This I Know for Sure ! ! !

Now don't accuse me of being toooooo opinionated, but this I know for sure:  From my trips over the world to paint and see other cultures, I  know everyone in the world wants the same thing:  love, security, some enjoyment in life, TO BE VALIDATED.  Even with the differences in our cultures, we can look past the superficial and relate to everyone.

When I did the renovation of an apartment and home in Belize through Habitat program I really got to know my families in Belize and realized the above, regardless of poverty.

Here is a painting done from a village in Belize.  Women carried the washing in these 5 gallon buckets, and they were heavy !

Just became a FEATURED ARTIST in Fine Art Services Online

This went out to right at 28,000 subscribers and I was mighty thrilled  to receive this recognition on FASO.  They used three paintings in the article from my web site, a landscape (Cross Country Skiing), a figurative (the painting of the man on the street in preceding post), and a still life (Apples, Glass, and Flowers).

Here is my latest painting of a Cyclist

THESE THINGS I KNOW FOR SURE

With my years and years and years of living in this ole world, these things I know for sure:

1. Relationships count in life and not the things you do.
2. Eat decent food and not all that crap out there.  Actually go for the 5 to 9 veges/fruits a day.  Drink water.  I start my day with a cup of hot water and juice from a half lemon/lime.  And, floss  your teeth.
3. Get your finances in order:
   a. pay off that one credit card every month
   b. save NOW for retirement, your emergency fund, children's education.  And, save consistently by
       having it deducted from your check each month
   c. stay out of as much debt as possible by postponing gratification
4. Know that you aren't the person pigeonholed into the high school label.  Don't let someone else define you.  A strong sense of self is personal power.
5. Don't drink too much.  Really discipline yourself in this direction. A glass of wine at night is fine. Don't do drugs-period
6. Don't be desperate in seeking love, it's a big turn off.  Don't expect to meet your soul mate at a bar at 2:00 am.  Get involved in things that really interest you.  Take some classes, meet people at Church activities, volunteer.
7. Exercise on a consistently regular basis.  Remember that Silver Sneakers is free with some health insurers.
8. Keep the technical games and TV watching to a minimum.  You will kick yourself one day that you blew so damn much time on such putrid stuff.
9 Play some sport, individual or team.  It's a great teacher.  Learn to play an instrument.
10. Get a dog and be a good owner.  You'll live longer.

This is one of my selections for a National competition coming up:  wish me luck

Family is Here

And, it is more than wonderful to share in all the joys of life.  The festivities continue as more and more family arrives.

I want to share with you an Egg Nog recipe that I have recently replaced my old recipe with.  It is a bit of trouble, but well worth it.  It will be made the night before and "utilized" on New Year's morning or maybe at a dinner when all are here.

The ingredients are:

6 eggs separated
1 C sugar
1 pint of bourbon
1 jigger of rum
1 pint of whipping cream
1 pint of almond milk

Whip your cream. Beat yolks until thick and pale lemon color. Add sugar gradually, beating well until sugar is dissolved.  Add bourbon and rum, pouring it slowly and beating constantly. (cooking the eggs, so go slow)  In a large bow (chilled) beat egg whites until stiff and carefully fold in the whipped cream. Slowly pour the yolk mixture into the whites and cream, folding carefully.  Thin with almond milk to insistence you want.  Refrigerate overnight.  Thanks, Allyson.

This Christmas Season

Remind yourself as you go into the new year (the future) nothing ever stays the same.  Look at how you/we can learn and grow and remind yourself what we are grateful for in life, the blessings we already have.

National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society

Just received notice that a little Cactus painting won  AWARD OF MERIT in the Online International Show for NOAPS.  Received EXCELLENCE AWARD in the Spring International On Line Exhibit, with a portrait of an Italian Gentleman.  Will post them both in this blog.  Thrilled.

Be the Kind of Person

Be the kind of person that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says "Oh, crap, he's/she's up!"

I know several people that fit into this description.  The world is truly better for them being in it.  And, I feel mighty fortunate to have them in my life.

This is one of my latest sales at FW Community Arts on Gendy Street.  The Nature Show was held there: