The Birds and the Llama

“If you must begin then go all the way, because if you begin and quit, the unfinished business you have left behind begins to haunt you all the time.”
– Chögyam Trungpa

Wow!  Isn’t that a great quote?  It’ll carry me all the way to my pilot’s license, no matter how hard it is.

The Birds and the Llama -  Watercolor

While we’re on weird animal paintings, I thought I’d share this one.   This will remind us that play is a GOOD thing.  (Well, I think so anyway.)  I love to play with color and create paintings that don’t remind you of anything you have seen before.  Just play! 

Last night, I started working on my flight plan for my long cross country solo.  There are so many computations and serious critical considerations.  Did you know that you figure a weight and balance for every flight, taking in the weight of your passengers, baggage, fuel, etc. to be certain that the center of gravity is in the proper place for maximum performance.

The wind is a huge factor, because if you don’t correct your heading for wind, you’ll be off course.  You also have to consider the temperature, air density,  pressure and  the magnetic variation, among other things.   It’s daunting!

First, you look at your personal minimums.  Do you feel okay?  Are you stressed?  Have you eaten properly?  Have you taken any medicine that will affect your thinking?  Are the winds within your capabilities?  There’s more, but I don’t want to bore you.   I’ll finish the flight plan tonight, with the exception of the weather parameters, which I will calculate tomorrow morning.  That will also allow me to also calculate ground speed and fuel consumption.  Is your head spinning yet?  Maybe that’s why I paint pink llamas.  he he

About Chögyam Trungpa

Tibetan Buddhist leader Chögyam Trungpa was instrumental in bringing Buddhism to the West. He was born in 1939 in Tibet and was recognized as the reincarnation of a Rinpoche (enlightened teacher) at 13 months old. After moving to England, he abandoned his monk garb: He wanted his Western students to perceive the Buddhist teachings without becoming distracted by exotic trappings. He founded Naropa University in Colorado and wrote several books. He died in 1987.

My Snorkelling Rhino

It is not easy to be the best. You must have the courage to bear pain, disappointment, and heartbreak. You must learn how to face danger and understand fear, yet not be afraid. You establish your goal, and no matter what deters you along the way, in your every waking moment you must say to yourself, “I can do it.”

— Betty Skelton

What a great attitude!

My Snorkelling Rhino – 5″ x 8″ Watercolor

Just when you thought you couldn’t be surprised…. you came to this silly painting.  I painted this from Lisilk’s WetCanvas images.  Her challenge was to add something into your painting that is a little out of place.  Do you think I achieved it? 

I painted this two weekends ago and I didn’t have much time, so the background was slapped in (in a hurry)  with watercolor pencils.  So pretend it’s smoother.  he he

Betty Skelton
Betty Skelton was the U.S. Feminine Aerobatic Champion in 1948, 1949, and 1950. As a young girl in Pensacola, Florida, Skelton first soloed in a Taylorcraft at the tender age of 12 and then again officially at age 16. Betty wanted a career in aviation and started with a clerical position at Eastern Airlines.

At 17, she had the necessary flight hours but was too young to join the Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) and it was disbanded shortly before she reached the required age of 18 and 1/2.

She received her commercial rating at 18, her flight instructor rating at 19, joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), and began instructing at the Pete O’ Knight Airport in Tampa. She first started aerobatic flying in a Fairchild PT-19 when a Tampa airport manager suggested she learn a loop and a roll for the local amateur airshow.

She bought her own aircraft, a 1929 Great Lakes 2T1A biplane and began her profession career in 1946 at the Southeastern Air Exposition in Jacksonville, Florida, along with a new US Navy exhibition team, the Blue Angels.

More…

Wanna Go For A Ride?

“Amongst my Superpowers are my ability to find creative solutions, my ability
to wait, my ability to look listen and learn, my ability to modify the
flight plan ensuring a successful outcome, PLUS consider IMPOSSIBLEs only
stepping stones to success.”

Michelle Bassanesi
Rome, Italy

This quote was in response to a female pilot’s question to the other gals in the 99′s (women’s aviation group) – “What are your superpowers?”

I loved her answer.  It doesn’t just apply to piloting, but to life.

Wanna Go For A Ride? – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Sharpie

This is another great reference from KreativeK at WetCanvas.com.  I had fun simplifying it and showing the joy in it.   This is the third of three paintings I got to do last Saturday.

I went to McAlester yesterday afternoon and took their Cessna 172 out for some solo touch and gos.  I really had a good time.  My instructor wants me to do my long solo “cross country” this Saturday.    Of course it will depend on the availability of the plane and a last look at the weather.  I’ll fly from Muskogee, OK to Fort Smith, AR, to McAlester, OK then back to Muskogee.  Fort Smith is in controlled airspace which means I have to talk to and receive instructions from a control tower.  I am nervous about that, but have been listening to LiveATC.net, to get comfortable with that radio environment.  The links show satellite views of the airports. 

Michelle Bassanesi

If you click on that link it will tell you a little more about Ms. Bassanesi.  She seems like a wonderful lady.

The Ninety Nines

OUR MISSION –The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.

Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote Amelia, fly “for the fun of it!”

The Ninety Nines world headquarters is right here in Oklahoma.   They are located near Will Rogers Airport, in Oklahoma City.

Fresh Tulips

“There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.”
– Booker T. Washington

I love that quote. 

Fresh Tulips – 10″ x 10″ Watercolor

I used the biggest watercolor brush I dared to paint this.  I wanted to do loose and fresh, with very little attention to details.  (for me anyway)  I had a great time!  This is large for me and the size makes it even prettier in person.  The reference photo is from KreativeK at WetCanvas.  Fun!

About Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington, the influential American educator, was the first African-American to be invited to the White House; he also had tea with Queen Victoria. He was born in slavery in Virginia in 1856. After emancipation, he worked in the salt mines. When he learned of a school that would accept former slaves, he walked much of the 400 miles to get there. He became an outspoken advocate of education and hard work for African-Americans and founded Tuskegee University. He died in 1915.

Chef Still Life

“The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.”
– William Connor Magee

Chef Still Life – 10″ x 10″ Watercolor

YAY!  A new painting!  It’s been a while since I posted anything new so I’m excited.  Saturday I got up early and painted this still life from KreativeK’s WetCanvas references.  I normally don’t paint still lifes but this one called out to me.  I had so much fun!!  It’s big for me too!!  I rarely go this big.  I painted three paintings Saturday morning so I have more to share this week. 

About William Connor Magee

British prelate William Connor Magee was known as the Militant Bishop for his forceful speaking style, though he always worked for peace. He was born in 1821 in Ireland. Extremely bright, he enrolled in Trinity College at age 13. Ordained to a curacy at St. Thomas’s, Dublin, his fame as a speaker took him all the way to the powerful Archbishop of York. He spoke several times in the House of Lords, arguing against the dissolution of the Irish Church and against national temperance laws. He died in 1891.

Kookaburra – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich the world.”
– Bertie Charles Forbes

Kookaburra – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“I’m Kizzie the Kookaburra.  The thing I like best about spring is my new hair braids.  I flew all the way over to Jamaica and they do it on the beach!  I sipped a rum cocktail while they did my hair.”

This ATC went to Bonnie in Regina, SK, Canada.

I saw them doing this in Jamaica, when I was there in the early 80′s.  I’m sure the locals laughed at all the goofy tourists.  On the plane ride home, there were quite an assortment of sunburned, braid-headed girls and women.  I even saw a few brave guys on the plane, with their beaded braids.   I guess what happens in Jamaica doesn’t necessarily stay in Jamaica.  he he  

About Bertie Charles Forbes

Bertie Charles Forbes, known as B.C. Forbes, is remembered as the founder of the long-running Forbes magazine, aimed at investors. He was born in 1880 in Scotland. He worked as a reporter for a Dundee newspaper until 1901, when he moved to South Africa and founded a newspaper there; but he stayed just three years before moving to the United States, where he became a financial editor and columnist. His sons Bruce and Malcolm succeeded him as editors-in-chief of Forbes. He died in 1954.

Heron Twins

“If you have integrity, nothing else matters.  If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”
–Alan Simpson

I agree with that quote so much!  We should value and hold dear our integrity at all times.

Heron Twins – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“We’re Helen and Helga, the heron twins.  The thing we like best about spring are our new stilettos.    Of course, they are not very practical in our usual habitat, so we had this portrait done before we ruined them.  Helga has a weird fixation with green, even though it clashes with every feather on he skinny little body.  But who cares…. we love spring!”

This little ATC went to Elaine in Charleston, SC.

I certainly painted these girls walking on water, didn’t I?  he he he

Back in the day, when I was a young businesswoman in California, I lived in high heels.  Now I can’t walk in any heels higher than 2″.  I have to admit…. I really love my flip flops.  Living and working in a lake resort town gives me permission to wear them every day, when it’s warm enough.    I recently watched Sex In The City 2 and I did enjoy all those beautiful shoes, but I just don’t want to wear them any more. 

Alan Kooi Simpson (born September 2, 1931) is an American politician who served from 1979 to 1997 as a United States senator from Wyoming as a member of the Republican Party. His father was also a member of the U.S. Senate from Wyoming (1962–1967) and a former governor of Wyoming (1955–1959) as well.

Freddie Falcon – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“Consistency is only a paste jewel that cheap men cherish.”
– William Allen White

Freddie Falcon – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“I am Freddie Falcon.  Don’t hate me, but the thing I like best about spring is mice.  I like fresh, juicy, tasty little mice!  Oh… and rabbits!  YUM!”

This little ATC went to Linda in McDonald, Pennsylvania.

I saw a hawk carrying a pigeon last week.  He seemed as if he was struggling to keep airborne,  carrying a bird as large as him.  I nearly hit him with my pickup as he flew by.  Then he landed, resting comfortable upon his prey, on the sidewalk.  He seemed to be regrouping and catching his breath, before he took off again.  Weird sight to see in downtown Eufaula, but it was early and there weren’t too many people around yet.

About William Allen White

William Allen White, the American newsman who ran the Emporia Gazette, is known for his essay attacking populism, “What’s the Matter With Kansas,” and for his eulogy for his 17-year-old daughter, Mary. He was born in Kansas in 1868. During college, he wrote letters to a grocer, a merchant, and a newspaper editor asking for work. The first two turned him down, so he ended up in journalism. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1923 and is considered one of the most influential Kansans in history. He died in 1944.

Frisky Flamingo – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent.”
– Jean Kerr

Frisky Flamingo – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“My name is Miss Fancy.  I am a frisky flamingo and the thing I like best about spring is me.  Don’t you just love my pink feathers?  I also love tulips.  Tulips are pretty!”

We are holding our city elections in Eufaula, today.  I can’t vote, since I don’t live in the city limits, but I have been enjoying the race.  All three mayoral candidates are graduates of Eufaula High School and each one brings unique qualities to the table.  I have a secret favorite, but I’ll keep it to myself and give my complete support to whoever wins.  As a business person in a town where I can’t vote for the mayor or city councilpersons, I sincerely hope for the best and look toward a bright future.

Good luck to all of the mayoral and city council candidates today.

About Jean Kerr

Comedic American author Jean Kerr is known for her wry take on married life in the suburbs in such books as How I Got to Be Perfect and Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which was turned into both a movie and a TV series. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1922. She often collaborated on plays with her husband, drama critic Walter Kerr. She also wrote a number of plays by herself, including the extremely successful Mary, Mary, which ran for nearly 1,600 performances. She died in 2003.

The Egret and the Frog – Watercolor ATC

“When thinking won’t cure fear, action will.”
– William Clement Stone

The Egret and the Frog – Watercolor ATC

“I’m Ellen the Egret.  The thing I like best about spring is the beautiful sunrises.  I could just look at them forever!  Something is tickling my foot!”

This little ATC went to Darlene, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

I like today’s quote.  I haven’t flown much lately, because the wild and windy weather in Oklahoma is beyond my personal minimums as a student.  Friday was calm, so I mustered up the courage to go do some touch and gos at the airport in McAlester.  I was nervous, because it had been a while.  After carefully doing my preflight, I preceded to do some takeoffs and landings.   I learned a lot in just an hour, that I can’t learn from a book and I’m glad I went.   Unfortunately, the forecast for the next 8 days call for major wind, so I’m grounded again.   I still have a lot of studying to do, so the time will not be wasted.

I am so close to finishing that I can taste it.  I can’t wait until I pass my check-ride, so I can take my husband with me.  That’s when all the hard work will really pay off.  We are going to have so much fun! 

About William Clement Stone

American businessman William Clement Stone overcame an impoverished childhood to head an insurance empire. He was born in 1902 in Chicago. His father died when he was three, leaving the family in debt. Stone dropped out of school to help his mother sell insurance. He called cold calls “gold calls,” and started each day saying, “I feel happy! I feel healthy! I feel ter-r-r-ific!” He cowrote the book Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude with Napoleon Hill. He died in 2002 at age 100.