You Made Me Smile

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.”
– A. J. Cronin

Boy… isn’t that the truth!

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

You Made Me Smile – 3″ x 5″ Watercolor & Sharpie

I painted this for my friend, Donna Pearce, who is retiring from her job as the editor of our local newspaper, The Indian Journal, at the end of the month.  We had a surprise party for her last night at the VFW and this was the card in her gift bag from me.  Donna is a very wonderful person.  She works so hard and never complains.  She has generously given her valuable time to the community, wherever she was needed.  We served on the Eufaula Area Arts Council board together.  Donna sings, writes, paints, and smiles all the time.  I am proud to call her my friend and I will miss her constant presence all over town.  Enjoy your retirement, Donna!

This card was painted from a reference photo by Lin (oldrockchick) at WetCanvas.

About A. J. Cronin

Archibald Joseph Cronin, the Scottish novelist who wrote as A. J. Cronin, had a full career as a doctor before turning to fiction. He was born in 1896, worked as a Royal Navy surgeon during World War I, and later was appointed Medical Inspector of Mines in Wales. Some of his most famous books are The Citadel, The Keys of the Kingdom, and Pocketful of Rye. His works were known to reflect both his religious beliefs as a Roman Catholic and his medical training. He died in 1981.

My Friend Valri

"Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful sate of mind.  Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented, and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful."
–Norman Vincent Peale

 
My Friend Valri
3″ x 4″ Watercolor

I painted this from a full face photo, but I loved the unruly little lock of hair in her face, so I cropped it.  I like the way it turned out, even if you can see all the pencil lines.  If anybody has hints about those pesky pencil lines, please let me know.

Norman Vincent Peale

minister, author
Born: 5/31/1898
Birthplace: Bowersville, Ohio
Norman Vincent Peale was one of the most influential clergymen in the United States during the 20th-century. Ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1922, Peale served as pastor at a succession of churches that included Berkeley, Rhode Island (1922–24), Brooklyn, New York (1924–27), and Syracuse, New York (1927–32) before changing his affiliation to the Dutch Reformed Church so that he could become pastor of the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City (1932–84). Peale’s simple, optimistic, and dynamic sermons, in which he offered a positive outlook on modern living brought increasing numbers of parishioners and increasing fame to Peale. His sermons were regularly broadcast, first on radio and later on television. In addition, Peale published a weekly newsletter for businessmen, Guideposts, which reached two million subscribers at its apex. Peale also published several best-selling books, including The Power of Positive Thought (1952), The Art of Living (1937), Confident Living (1948), and This Incredible Century (1991).
Died: 12/24/1993
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