Drawing in my sketchbook, as close to daily as I can, grounds me in this somewhat chaotic world. What makes me happy? My family, our pets, nature, colors, patterns, light and shadow, flowers, food. So much to look at and record, not only on the page but also in my body as I slow down and notice the beauty around me. I see patterns that emerge, in the colors I gravitate towards and the marks I make, the way the petals of a flower alternate, reflections in water or the distortion caused by looking through glass. Working in a sketchbook frees me from the thought that this piece has to be something, and that freedom lets me have fun, enjoy the daily practice and heal.