Beginning with Failure

2015 has arrived and with it the official failure of my trusty printer.  Over the past few years it has been a real workhorse not only for my business, but also for my volunteer organizational work in the community.  I knew it would happen someday, and that day has come.  My constant companion can no longer print black.  I changed the cartridge yesterday and when that failed to resolve the problem, I took the printer carriage out and carefully cleaned it and let it dry overnight.  This morning I ran a test using our family Christmas letter, which includes this image.  When I saw it, I experienced that genuine involuntary facial response that often inspires my work.  What's wrong with not having any black at the start of a brand new year . . . Why not paint a self portrait in all radiant colors?  2015, here I come!