Me In Sunny Carolina: June 2012

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Why I Moved to SC

A friend of mine died Thursday. He was one of those people you hope you can be more like; you admire him just for who he is, not for any block-buster event. I can't even say I knew him that well but I spent time with him on projects for church and served with him on the vestry. We always spoke. When he would ask how I was doing, I was honest and told him, good or bad, and you know there aren't that many people in the world you can do that with. Lee died of a stroke while on an anniversary trip with his wife fishing in Alaska. There was no warning.

Lee's wife wrote: "Lee had the best 7 days, he kayaked, we hiked on a glacier, he caught the first fish that morning right before it happened. He had a brain bleed and it would not have mattered where we were. I am grateful we were together having a much anticipated holiday and he was in my arms when he died."

So, seriously, what a way to go. Maybe God said, "This guy is pretty special so as a gift to him, I'm going to take him like this...Death Package #1." Yes, my mind works that way sometimes. Lee's death has shaken me and the world has lost such a good man. Maybe God said, "This guy is REALLY special and he has done so much good, he filled his dance card early. Time to come home." There I go again, writing God's script.

I have a friend who is going strong at 101, one of my neighbors is in his 90s and still mows his yard and takes a walk every morning. Yet another neighbor lost her son in his 30s and a schoolmate of mine died just after graduation. When an eldery person dies, society seems better able to accept it. We hear people console each other by saying, "They lived a good long life." Bullshit.

In my book it doesn't matter how long you lived but what you did with those years. I know that sounds like some inspirational quote that we all "like" on Facebook but it is how I am trying to live my life. I don't do well with death, not that anyone does, but I seem to be more deeply affected than most. So I don't want to waste a minute. I very clearly understand my days are numbered. It's not that I am afraid, it's that I have a lot to do to fill my dance card. So, if you are still in the numbers who do not understand why I wanted to move to SC. If you have attributed my actions to a mid-life crisis or "there must be something she's not telling us," here it is: I simply want to live my life the best way I can.

My 101-year-old friend lived a life of self-imposed imprisonment and poverty because she did not value her own needs. In contrast, my neighbor's son married and had two children while fighting brain cancer. My Dad had a dream to retire to Asheville. He died in an accident when he was 65. In contrast, my Mom postponed cancer surgery so that she could finish her quest to visit all 50 United States. Why would I choose to wait to fulfill a dream? Every time I hear someone say what they want to do when they retire, I cringe. There isn't always a "later." And that's why I am here in SC. That's why I wanted a job making a difference. That's why I over-commit. That's why I always say yes. That's why I am exhausted most of the time. It's really pretty simple.

References

I have known and worked for Cindy Faber Smith since 1998 when she, as the art director for Science magazine, commissioned me to do the cover art for the magazine. It was a bit of a surprise since my artwork is geared towards the children’s market. Typical of Cindy, she wanted to bring a different approach to that month’s cover of a rather dry, technical publication. What at first seemed to be a rather impossible assignment (a “hidden picture” type of piece, incorporating many diverse elements) turned out to be one of the most satisfying assignments I have had in my career. She contacted me again a couple of years later with another fresh approach to the cover art utilizing the red queen from Alice in Wonderland as the theme.

I was surprised, when a few years later, she contacted me as the new art director of Highlights. As a child I had a subscription to Highlights, so I had quite an affection for this magazine. Cindy has brought her many skills as a designer to give this 60+ year-old magazine a fresher, more updated look, while still keeping the trademark Highlights style.

Working with Cindy is always a pleasure. She is simply the best art director I have worked with in my 30-year career. She does not over direct and she allows the artist enough freedom to make them feel that they are adding something of their own selves to the illustrations. She is not heavy handed with her suggestions which produces a very positive collaboration.

Because Highlights hosts an annual party for their illustrators, I finally was able to meet Cindy in person. She is a delightful person, filled with humor, intelligence and warmth. I cannot sing her praises more boldly.

David Galchutt

Illustrator

I’ve known Cindy Smith for 25 years. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on her for her humor, earnestness, and enthusiasm in countless situations.

Aside from being an artist, she is a keen observer who thrives on the challenge of dissecting problems and always seems to find a creative solution. She also has the ability to guide others in solving problems that seem insurmountable. In many ways, I’ve become a better person through observing her at work, in our community, and at play.

I admire the way Cindy experiences life and am proud to count her among my closest and most trusted friends. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her for any job. I know she would embrace any challenge and undoubtly rise to any occasion.

Sincerely,
Dolores Motichka

“In the cynical world of illustration, I hold Cindy as a ray of light, a turning point in my hopes of a career in illustration. The über belief she had in my work encouraged me to chase after my dreams. My illustrations have now appeared in The New Yorker, for Major League Baseball, in hosts of magazines and children’s books.”

David Leonard