Afternoon at the Park

“To a happy person, the formula for happiness is quite simple:  Regardless of what happened early this morning, last week, or last year – or what may happen later this evening, tomorrow, or three years from now – now is where happiness lies.”
–Richard Carlson

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2011

Afternoon at the Park – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

I know her legs are missing.   he he  This was a quick little watercolor postcard and try as I might, I could not figure out how to do her feet.  So… let’s just say she is sitting cross-legged, with her feet up on the bench. 

The reference photo was by mbeckett at WetCanvas.

Richard Carlson Ph.D. (May 16, 1961 – December 13, 2006) was an American author, psychotherapist, and motivational speaker, who rose to fame with the success of his book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all Small Stuff (1997), which became one of the fastest-selling books of all time and made publishing history as USA Todays bestselling book for two consecutive years.  It also spent over 101 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list, and was published in 135 countries, and translated into Latvian, Polish, Icelandic, Serbian and 26 other languages;  thereafter Carlson went on to write 20 books.
^{Source:  Wikipedia}

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.

Masters Study – American Flamingo 1838 by John James Audubon

“I always have enough time to thank people for their help and kindness, no matter how small their act was.”
–Richard Carlson, Ph.D. (The Don’t Sweat Affirmations)



Masters Study – American Flamingo 1838 by John James Audubon
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

A link to the original Audubon painting is here.  This is the last one of the Masters Study series.  I wonder what I’ll do next?  he he

My life has been a whirlwind lately.  I haven’t had time to get around to the blogs and visit, but I will.  I promise.  Soon. 

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. Dr. Carlson is survived by his wife and life partner of 25 years, Kris Carlson, his co-author on Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff in Love and the author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Women, his loving daughters Jasmine and Kenna, sisters, Kathleen Carlson Mowris of Olympic Village, CA and Anna L. Carlson of La Selva Beach, CA, and his parents, Barbara and Don Carlson of Orinda, CA. A private memorial service will be held next week. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Richard’s honor to local food banks, Challenge Day, Girls Inc. or Children Inc.

Flip Flops

“When the same problem comes up again and again, I remind myself that it is my thinking that is flawed, not my life.”
Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
from The Don’t Sweat Affirmations”



Flip Flops
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC on Strathmore Textured Paper

 Flip flop season is about over.  It was 66 degrees this morning when I went for a flying lesson.  It’s amazing how much more responsive the plane is when it’s cool.  I have had all my lessons in really hot weather and it’s like the plane woke up.  That little Cessna 172 got downright zippy!  It was windy and bumpy, but waaaaay fun!!!  Too windy to solo, but I’m oh so close.  Maybe next week. 


About Richard Carlson
Richard Carlson, Ph.D. (5-16-61 to 12-13-06) was considered to be one of the foremost experts on happiness and stress reduction in the United States and around the world. As the author of thirty popular books including the runaway bestseller, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all Small Stuff, he showed millions of people how not to let the small things in life get the best of them.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff made publishing history as the USA Today’s #1 bestselling book for two consecutive years. The title spent over one hundred consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and is considered one of the fastest selling books of all time. In 2004, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff was voted one of the top ten most read books in the past decade! Richard is one of the few authors in history to have two different titles at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, in soft cover and Don’t Worry, Make Money, in hardcover.

More…..

Style & Grace

“When people succeed, I am as happy for them as I would be for my own success.  I congratulate others for putting their prosperity consciousness to work, and I am inspired by their success.”
Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
The Don’t Sweat Affirmations

 

Style & Grace
3″ x 8″ Watercolor

I really bit off a big one with this painting.  I have been amazed by this photo of my niece, Erin, since I first saw it.  Erin exudes style and grace and this photo flatters that aspect of her personality.  Of course, her face is way prettier than this.  I corrected it so much that I overworked the paper and couldn’t do anything else, so….. concentrate on the dress.  Isn’t that a great dress! 


Here is how I started the painting.



No black was used in this painting. 


Today’s quote is fitting, because Erin just graduated from High School.  I am so proud of her!

I quote a lot from Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat affirmations, so you have seen his bio many times.  His wife, Kristine, is keeping his legacy alive, since his passing in 2006.  You can read more about that here. I wish her the best of luck in her endeavors.

Pig Quayside at York

“I am grateful for my ability to feel and express emotions – to laugh with my family and friends, to feel love, to be moved by music and art, and to spread the joy in my heart.”
-Richard Carlson, Ph. D.
from The Don’t Sweat Affirmations

 

Pig Quayside at York
8″ x10″ Watercolor on Tyvek
I kinda like the pig, but I am not too sure about the Tyvek.    Desiree, over at  The Clothesline blog, has been painting on Tyvek.  It’s the material they make those nearly indestructable mailing envelopes out of.  She has been making hand painted wallets from it and there is a YouTube video link in her blog on how to do that.  Of course, I had to try it, so here it is.  I have to admit, I haven’t given it a fair shake, so I will probably try it again. 


Richard Carlson, Ph.D. (5-16-61 to 12-13-06) was considered to be one of the foremost experts on happiness and stress reduction in the United States and around the world. As the author of thirty popular books including the runaway bestseller, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all Small Stuff, he showed millions of people how not to let the small things in life get the best of them.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff made publishing history as the USA Today’s #1 bestselling book for two consecutive years. The title spent over one hundred consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and is considered one of the fastest selling books of all time. In 2004, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff was voted one of the top ten most read books in the past decade! Richard is one of the few authors in history to have two different titles at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, in soft cover and Don’t Worry, Make Money, in hardcover.
With more than 26 Million Carlson books in print, published in 35 languages in over 130 countries, Dr. Carlson became a worldwide phenomenon. He spoke to enthusiastic audiences around the world and was a popular television and radio personality, having been a guest on Oprah, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The View, NBC, CNN, FOX, PBS, Hardball with Chris Mathews, The O’Riley Factor, and myriad other shows around the world.
Richard starred in his own Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff PBS Special, which aired to millions, and was the host of a series called Don’t Sweat the Future, a Discovery Health Network special.
People magazine named him one of the world’s most intriguing people to watch as he helped millions of people learn to relax. He was featured on the cover of Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine, and chosen as the “Consummate Speaker of the Year” by Sharing Ideas International Magazine. Easier Than You Think…because life doesn’t have to be so hard, discussing how making small changes, can produce significant results, was launched in April of 2005 and Richard’s newest books, The Big Book of Small Stuff and Don’t Get Scrooged: How to Thrive in a World Full of Obnoxious, Incompetent, Arrogant, and Downright Mean-spirited People made their debut in November 2006 Click here for more information. Richard also authored a nationally syndicated newspaper column for McClatchy-Tribune News Services (formerly Knight Ridder).

Posture Study - December 14, 2009

“I do not place blame outwardly, but accept responsibility for the results in my life. Every time I overcome an obstacle or meet a challenge, I reaffirm that I have access to all solutions and develop a deeper trust in my inner resources.”

from “The Don’t Sweat Affirmations”
Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

Posture Study

4″x5″ Watercolor

I painted this little study from the reference photo provided by my friend, Dewi. I was intrigued by how comfortable and at ease the people looked in this photo. I wanted to see if I could capture it, with as little detail as possible.

Morning Meadows - November 19, 2009

Developing the patience and discipline to quiet my mind is a great accomplishment.
My inner wisdom bubbles up in periods of quiet contemplation.

from The Don't Sweat Affirmations
by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.


Morning Meadows
5" x 5" Golden Fluid Acrylic
on Black Gessoed Ampersand Aquabord

I did this little painting in my motel room on the morning of the second day of the Don Tiller workshop. It just flowed! I really enjoyed the workshop a lot!!! I guess maybe you could tell. *grin*


Richard Carlson, Ph.D. (5-16-61 to 12-13-06) was considered to be one of the foremost experts on happiness and stress reduction in the United States and around the world. As the author of thirty popular books including the runaway bestseller, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all Small Stuff, he showed millions of people how not to let the small things in life get the best of them.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff made publishing history as the USA Today’s #1 bestselling book for two consecutive years. The title spent over one hundred consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and is considered one of the fastest selling books of all time. In 2004,

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff was voted one of the top ten most read books in the past decade! Richard is one of the few authors in history to have two different titles at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, in soft cover and Don’t Worry, Make Money, in hardcover.

For the FCC: I am receiving no money or product for saying nice things about the people or products in this blog post.

33 Weeks - October 11, 2009

"I accept the fresh ideas that are flowing toward me, and I am grateful for having an open mind with which to receive them."

The Don't Sweat Affirmations
by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

.

33 weeks
3" x 4" Watercolor

My niece sent me a 33 week photo that she took of herself in the mirror. I just had to paint this little painting for her. Her and her husband have been trying for over five years to get pregnant. Finally, they got their miracle! My niece has such a beautiful soul, that I just can't wait to meet her child. They live so far away, that I may have to wait a while, so I'll celebrate with her through an exchange of photos and paintings.


Richard Carlson Ph.D. (16 May 1961 – 13 December 2006) was an author, psychotherapist, and motivational speaker, who rose to fame with the success of his book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all Small Stuff (1997), which became one of the fastest-selling books of all time and made publishing history as USA Todays bestselling book for two consecutive years ^[1]. It also spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list, and was published in 135 countries, and translated into Latvian, Polish, Icelandic, Serbian and 26 other languages^[2]; thereafter Carlson went on to write 20 books.[3