No. 57: Hero-Worship. He had recently read a blog piece somewhere about a novel by Erich Maria Remarque called Heaven Has No Favorites from 1961. He didn't expect much of the book, but was, in the end, delighted by it--by its robust, swashbuckling philosophizing. He didn't have much success, however, trying to ignite this same enthusiasm in his friends

No.56. Idolatry His first picture, after a long time away from the studio, was a painting of a large golden idol. The longer he stared at it, the more he realized that the idol brain was unquestionably the devil's playground.

No.55. Doppelganger. He was often lonely. One night he dreamed the world was flooding and he was invited into the redemptive ark with all the other animals. He didn't have a mate, so he went on board with a second self, with his own shadow. Now he was safe, but just as solitary as ever.

No.54. The Forge. He had always been prolific, but today he had outdone himself, finishing five pictures before noon. Whether or not they were any good was another matter.

No.53. Because he was already weary of winter, he decided to paint a large tulip blossom. It didn't help much.