Mike McCarty - Photography Moderator

[Mike McCarty]

When I was in the seventh grade I was placed in a drafting class. From what I can remember, we were asked to do pencil drawings of balls, cubes, pyramids and such. After a few of weeks the teacher separated me from the bunch and set me to work on my own. After a few more weeks he called my Mother and Father down to the school to show them what I had been doing. The teacher suggested to them that I was doing work that was well beyond my years and that I should get some kind of specialized training. Naturally, I spent the remainder of my school years playing football and chasing girls. The football has left my knees to ache, and the girls have turned my mind to mush.

The next time I had any serious contact with art, other than museums and galleries, was about twenty years later. I always felt a sense of closeness with the visual arts. My grandmother earned a meager living as a seamstress and landscape painter. When we visited her she always had something on her easel. She never attempted to teach me, it was always just her doing her work and me watching. But I

[Mike McCarty]

In a few days I will be logging off for a while. My little family has reached one of it

[Michele Rushworth]

Love that song. Thanks for posting the lyrics.

Have a great time in Florida. I miss living there (though not in hurricane season!)

[Patricia Joyce]

Dear Mike,
Good luck in Florida. Who says men don't experience empty nest syndrome. Just remember, a daughter never stops needing her father.

No looking back, just looking forward. Now is your time to grow and shine. I am confidant your art will fourish wherever you land.

Don't be gone long. We will miss you.

GOOD LUCK.

[Linda Brandon]

Mike, you add so much humor, panache and grace to the Forum that it will be painful to muddle along in your absence. Please drive carefully and hurry back on-line!

[Mike McCarty]

I will be taking a leave from the forum for a while. Be nice to one another and all the best to each of you.

[Patricia Joyce]

Mike,
This news really saddens me. Please don't be gone long, and keep in touch. I hope you are busy painting beautiful paintings (is this one of yours? It's truly lovely) and taking beautiful photographs.

You are a treasure to have, not just on this forum, but you have affected my work in a very positive way and for that I am very grateful.

Please come back to us soon.

[Terri Ficenec]

Oh Mike... so sorry to hear that. I agree with all that Pat has said.

You will be sorely missed.

Hope all is well with you and that you're back posting again soon!
Take care. . .