When Maria and I were in Wisconsin last week, we took a walk on State Street after breakfast. None of the shops were open yet, but we looked in one window and I saw this colorful wallet in a funky men’s shop. Like most men, my wallets have always been black or brown and I never gave much thought to their color. “Hey, I’m getting you this wallet,” Maria said, in that tone of voice that means it will happen whether I like it or not. I was reluctant. A brightly-colored wallet seemed too conspicuous at first, unlike any wallet I have ever owned. When I get that feeling, I know Maria is right and I need to open up.

So we came back when the store opened and looked at four or five colors – green, red, pink, yellow, orange. I kept coming back to this one. I take my wallet out a score of times a week it seems, and I never seem to see. When I take out this one, I do see it and I smile. It brightens my life, many times each week. Life with an artist. But there is a powerful lesson there for me. Brightening up life is important, critical and the very act of taking out a wallet is fun for me. I love the reactions. People ooh and aaah, they have never seen a wallet like that, where did I get it, how long will it last?

In my work, and in my life, I seek to brighten up the routine wherever I can. There are enough people standing in line to spread gloom and despair. Now I am carrying a different currency around. I love my new wallet. I love my wife, too.