Me with a new mug I just got from a secondhand store here in Scranton. Penn Central, a pathetically unsuccessful merger in the late 60s of three railroads in the New York metropolitan area. They declared bankruptcy only 2 years after incorporating. One of the last vestiges of a bygone era. I love it – the history it led me to learn about, the color, the gold band around the top, the retro logo, the smaller size, the yellowed coloring, the handle’s even been glued back on.

I got it not because I need it or have room for it, but because I love it. It took me on a little journey that inspired me. When I drink from it, I feel connected to that journey and to the history of my community here in northeast PA.

Artists need these little – punn intended – cup fillings. They’re so silly, but the rewards so outweigh the cost of a couple dollars and a new spot in the cupboard. Why would we pass up such an investment? Little gifts and pleasures like this remind us that life is all around us all the time, that new sources of creativity can be found in even the most mundane places, that it doesn’t have to take travel agents and mortgage lenders and financial planners and dating apps and strong substances and “big breaks” to bring joy into our lives. All we have to do is wake up.

I was reminded of this as I’ve been re-reading Julia Cameron’s classic, The Artist’s Way. According to her, these little spoilings are vital for artists. I’m glad I followed her advice.