Follow That Dream

"...dreams get you into the future and add excitement to the present."

- Robert Conklin

A colleague sent me this:

"I'm reading a book called The life and letters of Pytor Ilich Tchaikovsky and wanted to share something from it with you."

"Did you know that Tchaikovsky wrote the attached letter at 23 after deciding to leave a cushy job and pursue music full time?"

"So dream away, and dream often, and dream big. And never let anyone talk you out of your dreams."

- Neale Donald Walsch

In his book "Outliers," Malcolm Gladwell maintains that 10,000 hours is a magic number where people pass from obscurity to fame and fortune.

Long ago my own "impossible" dream was merely "to make a living with a brush in my hand." This idea was "really impossible" because I was a single mom with two children to support - but I did it anyhow and became a sign painter.

Ultimately this path led me to become a portrait painter.

I trusted that hard work and spending my time painting would make up for any talent I lacked. And I had the firm belief that a "teacher would appear" when I was ready to learn.

This blog is part of my payback to others who need to learn the lessons I can teach about painting...I trust that you'll find me if you need me.

Can an Artist Change the World?

I'd like to think that sometimes we can make a difference.

In 1963, Norman Rockwell wrote this letter below to the NAACP saying that he wanted to do something to help.

The next month, "Look Magazine" published Norman's painting on a big double page spread:

In 1964, that simple visual was a powerful and shocking "wake up" to the insanity of not allowing equal integrated access to our public schools. Rockwell's painting helped to shift the collective thnking and motivate a needed change.

I'd like to think that Artist Norman Rockwell helped - in some small way - to clear the path for Barack Obama.

And on another note...

No matter who we are, no matter where we rest our heads, no matter what our color or creed...we're able to sing the same song at the heart of it all.

But we have to try to do so in harmony.

And when we do? It's just beautiful.

Musicians from all around the globe sing "Stand By Me," for Playing for Change. Just beautiful stuff.

Every once in a while, it's a good idea to hear the music in all of our souls. For it is in the ways we are the same that our strength truly begins.

So dream away, dream often, dream big and make art.

The Moment the Meek Inherited the Earth

Experience the pure power of what an unexpected talent can do!

By now, most people have heard of Susan Boyle. 

But some of you haven't - so click on the picture link above and prepare for a jaw-dropping performance.

Pictured above is a harder-to-find recording of Susan Boyle from a 1999 recording she made for a charity event. 

The original tape was tossed out and alas, only 1000 original CDs were made. 

Above are some pictures of Susan Boyle at home in Blackburn, West Lothian. A devout Catholic, she said "This is where all this is coming from. It'a gift, a Godsend. I don't know why I didn't do this sooner."

Fred O'Neil, a professional voice coach who taught her, said "her 'Britain's Got Talent' audition in Glasgow last year was her last throw of the dice."

Susan Boyle's performance gives us a compelling peek into a universal and ageless archetype about a person so unique that they are shunned and thus feel misunderstood and unvalued.

Brilliance comes so often with high contrast. In our search for perfection, we often overlook the gems that are hidden in unusual packaging. 

Susan stayed true to her dream - and all of us are so much better for her song!