GUSTAV YKEMA'S ARTWORK

We start out in life finding our place, in what we believe in, what person we want to become.

The journey could be a long one and for some short. In youth I found that I had blinders on

looking forward but forgetting the peripheral. Too focused on ones self. In reflection, taking time

to focus on what is really important. Once you lose those who were dear, the ones who affected who

are to become, those who were there to support you when needed a helping hand, were there to

share a moment, to laugh, to cry. Yes, too late to be with them as the person you have become, but

not too late to be that person for those who are to follow.

My thoughts on inequality in the world. How much money does a person need? Human beings born

into poverty having no control over their development as children. Subjected to an environment consisting

of violence and hunger. It is up to the more fortunate to share and to provide opportunity for those. The

challenges are to get that help to those who really need it and not those who seek to profit by intercepting

the good intentions of others. There are true living saints in our world and I feel blessed to know such a

couple who give it all, in their case the people in Haiti

This came from a vacation in Cuba. While snorkeling parallel to the beech in about 1 1/2 meter

of water. I ended up swimming in a school of fish for what seemed minutes, they were all around me. With the sunlight

reflecting off the fish, a flashing of yellow and silver was all I could see. I was unable to focus

properly and thus I was experiencing the defense mechanism of schooling. With survival always in the

minds of nature we humans are unique in that we are able step away from that and focus on creating.

Being allowed to experience the floating sensation with the waves and currents swaying me this way and

that while amongst the fish was something I will never forget.