Watching a great blue heron lift off from the pond is almost a struggle—awkward, unsteady, big and bulky. Yet somehow, this bird takes flight, often skimming the water with its wing tips. It starts wobbly but reaches a beautiful grace as it glides above the water.

Like in life, I ask: Is takeoff a struggle or easy? When you catch a current, do you glide gracefully? Do you jump off quickly and then regain control of your direction?

This piece reflects on a mid-season flight—are we there yet? Have we done the things we're compelled to do in life? Are we still awkward, or have we found grace? I use mark making, color, and texture to create movement, peace, tension, and direction.