You never know until you try.

So never try.

Did I ever tell you guys I speak fluent Dutch?

I mean, I’ve never actually tried, so maybe I do. Probably 50/50 chance, right?

Until I know for certain, I’ll imagine I can. This is called Schrödinger’s Confidence.

Look at me, knowing another language! It’s not even a useful one. I might go to Amsterdam, but they all speak English anyway. I must have picked it up as a hobby and forgot that I put in all those hours. Wow, all that self-motivated study. I sound like a pretty interesting person.

Maybe I’m smart at science too. Let’s see.

Whoa! Did I just discover a clean and efficient source of unlimited renewable energy? Sure looks that way.

“Hey Bob, Isn’t that the formula for the area of a circle? But with a little drawing of pie instead of the symbol for pi?” That was you just now.

What? How would I know? Why don’t you say nay somewhere else, naysayer! Stop holding back science with your nosey questions and negativity. Science is based on hunches and vibes, not troublemakers like you. So go find another case to solve, Encyclopedia Brown. Maybe there’s a missing bike or a lemonade stand lacking the proper permits.

Look at that. Even if I’m not a for-real scientist (I am), I’m clearly qualified to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Okay.

Speaking Dutch and solving science has given me an irrational sense of well-being. Which I’m guessing feels the same as a rational one. I wouldn’t know.

So think of a skill you’ve never tried. Guess what? There’s a good chance that you already know how to do it. Just don’t ruin it by trying.

Believe in yourself.

The Bob Shea Drawing Club

I’m launching a new drawing club for kids. It will have monthly activities, drawing videos and unfinished stories to solve. More details here. Sign up if you know some kids, or pass it along to smart kids who like art and fun. First issue goes out today. I have a call in a few minutes so later this afternoon I guess.

I’m doing my first live drawing session today at 4pm EST. You can check that out here.

Oh, no update on the flannel shirt unfortunately.