Olga Owl

Remember:  “Impossible” means “I’m possible”.
– SARK



Olga Owl – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“My name is Olga Owl.  Whew… spring is finally here.  What I like best about spring is that I can finally get my beak and nails done.  I get sooooo tired of brown!  While I was at the salon, I got my eye feathers done in pink.  Do you like them?  I can’t decide.”

This little ATC went to Ai in Bangkok, Thailand.

You may not be able to see it, but there is a little jewel glued to Olga’s beak.  How fun is that?  Yesterday afternoon, I went to McAlester and practiced my crosswind landings.  What an experience!  The runway runs nearly north and south.  The wind was coming from the west.  It’s an adventure getting that plane on the ground, pointing straight down the center line of the runway.  I’ve been hesitant to practice these by myself, but bit the bullet yesterday and I’m glad I did.

Have a great weekend! 

SARK creates colorful inspiration and healing arts through creative channels that make hearts sing! Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy (SARK) has written and created 15 best-selling books, and created hundreds of products.

SARK is the founder and CEO of Planet SARK.  Her company creates products and services to support empowered living.  She was featured in the popular film “Women of Wisdom and Power” – and THAT she IS!  SARK is a change catalyst who provides whimsical and HIGHLY creative resources for healing arts and inspiration to transform your life and be the BEST you can be.

Balloon Ride Over Thailand II

“When one’s expectations are reduced to zero, one really appreciates everything one does have.”
– Stephen Hawking



Balloon Ride Over Thailand II
Gouache on 5″ x 7″ Black Photo Mount Greeting Card

First, I have to say that my heart goes out to all the storm victims in Alabama.  There have been so many lives lost and property destroyed.  What a tragic night it has been.

This is another painting done from a photo reference by Dewi at WetCanvas, from her balloon ride over Thailand.  I had a lot of fun doing this.  Click on the photo for a larger look. 

It has stopped raining for a couple days, so this afternoon I’m going flying.  I’m just going to practice my landings, but I’m really looking forward to it.  Tomorrow it will be too windy and then the rain comes back for Saturday and Sunday.

About Stephen Hawking

British scientist Stephen Hawking, best known for his book A Brief History of Time, which did much to popularize physics, is a leading theoretical physicist who used Einstein’s general theory of relativity to prove the big bang theory. He was born in 1942 in Oxford. He was diagnosed with severe amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 21 and was not expected to live more than three years. Over time he has become more disabled, but he continues to lecture, speaking through a computer-controlled voice box.

Thailand Balloon Ride I

“It’s not what you are, but what you don’t become that hurts.”
– Oscar Levant



Thailand Balloon Ride I
Gouache on 5″ x 7″  Black Photo Mount Card

To follow along with the quote… this little black photo mount card wasn’t satisfied to be just that.  It wanted to be the surface for a painting.    The photo reference came from Dewi at WetCanvas.  She took it from a hot air balloon.  The photo was rather dark, so it inspired me to play with my gouache.  I had a great time. 

Tomorrow, I’ll show you the other view from her balloon.

About Oscar Levant

Oscar Levant was a brilliant musician whose work was often overshadowed by his witty, neurotic persona. He was born in 1906 in Pittsburgh and moved with his mother to New York in 1922 to study music, gaining renown as a concert pianist before his twentieth birthday. He composed the scores for more than 20 movies in the years 1929 to 1948. He appeared in movies such as An American in Paris and hosted a TV talk show for two years; the show was taken off the air due to his risqué comments. He died in 1972.

Wine on the Beach

“The experiences of life can become our teachers; the accidental predicaments of our lives are, in this sense, spiritual opportunities.”
–Tara Bennett-Goleman



Wine on the Beach – 7″ x 9″ Watercolor

This came from a larger and more complicated image from lisilk at WetCanvas.  I opted to do a loose and simple version, using only a large brush and not too much detail.  I had a really good time! 

Tara Bennett-Goleman, M.A., is a teacher, author, and psychotherapist. She also focuses on multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary fusions, integrating awareness training with the arts, social action, and psychology.

Tara’s book Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart (Harmony Books, 2001) was a New York Times best-seller and has been translated into over 20 languages. The book integrated insights from mindful awareness training with those from her post-graduate studies with Jeffrey Young in Schema Therapy, a branch of cognitive therapy. Aaron Beck, founder of cognitive therapy has called Tara “a pioneer in the field of cognitive therapy and mindfulness,” one of the fastest growing fields in psychotherapy.   More….

Pink Cat in the Hat

“It has been my philosophy of life that difficulties vanish when faced boldly.”
– Isaac Asimov



Pink Cat in the Hat – 4″ x 5″ Watercolor

This is another version of Sharrm’s cat, Keetah.  I painted her using a distorted graph here.  I have painted Keetah a few times over the last 4 years on WetCanvas.   Here’s another one that may be Keetah.   What a great cat.

It was a very wet weekend in Oklahoma.  I believe we got 5″ of rain in Eufaula.  We certainly needed the rain and it came all at once.  More expected over the next couple days.  I did a lot of studying, but also managed 3 new paintings to share this week.  YAY!!

About Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov, the American author known as one of the top writers of science fiction’s golden age, penned nearly 500 fiction and nonfiction books, including the Foundation trilogy and I, Robot. Born in 1920 in Russia, he moved to the US with his parents at age three. As a teen, he would read pulp magazines in his parents’ candy store and became inspired to write his own stories. His fiction frames interesting ideas in a bare-bones narrative. He died in 1992.

Happy Eater Bunny

Intuition is a spiritual faculty and does not explain, but simply points the way.
–Florence Scovel Shinn



Happy Eater Bunny – 4.5″ x 8.5″ Watercolor & Sharpie

I used Leslie White’s distorted graph method again, to create this little Easter card.   You can see how to do it here.   Of course, me being a poor observer, I not only distorted the horizontal lines, but the vertical lines as well.  What happens then, is a bunny that looks totally goofy.  I never noticed, until just now, that Leslie leaves the vertical lines straight.  he he he   Now I have to try another one. 

Have a very Happy Easter, if you celebrate it.

Florence Scovel Shinn (September 24, 1871, Camden, New Jersey – October 17, 1940) was an American artist and book illustrator who became a New Thought spiritual teacher and metaphysical writer in her middle years.^[1][2] In New Thought circles, she is best known for her first book, The Game of Life and How to Play It (1925).
Shinn expressed her philosophy as:

The invisible forces are ever working for man who is always ‘pulling the strings’ himself, though he does not know it. Owing to the vibratory power of words, whatever man voices, he begins to attract.

The Game of Life, Florence Scovel Shinn

Marabou Stork

“True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.”
– William Penn



Marabou Stork – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“I’m Mary Lou, the Marabou Stork.  The thing I like best about spring is all the pretty leaves.  I kinda blend in when I go like this.”

This ATC went to Mary in Davidson, MI.

We finally have a pretty good chance of getting some rain today.  The lake is looking pretty low.  The Corps of Engineers is reporting it as only 3.23 ft below normal, but it seems much lower.    In just over a month, we’ll have our first big tourist holiday of the year.  We could sure use some rain to help make the lake safer for everyone who comes to Eufaula to play.    Besides, if I can’t fly, I at least would love some rain. 

I saw this video on Good Morning America, of a baby laughing hysterically at a dog popping bubbles.  It’ll make you smile, big time. 

About William Penn

William Penn is remembered as the founder of Pennsylvania; the democratic government he set up became the model for the United States Constitution. He was born in 1644 in England. After he was arrested several times for preaching Quaker ideals, he decided to found a settlement in America. He drew up the “Great Treaty” with the Delaware Indians to ensure they were paid fairly for their land and toured Europe marketing the new colony. He died in 1718.

Poppy Easter Egg

“Just as appetite comes by eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning.”
– Igor Stravinsky



Poppy Easter Egg – 4″ x 5″ Watercolor

This is the last one I got to paint over the weekend.  It was fun to start with a photo of a plain white egg and a photo of some poppies, and turn them into a poppy egg.   The reference photos came from Sharrm at WetCanvas.

When I was a kid, we got new Easter shoes and a new Easter outfit every year.  My Mom was terrific about giving me and my brother and sister some wonderful holiday memories.    We would dye our eggs on Saturday, then Easter morning, she had the eggs hidden and the special Easter basket for us.    Thanks, Mom!   One year, My brother swore he saw the Easter bunny!  Do you have any special Easter memories?

About Igor Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky, the modernist Russian composer, had a profound influence on classical music with his musical innovations in such pieces as the ballet The Rite of Spring, which shocked contemporary society with the newness of its sound. He was born in 1882 near St. Petersburg. After briefly considering law, he apprenticed to composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. He was also a virtuosic pianist. He continued composing and touring into his 80′s. He died in 1971.

Where Did She Put the Chicken Feed?

“My father used to say to me, ‘Whenever you get into a jam, whenever you get into a crisis or an emergency…become the calmest person in the room and you’ll be able to figure your way out of it.’”
– Rudolph Giuliani



Where Did She Put the Chicken Feed? – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Sharpie

Don’t they seem to be looking for something?  I painted this from one of Sharrm’s references at WetCanvas.  The chickens were all different colors, but I liked the white for this.    It felt so good just to paint for the pure fun of it.  I don’t care how busy I am, I think I need to paint a little every week.  Even if it’s just something small and simple.  It’s kinda like needing to eat or breathe. 

About Rudolph Giuliani

Rudolph Giuliani, the controversial former mayor of New York City, took the national spotlight after the events of September 11th, when he stood strong, pulling the city together, which garnered him the Person of the Year accolade from Time magazine. He was born in Brooklyn in 1944. As mayor, he presided over a massive urban redevelopment and implemented the “broken windows” policy, which cracks down on small crimes to deter larger ones. After his term as mayor ended, Giuliani founded an investment and consulting company. He remains heavily involved in American politics and ran for president in 2008.

Colorful Cat in the Hat

“There is a sense of exhilaration that comes from facing head-on the hard truths and saying, ‘We will never give up. We will never capitulate. It might take a long time, but we will find a way to prevail.’”
– Jim Collins



Colorful Cat in the Hat – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

I had a wonderful reference photo from Sharrm at WetCanvas of her cat Keeta, wearing this hat.  I decided to try something that Leslie White demonstrated on her blog.  I drew a 2×3 graph on the photo  then made a distorted 2×3 graph on my paper.  See how Leslie did it here.  I had a great time!  I wanna do that again!
I did 2 other little paintings over the weekend, so stay tuned. 

 

Boy, that’s a good quote by Jim Collins.  I was all set to do my long cross country solo Saturday, when on the way up there, my instructor called and said the winds were too high.  I continued to Muskogee to fly some maneuvers with my him, but the plane had some mechanical problems, so I came on home.  While I was there, I had him go over my flight plan anyway, so I feel pretty good about doing that part right.  Life is good and there’s plenty of time.  I’ll have another go at it.

About Jim Collins

American business guru Jim Collins has written or cowritten four books, including the instant classic Built to Last, which spent more than six years on the Business Week best-seller list, and Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t, which became a New York Times best seller. He was raised in Boulder, Colorado. After seven years teaching at Stanford University’s business school, he founded a research laboratory to examine companies and why they succeed.

The Birds and the Llama

“If you must begin then go all the way, because if you begin and quit, the unfinished business you have left behind begins to haunt you all the time.”
– Chögyam Trungpa

Wow!  Isn’t that a great quote?  It’ll carry me all the way to my pilot’s license, no matter how hard it is.



The Birds and the Llama -  Watercolor

While we’re on weird animal paintings, I thought I’d share this one.   This will remind us that play is a GOOD thing.  (Well, I think so anyway.)  I love to play with color and create paintings that don’t remind you of anything you have seen before.  Just play! 

Last night, I started working on my flight plan for my long cross country solo.  There are so many computations and serious critical considerations.  Did you know that you figure a weight and balance for every flight, taking in the weight of your passengers, baggage, fuel, etc. to be certain that the center of gravity is in the proper place for maximum performance.

The wind is a huge factor, because if you don’t correct your heading for wind, you’ll be off course.  You also have to consider the temperature, air density,  pressure and  the magnetic variation, among other things.   It’s daunting!

First, you look at your personal minimums.  Do you feel okay?  Are you stressed?  Have you eaten properly?  Have you taken any medicine that will affect your thinking?  Are the winds within your capabilities?  There’s more, but I don’t want to bore you.   I’ll finish the flight plan tonight, with the exception of the weather parameters, which I will calculate tomorrow morning.  That will also allow me to also calculate ground speed and fuel consumption.  Is your head spinning yet?  Maybe that’s why I paint pink llamas.  he he

About Chögyam Trungpa

Tibetan Buddhist leader Chögyam Trungpa was instrumental in bringing Buddhism to the West. He was born in 1939 in Tibet and was recognized as the reincarnation of a Rinpoche (enlightened teacher) at 13 months old. After moving to England, he abandoned his monk garb: He wanted his Western students to perceive the Buddhist teachings without becoming distracted by exotic trappings. He founded Naropa University in Colorado and wrote several books. He died in 1987.

My Snorkelling Rhino

It is not easy to be the best. You must have the courage to bear pain, disappointment, and heartbreak. You must learn how to face danger and understand fear, yet not be afraid. You establish your goal, and no matter what deters you along the way, in your every waking moment you must say to yourself, “I can do it.”
— Betty Skelton

What a great attitude!



My Snorkelling Rhino – 5″ x 8″ Watercolor

Just when you thought you couldn’t be surprised…. you came to this silly painting.  I painted this from Lisilk’s WetCanvas images.  Her challenge was to add something into your painting that is a little out of place.  Do you think I achieved it? 

I painted this two weekends ago and I didn’t have much time, so the background was slapped in (in a hurry)  with watercolor pencils.  So pretend it’s smoother.  he he

Betty Skelton

Betty Skelton was the U.S. Feminine Aerobatic Champion in 1948, 1949, and 1950. As a young girl in Pensacola, Florida, Skelton first soloed in a Taylorcraft at the tender age of 12 and then again officially at age 16. Betty wanted a career in aviation and started with a clerical position at Eastern Airlines.

At 17, she had the necessary flight hours but was too young to join the Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) and it was disbanded shortly before she reached the required age of 18 and 1/2.

She received her commercial rating at 18, her flight instructor rating at 19, joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), and began instructing at the Pete O’ Knight Airport in Tampa. She first started aerobatic flying in a Fairchild PT-19 when a Tampa airport manager suggested she learn a loop and a roll for the local amateur airshow.

She bought her own aircraft, a 1929 Great Lakes 2T1A biplane and began her profession career in 1946 at the Southeastern Air Exposition in Jacksonville, Florida, along with a new US Navy exhibition team, the Blue Angels.

More…

Wanna Go For A Ride?

“Amongst my Superpowers are my ability to find creative solutions, my ability to wait, my ability to look listen and learn, my ability to modify the flight plan ensuring a successful outcome, PLUS consider IMPOSSIBLEs only stepping stones to success.”

Michelle Bassanesi
Rome, Italy

This quote was in response to a female pilot’s question to the other gals in the 99′s (women’s aviation group) – “What are your superpowers?”

I loved her answer.  It doesn’t just apply to piloting, but to life.



Wanna Go For A Ride? – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Sharpie

This is another great reference from KreativeK at WetCanvas.com.  I had fun simplifying it and showing the joy in it.   This is the third of three paintings I got to do last Saturday.

I went to McAlester yesterday afternoon and took their Cessna 172 out for some solo touch and gos.  I really had a good time.  My instructor wants me to do my long solo “cross country” this Saturday.    Of course it will depend on the availability of the plane and a last look at the weather.  I’ll fly from Muskogee, OK to Fort Smith, AR, to McAlester, OK then back to Muskogee.  Fort Smith is in controlled airspace which means I have to talk to and receive instructions from a control tower.  I am nervous about that, but have been listening to LiveATC.net, to get comfortable with that radio environment.  The links show satellite views of the airports. 

Michelle Bassanesi

If you click on that link it will tell you a little more about Ms. Bassanesi.  She seems like a wonderful lady.

The Ninety Nines

OUR MISSION –The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.

Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote Amelia, fly “for the fun of it!”

Fresh Tulips

“There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.”
– Booker T. Washington

I love that quote. 




Fresh Tulips – 10″ x 10″ Watercolor

I used the biggest watercolor brush I dared to paint this.  I wanted to do loose and fresh, with very little attention to details.  (for me anyway)  I had a great time!  This is large for me and the size makes it even prettier in person.  The reference photo is from KreativeK at WetCanvas.  Fun!

About Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington, the influential American educator, was the first African-American to be invited to the White House; he also had tea with Queen Victoria. He was born in slavery in Virginia in 1856. After emancipation, he worked in the salt mines. When he learned of a school that would accept former slaves, he walked much of the 400 miles to get there. He became an outspoken advocate of education and hard work for African-Americans and founded Tuskegee University. He died in 1915.

Chef Still Life

“The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.”
– William Connor Magee



Chef Still Life – 10″ x 10″ Watercolor

YAY!  A new painting!  It’s been a while since I posted anything new so I’m excited.  Saturday I got up early and painted this still life from KreativeK’s WetCanvas references.  I normally don’t paint still lifes but this one called out to me.  I had so much fun!!  It’s big for me too!!  I rarely go this big.  I painted three paintings Saturday morning so I have more to share this week. 

About William Connor Magee

British prelate William Connor Magee was known as the Militant Bishop for his forceful speaking style, though he always worked for peace. He was born in 1821 in Ireland. Extremely bright, he enrolled in Trinity College at age 13. Ordained to a curacy at St. Thomas’s, Dublin, his fame as a speaker took him all the way to the powerful Archbishop of York. He spoke several times in the House of Lords, arguing against the dissolution of the Irish Church and against national temperance laws. He died in 1891.

Kookaburra – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich the world.”
– Bertie Charles Forbes



Kookaburra – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“I’m Kizzie the Kookaburra.  The thing I like best about spring is my new hair braids.  I flew all the way over to Jamaica and they do it on the beach!  I sipped a rum cocktail while they did my hair.”

This ATC went to Bonnie in Regina, SK, Canada.

I saw them doing this in Jamaica, when I was there in the early 80′s.  I’m sure the locals laughed at all the goofy tourists.  On the plane ride home, there were quite an assortment of sunburned, braid-headed girls and women.  I even saw a few brave guys on the plane, with their beaded braids.   I guess what happens in Jamaica doesn’t necessarily stay in Jamaica.  he he  

About Bertie Charles Forbes

Bertie Charles Forbes, known as B.C. Forbes, is remembered as the founder of the long-running Forbes magazine, aimed at investors. He was born in 1880 in Scotland. He worked as a reporter for a Dundee newspaper until 1901, when he moved to South Africa and founded a newspaper there; but he stayed just three years before moving to the United States, where he became a financial editor and columnist. His sons Bruce and Malcolm succeeded him as editors-in-chief of Forbes. He died in 1954.

Heron Twins

“If you have integrity, nothing else matters.  If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”
–Alan Simpson

I agree with that quote so much!  We should value and hold dear our integrity at all times.



Heron Twins – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“We’re Helen and Helga, the heron twins.  The thing we like best about spring are our new stilettos.    Of course, they are not very practical in our usual habitat, so we had this portrait done before we ruined them.  Helga has a weird fixation with green, even though it clashes with every feather on he skinny little body.  But who cares…. we love spring!”

This little ATC went to Elaine in Charleston, SC.

I certainly painted these girls walking on water, didn’t I?  he he he

Back in the day, when I was a young businesswoman in California, I lived in high heels.  Now I can’t walk in any heels higher than 2″.  I have to admit…. I really love my flip flops.  Living and working in a lake resort town gives me permission to wear them every day, when it’s warm enough.    I recently watched Sex In The City 2 and I did enjoy all those beautiful shoes, but I just don’t want to wear them any more. 


Alan Kooi Simpson (born September 2, 1931) is an American politician who served from 1979 to 1997 as a United States senator from Wyoming as a member of the Republican Party. His father was also a member of the U.S. Senate from Wyoming (1962–1967) and a former governor of Wyoming (1955–1959) as well.

Freddie Falcon – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“Consistency is only a paste jewel that cheap men cherish.”
– William Allen White



Freddie Falcon – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“I am Freddie Falcon.  Don’t hate me, but the thing I like best about spring is mice.  I like fresh, juicy, tasty little mice!  Oh… and rabbits!  YUM!”

This little ATC went to Linda in McDonald, Pennsylvania.

I saw a hawk carrying a pigeon last week.  He seemed as if he was struggling to keep airborne,  carrying a bird as large as him.  I nearly hit him with my pickup as he flew by.  Then he landed, resting comfortable upon his prey, on the sidewalk.  He seemed to be regrouping and catching his breath, before he took off again.  Weird sight to see in downtown Eufaula, but it was early and there weren’t too many people around yet.

About William Allen White

William Allen White, the American newsman who ran the Emporia Gazette, is known for his essay attacking populism, “What’s the Matter With Kansas,” and for his eulogy for his 17-year-old daughter, Mary. He was born in Kansas in 1868. During college, he wrote letters to a grocer, a merchant, and a newspaper editor asking for work. The first two turned him down, so he ended up in journalism. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1923 and is considered one of the most influential Kansans in history. He died in 1944.

Frisky Flamingo – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent.”
– Jean Kerr



Frisky Flamingo – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“My name is Miss Fancy.  I am a frisky flamingo and the thing I like best about spring is me.  Don’t you just love my pink feathers?  I also love tulips.  Tulips are pretty!”

We are holding our city elections in Eufaula, today.  I can’t vote, since I don’t live in the city limits, but I have been enjoying the race.  All three mayoral candidates are graduates of Eufaula High School and each one brings unique qualities to the table.  I have a secret favorite, but I’ll keep it to myself and give my complete support to whoever wins.  As a business person in a town where I can’t vote for the mayor or city councilpersons, I sincerely hope for the best and look toward a bright future.

Good luck to all of the mayoral and city council candidates today.

About Jean Kerr

Comedic American author Jean Kerr is known for her wry take on married life in the suburbs in such books as How I Got to Be Perfect and Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which was turned into both a movie and a TV series. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1922. She often collaborated on plays with her husband, drama critic Walter Kerr. She also wrote a number of plays by herself, including the extremely successful Mary, Mary, which ran for nearly 1,600 performances. She died in 2003.

The Egret and the Frog – Watercolor ATC

“When thinking won’t cure fear, action will.”
– William Clement Stone



The Egret and the Frog – Watercolor ATC

“I’m Ellen the Egret.  The thing I like best about spring is the beautiful sunrises.  I could just look at them forever!  Something is tickling my foot!”

This little ATC went to Darlene, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
I like today’s quote.  I haven’t flown much lately, because the wild and windy weather in Oklahoma is beyond my personal minimums as a student.  Friday was calm, so I mustered up the courage to go do some touch and gos at the airport in McAlester.  I was nervous, because it had been a while.  After carefully doing my preflight, I preceded to do some takeoffs and landings.   I learned a lot in just an hour, that I can’t learn from a book and I’m glad I went.   Unfortunately, the forecast for the next 8 days call for major wind, so I’m grounded again.   I still have a lot of studying to do, so the time will not be wasted.

I am so close to finishing that I can taste it.  I can’t wait until I pass my check-ride, so I can take my husband with me.  That’s when all the hard work will really pay off.  We are going to have so much fun! 

About William Clement Stone

American businessman William Clement Stone overcame an impoverished childhood to head an insurance empire. He was born in 1902 in Chicago. His father died when he was three, leaving the family in debt. Stone dropped out of school to help his mother sell insurance. He called cold calls “gold calls,” and started each day saying, “I feel happy! I feel healthy! I feel ter-r-r-ific!” He cowrote the book Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude with Napoleon Hill. He died in 2002 at age 100.

Darla Duck – Watercolor ATC

“My soul is always ready to react to a situation with kindness, and I open my heart to listen to this inner wisdom.”
–Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
The Don’t Sweat Affirmations



Darla Duck – Watercolor ATC

“I’m Darla Duck.  The thing I like best about spring is playing with my kids.  Of course, this one just bit a little girl at the petting zoo, so he needs a little scolding.  I’ll settle down in a minute and we’ll laugh about it.  (I still do a little biting at the petting zoo when my kids aren’t looking.)

This little ATC went to Julie in Queensland, Australia.

My little sister got bit by everything at the petting zoo!  I don’t know what the attraction was, but she got bit a lot!

I’m really excited for my little sister this weekend.  Her son from Texas and her two daughters from Montana and Washington are all going to be at her house.  Three of the little grandkids will be there too.  My nephew will finally get to meet his two newest nephews.   (1 year olds)  I was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with my nephew and nieces when they were little.  Now they are aunts and uncles.  Where does the time go?

The Don’t Sweat Affirmations

100 affirmations that reinforce the don’t sweat philosophy of life: that not letting the little things get to you is a great way to reduce stress overall. These peaceful, beautifully written affirmations are simple statements that hold a big impact. Readers who repeat only several affirmations a day will find their lives becoming more calm and less frantic immediately.

About the Author

Best-selling author Richard Carlson, Ph.D., creator of the popular Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff series and the just published Don’t Get Scrooged, died suddenly of cardiac arrest enroute to New York on December 13. Carlson, 45, published his first book in 1985 and went on to publish more than 20 books that remain popular in English and in translation in 130 languages and 35 countries. Richard Carlson grew up in Piedmont, CA. He received his undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University and his Ph.D. in psychology from Sierra University. He was in private practice as a psychotherapist when he started to publish books about psychological and spiritual health. As his books started to attract a large audience, he began writing full time so he could teach more people how to live with presence and ease by cultivating gratitude and generosity. Dr. Carlson was a large supporter of and participant in the National Center for Family Literacy and at the time of his death he was working on a project with them called for “A Penny a Book” from publishers, authors and literary agents to promote literacy.