I drove up to Salem today (in the fine company of my sister and my nephew) and hung my artwork at Latte Play, a coffee shop near downtown Salem. The drive was smooth and (as many who take that route can attest to) remarkably straight, the sun was out, the conversation was vigorous, the walls of the coffee shop were painted the right color and took nails or screws with equal ease and sturdiness, the coffee was delicious, the responses of observing patrons were enthusiastic. All in all, it was a good day to be an artist.