Yellow Duck with No Shoes

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
–Zig Ziglar

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

A Shoeless Yellow Duck

Most people would probably look at that title and think I was nuts….. but we know that in Bethville, birds wear shoes! 

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who looks at this blog and to those who comment.  I have been unable to reply to the comments lately, but I love every single one!!!  The fact that you take the time to tell me something I painted made you smile…. priceless!

Zig Ziglar is a motivational teacher and trainer who has traveled the world over, delivering his messages of humor, hope, and encouragement. As a talented author and speaker, his international appeal has transcended every color, culture, and career. Recognized by his peers as the quintessential motivational genius of our times, Zig Ziglar’s unique delivery style and powerful messages have earned him many honors, and today he is considered one of the most versatile authorities on the science of human potential. Ten of his twenty-eight books have been on the best-seller lists, and his titles have been translated into more than thirty-eight languages and dialects. He is a committed family man, a dedicated patriot, and an active church member. Zig lives in Plano, Texas, with his wife, Jean.

Scrap Bag Duck

“Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid.”
– Lady Bird Johnson

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Scrap Bag Duck – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Sharpie

Doesn’t he look like he came from your fabric stash scrap bag?  I have a lot of little pieces of fabric and no big pieces right now.  Just enough to do little projects.   I just recently rediscovered my old love of fabrics and sewing.  I just need a LOT more hours in my day. 

This was painted from a photo of a duck by Elainesq at WetCanvas.

About Lady Bird Johnson

Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson, is known for her concern for the environment. She was born in Texas in 1912. Johnson asked her to marry him seven weeks after they met. She supported his career by keeping his congressional office running after his heart attack, stumping for Democratic candidates, and visiting 33 countries as his emissary. She founded the Wildflower Research Center and worked to pass the Highway Beautification Act. She lived in Texas until her death in 2007.

Ducklings on Masa

“No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched.”
– George Jean Nathan

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2011

Ducklings on Masa – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor

No… these ducklings are not high on tamales.  (In case you were wondering from the title)    They were painted on some masa paper I prepared a few months ago.  I was working on different papers from my stash over the weekend.  I had a great time playing with my paints.

In this stress filled time of year, I can find complete calm within the walls of my studio.  Nothing bad can penetrate that space.  It just can’t get in.  I hope you have a place where you can go to escape from the stress, if even for just a moment, during the hectic holidays.

This was painted from my own photo of a brand new family of ducklings at the marina at Jellystone, here in Eufaula.  They were so sweet!

About George Jean Nathan

George Jean Nathan, the acerbic American drama critic, was renowned for what he called destructive theater criticism, which helped shape a more serious theatrical community and paved the way for modern critics. He was born in 1882 in Indiana. He and H.L. Mencken coedited the magazines Smart Set and The American Mercury. Although he found little to like in the theater, he became a fierce champion of the playwrights he did appreciate, including Eugene O’Neill and Sean O’Casey. He died in 1958.

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.