EXCERPTS FROM A TALK GIVEN AT TOASTMASTERS: The "what" that moves my brush

I am challenged to respond and tell you about the “what” that moves my brush!


Passion! It is plain and simple. The motivational source that moves my brush on the canvas is a passion born out of vision.

The visions are different for each painting. Once I see the image in my head, my heart takes flight, and I begin to paint.

My definition for “vision” in this instance is an idea born from my soul and spirit. More correctly, my heart becomes the inner eye. If it is in my heart, I am thrust ahead in anticipation. Anticipation stirs into a strong sense of belief I call passion.

To help you attach substance to these abstract terms, I will tell you what inspired me to paint Eulogy in Lavender and how I painted it.

• EULOGY IN LAVENDER is a painting done in soft pastels. This is becoming one of my favorite mediums. Soft Pastels are immediate and can be very expressive. Even though it is a dry medium, a finished work is still referred to as a painting.

Several years ago I became one of the caregivers to my younger sister, Clare. At the young age of 55, Clare had brain cancer that settled in her lower spine. In her final days she slept on her stomach and I saw only one side of her face. We had laughed together, gone to the beach together, arranged flowers together. When Clare died, images gathered in my mind displaying a collage of memories. I painted those memories with a passion born out of sorrow and joy. We had reconciled many differences that separated us through the years. And, I believe Clare rests now in a better place. EULOGY is a tribute to my sister.

 

I hope my sharing will give you a greater curiosity in your approach to the artworks of today.

When you look at my work, I hope you sense life and vigor in what you see. Let this challenge you to analyze the passion that hides behind each piece. You just might discover the “what” that “moves my brush!”

"Swing Kids!" -- Swing Heil!

REPOSTING AN OLD ARTICLE I WROTE.  It is timely with the 2016 elections around the corner.  If you have not seen the movie "Swing Kids" try to do so.  Let it shake you up.  Rita 





I was a little surprised to see the movie “Swing Kids” on one of the Encore stations yesterday. You might be able to see it this week. Movies usually run a repeat once they are introduced for viewing.


My daughter first introduced me to this powerful movie. I had never heard of it. Now I recognize it as a cult film for some. It even has its own webpage.

In “Swing Kids” it is the youth who first recognize the hypocrisy of its elite Government. So, they meet at night in dance halls and dance their hearts out to the swing music of Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, Louie Armstrong and others like them from the swing era. They dance until their passion is stilled and they are able to live through another day.

Rebellion in word and action against the invasive "national socialist" hierarchy is “verboten!” Soon enough, swing music is also forbidden. Those who give themselves to “such shameful display” will be beaten to death or sent to the work camps.

The movie follows the relationship between friends who believe that nothing will ever separate their bond. In time, these friends are forced to become part of the Hitler youth groups. Their lives begin to change when another one of their music loving group, a Jew, is driven to his death by the hatred heaped on him by the chosen. In self righteous rage, they follow through with an ideal born in hell. They crush his hand so he will never play music again the same way. They beat his body and call him cripple. He is different. And, it makes them feel superior. The swing kids are challenged to decide. Sides are chosen. The sheep and the goat find their place. The slaughter begins.

We ask how does this happen. Part of the answer lays in the indifference of a new generation. Complacency kills freedom. An old foundation is as strong as the one who maintains it. Our time, my generation, is near the end. How long must we wait for another Thomas Jefferson, John Adams or George Washington to rise from out of the ashes?

None of us ever believe we will be put in the category of being called past tense and useless. I guess it happens to everyone as we grow older. We feel a little more invisible: a little more locked out of what is categorized as valuable to the cause.

Some of the youth I meet today will look you right in the eye and fearlessly shake your hand. Others dismiss you as “old” and tiresome. They retreat into their electronic shelter, believing life will be better when they gain more control.

I want to challenge the youth of our day. Many, like me, wait for you to step up and take that control. We anticipate, with gratitude, the day you choose to bear the burden and take up the light of liberty.

It is not enough to curse the darkness. We need your courage. We need your vision. We need your belief in the cause that established our great Country. In order to stand firmly, we need your knowledge of true history. More than all, we need your faith in the living God!

Our Nation was founded by God fearing men and women. They were people of faith who fought for what they believed. We were and remain a Nation “under God.” This established proclamation and blessing is as firm as the next generation makes it.

I’ve heard it said, “If you don’t stand for something, then you will fall for anything.” Your hour has come. We need you. The Nation needs you.

There are problems that need to be solved. Hard choices need to be made. Sacrifice is on the horizon. You still have your freedom. Don’t waste the day.

In the movie, one of the youth is carried away to a work camp. The phrase that binds hearts in a cause is cried out as he is dragged away: “Swing Heil!”

I cry out to you, “Swing Heil!”

God's Hand!.......with Him all things are possible!

This morning I ventured into the congestion of 750,000 people in town to watch the shuttle take off on its final voyage.  Later in the morning I called a friend in town to ask her what they were saying on the local channel.  Was it still a "go."  She responded in surprise and asked, "Is it going?" 

Then later in the morning, in the midst of some nay sayers, I watched the clouds blow to the north.  It seemed like God extended His hand and said, today I will have it my way.  The clouds dissipated.  Hearts lifted as we determined to believe the launch would lift off this day.

A neighboring viewer had a small radio sitting in his lap as we clustered closer together while the clock ticked off its minutes.  I heard the voice say, "It's a go!" 

Titusville is a hidden, seedy little town.  Not many know of our existance, except for the launch program.  And now, that has ended.

Many don't know the hidden treasure that exists here in town and the near area.  Fervant believers, fear of God kind of believers, live in this hidden maze of trees, river parks and alligators.  God has said that a "Well" of life is present here.  It may have been stopped up for many years, but it is about to burst forth with new and refreshing living water.  This is God's country. 

The average person can't see it.  One must see it with the heart.  This land will be born again with new life and healing waters because of prayer.

I met a couple from Australia today.  He commented, this is a "Can do" place.  He also commented, our land is still recognized as different from other land.

I challenged him that our country was founded by "God fearing men and women."  I challenged in a friendly way, that we are a "Can do people" because of our faith.  The enemy within is trying to destroy all that we are and all that we stand for.  They, those who hate subservant hearts to a Higher Calling,  want us to be ashamed of our God.  They want to brand us as religious, but having a magical and make believe faith that counts for nothing.  I say, "Enough." 

The space program is a miracle program.  It has been developed and pioneered by men and woman of faith.  They "can do" because they trust in a God who inspired and burns passionately in hearts with new vision. 

Some would like us to believe our time is over.  Some would like to believe our Nation will get what it deserves.---Jealousy hates success in others.  Jealousy hates success that they cannot achieve.  As long as we believe in God we can believe in our future.  However, it is not enough to just believe.  Put substance on your faith and make it happen. 

I hollered out as I watched the shuttle launch, "Godspeed!"  Others cheered the same exhortation from the NASA headquaters.  Take up the plow, and let us begin again.  Put your dreams in priority.  Put God first!  Then we will rise out of the ashes and we will be a "Can do" country again.  Before it is too late, make your decision today.

Godspeed!

CREATE A COOKBOOK: A fun way to stay in touch with those you love!

I am enjoying Toastmasters!  The recent speech I prepared had to show good organization.  I decided to talk about a project Hal and I ventured on during the holidays last year.  The outline for my talk is posted below.  Be inspired!


CREATING A COOK BOOK 


Creating a Cookbook is a Fun Way to Stay in Touch!

Opening:

Last Christmas we were not able to travel to be with our children and grandchildren. We decided to share our life with them by creating a cookbook. Creating a cookbook for family and friends is a fun way to stay in touch.

The heart of creating the project was delegated to me by Hal. Since Hal is the more proficient amateur cook in our house, I decided to name the book simply,



Favorite Recipes by Captain Hal.



---This established the major theme.



I wanted to create a sub-theme:



---Celebrating the gift of hospitality with friends and family.





Step One: Getting started:

1. Gather favorite personal recipes of Hal.

---Make sure recipes are correct and edited.



2. Choose a format

---Loosely follow published cook book.



---Make a rough draft to follow for your outline. This will be inserted into your manuscript.



Step Two. Create Three Files on Computer:

1. Personal Recipes of Hal Burton



• Type recipes in Word Document and save in file.



Edit! Edit! Edit!



2. Personal Photographs showing food, table settings and gathering demonstrating celebration of food and friends.



• Loosely separate pictures into themes.




3. MANUSCRIPT: Creating the cookbook



• Establish format and divisions*



• Insert recipes



• Partner pictures with recipes

---Become your own photographer

and take pictures of different holidays, gatherings, and invited guests.





• Create funny and entertaining sayings and mini stories.

---I partnered a picture of Hal w/o his shirt on and inserted it with the recipe for Beer Butt Chicken. The tattoo on Hal's chest fit with the crusty name of the recipe. Might even bring a grin to some faces.





Step Three: Rework Format:

• Number the pages of your book and create an index.



• Write an Introduction in the front of the book and tell your family and friends why you created your cookbook for them.



• Write a short Dedication in the beginning.

You can wish them a Merry Christmas here or write some warm salutation.

• Don't forget to include your name on the front cover.



Include other necessary labels.



---I included some of my paintings. The recipes were Hal's but the artwork and graphics were mine.



Step Four: Publish:

• Save your project to a CD.



• Print out one hard copy using your printer.

• Look to Staples or Kinkos for multiple copies of your book. Take them the hard copy and the CD for printing.



• Understand that it cost ten cents a copy to have the work printed out in black and white.



• It costs approximately one dollar a copy to have your book printed in color.



• My book had sixty-one pages

NOTE: Weigh the cost of printing your book at home on your computer. I printed out ten copies on my computer because I wanted the color. I figured the ink would be cheaper than having Staples do it for me.

• BINDING: Staples will bind the finished product for approximately three or four dollars each.---A plastic front cover and back is included in the price.



• Package and ship off your treasured gift.



• Be proud of your accomplishment!



TRANSITION TO ENDING:



During the process of creating your cookbook, it is important to remember the "why" of your project. ---REMEMBER YOUR SUB-TITLE!

We wanted to share our life in Florida with our children. We wanted them to share our joy of hospitality and friendship. In sharing our lives through Hal's recipes and my art work, we wanted them to know that they are important to us and are in our thoughts at all times.

The cookbook, also, was a way of putting out the "Welcome Mat" for those we love.

It became a neat way of reaching out.. ---Creating a cookbook for family and friends is a fun way to stay in touch.

TALL TALES AT TOASTMASTERS - The Art Competition With Star Dumb and Truely Trying by Rita Burton

(The assignment was to recreate the  AESOP FABLE:  The Tortoise and the Hare)

SCENE ONE:


The banner waved high over the Gallery door:

ART COMPETITION IN TOWN!

Star Dumb swaggered along the sidewalk and entered the Gallery door. She looked to see if her friends, the Do-Nothing Groupie Society watched. It always helped to have them near.

They applauded Star Dumb as she signed her name on the dotted line. No doubt, she would be the star Star! Star Dumb was the best artist in town. Everyone knew that. It would be foolish to try to take that title away from her. Who would dare?



SCENE TWO:

The Do-Nothing-Groupies Society snickered as they looked down the street and watched Truly Trying, the new artist in town. Star Dumb turned and glared at the girl as she slowly plodded along.

“Just where do you think you are going, Truly Trying?”

Star Dumb challenged her from the entrance to the Gallery, hoping to embarrass the new artist.

Truly Trying passed by quietly, and signed her name on the dotted line, just as Star Dumb had done. She walked quietly past the jeering Miss Star Dumb and the Do-Nothing-Groupie Society and proceeded down the street.

Truly Trying entered her STUDIO and began to prepare the new canvas that she had built herself.

Gesso…..Paint…..ONE LAYER UPON ANOTHER. SHE HAD GIVEN MUCH THOUGHT TO THIS PROJECT AND HAD CHOSEN HER SKETCH CAREFULLY.



SCENE THREE:

Meanwhile, the Do-Nothing-Groupie Society decided to have an Applause Party for Star Dumb. After all, she was the star, Star Dumb

Ms. Dumb was delighted. She loved the accolades of her Do-Nothing Groupie friends.

The party was a blast. While she took her bows and danced for the Groupies, she sketched lots of pictures. She prided herself on the fact that she could do many things at one time.

After awhile, Star Dumb became weary with all of the applause. She decided she still had plenty of time to finish her painting. While others from the DO NOTHING GROUPIE SOCIETY TOOK THEIR BOWS Star Dumb curled up in a corner and went to sleep.



SCENE FOUR:

All through the night as Star Dumb played with her Do Nothing Groupie Friends, Truly Trying painted. She finally locked the picture frame onto her painting. She began the long walk to the Gallery. She had plenty of time to get there, but, it was a long walk. Plod, Plod, Plod. Finally, she reached the door.



SCENE FIVE:

The Gallery Master was delighted to see the new artist in town. He was glad she had joined the competition. HOWEVER, everyone expected Star Dumb to take the prize. No one had ever challenged her before.

The clock ticked and suddenly a BONG sounded. The time to enter all paintings had closed.



SCENE SIX:

A commotion was heard on the street, when the Do-Nothing Groupie society let out a GASP!

Star Dumb ran crazily towards the Gallery, sketches dropping along as she ran.

“”WAAAAIIITTTT!” she screamed.

The Do-Nothing-Groupie Society turned their back on the shameful sight. They decided that Star Dumb was really a Dumb-Dumb.

The moral of the story is, tenacity wins. And, choose your groupie friends wisely.

LET IT GO by TJ JAKES (Excerpt message sent to me via email)

By T.D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.

Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.. You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something.. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye.. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.
Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .......
LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.......
LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you..
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge.....
LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction... ..
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents
LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude.... ...
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him.........
LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship. ....
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.. ....
LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed ............
LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
'The Battle is the Lord's!'

WHILE WE SLEEP.....

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN MANY MONTHS AGO.  I BELIEVE IT IS WORTH POSTING AGAIN.  A GROUP OF THUGS WANT TO TAKE AWAY OUR FLAG:  remove it from classrooms.    THIS COMES UNDER THE GUISE OF BEING POLITICALLY CORRECT.  WHILE WE SLEEP, IN THE DULDRUMS OF COMPLACENCY, WE ARE SLOWLY LOSING OUR NATION ---REMEMBER:  One Nation under God......!  Or, no Nation at all.

The Road Less Traveled


In a recent Poll, one third of the Nation can't decide if they want Government-Run Healthcare. Do they recognize something amiss? The real issue is freedom!

In what little Congress has released, we recognize the attempt of a socialistic takeover. The elitist Government does not believe we are intelligent enough to own our freedom. The intellectual elite think they know best.

We must choose a side. This does not mean we choose a political party. It means we vote! If those in office listen to us and represent the best of our Constitution, vote them "In." If they ignore us, vote them "out." Vote while you can. If we do not make a decision, then others will make it for us.

An editorial written in the Russian language Pravda news states that we will go down into slavery with the sound of a free man's "whimper."1 While we live in denial, the world watches. The gentlemen from Russia believes "the world will only snicker" as we succumb.

Either way we choose, it seems our Nation is headed for a Civil War. As we are a Nation of many philosophies and creeds, in the end, we need to come together under on vision. Where there are two visions, one must die.

Will we continue to be passive and cower in fear? Will we be overcome by a Marxist government? Or, will we stand up for what is right? Our decision affects all. It will determine the future of our Nation. We stand at the point our forefathers stood. They fought the fight for the vision set before them. Some called them "mobs" and "traitors." Others called them "heroes."

Even God waits for us to choose life or death?....blessings or curses? Ask, "What are the principles involved when it comes to freedom? Will we remain, "One Nation under God"? Will that, too, be erased?

I want to face my grandchildren, knowing I fought the good fight and leave them with a future filled with hope. Yes, I am afraid at what I see developing. However, peace at any cost ceases to be peace. If we allow the systematic deconstruction of our Nation and give socialism its roots, we will not have peace nor will we have freedom.

Shakespeare once said, "A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero only one." I pray I choose the road less traveled. ---to join the brave who surrendered their life for a God fearing Nation. I will stand at the crossroads with resolute decision, and, say with Patrick Henry, "I know not what others may choose, but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death."2