I owe C. Ronald Becthle, my mentor and my friend, a debt of love to match the wealth of love he’s showered on me since I was ten, encouraging me as a painter and as a person. A joyful, working artist at age 84, Charlie’s work stays close to the aesthetics of scribbles. Charlie has the kind of brain that’s the goal of this book: a brain that reads and writes, loves music and paints. Bates College in Lewiston, Maine has the largest collection of Becthle’s work.

I dedicate my books to writer, editor, and friend, Panio Gianopoulos, whose intellect, editing skills, and belief in the importance of the subject matter made this book possible and who encouraged me to keep trying to publish when I’d nearly given up hope.