Talk about burn out! I have been working steadily at getting two publications out and I fried my brain. I had to take a break, so I used the down time today (and a few hours yesterday) to paint an image for a Christmas card. I will likely try one or two more. Usually I paint a religious theme, but this one is whimsical. What a change for me.

One of my friends is in complete shock. She just learned that one of her grandson was indicted for murder. He admits that he killed the guy. Apparently the guy was a drug dealer but we don't know what happened or why her grandson shot and killed him.

The grandson was raised by his mother who always used drugs herself- and still does. For years the mother would not let the kids see their father or their paternal grandmother because she did not 'want them in her business'. After the boys turned 18 they periodically visited their father and grandmother but the visits were never long. My girlfriend knew her grandsons also used drugs. Once she signed this grandson into drug rehab but he did not finish the program and went back to live with his mother. Now he faces life in prison. He does not face the risk of execution regardless the outcome of his trial because he admits to his guilt.

I never thought I would say that I know someone who committed murder. I know how badly my girlfriend feels. How is it that so many people have so little regard for human life, either their own or another persons? What kind of a crazy world is this?