Have I created a monster?

"When one paints an ideal, one does not have to limit one’s imagination."

- Ellen Key (1849-1926) Swedish Author

... A few of you may know that my teenage daughter is headed off next fall to "a pretty cool art school." (Her words)

... So being the Dad I am, I’ve begun to look into artsy-fartsy things. Have visited or re-visited the various Smithsonian museums in DC (which are free of charge). And have occasionally been known to dig into my wallet so as to visit a few museums and galleries that charge you for the experience.

... Well I must report, "I’m definitely not an artist." I can claim to have taken a few mechanical drawing and/or engineering design courses. [Yes, I’m a recovering engineer.]

... So reading about and then doing the BFL-mindset exercises that suggest we find a champion’s photo and then substitute our face for the champion’s face is a little over the top for me. I’ve seen the movie "Young Frankenstein" and although that particular ’monster’ did attract one particular woman; I didn’t see myself re-creating my physique into one that might rival Arnold’s.

... But this ’old dog’ is trying his best to learn a few new tricks. And my daughter claims she first ’sees her art’ before she creates her art.

... So here’s to expanding our imaginations! I think I’m going to paint me an ideal self-portrait and then – like the engineer I am – construct or transform myself once and for all.

B.A.I.
JL

My AGATSU Challenge

I've been working out -- following the Body-for-Life program -- and practicing aikido now for
serval years. Some folks think I'm a little obsessed with the time and effort I've spent
focused on fitness-related activities. Others have been more than patient with me as I've
ranted or raved about loosing weight, adding muscle, serving as a coach to my daughter's
softball team, running in a 5K race, looking forward to bicycling, preparing for my next
martial arts exam (for shodan = 1st degree blackbelt), etc., etc.

My pick-up truck sports a vanity license plate: 'AGATSU.' Which roughly translates from the
Japanese saying: "Masakatsu Agatsu" as "True Victory is Victory Over Oneself." I occasionally
post journal-like comments at http://agatsu.blogspot.com/ about BFL, the martial arts,
coaching, family, community, etc. Maybe I'm going a little overboard here ... After all
there's no Japanese blood flowing thru my veins ... But I do relate to a martial spirit.
Call it BUDO, call it the way of the warrior, call it missing the camaradiere of a 20+ years
of uniformed service, who knows?

So let me cut to the chase ... It is my intention to start another 12-week challenge on
Monday, February 12, 2007. This will be "My AGATSU Challenge." I've come to the realization that I'm only in competition with myself.

I must -- No, I will -- think like a champion. I will do my best. The Universal Law of
Reciprocation will be very much a part of not only the next 12 weeks, but it will continue to
play a significant part in my life (period). Doing good deeds will be a part of routine.
But these will be kept 'top secret' and on a 'need to know basis' as is best w/ any
ULR-related efforts.

Porter Freeman -- one of the original BFL Co-Champions -- says, "You've gotta want it."
Well I truly believe I know what I want.

After taking several BEFORE and AFTER photos and writing several essays for past challenges, I've come to realize that there's only one material prize I 'lust' after. I want a BFL
champion's jacket.

Yes, I've got 'jacket envy' and I've seen a number of friends win their jackets. I've meet these Champions face-to-face. We e-mail and occasionally speak on the phone. They've earned their jackets and the title of BFL Champion. They've pointed the way.

It is time to give it my all, help others, and achieve my own private 'agatsu.' JL