Rise Above....Big Fat Chicken

Don't be a chicken
Don't live in fear
Face the giants! Slay the dragons! Time and time again. So what you were discarded-down hearted-offended-unfriended. Sad is not where it ended. Broken or crushed no one comes near but the fear. The fear never goes-it stays and it shows on your face. In the way you refuse to embrace the other shoe, it's for others not here in this place. Not for you. For you it might not drop. This time. What if it falls to the ground? Arterial pieces splattered as if this one mattered this dream less shattered. Sure egos tattered and spirits battered. Hopes are gathered. You will start again and the next time.again my friend you will rise above. One time for the last time be fearless. Love.

Rise Above...Peace and Love

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. (David Bowie)

Rest in peace Melllow Yellow Hippie Pup

You are so loved.

For my favorite hippie chick, Teresa, who lost her sweet Dixie. 

Rise Above ....Number 2

After a few weeks of confusion Felix had finally sorted out the specifics of the whole house breaking process. You can see the clarity in the eyes.
"Ohhhhhh......go OUTSIIDE....to do that........hmmm. So....not here? Not here in the carpet? Ahhhhh...ha! Hmm..ok. Ummm....to be sure just....you know because I'm small and easily confused, every time? Every time I need to.....you know. I tell YOU? And then wait....and actually do IT OUTSiiiide...... Mmmmkay.....interesting....I'll definitely consider it."

Thanks for letting me draw your pets! Thanks for being a part if my project THREE times!
And uhhh....good luck Felix!

Rise Above...We Have

A person who has risen will celebrate the rising of another. Her sister and brother. She will be the mother who teaches the younger to lift up to cheer on to get behind and praise when a fellow riser goes thru a phase has some real good days and reaches a goal. Oh yes a person who has risen will know and share in the quest, the fastest way to rise above is to help others be their best.

Amy,
Thank you for cheering and celebrating my journey. Your continued support inspires me.
You are the good.

Rise Above...Mellow Yellow Hippie pup

Cool, dog
Mellow dog
Yellow dog
Talk a while
Make you smile
Peace, dog

Teresa! My favorite hippie chick! Thanks for being part of my project!

Rise Above....Until Further Notice

 like Julia said in her captain of this piece "why not"

We've been rising above this whole month. And a lotta months before now so, let's don't stop. Let's just be about this business of Rising Above...Until Further Notice.I am a fan of Poor Julia's Scrap Metal Art on Facebook (and in real life) you should go check out her work, like her page and be prepared to smile. I love her creations. The piece below is what inspired today's addition to the project. Thanks Poor Julia!

Rise Above....The Thigh Gap

IMO-the thigh gap is over rated. Wonder Woman doesn't have one. Neither does SheHulk. I read something interesting. "Try to look at it like this-no thigh gap means you are one step closer to becoming a mermaid."
None of the doctors I polled have
Ever treated a mermaid medically for depression or anxiety. I'm just putting it out there. Thigh gap/no thigh gap. Rise above that.

To Sheryl one of my absolute favorite people. You have a mermaid soul and I adore you!
Thanks for being part of my project! Tell Paul hi!

Rise Above...small

You are big I like to say when you do a hard thing overcome a challenge in some way. When someone tries to boss or tattle or give advice Not asked for. Just say "I don't get in trouble" and "I really don't get bossed much anymore. I'm grown up. I'm big. I run this show. Please take a seat-perhaps one in the very front row. Or jump in a ring and play your part too. Certainly most likely I'm not taller and I don't imply better than you. But I'm not smaller either. I'm big! Leading some rings is what I do. what I see when I look at me. When I take the time-even if you mind or disagree to put first things first. Be the very best version of not small me." You can too! Be the biggest version of you you know, lead a ring or be the star. Give the world a show if a show they are after, then you call the acts, tame the lions show the freaks or be the Ringmaster. You are not small, your heart your soul your mind were all suited for a giant from birth. You were created for the big big time. You were created after all to be the hero of your own production, The Greatest Show On Earth!

Tish,
Inspired by your excitement to try something new- GO FOR IT! BE BIG AT IT!!!! And as you always have, continue to Rise Above!
Thank you for being part of my project! YOU! ARE! A! GIANT!

Rise Above....Big Worm

Couldn't help it, anyone close to my age please at least pretend you get the reference and of you can't bring yourself to do that-I am highly skeptical of/ borderline judge your character.
But the real thing is what is now a butterfly was once a fuzzy worm. Ok-so in the past these soft velvety winged creatures-the things we go after trying to catch as kids, all brightly colored and intricately patterned, watched, sought, studied collected and displayed, were in fact worms. No one really knows what a butterfly is thinking while in that phase between creeper and flyer all snugged up in the cocoon- but I know if it was me I would be thinking something like “man! It’s crowded in here! Who can even change in this thing??? Grumble grumble...struggle struggle” Ladies, have you ever tried to wiggle out of an over your head sports bra or swim suit that’s soaking wet in a two foot stall? Ooohhh…or put on a pair of leggings/jeans or compression tights in a cramped space when your legs are not completely dry and there is no place to sit? I suspect the inside of a cocoon is something like that for a caterpillar as it changes. I searched online and there were no butterfly interviews so I have little but speculation to go on. However, I do know this. No matter how hard it was to change. No matter how cramped the cocoon and uncomfortable and confined and hot and tiresome, once the butterfly grows the wings and limbs and organs needed to survive as a new creature, he will fly!
So Long Big Perm…I mean Big Worm. Time to Rise Above!

Today's post is dedicated to Team Fortis-I'm so proud to be part of your transformation!!!

Rise Above...No Place Like Home

Obedience School
Should be cool.
Learn a new trick
Come back real quick.
There's no place like home.

For Dexter, who had to go away to school for a bit (education is very important to a dog like him you know) and will be home soon and his humans will be so glad.

Thanks for being part of my project!!!

Rise Above..Michel Montgolfier

The short game is this. Montgolfier believed the spherical balloon was the only way to go. Later this thought was disproven. Just look at paper lanterns! They come in many shapes and sizes and colors even and with the proper flame and ventilation system always rise above. 

I ran across this photo while searching for ideas on today's project. The brightly colored lanterns are assigned Merit and lit in honor of practicing Buddhists in Korea. The lanterns are released on The Buddha's birthday. beautiful. 

Some info on The Montgolfier brothers: 

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier (26 August 1740 – 26 June 1810) and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier (6 January 1745 – 2 August 1799) were the inventors of the Montgolfière-style hot air balloon,globe aérostatique. The brothers succeeded in launching the first manned ascent, carrying Étienne^[1][2]into the sky. Later, in December 1783, in recognition of their achievement, their father Pierre was elevated to the nobility and the hereditary appellation of de Montgolfier by King Louis XVI of France.

Rise Above....managed expectations and also Don't Get Your Hopes Up. Rise above that too.

I say "don't get your hopes up" is the worst advice we are given and we as humans should rise above that. It's utter nonsense at it's best. I say your hopes are already up or we wouldn't be having this imaginary conversation so go on and get your hopes on up. Get them way up-expect the best! Hope for it! PLAN for your dreams to come true. Seriously what good does it do to "manage your expectations?" Limit the amount of excitement you have over a particular something? (I'm going to only half hope I get the promotion, that way if someone else gets it I won't be as sad. What? Nonsense!) Are you any less wounded when things don't work out because you said "I'm not getting my hopes up?" Of course not. Disappointment is disappointing no matter how you manage your expectations. So I say again-rise above that-take a risk-even if it's with your heart. Invest fully and passionately in the thing you have hopes for and if it doesn't work out? Start over! You as a person have always overcome no matter what disappointments fell upon you- you've
endured some major heart breaks and set backs and perhaps even devastation. Alas! here you are! Your track record proves it- you ALWAYS come thru! So go on! Be fearless! Let your hopes get way way up and use those hopes to Rise Above once more!

Happy happy birthday Shanda! I hope it is awesome!!!

Rise Above.....HOT Diggity dogs

Wiener doggy made the bloggy!
Today is your birthday! Hot Diggity DOGS!



For my dear friend Donna

Rise Above...For Hayden

Momma's boy
Life's a joy
Truck's a toy
Daddy's son
Lives for fun
Gold filled heart
Set apart
The world is yours
Take it over!

Rise Above....My Lucky Stars

Happy St Patricks Day!

Rise Above....The Puzzle

You don't have to figure it ALL out. Sometimes you can just enjoy the here. The now. The this. It's difficult, no doubt. If you're a problem solver a fix it all-er, the one who plans the route. Uncertainty is well....certain however. No one thing is ever really sure. No matter how tight your grip or how planned your plans big or small. There is only so much you can control and the saddest part of all? Might be the missing out. Missing the here and the this because of your never ending list and the preverbal what ifs. Rise above it! The puzzle solving I mean-that's my goal. Just enjoy this section of the trip. Today I will not solve a year from now. Today, I will loosen my grip.

Rise Above.....The Giant Head

"Et tu, Brute?!!!"

Random things I think but no one asked me about.

1. I think The Ides of March is a missed marketing opportunity for Little Cesar's Pizza.
2. I think on March 15th they should offer a "tell us how you stabbed your friend in the back and get free crazy bread" deal.
3. I know that sounds like rewarding bullying.
4. It's not, don't be so sensitive.
5. I also think a theater company or companies should sponsor a giant Julius Cesar head balloon for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Rise above.....PI In The Sky

Three balloons from today's race.
"Eskimo PI", "PI PI Birdie" and "PI-thon"

In the little town where Lucy and Harriet and Miss Priss live, life is sweet!

PI Day celebrations could not be dampened by the rain.
The annual PI Day 5K was followed by the PI parade, PI bake off, of course the math-decathlon (sorry non nerds it IS a math holiday) and what would PI fest be without "PI in the sky" hot air balloon show?
Closing ceremonies and award presentations were held at "Peace 'a PI". The former news anchor turned Hippie chick-brewmaster-restraunteer treated attendees to a slice and a Pint. This type of enthusiasm and generosity has townspeople hopeful PI Day traditions......will never end.

Rise Above...Quitting.

Find your fight!

Team Fortis Anthem I Will Fight!

Rise Above...The Sunflowers

But don't forget to take a look at them every now and again.

Rise Above....It's Bills Birthday

Day 10

Happy Birthday to the guy who married my sister Aims! He's still her lobster!

Rise Above....The Winter Blues

Day 10
Looking forward to spring!

Rise Above...A Normal Life

Day 9 Rise Above...A Normal Life


Nothing wrong with "normal" I suppose if  "so so" is your goal..
Nothing wrong with normal if you strive to live a life of a four or a five.
Average will do, it will help you get by-it will see you through no doubt,
but wouldn't it be something to realize, see dreams materialize if you Rise Above your doubt? If you take a risk-make a change-fuel your own fire lest it burnout.  There is a life that's "Amazin'- on the other side of "hangin' out-A life they write stories and movies and songs about. Shouldn't you give that chance a try? Who cares who asks why? Shouldn't you give that try a chance, ask your dreams to dance, and even sing? You might just fly...
"Okay" is fine, "fine" is fine too. But what if there is more? More in store...More for you,  behind that cracked door,  Up where Eagles soar-wouldn't you like to try that too?

Here's to the brave one! His momma didn't raise no "Average Joe"

Rise Above....It's Your Birthday!!!

To my college room mate and life long friend-may this year be high above all the others so far, and may you continue to wander! I love you G6!

Day 8 "Rise Above...It's Your Birthday!!!

Rise Above....Dragons

Day 7  Rise Above..Dragons

If you can't quite slay your dragon, chain it down and use his flames as fuel for your journey. 

I have two things to say. 1. This  blog post is from YESTERDAY. And 2. I am going to redo this entire painting and or re sketch this dragon and not paint him.  (Sometimes I have painters remorse. Now is one of those times) 

Shout out to my friend Telicia-one of my favorite dragon skaters. 

"Rise Above...Black and White"

Day 6 "Rise Above...Black and White"
This painting is sold

"Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, 

"It made a difference for that one." 

― Loren Eiseley

Rise Above...Worry

Day 4 Rise Above....Worry

I mean honestly, think back to all the things you have worried over.  Ask yourself did you really worry your best about it? Be honest, did you give that situation you could not control a 100% effort of worry? If not then maybe if you HAD worried more or with more diligence you might have been able to change the outcome, I just don't know for sure. What I do know for sure is this: If I worry about something- I go all in.  B2TW, No holding back, 1000% of my worrying ability is spent well...worrying about it. It's genetic, Big Ken, My Daddio is like a world champion worrier. I am just naturally good at worrying. Even still- with all my mad worry skills I have never been able to change anything by worrying.  It's crazy. It's almost like...oh I don't know, worrying doesn't help AT ALL...weird.

I suppose it's good to be reminded: worrying is a dreadful use of your imagination. (See what I did there?) I recently learned paper lanterns, often used in ceremonies and celebrations in Asian cultures, were actually the first hot air balloons. Cool right? Now get THIS- in Thailand people write their worries on a paper lantern. Then light the lantern and symbolically release the concerns. Smile. I love that. So much. This painting is for sale. Contact me for info.

Rise Above Day 3 "You Can't Keep A Good Dog Down"

"Rise Above.....You Can't Keep A Good Dog Down"

For Bailey-really soon things will be lookin' up!

Rise Above...Realities. Happy Birthday Dr Seuss

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities."
― Dr. Seuss

"Rise Above....Realities"

Happy Birthday Dr Seuss!

It's day one of a brand new 31 Day Project! Something new this time, a theme. (I do love a theme) but typical projects have been "whatever I decide when I get up-hap hazard-whimsy-oh I think I'll paint one of those  cause I saw it and never have" kinda projects. And honestly I love that. I mean that is a fair overview of my art philosophy in general. I like to paint and draw so I draw and paint what I like. Of course you followers know this and to anyone new...well...uh HI! Welcome! I pretty much paint and draw whatever I like and sometimes I blog about it. Now that we got the formalities out of the way.....Let's do Day 1.

"Anything Is Possible" 

Rise above......doubt 

And since I'm committed to being real about things I will say my biggest doubter is.....me. Day 1 could also easily be titled  "believe in your dreams" but the blog project has a THUH-EEEM-AH this year (haven't you been listening???) so...yes silly dreams, plans, hopes and ambitions, wishes and goals. Don't allow doubt, even self doubt, to hold you down. RISE ABOVE!