Eye of the Storm - January 2023
Cold frog, Seinfield, Atlanta, Sea & Cake, etc...
Howdy! I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year - 2023!
While taking a break from the “Eye of the Storm” for awhile I have realized how much I enjoy having a place to share what catches my eye. Moving forward, I am going to shoot for a monthly rhythm of sharing the things that catch my eye or interest me.
Here are a few things throughout the month of January 2023 that I thought worth sharing:
The Seinfield Strategy
How many of you decided to set any New Year’s resolutions, goals or (I believe the current trending word is actually) “intentions”? As I approached 2023 I wanted to be more resolute and “intentional” in getting time making my art.
I had heard a long time ago about Jerry Seinfield’s strategy of steadily working on his comedy material. He would simply take a calendar and mark each day with an “X” that he had put in the work. As the streak of “X’s” started to grow he would simply try to keep from breaking it and just show up and do his work.
So I am approaching my marking art the same way. I have a goal to spend at least 30 minutes each day on creating my art. I take Sunday’s off and days while traveling don’t really count either. I know that is not a ton of time daily but hopefully it will build on itself. Overall I have been impressed with my consistency and have a good streak of “X’s” going so far and some new work right around the corner. (see image above)
A few cool things I spotted while out in ATL There and Back: Atlanda, GA.
Over the MLK Day weekend we took a quick trip to see my wife’s younger sister and her super fun family in Atlanta. We had a great time hanging out, eating amazing food like Fox Bros BBQ, Superica and exploring Atlanta.
One cool thing we did was check out the Atlanta Zoo’s “Illuminights” lantern festival for the Lunar New Year. At night the animals were put to bed but the zoo grounds were covered in super cool lantern-animals. It was pretty amazing.
A few of the lantern designs at the Atlanta zoo. 
Lizard in Atlanta - my nephews Leopard gecko - “Leo” 
Makers & Mystics
A few months ago I stumbled upon a podcast titled “Makers & Mystics.” The show is all about exploring the intersection of creativity and spirituality. Each episode is a work of art in itself and takes on many forms from interviews, keynotes, poetry, messages and more. Hosted by Stephen Roach, “Makers & Mystics” has profoundly helped me find the bridge that has always existed between my creativity and the Creator. I am fascinated and curious about this intersection between faith and making art.
“Car Alarm” album by The Sea and Cake The Sea and Cake
Back in September (of 2022) I began a monthly experiment where I take a musician and listen to their entire discography throughout that month. The goal is to get a grasp of their overall musical journey.
For this month, January 2023 - I listened to a band named “The Sea and Cake” and all their albums over years - I think around 12 or so!
Here’s a preview of one of their songs I enjoyed:
In case you are curious of the musicians that I have listened to since starting, here is the list:
Sept. 2022 - Andrew Bird
Oct. 2022 - Death Cab for Cutie
Nov. 2022 - Iron and Wine
Dec. 2022 - The Decemberists
Jan. 2023 - The Sea and Cake
As you can see I have been listening very much in a certain lane of music and plan on moving into different directions over the months. Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Also - if you ever find something interesting (i.e. - faces in random places) or anything you think I would find cool - feel free to share and send my way.
That’s all for now - take care and I’ll see you at the end of February!
