I heard some chirpy motivational speaker on the radio describe each new year – indeed, each new day -- as a fresh canvas on which to “paint your story.” OK, but I should mention I'm a freestyle fingerpainter who makes a pretty big mess and, on some days, just kicks a couple of cans of paint over, walks through the spill and calls it good. So, if you’re near me, you might want to drape your whole body in a drop cloth.