DO NOT FORGET THE PROCESS.
IF YOU DO YOU WILL FAIL.

Late in the summer of 2001 I sat down with SW on many occasions, under the
stars and over beers, and discussed Life, the Universe and Everything. We
discussed our regrets of the past, our dreams of the future, our
self-described vices and our goals for the coming year.

At the time, I conceived that my failure to achieve my goals would result
in my leaving the San Francisco Bay Area for some other unspecified
metropolis; their absence giving me no reason to remain. Many times in the
past I had achieved them in less than a year but had been compelled to
leave that city for other reasons. They were

COMMUNITY LIVELIHOOD LOVE SHELTER

in no particular order; each a requirement, even if modest in quality. As
goes the hierarchy of human concerns, so were distributed my efforts:
shelter & income.

NICK-KNACK PADDY WACK FIND ME A HOME

LET HE WITHOUT A JOB CAST THE FIRST STONE

The second condition appeared to be satisfied when old contacts delivered
a long-term temporary contract. On September 1st the last goal was met and
SW and I signed a one year lease on a house (consequently setting a final
re-evaluation date for my remaining goals).

Months have passed, stories earned, calamities averted (some barely) and
little progress has been made on the remaining two goals. Everyday I step
on sidewalk graffiti that was once amusing but is now a sad
reality…

COMMUTE
WORK
COMMUTE
SLEEP
COMMUTE
WORK
COMMUTE
SL
EEP
COMMUTE

I have finished the Transition Period sketch book (bridging leaving
Vancouver with arriving in San Francisco) and have now nearly completed
another. The first page contains only

SEP 11 2001

This book, like the others, is a testament to the times and my times; it
will be in good company. But the work has been stagnating, the nutrients
of creation have become more scarce and the act itself a routine chore
passed over for the daily news or a sitcom. At the same time tenuous
friendship nets have fallen silent and career possibilities demanded more
serious consideration. The goals need reconsideration and definition, the
indefinite future demands attention and above all, principle and
strategies must be declared.

It is easy to live day-by-day according to the inconsistencies of my will,
just as it is to live a life according to an other’s principles. To do the
former I need only follow my fancy and the latter only a holy book. But to
live according to my own principles and to tax my capacities – this will
take more effort.