"Excellence is not an act but a habit."

Aristotle said that, not me. I'm just using it to get you to read my words.

Last week, the Phoenix creative community gathered in the Phoenix Art Museum to acknowledge the best work of the year. It was great to see just how many new creative people we have in the city. And to see original ideas coming from fresh new places. I felt proud of our creative community at the ADDYs.

We need to stick together. Creative people need to look out for one another. We have a very small club and we are all misfits in one way or another. Since we use our hearts to make a living, it can be painful. But the world needs us now more than ever. To create, not curate. To tell the truth, not believe the lie. To speak with unbridled passion, not be silenced by fear. That's what drives creativity and we can't do it alone. One of my favorite John Lennon lyrics is:

"Before you cross the street, take my hand. Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."

So as we cross over lines, let's hold each other's hand, not bite it. Let's celebrate the freedom we have to use our creative powers for good not evil. Excellence is not an act but a habit. Let's keep the habit alive and well in Phoenix Arizona.