THE MARK OF CANE.

It's official. I'm now a real true curmudgeon.

I just bought my first cane.

I adjusted to the fact that my back is not going to get better, as it's the nature of things ,a bit better than Karen did. She saw it as sad, which is a valid point of view, as the inevitable years of abuse and neglect pile up on me. But, to tell the truth, to me it seemed perfectly natural. It's just what it is. Don't get me wrong, I don't need it all the time, just comes in handy for walking distances and what not. And, it would be nice to have never needed one to begin with, but I still now own a cane. It's sleek, black and heavy, and in the right circumstances, it could look a bit threatening. Especially attached to me.

I have to wonder if they'll let me on an airplane with it?

Now I need one a bit dressier.

On another note, one that brings with it a certain bittersweet sense of happiness, Karen's younger sister Lori and her two sons left a few days ago after a lovely week here from Italy. It was nothing but shear delight to finally met the voice from the phone at last. Lori Max and Nicalo, ( shame on me for not being sure just how he spells that, one "L" or two? two "CC's?) are just great people to know, intelligent, artistic and down to earth, and better house guests one could not ask for. Our home still feels the absence as Do Karen I both. I have to admit, that with a bum back, work pressures and all, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I only with I had a photo or two to share.

Right then: the work.

The book proceeds closer each day towards it's date with the printer when it stops becoming an albatross and blooms into a large, somewhat perverse swan.

It's strange to say this after all this time, but having to examine and touch up each and every page has become a trip down a long dark alley filled with sharp and subtle devices for making the artist flinch at the thing he's made. This will be a lot tougher the read than even I first thought. But the bugger has turned eighteen and surly and it's time it moved out and got a job.

Again, it's the nature of the thing.

I look forward to the time the missus and I can have a little piece and quiet around here.

And finally, I BEG you, to please stop and see the lovely Tom Negovan and the fetching Stuart and the Century Guild booth at the the San Diego show coming up. I have some personal work there for sale and the ART they have to show, sell and explain will leave you refreshed and put real lead in your respective pencils. Promise. But dear friends, before that I strongly urge you all the make a pilgrimage the Chicago the participate in the truly massive Dave McKean-a-thon the Guild is putting on this weekend.........thrills! art! Film! Dave McKean! Fun Fun Fun!!!

I mean, what else are gonna do? Order out and sit on the sofa watching pay per view and fart?

Get thee some Culture damn it.........

On that note, have a nice day.

M.Z.