More than a dozen or so things to write about go back and forth from my immediate attention this morning.  I think I'm riding one of those rare emotional highs that permit me to be incredibly creative and productive all of a sudden.  But I am suspecting that the cause of my current happiness has a lot to do with the fact that I've finally beaten my months-long artist's block by reconnecting with things that have delighted me in the past -- I've rediscovered my favorite television show of all time: TWIN PEAKS shimmering in a brand new definitive gold box edition. 

You see, years ago, when I found out that Twin Peaks was out on dvd, it prompted me to buy a dvd player.  In fact, it was the very reason why I bought a dvd player in the first place.  Skip ahead to a few years after the delight I experienced with the first dvd release of Twin Peaks on dvd and I am dirt broke after losing a job.  I started to sell everything I could so that I wouldn't starve.  I told myself that once I got a new job, I'd buy it again because, won't it still be available?  Well, that new job didn't come timely enough and I ended up moving back to Point.  Long story, blah, blah, blah...  And, as bad luck would have it, the series is no longer available.  I am crushed.

Skip ahead to this year and the entire series is finally released on dvd, including the pilot in both U.S. and international versions, plus complete with a whole 'nother set of special features.  Can you imagine my joy?  But I had to save up for it.  The entire box set is $90!  Making it the most money I've ever spent on a dvd collection.  No wonder it's golden.  It's this big golden nugget of delight.  Even has a special interview with David Lynch and a few members of the cast that's done like no other generic EPK, it's like a little film in itself!  Watching it is like falling in love all over again with someone from your past, but this time they turn out more than you've ever dreamed.  So I'm happy.

I know, I know, say what you will, but this series has so influenced my creative work in so many ways, it's like a part of my spirituality.  As soon as I put it in the dvd player, I forgot all of my self conscious fears about whether or not I'm a good enough artist and just started painting and drawing all night long.  It's a blessing.  I've got that "in love" feeling back.  It's what I really, really needed.  I can't create beauty if I'm not feeling good about myself or the world I live in.  This series reminded me why I love stories in the first place.  It's got everything a gal like me likes: a supernatural detective mystery thriller with mythic themes, a timeless film noir drama that takes place in a small town with characters as quirky as those you might find in an all night diner in your hometown. 

So, um, at the risk of sounding like a walking advertisement, I recommend the series.  Check it out by clicking onto the following widget OR visit the Mindsay wiki page I created featuring an episode guide to the series. 

And more art by me (and I'm not talking fan art) to be featured here SOON.  Stay tuned.