The weather is once again changing in Dallas, shorts are on, painting outside.

This week I continued my volunteer work at Aids Interfaith Network. It's a good organization with good people. I'm finding as I feel better I want to do more, I will do more.

I had a great week of painting and setting up another artshow, the first of 2010. I received several canvases from a good friend and will be starting those soon.

I sold 2 more paintings last week and I have a one night only art exhibition at my good friend Mark Mulino's house, previously show work and artcards, 1/2 price for one night only.

Tonight, I'll be coaching someone who has always wanted to paint. I'm nervous and excited all rolled up in one.

I used the headline fall seven times stand up eight, because I feel yesterday on my way to physical therapy. I was holding a box of artcards and tried to step down off the curb to get to my can and fell to my side. I was so frustrated with myself that I didn't wait, but, tried to et back up again-sooo I fell yet again. Now I'm crying, not because I'm hurt, but, because I knew better.

The important thing is I got back up and went thru P/T after cleaning up the blood and scratches.

The week was filled with great things and I almost let this one fall ruin the week.

It didn't. I went to Teddy Bear Park in Dallas and continued painting...

My favorite spot in Dallas to relax, the Teddy Bear Pauk...I can now walk across this bridge without a cane.



A 48x60 painting begining it's journey...



I want to leave you with another great song I found on youtube

Press Here

If you gotta start sometime, why not now

And I like it that way...just back from Physical Therapy. I'm going to do 100 artcards, then out for a walk on the Karty Trail to enjoy this incredible January weather.

Shorts are on, smile on my face...life id good.

I finally found the song that I heard on the rasio that inspired this years tagline for my blog.

Press Here

Bottom line for me is trust your instincts. You will never fail yourself...but you have to start.

I promise to blog more, labels, artshows, Project P.A.C.E. and volunteering

If you gotta start sometime, why not now

I believe I now have a mission statement for Project P.A.C.E.

I believe it encompasses everyone, the differently abled can be anyone and the creativity can be anything....more to come

Followed by the mission statement will be a more detailed out line of the project goals. I work on this over the weekend along with painting new canvases and getting ready for my first artshow of 2010 bat Urban Dog in Dallas.

Lone Star Ride will be 20% of all sales of my art at that location.


Some blank canvases and as well as, a new cane to get creative with...



Me at Physical Therapy, before I get my ass kicked. Not complaining, all good.



If you're gonna start sometime, why not now

Our director went to go inspect the venues. The TCC trip to Spain, is this summer. My ticket is paid for...the excitement is beginning to build.

I start the passport process next week Monday. Thinking about the entire process and looking back to the past 3 years. I'm ready for Spain. I'm nervous about the new experience, not in monetary way, but in my present state. Again, I go back to thinking outside the box. Expanding my limits seems to be one of my themes this year and it's only January. Mind you, I'm not complaining...as a friend told me the other day, "any day I'm vertical is a good day"

Lot's of things are happening in my life right now, that I'm not ready to talk about-all good...for this reason I'll di8rect you to the blog of our director.

Press Here

Enjoy what is left of the week. Make tomorrow better than today.

If you're gonna start sometime, why not now

There are a handful of projects I'll be tackling this year, Project P.A.C.E. is one of them. Positive Attitudes Change Everything...I came up with the name in the 90's, not sure of how to implement it. I believe and still do, that you as a person decide what you do with your life.

In the 90's, I was busy painting and trying to make a name for myself. P.A.C.E. was always there, just in the back seat.

When I came down with this virus, P.A.C.E. was the farthest thing from my mind. Saying it and living it are 2 different things. I was depressed, in bed, or in a wheelchair. Then when I moved to a walker I was starting to get around a little more. These Medical devices, were giving me more freedom, but, they weren't me.

Think about when you pass someone in a wheelchair, walker, cane, or any other medical device. The stigma attached to these devices, leaves the person using them feel, almost see thru...vacant. I myself felt like I would never be able to do anything again. My fight was to live and relearn simple everyday things, as people walked by with cellphones in hand, running errands. Just doing everyday things. The things we all take for granted.








Sooo, I decided after a happy accident, to paint my cane..this way, it reflects myself.

And if I can do it...why not others? No, I'm not idealistic enough to think that by painting your medical device, all problems will be solved. But, I believe it just might be the first step in empowering yourself as a human being again.

We start small and end big...the skies the limit!

I want to conduct workshops where people can personalize the own medical devices. Hide no more. Make people see you.





Your limitations exist not to confine you, but to challenge you to greater and greater things. Those limitations give you a perfect platform against which to push ahead. Your limitations define your own special pathway to accomplishment. For in going beyond them you are moving forward in a truly meaningful way.

Look back upon my life so far, at the experiences and times when I've grown stronger. I see that in most cases, I was challenged in some new way, and by overcoming those challenges I gained new strength.

Limitations give each one of us a great idea of where to focus our efforts for maximum results. For when we get past the few things that hold us back, everything we do becomes more effective.

Project P.A.C.E. will be here soon. A grassroots effort that starts simply...just showing up. More details to come very soon.



But, I need your help and suggestions. I'm looking for sponsors for canes and other expenses.

If you're gonna start sometime, why not now