Carlton Landing Plein Air

“He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.”
– Friedrich Nietzsche



Carlton Landing Plein Air – 5.5″ x 6.5″ Watercolor

Saturday, I went to a Memorial Day picnic at Carlton Landing.  They had this big beautiful pavilion there that was made in San Antonio, taken apart, shipped to Oklahoma and re-assembled on site.  There is no metal in it.  It is put together with wooden pegs.  It is really beautiful and huge!  My little plein air painting doesn’t do it justice.  This is just a small corner of it.

They had the most wonderful music being performed, while I painted.  The artist was John Fullbright, an Okema, Oklahoma native.  I really enjoyed the afternoon.

About Friedrich Nietzsche

Controversial German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is best known for his book Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Born in 1844 near Leipzig, he renounced Prussian citizenship in 1869, remaining stateless the rest of his life. In his work, he argued against the concept of an omnipotent deity, believing in a “will to power,” a drive toward creativity that could explain everything from natural phenomena to human behavior. He suffered from insanity, possibly syphilis-induced, for his last ten years. He died in 1900.

Touranga Sea Birds

“Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.”
– Frank Herbert



Touranga Sea Birds – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

This little ATC went to Graham in Auckland, New Zealand.

These birds seemed fitting for a long holiday weekend.  There will be a lot of backyard fun, barbeques and swimming for most families.  I am going to Carlton Landing’s grand opening chili cookoff and then to a birthday party on Saturday.  Sunday and Monday will be for painting and studying.    I am really looking forward to some down time with the hubby, as he is still healing and getting better.  He’s having to skip the Saturday events, but we’ll have the next two days together.

I hope that whatever you’re doing, you enjoy the holiday and stay safe.  Don’t forget to say a little thank you to our brave military men and women, who risk their lives to keep us safe.  Happy Memorial Day!

About Frank Herbert

American author Frank Herbert is the author of Dune, the ecological science-fiction classic that has inspired cult-like devotion among fans. He was born in Tacoma in 1920. He lied about his age to get his first newspaper job in 1939. He was inspired to write Dune after researching an article about sand dunes in Oregon. The book took six years to write and was rejected by 23 publishers. It was a critical success for its exploration of issues of religion, politics, and survival. He died in 1986.

Bird ATC

“Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.”
– Aleksei Peshkov

Never take happiness for granted.  If you find it slipping away, you better get busy and get it back!  We just get this one life, ya know. 




Bird ATC – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor

Here’s another little spring ATC from the old exchange.    I am going to paint this weekend.  I can’t wait to have new art to share!  Hubby is improving, since he’s been home.  I’m taking him for a 1 week check up tomorrow, to ensure he’ll be good to go for the long weekend.  YAY!

About Aleksei Peshkov

Russian social realist author Aleksei Peshkov, known as Maxim Gorky, was so esteemed that his birthplace, Nizhny Novgorod, was renamed Gorky in his honor. He was born in 1868. His parents died when he was young, and he left his home at age 12. He was arrested in the late 1880′s as a revolutionary. His writing, including his best-known novel, The Mother, portrayed a decadent society and immense poverty. He became disillusioned after the Russian Revolution, feeling Lenin’s Communism was little better. He died in 1936.

Pink Swans

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”
– Alexander Graham Bell



Pink Swans – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

This little ATC went to Ai in Bangkok, Thailand

I am hoping to take Sunday and Monday off, to paint and do some honey-do stuff.  I am so ready to get the paint and brushes out! 

About Alexander Graham Bell

Scottish-Canadian inventor Alexander Graham Bell is credited with inventing the telephone; he also invented the metal detector, which he created hurriedly in an attempt to find the bullet that killed President James Garfield. He was born in 1847 in Edinburgh. He began as an elocutionist but began learning about acoustics to find a way to help his deaf mother. Other inventions include the telegraph and the phonograph. He also developed techniques to teach speech to the deaf. He died in 1922.

I Smell Birdseed!

“A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work.”
– John Lubbock



I Smell Birdseed! – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“I’m Sigbert the Squirrel.  The thing I like best about spring is BIRD SEED!  I smell BIRD SEED!!  Where’s the BIRD SEED?  Sorry about all the shouting.”

This little ATC went to Sue in Australia.

About John Lubbock

John Lubbock, the multifaceted British banker, statesman, and scientist, was responsible for the institution of England’s monthly Bank Holidays, sometimes referred to as St. Lubbock Days. He was born in 1834 in England. Growing up, he learned science from his father’s friend Charles Darwin. He coined the terms Paleolithic and Neolithic to denote the different Stone Ages, and he wrote the well-regarded books Prehistoric Times and Ants, Bees, and Wasps. He died in 1913.

Wiggle Your Butt!

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
– St. Francis of Assisi

Wiggle Your Butt! – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

I brought my husband home from the hospital Friday afternoon, after 2 full weeks!  YAY!!  When he was napping, I went to WetCanvas to see what was on the WDE to paint and I found these happy tourists in Paris.  I knew it was the reference for me, since I was so happy.    Of course, the hubby needed me 37 times during the painting of this, but I still enjoyed it very much.

I am so pleased with his recovery since he has been home.  He is able to stay by himself and I can attack the huge backlog of Memorial Day orders awaiting me at the sign shop.  Whoo Hoo!! 

My heart goes out to all the victims of the terrible tornado that destroyed Joplin, Mo last night.

About St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology in Catholicism, was born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone into a wealthy Italian merchant family in 1181. As a youth, he was known for carousing. After a series of illnesses, one of which occurred while a prisoner of war, he had a spiritual awakening. God came to him in a vision and told him to build up his crumbling church. Taking the dream literally, he began rebuilding a local chapel. He took a vow of poverty and began traveling, preaching, and working to help the sick and the poor. A group formed around him, becoming the Franciscan order. He died in 1226.

Scarlett McCaws

“If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.”
– Morris West



Scarlett McCaws – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC


“We’re Sam and Steve, the Scarlet McCaws.  The thing we like best about spring is all the fresh gossip!  I don’t know if you realize this, but guys gossip way more than the ladies do.”

This little Spring swap ATC went to Jean in Palo Alto, CA.

I have missed painting and blogging over the last couple weeks.  My husband is still in the hospital (today makes 2 weeks) but he is getting stronger and I keep hoping to bring him home soon.  He is still battling pneumonia in one lung and some infection.  I appreciate all the prayers and good thoughts going our way.

About Morris West

Morris West, the popular Australian writer best known for religious thrillers including The Shoes of the Fisherman and The Devil’s Advocate, spent 12 years in a Christian Brothers monastery but left before taking his final vows. He was born in Melbourne in 1916. He wrote his first book while serving in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he held such varied jobs as a radio soap-opera writer and Vatican correspondent for London’s Daily Mail. He died in 1999.

Watercolor Sketch

“Everything you are against weakens you. Everything you are for empowers you.”
– Dr. Wayne Dyer



Quick Sketch – Watercolor 4″ x 6″

I did this little watercolor while my husband napped in the hospital.  I should be able to bring him home today or tomorrow.  This is day 10 for him.  He’s certainly anxious to get out of there. 

About Dr. Wayne Dyer

Dr. Wayne Dyer, called the father of motivation by his fans, is a clinical psychologist and author of such best sellers as Your Erroneous Zones and The Power of Intention. He was born in 1940 in Detroit and grew up in orphanages and foster homes. After four years in the Navy, he received his doctorate from the University of Michigan. His spiritually based message focuses on self-reliance and ways to change the tenor of one’s thoughts. He has appeared on the Today Show, The Tonight Show, and Oprah. He now lives in Maui.

Razz - Watercolor ATC

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”
– Harvey Fierstein

I love that quote!


Razz – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

This little ATC went to Peggy in LaVerne, CA.

I’m nearing the end of my little birds of spring series.  I hope I get to paint this weekend, but it’s not looking good so far.  Please bear with my while I’m traveling back and forth to Tulsa.  I appreciate all my blogger friends! 

About Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein, the raspy-voiced American actor, playwright, and gay activist, is best known for his semiautobiographical play, Torch Song Trilogy, which garnered Tony Awards for writing and acting. He was born in Brooklyn in 1954. His onstage debut as a female impersonator at age 16 led to a role in a 1971 Andy Warhol play. He adapted the French show La Cage aux Folles into a Broadway musical and, later, the movie The Birdcage. He has appeared in such varied movies as Independence Day and Mrs. Doubtfire.

Petulia the Pelican

“Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.”
– Muhammad Ali



Petulia the Pelican – 2.5″ x 4.5″ Watercolor ATC

“I’m Petulia the pelican.  The thing I like about spring is my flowerdy hat!  It gets raggedy during the winter, so I spruce it up in the spring with all new flowers.  I do like the beach,  but I love my flowerdy hat!”

This little ATC went to Shirley in Canada.

I didn’t do any new art last weekend, so you’re stuck with old ones this week. 

My husband fell and fractured some ribs and punctured a lung on Friday.  I have been spending most of my time at the hospital in Tulsa, which is an hour and a half away.  I’m driving back and forth and until he gets out, I’m only spending 4 hours (on weekdays) a day at the sign shop.   He’s going to be okay.  I’m thankful it wasn’t more serious.

About Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, the American boxing legend known for his saucy rhyming boasts as much as his quick fists, was a three-time heavyweight champion. He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville in 1942. His bike was stolen when he was 12, and a cop suggested he take up boxing. Though he became known as the greatest fighter of the twentieth century, with 56 wins and only five defeats, the sport took its toll in pugilism-induced Parkinson’s disease. Since retiring from boxing, Ali has dedicated himself to civic and humanitarian issues. He was called on to negotiate the release of hostages in Iraq in 1991, and in 2005 he was awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Peacock Painting

“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.”
– Lily Tomlin



Peacock Painting – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor & Dimensional Acrylic

“I’m Patsy the Peacock.  The thing I like best about spring is when they put new blue pebbles on my path.  The sun glistens on them and they just make me happy.  I stumble a lot, but I’m happy.”

This little ATC went to Betty in Plano, TX.

About Lily Tomlin

American comedian Lily Tomlin rose to fame for characters like sassy phone operator Ernestine and devilish five-year-old Edith Ann on the TV show Laugh-In. Born in 1939 in Detroit, she moved to New York after dropping out of a college pre-med track. She won a Tony Award for the hit one-woman show The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, written by her partner, Jane Wagner. She has also appeared in films, including Nashville and All of Me. She lives in California with Wagner.

Peeking Peacock

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”
– John Muir



Peeking Peacock – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

This has always been one of my favorites.  I used it for my avatar for a while.  If you look close, you can see the jewels on her beak. 

Have a great weekend and if you’re a Mom, Happy Mother’s Day!

Here’s a link to a photo of my wonderful Mom on facebook.

About John Muir

American naturalist John Muir is remembered as a passionate champion of the natural wonder of Yosemite; he was instrumental in turning the land into a national park. Born in Scotland in 1838, he immigrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1849. He dropped out of college to walk 1,000 miles from Indiana to Florida. After falling in love with Yosemite, he took a job herding sheep nearby. He developed the theory that the valley was created by glaciers, which is now accepted as fact. He died in 1914.

Ophelia the Ostrich

“Whatever you can do or dream you can do, begin it.”
–Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe



Ophelia the Ostrich – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“I’m Ophelia.  The thing I like best about spring is all the stuff I seem to get away with.  I get to wear my purple hose (I love those!) and I get to go to all those Red Hat parties.  All the girls are jealous of my new vine scarf!”

Ophelia went to Chris in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Tonight is our girls night out.  We don’t wear hats, (dang!) but about 10-20 of us get together once a month at a local restaurant or one of our homes.  I  enjoy these gatherings very much.  When I go to them, I am reminded about the importance of our girlfriends.

My best friend is my husband, so I don’t spend a lot of time with women.   I really appreciate the unique qualities they each possess and how each of them contribute to the wonderment that is “woman”.    These are strong, independent ladies and the majority of them own their own businesses or have great jobs.  A few are retired, but they are still having adventures.  They are wives and mothers and grandmothers.  I’m thankful that they are my friends. 

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German pronunciation: [ˈjoːhan ˈvɔlfɡaŋ fɔn ˈɡøːtə]  , 28 August 1749  – 22 March 1832) was a German writer, drawer, and polymath.   He is considered the supreme genius of modern German literature side by side with Schiller.   His works span the fields of poetry, drama, prose, philosophy, and science. His Faust has been called the greatest long poem of modern European literature.   His other well-known literary works include his numerous poems, the Bildungsroman Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship, and the epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther.    more…

Laundry Day

“A mistake is simply another way of doing things.”
– Katharine Graham



Laundry Day – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Gouache

Okay…. I have not lost my mind and I have not started taking drugs.  he he  This was done in response to sundiver’s challenge for the WetCanvas WDE.  She challenged us to paint like Marc Chegall.  I know it’s lame, but I had fun anyway.  I used bits and pieces from six of Wendy’s reference photos.    I should not have used those two big flowers like that, but oh well. 

About Katharine Graham

Katharine Graham, the publisher of The Washington Post, is considered one of her era’s most powerful women. She was born in 1917 in New York. After her father bought the newspaper, she joined the staff as a reporter. Her husband inherited the paper from her father, and Graham took it over when he died in 1963. During her tenure, the paper printed the controversial Pentagon Papers and uncovered the Watergate conspiracy. She won a Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for her autobiography, Personal History. She died in 2001.

Fox at Cuban Ranch

Every failure, obstacle, or hardship is an opportunity in disguise.  Success in many cases is failure turned inside out.  The greatest pollution problem we face today is negativity.  Eliminate the negative attitude and believe you can do anything.  Replace “if I can, I hope, maybe” with “I can, I will, I must.”

Mary Kay Ash, founder and CEO of Mary Kay Cosmetics



Fox at Cuban Ranch – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

I painted this from two references by Wendy (sundiver) at WetCanvas.  One was a fox and the other a Cuban ranch.  I had a great time painting this little guy.  Yesterday’s hats were also done from one of Wendy’s references.

Don’t you just love that quote?  It’s how I live my life today.   I haven’t always had this philosophy.   I used to worry about everything.  When my husband and I started dating, he taught me, through his own actions, that life is a great big adventure, just waiting for me to jump in and participate.  It’s amazing how much that knowledge (and my husband) has enhanced my life. 

Mary Kay Ash, born Mary Kathlyn Wagner in Hot Wells, Harris County, Texas, was the daughter of Edward Alexander and Lula Vember Hastings Wagner. She attended Reagan High School in Houston, and graduated in 1934.

Ash married Ben Rogers at age 17. While her husband served in World War II, she sold books door-to-door. After her husband’s return in 1938, they divorced. Ash went to work for Stanley Home Products. Frustrated when passed over for a promotion in favor of a man that she had trained, Ash retired in 1963 and intended to write a book to assist women in business. The book turned into a business plan for her ideal company, and in September 1963, Mary Kay Ash and her second husband began Mary Kay Cosmetics with a $5,000 investment. Before the company could open its original storefront operation in Dallas, her second husband died, and her son, Richard Rogers, took his place. The store opened in 1963, but grew rapidly, particularly after Ash was interviewed for CBS‘s 60 Minutes in 1979.  more…

Spring Hats

“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”
– Marian Wright Edelman



Spring Hats – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

These hats certainly look tame, compared to the royal head finery I saw last week.  Did you know that those little feathery or fancy hats are called fascinators?  I think they would be so fun to wear!  I wear my Tilley hat a lot, but I don’t think Eufaula, OK is ready for fascinators.  he he

Big thanks to our Military men and women this morning!

About Marian Wright Edelman

American activist Marian Wright Edelman, who founded the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) as a voice for poor, minority, and handicapped children, was the first African-American woman to practice law in Mississippi. She was born in 1939 in South Carolina. Her father, a Baptist preacher, died when she was 14; his last words to her were, “Don’t let anything get in the way of your education.” She graduated from Yale Law School in 1963. Her many awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom.