Merry Christmas from Lake Eufaula

“A man can do only what he can do. But if he does that each day he can sleep at night and do it again the next day.”
– Albert Schweitzer

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Merry Christmas from Lake Eufaula - 4″ x 6″ Watercolor Postcard

Have a very Merry Christmas!

About Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer, the German medical missionary, won the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work at a hospital in French Equatorial Africa, where he treated and operated on thousands of people, including hundreds of people afflicted with leprosy. He was also an organist, famous for his interpretation of J.S. Bach’s music. Late in life, he worked with Albert Einstein and Bertrand Russell against nuclear proliferation. He was born in 1875 in Kaysersberg and died in 1965.

Rusty Old Truck Layered into Posey Park Painting

“I’ve learned that people whill forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Dr. Maya Angelou
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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Rusty Old Truck

I painted this from a reference photo by Skappy at WetCanvas.  I left the background empty on purpose, so I could do this….

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom. Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelou’s unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race. Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.

Brand New Eufaula Postcard

“Believe that dreams and miracles happen every day.  You also have to acknowledge that you’ve already experienced countless big and tiny miracles in your own life.  Acknowledge how much you have to be grateful for and be grateful that you have so much to offer.”

–Bex Borucki

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

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New Eufaula Postcard

I have these on order and should receive them Monday.  I’m going to do more designs, but this is the one I have sent in so far.  They will be available at Our Favorite Place in Eufaula.

Rebekah “Bex” Borucki, founder of BEXLIFE™ and the BLISSED IN™ wellness movement, is a mother-of-four, TV host, fitness and yoga instructor, popular YouTuber, and backyard farmer raising backyard chickens and growing her own organic garden.

Eufaula Zentangle Postcard Idea

“A real blessing of growing old is the freedom it gives us to be who we really are. Of course, we could have been our real selves our whole lives. No doubt some of us were. However, far too many of us struggled to impress others with the person we thought we ought to be, and in the process, we lost a lot of real living. Fortunately, it’s never too late to project the real us.
Do we know for certain who we really are? Age is no guarantee that we do. Living through others is not so uncommon, unfortunately, and if that describes us, then we still have the task of discovering who we really are. But let’s think of it as an adventure rather than a task. It’s a journey, one that promises to be full of surprises.
We have earned the right to speak our minds. We have earned the right to whatever beliefs appeal to us. Most particularly, we have earned the right to spend our days fulfilling whatever dreams we want. We’re lucky  Being as silly as I want to be today feels good. I have it coming!”
–Karen Casey


“I feel at this age I can go overboard and be as ridiculous as I want.”
–Miriam Hofmeier
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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Another Postcard Experiment

I’m having fun playing with the ideas for new Eufaula postcards.  As a tourist town, we really need more than what is currently out there.  I love being able to do this.  Since my sign shop offers business card and postcard services, I can get them at cost and share them freely.  Perk.

Today is my last work day before my vacation.  I am so excited to see my family and spend some alone time in the mountains.  I am going to really rest and really play.  I plan to even try a zip line!  Wheeeeeeee!  I’ll try to post some while I’m gone, but no promises.  I’m not going to put any pressure on myself for 10 days…. outside of getting to airports in time to catch flights.  I might need to pay attention long enough to get on airplanes.  he he he

I only take one vacation every other year, so I’m going to make it count.  Yes… self employment rocks, but it keeps me really hooked up and busy.  I’m looking forward to some of that un-busy stuff. 

Miriam M Hofmeier 1906 – 1987 was a member of the Hofmeier family. Miriam was born on May 25, 1906. Miriam died on October 22, 1987 at 81 years old.  Miriam M Hofmeier’s last known residence is at Berryville, Carroll County, AR.

Karen Casey, Ph.D., a Naples, FL resident since 1991, published Each Day a New Beginning, her first book, in 1982. This daily meditation book for women in recovery has sold more than 3 million copies. The 25-year Anniversary edition of Each Day a New Beginning was released in August, 2006. It was closely followed by The Promise of a New Day, in 1983, another daily meditation book for both men and women in search of serenity. It has sold more than 1.2 million copies. Following on the heels of these two books, Karen has written 25 additional books.  Let Go Now: Embracing Detachment was published a little more than 2 years ago. Peace A Day At a Time, was published in February of 2011.  Her memoir, My Story to Yours, which was published as an ebook and available on amazon, along with Hazelden, and  was available as a book too in October of 2011.   Her newest book in print is Getting Unstuck, a workbook that is a companion to Change Your Mind and Your Life will Follow.  It was published  fall of 2012.  Her newest one: The Good Stuff, a book detailing the positive aspects of growing up in dysfunctional families, (there are positives galore!), will be in print in October, 2013.  And the books will continue.  Keep checking this website.

I would love your opinion...

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
– Andy Warhol

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Eufaula Postcard Possibility

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Seriously… I’d love to know if this works.  I am playing with the idea of my art layered with actual photographs.  Tomorrow, I’ll show you another one.  I’m thinking the bright colored one here, with a sailing photo behind it.

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I am officially a short timer.  I leave for my Idaho trip on Thursday.  I thought I might be goofing off a little this week, but my sign shop customers had a different idea.  It was crazy in here yesterday.  I’ll certainly be ready for a rest. 

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About Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol, the American pop artist, is probably best known for his silk screens of Campbell Soup and Marilyn Monroe. He was born as Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh in 1928. His style borrowed from comic books and advertising; he wanted to remove the separation between commercial and fine art. His studio, the Factory, became a hub for the New York art scene. He was also a prolific filmmaker. He was shot three times in the chest in 1968 and narrowly escaped death. He died in 1987.

Working on some new Eufaula Postcard Art

“Man’s main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is.”
– Erich Fromm

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

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Eufaula Postcard Art

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Having a little Fun with some designs for some new Eufaula postcards.   I didn’t paint this one with a black background, but I used Photoshop Elements to add the black.  If you look at the hi res version, you can see how much it needs to be cleaned up.  So this is not ready to go to the printer at all, but it is a start. 

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About Erich Fromm

Erich Fromm, the humanist German psychoanalyst and author, is best known for his book, The Art of Loving, which describes love as care, responsibility, respect, and knowledge. Born in Germany in 1900, he emigrated to the United States in 1934, fleeing Hitler’s regime. He taught at a number of universities in the U.S. and Mexico and wrote eight books delineating his view of human nature. He believed that modern society makes us feel isolated and long to reach out to others. He died in 1980.

Foresee Ready Mix - Eufaula, OK

“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

My dad taught me that, too!  It works!

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Foresee Ready Mix – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

This painting was commissioned by Kathy at Foresee.  The last time I painted this property, the client wanted more of the land and buildings in the painting.  I finally convinced her to bring it in, but not by much.  After she had an opportunity to see some of my other building portraits, she asked me to do another one… real up close and colorful.  This is the new one.  The first one is here.

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 on May 28, 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.

Kay Wall – Law Office – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

“The art of living lies less in eliminating our troubles than in growing with them.”
– Bernard Baruch

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Kay Wall – Law Office – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

I painted this portrait of Kay’s building for Janelle McKnight, who gave it to Kay for Christmas.  Wasn’t that sweet?

Kay tells me… “ It has been a little bit of everything.  A German man, Mr Seuss , I think, built it for a furniture making shop.  It was a pop factory,  and the city water line boys and local plumbers bring me bottles they unearth bearing the name. The corps of engineers used it as an office during the construction of the dam.  It was “Plock’s Undertaking Parlor”, and I have a wonderful photo of that!   Then, medical and dental offices.  Owning it has been one of my greatest blessings!”

Happy 2013!

About Bernard Baruch

The American financier and unofficial presidential adviser Bernard Baruch was known as the “Park Bench Statesman” for his penchant for taking meetings on park benches. He was born in 1870 in South Carolina. By the time he was 30, he had become a millionaire. During World War I, Woodrow Wilson asked Baruch’s advice on economic issues, which began a long-term relationship with the White House. He refused to become Treasury Secretary in FDR’s cabinet, preferring his unofficial role. He died in 1965.

Nicole’s Unique Gifts & Meme’s Place – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

“Live with intention.  Walk to the edge.  Listen hard.  Practice wellness.  Play with abandon.  Laugh.  Choose with no regret.  Appreciate your friends.  Continue to learn.  Do what you love.  Live as if this is all there is.”

–Mary Anne Radmacher

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Nicole’s Unique Gifts & Meme’s Place – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

This business is right next door to Our Favorite Place.  Kim & Tracy Franklin have that store packed to the gills with all kinds of cool stuff.

Wow!  We are having some strange pre-Christmas weather.  There’s blizzards to the north and dust storms to the south.  Here in Oklahoma, it’s just a little windy.  We are so lucky…. so far.

Mary Anne Radmacher is a writer and an artist. She conducts workshops on living a full, creative, balanced life, teaches Internet writing seminars, and works with individual clients. She has been writing since she was a child, and she uses her writing to explore symbols and find meaning. She is the author of Lean Forward into Your Life (Conari Press, 2007), and Live Boldly (Conari Press, 2008). She lives with her husband near Seattle, Washington. Visit her online at www.maryanneradmacher.com or www.maryanneradmacher.net. “

Houston Homan High School.. or uh… Middle School – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

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

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Houston Homan High School.. or uh… Middle School – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

Houston Homan was dedicated in 1923. This four story structure was the second high school building located on the south end of main street at 111 Forest Street. Houston Homan was located west of and adjacent to Jackson Lee High School. Highway expansion required the demolition of the beautiful 3 1/2 story Jackson Lee Building.  (Hmmmm… three and a half?  What do we do with the half story?)

Houston Homan served the high school students of our district until the current high school was completed in 1967. The Houston Homan building then became Eufaula’s Middle School. In 2007, the middle school students began attending Eufaula’s new middle school building located west of town. The Houston Homan building is currently empty.

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.

Trinity Episcopal Church – Black and White Version

“You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; in just the same way, you learn to love by loving.”
– St. Francis de Sales



Trinity Episcopal Church – Black and White Version

Excuse the terrible photo.  I took this in my studio this morning when it was still dark.  It’ll need a lot of cleaning up in Photoshop because I was too impatient to stop working, so I could bring it in to work to scan it.  (The black and whites will become a coloring book later.)  But I really wanted to start with the paint.  It’s so much fun painting these little building portraits. 

About St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622), known as the Gentle Saint, was bishop of Geneva. His motto was, “He who preaches with love preaches effectively,” and his religious texts, including Introduction to the Devout Life, have resonated with many non-Catholics. Pope Pius IX proclaimed him a patron saint of writers. Some consider him a patron saint of the deaf; he invented a form of sign language to teach a young deaf man how to communicate.

Eufaula, OK – Main & Selmon, Going North – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
– Thomas Jefferson

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Eufaula – Main & Selmon, Going North – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

If you turn right here, I’m just down the block on the right.  I love that building on the left.   It now houses Paradise Realty, but it has been many things in my 21 years in Eufaula.   It’s a wonderful old building.  Just in case you’re curious… that building on the right really is pink.  It used to be a soap store and that is when it went pink.  It now has a second hand store in it.   Don’t you just love the clock? 

About Thomas Jefferson

President Thomas Jefferson was a true Renaissance figure: politician, inventor, archaeologist, architect, and more. He was born in Virginia in 1743 and later designed his adult home at Monticello. Many consider him the brightest man ever to inhabit the White House. Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence; the Library of Congress was founded from his personal collection. He died on July 4, 1826.

Eufaula – Main & Selmon Facing South – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

“None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Eufaula – Main & Selmon Facing South – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

If you turn left right here, my sign shop is about 3/4 of a block on the right.   Funny thing about this painting… I took it over to the gallery (Our Favorite Place)  on Friday and before I even left… it sold!  Yay!!!!  And a couple more small paintings and a few postcards…. before I even left the gallery!  Love it!

In this painting, Our Favorite Place is the 4th building down on the right.  It’s a quick 2 minute walk from my shop.  I’m taking two more paintings over there today.  Of course I have to have a caramel latte while I’m there.  

About Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson helped spark the transcendentalist movement with the essay Nature, which described his belief in the spiritual essence of humanity and the natural world. He was born in Boston in 1803. He was a Unitarian minister until he resigned in 1832 to become a philosopher and writer. He suffered the untimely deaths of many of his loved ones: three brothers, his first wife at age 20, and his eldest son at age five. Emerson died in 1882.

Eufaula Armory – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

“Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.”
– Swami Sivananda Saraswati

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Eufaula Armory – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

Built in 1935 and finished in 1937, this building continues to house a unit of the Oklahoma National Guard.  The Works Progress Administration program began in June of 1935 in order to stimulate the economy and employee citizens of the country. The program spent $10.75 billion, with $185 million spent in Oklahoma.

Many of the projects throughout Oklahoma were to build roads, dams, schools, post offices and other public buildings. One of the most outstanding examples throughout Oklahoma is the series of armories constructed in a variety communities. Prior to their construction, the Oklahoma National Guard units did not have permanent structures. Most rented building space, where security was a problem, leaving arms and equipment open for theft.

The National Guard Unit headquartered in Eufaula is Company H, 2nd Battalion, 180th Infantry. From time to time, the unit had seen its headquarters located in the High School Gymnasium, the county courthouse, as well as rental spaces in commerical space. Conditions were so bad that at one point the unit drilled in the streets of Eufaula.  More info and photos here.

About Swami Sivananda Saraswati

Swami Sivananda Saraswati, born Kuppuswamy, was an Indian doctor and Yoga guru. He was born in 1887 in India. When he set up a clinic in Malaysia, he became known for his kind heart and charitable work. He left a successful medical practice to go on a pilgrimage to India, where he took monastic vows. As a spiritual leader, he attracted many disciples, including Krishnamurti. He called his discipline the Yoga of synthesis. He wrote more than 300 books on Yoga and spirituality. He died in 1963.

Eufaula Memorial Library – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.”
–Alexander Graham Bell

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Eufaula Memorial Library – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

Our library is a hugel part of our community.  There are a lot of programs for children and adults alike.  The Librarian, Margaret Collins, and her staff are doing a wonderful job!

In 1985, Eufaula Public Library became Eufaula Memorial Library and moved into the new building created with funds raised by area citizens.  The Friends of Eufaula Memorial Library group was organized in 1987 to support the programs and activities of the library. Organizers were Mary Wendel, Nadine George, and Marguerite Schmitt. The first meeting was held on February 24, 1988.

Alexander Graham Bell was born on March 3, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His education was largely received through numerous experiments in sound and the furthering of his father’s work on Visible Speech for the deaf. Bell worked with Thomas Watson on the design and patent of the first practical telephone. In all, Bell held 18 patents in his name alone and 12 that he shared with collaborators. He died in 1922.  More…

The House of Aingell – Circa l938 - 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

“When you get into a tight place and it seems that you can’t go on, hold on — for that’s just the place and the time that the tide will turn.”
– Harriet Beecher Stowe

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

The House of Aingell – Circa l938 - 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

This is the home of Rita Bradley.  She commissioned me to paint this and she gave me some wonderful history on it.  After I painted it, my husband gave me some more insight.  His dad, Fred Parker, who grew up in Eufaula, always thought this was the most beautiful home in Eufaula.  It is wonderful.  The grounds are so well kept and lush that it was hard to get an angle that showed this much of the house.  Off behind that tree is another building, a garage with an apartment over it.

Here is some of the history I got from Rita Bradley:

“It was built in l938 and was home to The Aingell Family. They owned a Drug Store on Main Street and Mrs. Aingell was the Granddaughter of a well known Native American, George Washington Grayson (Chief For The Confederacy).  

Beth, many elderly folks from Eufaula have pointed out to me: The circle of rocks in the front yard. They mean something–I just don’t know what! They have been there from the beginning of property being a Home and secondly The Flagpole (which should be taken down, but not by Me)! I was told, before moving in, that the Aingell’s had on son that was killed in The Invasion of Normandy. To celebrate his life and in remembrance of him, the flagpole was erected and shall stand until a higher being takes it out and or down. I was also told that the old iron railing was from a Historic Building in Eufaula. Just saying. Newsy Notes coming Your Way! Well, it has been there since l938 too. I am told a Jewish businessman rented it for many years from The Aingell Family.”

It was an honor to paint this home and I am really enjoying all I am learning about Eufaula, as I paint all these buildings.  I have only lived here for 20 years and Eufaula emerged as a town in 1872.  The building my sign shop is in is somewhere around 100 years old.  I have never really known exactly, as I lease the building.  I have been in it for 15 of my 20 years in business.

About Harriet Beecher Stowe

American author Harriet Beecher Stowe is known for her novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a rallying cry for the abolitionist movement. When she met Abe Lincoln in 1862, he said, “So you’re the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war!” She was born in Connecticut in 1811. Her brother, Henry Ward Beecher, became a renowned minister. After an unusually thorough education for a woman of the time, she began her career when she won a magazine prize contest. She died in 1896.

A Lovely, Historic Eufaula Home – 8″ x 10″ Ink

“Some people march to the beat of a different drum… and some people polka.”
–anonymous

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

A Lovely, Historic Eufaula Home – 8″ x 10″ Ink

I really love that quote.  Have you ever turned to the RFD channel and watched Big Joe’s Polka Show?  Yes…. I have, though it’s not something that generally comes up in conversation.  he he  The hubby and I were noticing that the steps to polka are basically like skipping.  Do you remember skipping when you were a kid?  Skipping was always a happy thing to do.   So, next time you are flipping around the channels and you see someone doing the polka, stop for just a minute and you’ll see what I mean. 

This home has a lot of history.  It was built in 1938.  It’s really beautiful, too.  I hope to get it painted this weekend.  If any of you local Eufaula folks know what the significance is of the circle of rocks in the front yard, please tell me about it in the comment section.  The current owner knows it means something, but she doesn’t know just what that is.  There is a big round rock in the center with small round rocks around it.

Eufaula City Hall – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor and Ink

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
–Charles Dickens

Great advice!!

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Eufaula City Hall – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor and Ink

It’s amazing what I learn when I paint these buildings.  This one was pure joy.  Although I initially dreaded doing all those rocks, it ended up being my favorite part. 

Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, the son of John and Elizabeth Dickens. John Dickens was a clerk in the Naval Pay Office. He had a poor head for finances, and in 1824 found himself imprisoned for debt. His wife and children, with the exception of Charles, who was put to work at Warren’s Blacking Factory, joined him in the Marshalsea Prison. When the family finances were put at least partly to rights and his father was released, the twelve-year-old Dickens, already scarred psychologically by the experience, was further wounded by his mother’s insistence that he continue to work at the factory. His father, however, rescued him from that fate, and between 1824 and 1827 Dickens was a day pupil at a school in London. At fifteen, he found employment as an office boy at an attorney’s, while he studied shorthand at night. His brief stint at the Blacking Factory haunted him all of his life — he spoke of it only to his wife and to his closest friend, John Forster — but the dark secret became a source both of creative energy and of the preoccupation with the themes of alienation and betrayal which would emerge, most notably, in David Copperfield and in Great Expectations.  More…

Eufaula Post Office – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

“When we are grateful for the good we already have, we attract more good into our life…”
–Margaret Stortz

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Eufaula Post Office – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

Just now, I went on the internet to find some information on our post office and my post came up that I did with the ink drawing of this.  he he  I love that my blog is ranking high enough to be the 7th item on page one of the search.   I had to stop looking because I was finding too much interesting stuff to read and I have to get back to work. 

I couldn’t find anything on Margaret Stortz that I was sure was about the person who said this.  I got it from my neat little Simple Truths book:  Stress is a Choice, by David Zerfoss.

Auntie Faye’s Building Portrait in Black & White – 8″ x 10″

“Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.”
– Phillips Brooks

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Auntie Faye’s Building Portrait in Black & White – 8″ x 10″

I’m busy painting on this one and I should be showing it to you soon.  The store owners always get to see it before you, so it all depends on when James and Linda see it.  I imagine I’ll have it done Monday or so.  They did approve the pencil drawing before I proceeded with ink.  The sign in the painting just went up 2 days ago.  It’s colorful and fun!  Well, of course it is… It’s a Signs by Beth original. 

About Phillips Brooks

Phillips Brooks, the American clergyman now mostly known for writing the words to the Christmas song, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” was one of the most influential ministers of his time, with his sermons reprinted in major newspapers. He delivered the eulogy at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral. Born in Boston in 1835, he spent most of his life there as overseer of Harvard University, rector of Trinity Church, and bishop of Massachusetts. He died in 1893, and the day of his funeral was declared an official day of mourning.