A few months ago, I realized that it was time for me to write a book. I’ve been an editor of magazines and books for over twenty-five years, a publisher for six, and along the way have written thousands of words which have been published hither and yon. In-depth conversations with friends inspired me to overcome my introverted, shy nature and take a shot at helping others. Certainly, many people have asked me to write a book about my late husband, Dr. Tom Kazo, as I seem to know more about that remarkable, adventurous man than anyone else.
So, because life usually presents us with a spiraling path, and because of my Dimensional Abstract series, I am writing that book, and it told me to call it How to Paint a House. It is not a book about house painting; it is a book about courage, audacity, and creativity. Within its pages, I can pay tribute to my primary mentors Don McVicar and Tom, those resourceful men of vision and audacity, and others who have inspired and enriched my life.
It is vital that people learn how Tom literally rose from his death bed in the Miami Veteran’s Hospital nursing home, went on to found Wildlife Research Team, become a NOAA Environmental Hero, and change for the better the lives of every person (and animal) he met. In August 1990, he said to me, “I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do in my life except die, and now I’m going to see what that’s like.” But…he fell in love with me, and decided to keep living…so it’s our love story, too. Tom is thus woven throughout the book, along with hard-won practical lessons on canoeing and painting. I taught him to draw; he taught me to summon my courage and paddle a canoe. We saved each other’s lives; it’s my great hope that his story will help you with yours.
It’s also about finding the deep magic in a chaotic life, declaring a manifesto for the free spirit, creating value and discovering personal creativity. I share a gathering of books that have fueled my journey.
Aviation pioneer Don McVicar, my dad, founded an airline at 31, kept it flying for twenty years: until the Canadian government grounded him. That immense loss profoundly changed my family’s lives. That had to go into my book, too.
But wait, there’s more…Just not in this newsletter!
For updates, please check back here on my “Confluence” blog!
Note: this blog post also appeared in the Autumn 2017 issue of the print version of my occasional newsletter, also called “Confluence” (as it has for quite a number of years now; one day I will write about the reason for its name). If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, please email me your mailing address at hello@watchingpaintflow.com.
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