the name of the game. Businesses that can effectively adjust to changing market conditions are far more likely to succeed over the long term. How an organization is structured, how it gathers and analyzes information, how decisions are made, and even the culture it fosters all influence its ability to respond to economic shifts. As you read the report, consider not only the challenges businesses may face, but also the characteristics that enable some organizations to navigate uncertainty, manage risk, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Global Economic Outlook: Risk and Opportunity in a Supply Shock World

• The report projects a slower, but not recessionary, global economy as geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and supply-side disruptions reduce growth while increasing uncertainty for businesses and policymakers.
• Higher energy prices, persistent inflation, trade fragmentation, and demographic pressures are creating structural challenges that are reshaping global supply chains and increasing the cost of doing business.
• Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and strategic business investment continue to provide important opportunities for productivity gains and long-term economic growth despite near-term headwinds.
• Organizations are encouraged to strengthen operational resilience through cost discipline, portfolio management, supply chain diversification, and strategic agility to better navigate ongoing economic volatility.
• The report concludes that businesses capable of adapting to a more fragmented and uncertain global economy will be better positioned for sustainable growth, competitive advantage, and long-term value creation.

Daco, G., Rozkrut, M., Stefański, M., & Boussour, L. (2026, June 17). Global economic outlook: Risk and opportunity in a supply shock world. EY-Parthenon. https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/strategy/global-economic-outlook

Donning the Kilt and Scottish Highland Sword Dance

Dance isn't just about having fun—although let's be honest, it's a lot more fun than running on a treadmill while staring at a wall. Humans have been dancing since the beginning of civilization. Every culture has its own style, and even animals get in on the action. Birds dance, bees dance, and if you've ever watched a horse after a bath, you'll know they have a few moves too.

(Illustrative Only)
Lennox leaves
Miners Castle to 
do a warriors dance. 

That is not really Miners
Castle. :)

🙃

Dance is one of those rare activities that exercises your body, challenges your brain, tells a story, and lets you socialize—all without having to sit through another Zoom meeting. It's movement with a purpose, which is probably why it has survived for thousands of years and shows no signs of disappearing.

I've danced on and off since I was younger, but over the last seven or eight years I've become much more involved. Somehow, I even worked my way into becoming one of the advanced male dancers in our group. Whether that says something about my dancing or the shortage of men willing to wear a kilt or get their groove on is still up for debate. 🤔(Yes I got spandex shorts on under.)

Our group has been invited to perform at a Scottish festival, featuring the Highland sword dance. This group does everything putting on some of the seasonal and cultural events using different styles of dance. If you've never seen the Highland sword dance, imagine trying to dance gracefully around crossed swords without accidentally inventing a brand-new emergency room procedure. It's a beautiful tradition—but accuracy is strongly encouraged. 

I was invited to perform in the main show, which was a real compliment (Most shows I can't do but I do some and I'm easy to work with.). Unfortunately, between work, lifeguarding, sailboat racing, fishing, and trying to convince myself that I actually have free time, I couldn't commit to every rehearsal. Instead, I'll be helping teach audience members some of the basic steps before the performance (I got the basics but certainly could have used more practice.). It's a great way to participate without everyone depending on me to remember all the choreography. (In the future when I win a saber bout, which is slightly less than half against competitive fencers, I can put down my sword and dance to it. ⚔ Rub it in a little. 🤣 I'm sure they will giggle. Got to have fun with life. :)

One thing people underestimate is how physically demanding dance really is. Spend an hour dancing and you'll quickly discover muscles you didn't know existed. It's outstanding cardiovascular exercise, improves balance, coordination, flexibility, and mental focus. Plus, unlike some workouts, people usually smile while doing it—which is always a good sign. The history of this dance is for warriors to show their stamina. History of the Highland Dance.

You can kind of get a picture of it in the Highland Sword Dance Video. Once you get the sequence you can just repeat for the most part. 

As a certified fitness trainer and certified yoga instructor, I enjoy helping people become healthier through movement. Whether your goal is getting stronger, improving flexibility, losing weight, or simply being able to walk up a flight of stairs without negotiating with your lungs, I can help. I offer virtual coaching. 

We'll build a fitness plan that fits your goals—and no, Highland sword dancing is completely optional. There are other things you can do. Although it does make family reunions a lot more memorable.

If you're interested, reach out using the contact information or email below. Worst case, you'll get healthier. Best case, you'll have a few new dance moves the treadmill will never teach you.

Absolute and Relative Intensities of Solo, Free-Form Dancing in Adults: A Pilot Study

• This pilot study examined the physical activity intensity of solo, free-form dancing among 48 adults (ages 18–83) who danced at self-selected moderate and vigorous intensities, both with and without music.
• Researchers measured exercise intensity using metabolic equivalents (METs), heart rate, heart rate reserve, and ratings of perceived exertion to determine whether free-form dancing met recommended physical activity levels.
• Participants achieved an average intensity corresponding to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with all participants reaching at least moderate intensity based on heart rate reserve during the dance sessions.
• Dancing with music significantly increased exercise intensity, and participants who intended to dance vigorously achieved higher MET values. Conversely, older age and higher body mass index were associated with lower exercise intensity.
• The findings suggest that solo, free-form dancing is an effective and accessible way for adults to achieve recommended levels of physical activity, supporting its potential use as a health-promoting form of exercise.

McCullough, A. K. (2024). Absolute and relative intensities of solo, free-form dancing in adults: A pilot study. PLOS ONE, 19(11), e0313144. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313144