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A Twelve Step Program

 

The inspiration for my current painting. This is my great-granddaughter, Jonny Bird Sieve. I love the innocence and wonder this image presents.

















A Shallow Dive Into The Twelve-Step -Step Program

I often joke about starting a twelve-step program for silly things. For example, during the Annual All Saints Used Book Sale to battle hunger, as we sorted and priced the donated books, I would joke with fellow volunteers that I would start a twelve-step program for people who continuously bought books they would never read.

The twelve steps is a reference to the Alcoholics Anonymous program or AA. Many people might be tentative in their levity because they know I'm an alcoholic. Truth be known, I did not avail myself of AA in my battle against the bottle. However, I don't deny AA's worth and I advise people to try it f they feel it will help them in their effort. 

If you look at the program and how it works, it can and is used as a template to deal with any addiction. The label addictive personality is often used to describe some of us. I could categorize my life as a series of addictive behaviors. From my sixty years playing golf to my loose but enduring affection for the Chicago Cubs, I admit I have latched onto illogical afflations. (One does not want to admit to being a Cubs fan in Milwaukee. You will eat lunch alone.)

I've learned to evaluate my behavior to eliminate an activity that is an addiction. Does what I'm doing have any benefit either to myself or my community? In reverse, is it harmful?  

I've recently read of athletes who have put aside huge money contracts because they are concerned about the long-term health problems connected with playing their sport. Because there are so many perks to being young and making a lot of money playing a game you love, that has to be a tough decision.

My 3rd Anniversary In Milwaukee (2nd Time)

Three years ago, I moved from Appleton to
1114 N Marshall St. Apt 214, Milwaukee, WI. 53202

I had learned a lot in the previous 30 Days of August 2019
My wife no longer loved me enough to stay married after almost 30 years of meeting, marriage and sharing our collective famlies.

As a younger man, I had an affair with a beautiful woman. Because of that affair, I found a daughter I didn't know I had. Keli brought me two more grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

I found out who my friends were and who decided to end those friendships. I'm unsure why some of those people decided to take sides in my divorce.

My return to Milwaukee quickly proved to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. I belong in this city. It stimulates me and gives me unconditional shelter and care. I am surrounded by people I love and trust, and I find more of them as time passes.

I have learned to live with myself. Like so many during the COVID lockdown, I did a lot of self-examination. Facing your shortcomings isn't pleasant, even when it's only in your head. Addressing those shortcomings can be a relief only if you can find ways to deal with them. That was the silver lining that COVID presented.

I'm not sure why, but the move opened a dam, and a flood of creativity poured out of my mind. I'm a self-confessed romantic dreamer. I live a lot of my life in my head. It helped me to bring those characters alive. In three months, I wrote the first draft of my book, 26 Women. I learned to pencil sketch. I am now painting with oils.

And when I'm done with the wee child above, I'll paint this one.

The oldest of my Great Grandchildren
Charolette Evens


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