Watch for me in a Best Buy Commercial with musician Brian Evans and Red Sox Legend and Hall of Famer Jim Rice that will be aired during the Super Bowl. You will love the synchronicity of life!  

Everything happens for a reason. This story builds on that premise. After multiple attempts to reach musician Brian Evans, I contacted him again on the evening of January 8^th. I expressed my desire and reasons for contacting him again. I was not settling for no. I told him how it needed to be. I told him I knew he was filming a commercial the next day and asked to meet him either before or after it. I figured what have I got to lose. Well, he must have enjoyed my confidence as he responded within 20 minutes to meet him the next day at the Groveland Diner at 1pm. The next morning when I was searching for this diner online, I noticed it is always closed Mondays, and today was Monday. Great – what is going on here? I thought to myself, okay there are a few outcomes, the first being that the diner really is closed and Brian is sending me on a wild goose chase, or the diner was opened only for Brian, or the commercial could be getting filmed there. I got in my car and drove there and sure enough the diner was closed.

But as I looked closer, I noticed a police officer was inside wearing a highly reflective jacket. I gathered myself, knocked on the door and told the officer that Brian asked me to meet him here – and I was allowed in. I say into the diner. Let me clarify, I was allowed into the building but could not go into the diner. He wouldn’t let me actually go into the diner as there was an entire film crew inside with Brian Evans and Red Sox Legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice. WOW. I am really here. I was in awe that I was in such a great place. I knew it to be good. I trusted my intuition and enjoyed the experience. After a long time, Brian came over to talk to me and I was finally “allowed” into the diner. Later on, I sat at one…

What constitutes an accident? Are there experiences in your life that you regret? Do you question why certain shortcomings seem to always happen to you? I am here to talk to you about my experiences these last few months. You may read my words and say this stuff is “hocus pocus,” but believe me when I tell you that when you do what you love and follow your God given gifts, the world opens up to you in new and amazing ways. I am from the mindset that there are no accidents in life. There are always underlying motivations and drives that push us further, thus leading us to the culmination of our dreams. These past few months, I fully engaged in my higher power. This energy overtakes me and leads me to paint and create. I am confident in my expression. I get into the zone and go to town. I know I was born with magical gifts. These powers of expression are mine. I do what gives me happiness. I do what feels right. I trust my intuition and allow my guides to lead me. Would you like to share this energy and passion? Check out my art. It is an explosion of energy with great healing powers.

Accidents…the day came this last November that initiated everything. I was laid off from my job. But instead of getting down on myself, I noticed my future opened up before me. My voice became clear. It was finally being heard. My mind and body felt FREE. I knew this to be the perfect unfolding for me. I have been given the opportunity to pursue my art. And boy has everything been kicked into high gear!

Not two weeks later, I was exhibiting in a juried art show in Haverhill, MA. The juror, director and other art critics associated with the show were amazing. They shared their ideas and gave me insight into the art world. One main theme I gathered from them about me was, “KEEP DOING IT.” They were all impressed with my past - where I had been and how I seemed to fit right into the mix. I was told I have that look about me. A sense of purity,…

I've been asked this question a lot, so here goes...

Inspire Vibrance. I want to inspire others, bring happiness, joy and love to the world. Give people a sense of hope. I really like the word Inspire - it makes things happen. Rather than just sitting back on a park bench waiting for life to happen to you, it is about making your life happen now. Inspire is just so wonderful. Vibrance - the vibrance of life: colors, wonder, freedom, compassion, love.

When I put the two together, it is a catchy phrase that people smile when they hear. They like inspire vibrance. It gives them a chance to imagine their own life. You can build your own cup and fill it with what you want. You get to envision your life as you want it.

Inspire vibrance speaks to what I do with my art. It releases me from the tight constraints of technical analyses. I enjoy leaving out things in my art that allows you to see what you want to see. Life is about living. Life is about loving. Bring that power to your life and you can make great strides. Life is not about money – yes it helps - but it is about bringing and spreading happiness. Let art bring happiness into your life.

I'll end with a quote, “Happiness? That’s nothing more than health and a poor memory,” said Noble Prize winner Albert Schweitzer.

Let the stress of life wash away. Let the vibrance in. Together we can make a difference. 

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT DEREK…

Thank you to everyone who made it out last night to the opening reception! It meant so much to me to have friends and family come down for the show. I felt like a star! Thank you!

Great news. By the end of the night I sold two pieces of art!! The crashing wave and rose of sharon were both scuffed up by excited buyers.

Let's keep up the momentum. This coming Friday is the Christmas Stroll down in Haverhill, MA, http://www.haverhillchamber.com/index.php/programsevents/annualseasonal-events/77-christmas-stroll and for all you beer lovers, the third annual pub crawl. http://penguinpubcrawl.eventbrite.com/.

It'll be a good time. 

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT DEREK…