Little League Training

FACING ABNORMALITY

What I am about to say may offend someone but this is just me being honest about my feelings.
I'm exhausted as I write this edition. I just spent 6 straight hours drawing caricatures of the mentally challenged for an organization called the Easter Seals. I had drawn handicapped people before but not in such huge numbers. I have to admit I didn't know what to expect and I was certainly challenged by this event. It was technically difficult because very few of them stayed still. But my biggest challenge of all was to make them look beautiful. No disrespect but it was difficult for me to stare at open drooling mouths, teary blinking eyes and tongues hanging out. But as a portrait artist, it was my job to stare and search inside their soul in order to bring out the likeness of the person. Usually, when I "go inside" my subjects, I sense the joys and struggles of years past. But with them ... oh with them ... I saw nothing but confusion. Theirs is a world of mental innocence trapped inside their physical limitations. World War III could erupt and their world will remain unaffected. It was a smart move for the Easter Seals to celebrate the 4th of July a day early and avoid the traffic with the rest of the world. A thought balloon popped up: why would God allow these imperfections to roam amongst us? Hold that thought!

Yesterday a good friend of mine called and needed answers. His daughter reported a miscarriage (apparently one of many) and the news devastated the family. All I could say was that God in his infinte wisdom allowed this to happen. We talked about the difficulty of raising a special needs kid so maybe this was a blessing in disguise.

Yesterday, those were just words. Today I speak from experience (brief though it may be). I almost missed the connection. God's reasons for not following our "agenda" is always a mystery but at least for me ... if only for this moment ... I know now why he took away my friend's grand daughter. To spare his family of a life caring for a special child makes sense to me.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." --- Isaiah 55:8

Wisdom from Tom of Pasadena
Words of Wisdom

Whatever you may look like, marry a man your own age. As your beauty fades, so will his eyesight

--- Phyllis Diller

Thanks to this week's winners:
Tom and Tom L of Pasadena; Judie of B.C.; Don of Kelowna; Mike and Charlie of New York; Naomi of North Hollywood; Raffy of Lakewood; and Peter Paul of South Pasadena.

You can view this email
and send me
feedback online at
TRAVELINGBOY.com/tgifjoke

LIttle League Training
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

At one point during a game, the coach called one of his 9-year-old baseball players aside and asked, "Do you understand what co-operation is? What a team is?"

"Yes, coach," replied the little boy.

"Do you understand that what matters is whether we win or lose together as a team?"

The little boy nodded in the affirmative.

"So," the coach continued, "I'm sure you know, when an out is called, you shouldn't argue, curse, attack the umpire, or call him a retard, ignoramus or airhead. Do you understand all that?"

Again, the little boy nodded in the affirmative.

The coach continued, "And when I take you out of the game so that another boy gets a chance to play, it's not good sportsmanship to call your coach a dimwit or an idiot is it?"

"No, coach."

"Good," said the coach. "Now go over there and explain all that to your grandmother!"


Religious Pictures
Contributed by Raffy of Lakewood, CA

Thought provoking question: Why are there many pictures of Jesus and Mary but very few pictures of St. Joseph?

Obvious answer: Because there were no "selfies" then and Joseph was always the one taking the pictures!


Videos of the week: (click on the picture)

Jim Carrey Impressions
Contributed by Peter Paul of S. Pasadena, CA

All by myself

Here's a collection of some of my favorite Jim Carrey impersonations. I didn't know he also had this serious side. CLICK HERE for his career advice.

Inspirational Thai Movie
Contributed by Don of Kelowna, B.C. and Charlie of New York

Thai movie about happiness

Some people just brighten up a room. They are always out helping someone. They give their all and expect nothing in return. This commercial is about one of those people. Yes, you can make a difference.

Nate Staniforth's Lottery Illusion
Contributed by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

LOttery Illusion

How'd he do that? I have a plausible theory but I ain't telling.

Watch Nate's reason for doing magic at TEDx.

Dancing with the Scottish Dog
Contributed by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Dog Dance

Here ya go animal lovers! No words needed here.

Carrot Clarinet
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

Carrot Clarinet

If you think about it, the only reason why vegetables aren't used as musical instruments is because they rot. If you just love to use your hands and create stuff, this is the way to go.

The Older Ladies Song
Contributed by Tom L of Pasadena, CA and Judie of B.C.

Older Lssie Song

Aging women still have their appeal. At least this song says so.

Dad and Daughter "Let it Go!"
Contributed by Charlie of New York

Dad and Daughter Let it Go

We end with this fun video.
BTW, today when I was doing my caricatures, one of "girls" kept on singing "Let it go!" over and over non stop for 5 minutes. I mean really? What's the fascination with that movie?
TGIF people! Happy Fourth!

Comments

I find your intro section offensive this week. Yes, I know your thoughts are not my thoughts, and this week I am thankful for that.

--- Erin

Hi Erin,

I understand where you are coming from. At least I think I do. As I was sleeping last night I wanted to retract some of the things I said but ...

Not that I felt differently but that I knew it would offend some people who were going through a life of caring for someone or who have gone past that one day experience I had.

Do you have any first hand experience ... caring for a helpless person? I understand how it can be gratifying for some people but if it were me (especially for an extended period) I would give up. If you had seen some of the cases I drew, you might probably feel the same.

Some people are cut out for this. Not me. I would like to say that I can but in all honestly, I can’t. At least not now. Perhaps that’s something that will grow on me in the future.

Thanks again for your remark.

Raoul

Thanks Raoul and you are to commended for assisting those you illustrated for Easter Seals.
Great selection and hope you have a Splendid Fourth of July!

--- Tom of Pasadena

Good morning Raoul,

This was a very cool story. Thank you for the inspiration.

God bless you today,

--- Gary of La Habra, CA

WYNK Marketing
All original drawings by Raoul Pascual. © All Rights Reserved. 2013. This website is designed and maintained by WYNK Marketing. Address all technical issues to support@wynkmarketing.com