Here in New England, the character is strong and unshakable.

Here in New England, the character is strong and unshakable.

The remarks about my reaching the age of Social Security and coming to the end of the road, they jolted me. And that was good. Because I sure as hell had no intention of just sitting around for the rest of my life. So I'd whip out the paints and really go to it.

I can take a lot of pats on the back. I love it when I get admiring letters from people. And, of course, I'd love it if the critics would notice me, too.

If a picture wasn't going very well, I'd put a puppy in it.

If there was sadness in this creative world of mine, it was a pleasant sadness. If there were problems, they were humorous problems.

When I go to farms or little towns, I am always surprised at the discontent I find. And New York, too often, has looked across the sea toward Europe. And all of us who turn our eyes away from what we have are missing life.