Blog

I barely got by in college. As a matter of fact I got booted (twice) from The University of Tennessee for failing academically. Do not fret, I worked overtime, jumped through several requirements to be readmitted and ultimately received a Bachelors in Science.

But it wasn’t the framed diploma or the Volunteer orange that helped me cross the finish line. It was a young lady who said she wanted to carry my last name for the rest of her life. She didn’t tutor me or give me a lift to the library. She didn’t tell me to buck up or grow up. She didn’t call to get me out of bed or ever shame me for graduating with a 2.1 GPA. Instead she kinded me to something more.

Yes, I said kinded… an adjective changed into a verb by the love of a 21 year old. If you know Kathie you know exactly what I’m taking about. There is a loving-kindness that is pervasive to all of who she is, personally, socially, intellectually and, without a doubt, artistically.

As of this writing we are 44 years married and she is still kinding me to something more. More with friendships, more with my own interior life, more with family, more with strangers and even more with my own attempt to paint.

A few weeks ago Kathie taught 45 artists over three, 3-day workshops on Edisto Island, South Carolina and I witnessed an instructor kinding others to more in their artistry. It’s a bit difficult to explain but I caught this photo of her (orange shirt standing in the center) doing what she calls a walkabout with students, and it was that moment her exuberance for painting, for nature, for seeing, for artists and for living life splashed over all of us. It was a master-level 20 minutes on how to look!

I write this to say – While you can and while Kathie can, heavily consider learning from her. You will not regret it. Click here for details on her 2026 Winter Online course.

I will be nearby too. (I can't get enough of her)

Buddy