Hey folks. It's been a while since my last visit, and longer still since my last post. I hope everyone had a good Christmas and the New Year is promising good things.
I had a death in the family. I am not going to go into great detail, but it was someone close, someone that I admired. They died shortly before Thanksgiving. It was a sudden passing, but in retrospect, not a surprise.
Their death taught me something. In evaluating my own life, which alot of folks do when someone they love passes, I have come to the conclusion that I spend too much time complaining and dwelling on negatives. Well, enough of that. Life is about living, not about what is wrong. I promise I will no longer come here and whine and moan. This is my safe haven. I will come here to share in this great hobby with my hobby family (that is if you don't mind me calling you all family).
Every day is a step forward. No matter how small that step might be, it is forward. No longer is the glass half empty, it is a challenge to see how I can make it full.
I am not going to lie to you all and say that I am going to spend the rest of my life thinking about sunshine and roses, come on, I am still a realist. I am just not going to dwell on the bad.
With that said, it feels good to be back, and I look forward to making some layout progress to share with you all.

Happy modeling.
Matt

Wise words, Matt. Although I don't recall having interacted with you on the forum before, I certainly look forward to future exchanges with you. Welcome back!

Hi Matt,
I've missed your posts. I'm sorry that someone dear to you has passed on. It is always a hard thing to let them go in your mind.
I think you have just learned one of life's hardest lessons, and with a different attitude, life can be so much better.
Like you said, it won't be all roses, but the thorns don't seem to prick so bad when you are looking for the bright side.
You know all of us are here and we all try to be family, even us black sheep.
Charlie

Matt, I'm sorry to hear about your loss but I gain from your thoughtful insights. Times like this really do give us a sense of perspective. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here.

regards,
Ralph

Matt, I, too, have missed your posts. I consider everyone on this forum to be part of my family, whether they like it or not!
Sorry to hear of your loss.