Sunday ☕ : When The Final Dirt Falls

The familiar hiss of the espresso machine provides a gentle backdrop to the quiet murmur of Sunday morning as I stare across the water, pondering the distant shore. No dolphins have graced these waters in the two weeks since I arrived in this coastal paradise — the unseasonably chilly days keeping them at bay, much like the thoughts I’ve been trying to hold at a distance.

Steam rises from my cup, colliding with the cool air, carrying the rich aroma of freshly ground beans — a temporary comfort as my mind inevitably drifts to Friday’s farewell.

A Walk in the Woods

Warm afternoon light filtered through giant twisted oaks, their Spanish moss swaying like ancient beards in the breeze, casting long shadows across the rough forest floor. Each step brought a symphony of crunching leaves and breaking twigs, nature’s percussion accompanying our solemn procession.

A tear entered the corner of my eye as I shoveled a load of fresh earth and spread it across the body of an old friend as he lay inside an open grave. The moment was raw, real, unlike any funeral I’d attended before.

Bad News Calling

Just barely a week ago, we received the call that would begin this final chapter — our friend had slipped into a diabetic coma and was on life support. Life’s cruel irony showed itself as his wife simultaneously underwent emergency hip surgery. For a brief moment, they shared a hospital room before each returned home — he for hospice care, she for recovery.

Something New

This wasn’t like the many funerals I’ve attended since childhood. There was no polished wood coffin, no marble headstone waiting to be placed, no minister pontificating on eternity. Instead, his body was wrapped naturally in a white shroud, resting on an old wagon adorned with a few hand-picked flowers and ferns. We, the few who gathered to honor his life, walked together into the woods, where small piles of dirt covered with hay marked the resting places of others who had chosen this simple return to the earth.

A Somber Moment

The sound of a fiddle playing “Amazing Grace” filled the air as we lowered him into the ground. One by one, each guest took their turn with the shovel, a final act of service to our friend. Workers completed what we had begun, filling the grave as we stood in contemplative silence.

Between the Years

His life was distilled into stories shared by friends and relatives — not an exhaustive biography, but meaningful moments that painted the picture of a life well-lived. As someone once said, it’s about the dash between the birth and death dates. It’s what we do with that dash that matters.

Standing there, I couldn’t help but wonder: Am I next? What words will be said? Who will show up? What memories and stories will they share? What do I still need to accomplish?

Moments Created

The truth reveals itself: If everything we do, we do for ourselves, there will be no stories worth sharing. But when we create moments for others, going out of our way to craft what become exceptional memories, we never really die until those who shared those memories pass on themselves.

True Artistic Spirit

My friend lived simply but profoundly. A master boatbuilder who crafted everything by hand, he told me last year he’d built 29 of his legendary guide boats — one per year, living off the proceeds of each creation. His work now rests in a museum, his craftsmanship preserved alongside his photograph. He never chased wealth, instead doing what he loved and surviving on what he made. It was enough to keep him and his bride happy, while touching countless lives along the way.

Sage Wisdom

Earlier this week, coaching a young employee contemplating a career change, I shared this: “Assume every decision you make will be followed by 10 or more years to achieve it. Carry the weight of that decade-long commitment, and ask yourself: If this were your last year, would this decision honor your time?”

Jeff Bezos, whom I met before his rise to fame and fortune, suggests imagining yourself at 80, looking back. Would you regret this decision and devoting precious time? It’s about making time for reflection and thinking long-term.

Grasping for Thoughts

I’ve spent decades pondering life’s meaning, and while my answers evolve, nothing sobers the mind quite like watching earth fall into a friend’s grave. Even if decades stretch before me, my time too will come, and come far too rapidly.

What About Me?

Will I spend these precious years mindlessly scrolling through social media, letting screens fill my days with meaningless distraction? Or will I create something meaningful? Will I waste time with those who drain my spirit, or invest in creating joyful memories with those I truly love who fill me up? Will my pursuits serve others or merely myself? Will my cup run over? Will my spirit be gentle?

Magic Making

One wasted hour is too many, especially if it’s your last. The value of our relationships must be about creating magic from the mundane, loving deeply, and enriching others with our time and encouragement. There’s no room for harsh words, raised voices, insecurity, or needless drama.

What do you need to accomplish? Who do you want to serve? What memories must you create before the dirt falls upon you? In what ways will your spirit, your stories, your memories and moments live on?

No Hollywood scene could have matched the raw power of watching his widow, eyes closed, face tilted skyward, pure joy and faith radiating through her grief as she quoted the 23rd Psalm from memory, her voice weak but unwavering.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” she began, each word a testament to her faith in this moment of ultimate testing.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Peace descended with each verse, wrapping around her like a familiar blanket.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

Her conviction grew stronger with each line, faith lifting her voice.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

I’ve heard that prayer, read that passage, a thousand times, heard it uttered by ministers at countless funerals. But here, in this moment, it came alive — transformed by a woman whose heart had been ripped out, who had just lost the love of her life and watched as we covered him with a blanket of earth. Her faith made these ancient words breathe with new life and meaning.

Waste not, want not. Every moment counts.

PS: Sometimes the normal and mundane suddenly seem like a precious gift. Thousands of lives, jobs, homes, businesses were disrupted this past week in Los Angeles. It could take decades to put them on their feet again. Keep them in your prayers. And let’s not forget the thousands who are still struggling to survive in South Carolina and all those impacted by the hurricanes. This is when we all need to step up and help somehow. It could be us.

PS 2: A Different Kind of Legacy

Speaking of creating meaningful moments and leaving something behind ... tonight I’ll trade the chilly 55-degree embrace of Florida for the frozen grip of Austin, Texas. The irony isn’t lost on me — leaving one kind of cold for another — but my heart is warm with anticipation. You see, I’m heading there to host our fifth annual Watercolor Live, and it feels especially poignant after reflecting on life’s fleeting nature.

Starting Tuesday with Essential Techniques Day, we’ll gather virtually with some of the world’s top watercolor masters. They’re not just teaching techniques — they’re sharing their life’s work, their passion, their legacy. Like my boatbuilding friend who crafted those 29 legendary vessels, these artists have spent decades perfecting their craft, and now they’re passing it forward.

I know what some of you are thinking: “I could never do that.” “I’m not artistic.” “I’ve never picked up a brush.” But here’s the thing. Remember what we just talked about, about making every moment count? About creating something meaningful? Sometimes the most profound moments come when we step outside our comfort zone and dare to try something new.

Every master artist started as a beginner. Every beautiful painting began with a tentative first stroke. And in my five years of hosting this event, I’ve watched countless “non-artists” discover a hidden passion that transformed their lives. Some found a new way to capture memories, others discovered a meditation practice with a brush, and many formed lasting friendships with fellow creators around the world. Thousands have attended, and most have come back for five years in a row, which means their growth never stops.

You don’t have to aspire to have your work in a museum (though who knows?). Maybe your watercolors will simply bring joy to family and friends. Maybe they’ll become cherished gifts, or a personal visual diary of your life’s journey. The point isn’t perfection — it’s about embracing the opportunity to create, to grow, to leave your own unique mark.

Just as my friend’s widow found strength in ancient words made new, you might find your own voice in pigment and water. There’s something magical about watching colors flow and blend, about capturing a moment in time with nothing more than paper, paint, and possibility.

Would love to have you join us for this special week. Whether you’re a complete beginner (Essential Techniques Day was created just for you) or an experienced painter looking to expand your horizons, there’s a place for you in our global watercolor family.

Details and registration at WatercolorLive.com. Let’s make beautiful watercolors together.

Life is short. Paint it while you can. And ignore the negative voices shouting, “You can’t do this.” Of course you can. I had no natural talent. Painting changed my life. It can change yours.

2025 Art Adventures: Your Journey to Artistic Mastery

January | Watercolor Live Online Art Conference | www.watercolorlive.com Immerse yourself in four transformative days with watercolor masters who will unlock the secrets of this ethereal medium. Watch pigments dance across paper as world-renowned artists reveal their most cherished techniques. Begin your journey with our Essential Techniques Day, where even complete beginners will discover the magic of watercolor.

February | Winter Art Escape Artist Retreat | www.winterartescape.com Escape the winter’s grip to a sun-drenched paradise where creativity flows freely. This all-inclusive haven offers more than just painting — it’s a week of artistic revelation, gourmet meals, and lasting friendships. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, you’ll find your place in our creative sanctuary.

March | Acrylic Live Online Art Conference | www.acryliclive.com Discover the boundless possibilities of acrylics through the eyes of international masters. For four inspiring days, learn to harness this versatile medium’s power to create stunning works. Our Essential Techniques Day welcomes beginners into the vibrant world of acrylic painting.

May | The Plein Air Convention & Expo | www.pleinairconvention.com Experience the grandeur of Tahoe and Reno in this epic gathering of outdoor painters. Five days, five stages, countless breakthroughs. Our massive Expo Hall buzzes with innovation, while a thousand kindred spirits paint together under vast skies. This isn’t just a convention — it’s an artistic revolution.

June | Paint Adirondacks Artist Retreat | www.paintadirondacks.com Step into a million square miles of pristine wilderness where every vista tells a story. Paint crystal-clear lakes and majestic mountains by day, then surrender to evenings filled with music, portraiture, and warm camaraderie. Two painting locations daily ensure you capture the Adirondacks’ ever-changing light and mood.

September | Pastel Live Online Conference | www.pastellive.com Enter the luminous world of pastels with masters who will guide you through four days of color-rich instruction. From Essential Techniques Day to advanced methods, discover how to capture light and emotion in this timeless medium.

Fall Color Week Artist Retreat | www.fallcolorweek.com Paint where the masters have painted for over a century: Door County’s dramatic Lake Michigan cliffs. Autumn’s symphony of colors provides your inspiration, while all-inclusive amenities let you focus purely on your art. Evening activities spark joy and forge lifelong connections in this artists’ paradise.

October | Prepare to be amazed — two extraordinary new adventures are in the works! Stay tuned for announcements that will take your artistic journey to unexpected heights.

November | PleinAir Live Online Conference | www.pleinairlive.com Join the world’s most celebrated outdoor painters as they share their passion for capturing nature’s beauty. Learn to translate the poetry of landscapes onto canvas in this immersive online experience that brings the outdoors to your studio.

Each event is crafted not just as instruction, but as a transformative experience that will elevate your artistic journey. Reserve your spot early — these profound artistic adventures tend to fill quickly with passionate creators like yourself.

Who Is This Guy Eric Rhoads?

Eric is the founder and publisher of PleinAir magazine, Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine (both on newsstands nationally), author and host six of Art Marketing instructional videos and has a blog on Art Marketing, and is author of the Amazon best seller Make More Money Selling Your Art. He produces newsletters American Watercolor, Fine Art Today, Plein Air Today and RealismToday, Creator of; The Plein Air Convention, The Plein Air Salon $30,000 Art Competition, The Figurative Art Convention & Expo, Plein Air Live, Realism Live and Watercolor Live Virtual art conferences. Art instruction video with Paint Tube.TV (art instruction on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV) and host of several painting retreats: Fall Color Week, Paint Adirondacks and PaintRussia, plus an annual collector Fine Art Trip, Rhoads hosts a daily art broadcast on Youtube and Facebook (search Streamline Art Video). He is a plein air , landscape and portrait painter with works at Castle Gallery. He is also heavily involved in the radio industry as founder of Radio Ink, as well as Radio and Television Business Report, the Radio Ink Forecast Conference, Podcast Business Journal, and the Radio Ink Hispanic Radio Conference. He is the author of a best-selling book on the History of radio; Blast From the Past: A Pictorial History of Radio's First 75 Years. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his bride Laurie and they are the parents of triplets. Learn more at EricRhoads.com or see Everything We Do.