When I was a child, one of my favorite places was a Pacific Grove independently-owned art store. I stress that it was independent only because in my experience, these are far better at supporting artists than any chain store. In  these shops I was treated like what I was-a serious artist. As serious as I could be at my age. My questions were answered, I was allowed to test things, play with color until I found the perfect one, and I had an entire staff of people that knew what they were talking about because they were actually artists.
At the art store, my Father permitted me to pick out two items per trip. Usually this took over an hour. The rainbows of colors that came to life in paints, pens, pencils, and charcoals made the choice difficult. Of course, in each category there were several more choices; sure there were pens but which pen? Slim pens or pens with a brush tip? Paints certainly but oil or water-based? And which blue? Dark like the ocean was when we fished miles out or lighter like water when it crashed against the rocks on the shore? An Artgum eraser or a kneaded rubber eraser? Paper was a necessity but there were dozens of choices! 140 lb. water colour? 50 lb. sketching?
Karl is now developing his artistic ability. He has been sketching impressively for years and lately has taken an interest in calligraphy. I try to support him in whatever ways I can, from providing Windsor and Newton inks, to driving him to the art shop.

For years I stopped doing anything artistic and I cannot figure out exactly when or precisely why. Recently I have been reminded how much I love creating and I just wanted to say, "Thanks Karl".