Wrinkled Wisdom

Drake asked me to speak on Artificial Intelligence at the Rotary Club of West Covina last Wednesday. I spoke on a similar subject last month and I was hoping to use the same material but the rapid growth of the technology in just a month forced me to rewrite my presentation. As expected, there were a lot of questions and a lot of concerns about the future among the audience. What I didn’t expect was who my friend Drake (not his real name) really was.

I met Drake only once, several years ago, in a Rotary meeting where we discussed launching an entrepreneurial program. Sadly (as in many brainstorming sessions) the project never materialized. But I did gain a new friend in Drake. He has been a devoted subscriber of my blog ever since (I bet he’s reading this right now). He would send me calendars and encouragement through the years. And when he heard of my interest in AI, he asked me to speak to his chapter.

As we conversed, I admit it was strange putting a face to a friendship born from emails over the years. I didn’t know he championed so many NGOs and continues to be so energetic even now in his sunset years. He’s the quintessential billion-dollar-deal-maker who knows how to get things done. Like many quiet heroes, he made his money years ago and he volunteered (and still does) most of his services. His 5 kids and 12 grown grand kids are successful in their own right. What an amazing individual. I wish I had more time to learn from him.

A Treasury of Old Friends

You see them everywhere — the Silent Generation and the Boomers. Many walk with arched backs and canes or wheelchairs … way past their prime, dealing with numerous aches … yet carrying treasures of wisdom from decades of experience. It’s a real treat conversing with them. If I were smart, I should write their stories to fit a TV series that will never run out of material. Some of them have passed away but there are still a few who are still influencing my life:

• Every week I hear tales and practical lessons from a joyful widow whose heart is as big as Chicago where she learned to work hard through life’s ups and downs and is blessed with so many wonderful memories of her loving parents and husband. She provides support for grieving families who lost their loved ones —- no charge!
• My business partner (and professor of history) teaches me about Property Management, history and faith. Every once in a while I dip into his pool of facts to help me understand the craziness in our world.
• Another Rotarian shares his adventures growing up as a Mexican American who loves his heritage and ballroom jazz. His wife goes everywhere he goes. Hard to believe that they still organize mission trips to Rosarito — a poor Mexican village they adopted years ago.
• Another widow (with the spunk of a teenager) whom I met at an event at the local Historical society allowed me to help with a children’s book based on a story she made up for her kids when they were still toddlers. She still writes and helps me out with my grammar because she used to edit manuals for USC (University of Southern California).
• I am inspired even as my heart breaks for another couple who both have an incurable disease. For years they have pioneered and assisted people (primarily kids) with their visual problems through the simple use of colored overlays. I asked them to stop working and start enjoying life in their last days but, apparently, this is what they enjoy doing.
• A former pastor (and now a dear friend) loves Christian history and Biblical exegesis. He’s written volumes of scholarly books about Biblical inerrancy. We banter about his perspective on politics and faith. We get into a lot of heavy stuff.
• My long time buddy (back from my early days as a born-again Christian) from Tennessee is a fireman-turned-missionary. He has a joke about everything and an infectious laughter that brightens my day. He is a man of action. In the mid-80s he introduced me to a new program called Adobe Photoshop. This started my path towards the computer graphic arts industry. We’ve made several books together. He’s a cancer survivor who is still writing, designing and producing Bible study materials.
• The last (that I can think of now) are three older friends who live in different ends of America and opposite ends of the political spectrum but they all send me jokes and inspiration that keep me going during the week. Two have volunteered at the Rose Bowl event for decades. The other has encouraged me with my business by sending me documentaries of graphic designers and photographers. He is a proud Dad who shares his daughter’s photographic work for Time, Rolling Stone, GQ and other national magazines.

If you know me, you know that I interfere with other people’s lives — I help wherever I can even when help is afraid to ask. Many have thanked me and wondered why I do what I do. They don’t know that I’m just passing on what my older friends have shared with me. Paying forward — that’s what it’s all about.

Old people: Some people call them the Silent Generation but I call them the Unselfish Generation. They may not say much, they may not look like much … but boy, much can we learn from them. Take a bite of their wisdom before it’s too late.

TGIF people!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
— Proverbs 1:7

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Alex of San Juan, Philippines

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Videos of the Week

Thanks to Chito of Quezon City, Philippines

Thanks to Raffy of Mandaluyong, Philippines

Parting Shots

Thanks to Dean of Vancouver, B.C.

Thanks to Garie of Paranaque, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA

Thanks to Jun of Reseda, Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

I found these

The Traveling Boy

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FRIDAY FUN

The post What was Bruce Lee’s favorite drink? appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Home Creatures

Something went wrong with the program that launches my TGIF email. I couldn’t finish my email for this week, the way I want to. Sorry if you were hoping for some profound thoughts or interesting story but I’ve run out of time.  I’ll just share a short story about the creatures in my home.

I’ve moved my office to the living room because our dog, Tonka, was feeling lonely. At first I didn’t know why he was howling like a wolf until I realized he only howled when my wife would leave for work. I figured that Tonka was actually mourning — mourning every morning (groan!) because I used to lock myself in my cave during office hours and Tonka would be left alone until my wife’s return at the end of the day. The 3 cats somehow weren’t enough to keep her happy. So here I am finishing my TGIF email in the living room to keep Tonka company. Still getting used to the dog licking my legs and the 3 cats parading in front of my computer — teasing me to pet them.

When our Shitzu passed away I was so heartbroken and I said I didn’t want any more pets. But my wife and daughter had other ideas. I resisted but it was futile. Now I’m surrounded by 4 furry animals everyday. It’s not fair!  I don’t feed them, I don’t do any of the heavy lifting… I just give them a massage. Sigh!

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: God created pets to be loved even by pet haters like me. TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.  for sharing this joke.

Video: Priestly Blessing

Thanks to Jayjay of Makati, Philippines
A humorous short clip of a priest blessing a child.

Video: A Man, A Dog and A Hummingbird

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Heartwarming: I didn’t know you could train hummingbirds. I see them in my garden all the time. Cute and fast little creatures.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots (Senior Special)

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C. for 2 senior gags

Also from Mel

We end with a set of Senior gags from Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post No Time for Novacaine appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A Divided Nation

I guess we’re starting the new year with a bang. A real BANG! with the hit on a terrorist in Iran. Predictably, the politicians are not shy about expressing their opinions. Sadly, the country is more and more divided even on something you would think they should actually agree on. It’s almost automatic — what one side says, the other side always has to disagree.

Some say that we shouldn’t mix politics with religion but last night I was reading Matthew 12 and it just hit me that this is one of the most politically charged passages in the Bible — and it’s as relevant then as it is today. It’s about Jesus vs. the Establishment — Jesus’ miracles (that are obviously good) are condemned and questioned by the Pharisees. Listen to their heated debate:

“Our long established rules demands that you shouldn’t do that!” they said.
“You mean I can’t do this?! *bling!* and Jesus heals a man’s crippled hands.

“Grrrr! Why you defiant little twirp! You belong to the dark side!” they said.
“Oh yeah? Why would I be doing good if I belong to the dark side? That doesn’t even make sense! Talk is cheap but the proof is in the obvious good that is accomplished. Good trees make good fruit. Bad trees make bad fruit.” Jesus argues.

“Well, we demand more proof than just miracles!” they retort.
“I already sent you lots of ’em. Remember Jonah and the whale? If you still don’t get it now, what’s the point in showing you more?” Jesus says.

“Lookie here! Our ‘fact-checkers’ say these guys are your Mom and brothers! How can you be the Messiah if you come from this ordinary family? Gotcha!” they smirk.
“Nice try diverting the argument. Those are just my earthly family. These guys who believe in me are my true family!” Jesus ends.

Of course this is just a paraphrase of the debate. Read it yourself and pay particular attention to the dynamics and tactics employed. Don’t they sound like today’s politicians?

What has me worried is that America may not survive with all of this internal bickering. I believe there are powerful forces that want to take America and the world down and they have already infiltrated our system.

“any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart.”
— Matthew 12:25

But through prayer, there is hope. Can’t we grant each other patience and respect? Let’s really listen to the other side. It isn’t a matter of who’s smarter or more informed. Facts don’t matter when you’re up against pride. We all win when we lower our pride. And I say this to myself too and I know it’s hard.

Of course this is just me. TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Video: 1933 Self Parking

Hard to believe there are millions of drivers out there who do not know how to back up or horizontal park. Here is an invention that can still probably help today. Thanks to Chuck of Whittier for sending this.

Video: Bird Mimic

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC for sharing this adorable bird.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this:

The post Job Interview appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Ramblings of My 2020

This is just a laundry list of my activities for 2020 so skip this if you are in a hurry. My intent is to see if you and I can connect in my other levels of interest. Most of you are silent subscribers so it’s a treat when I read your feedback.

INTERNATIONALLY

The new year is here. Many I’ve talked to are glad to be through with 2019 and understandably so. 2019 was a crazy year. I’m surprised nobody has really blamed the media for all the political tensions and violence — they were the ones who benefited from the scare tactics and rumor mongering. Expect an overload of that with this election year. Already I noticed some of the political Youtube videos have suddenly been labeled “restricted” — censorship, here they come. Japan will be hosting the Olympics. That should be interesting.

AT HOME

In case you are interested, here’s what’s in store for me at home.  The pet invasion is our biggest physical challenge. We now have 3 cats and a Corgi. My wife spends more time with the animals than with me. I didn’t know I married Doc. Doolittle. Oh, and our daughter will be moving back home for a while before she moves to Canada to further her studies. We will have a full house.

My wife and I will continue with our Biblical Counseling Course on Thursdays … where we believe in the premise that most of our emotional problems can be cured (not through drugs but) through a refocus on God — who He is, who We are and what is expected of us. If you know anyone needing emotional help, don’t hesitate to ask. We might also start a Bible study group in our home on Wednesday evenings. Invitation is open to all.

BUSINESS

WYNK (What You Need to Know): My marketing, graphic and web design company will continue to help with customized websites and marketing campaigns but this year, I’d like to focus more on book publishing and social media/SEO. One of my favorite clients wants me to design an original board game. That’ll be exciting.

Alpha, my residential property management business will be taking over a new condo complex. The former managers appeared to be charging the residents too much and I’m determined to bring their HOA (Home Owner’s Association) bills down. As our tag line goes: “Bring us your tired, your poor, your disgruntled HOA members and we will give them rest.”

I’d still like to continue doing live caricatures for non-profit organizations. I am one of the most prolific caricaturists in the world (I think I’ve done over 1,700 caricatures in my lifetime) but even this will one day come to an end. Dude, if you don’t have an original “Raoul,” you’re missing out.A day will come and I will do my last caricature because my hands and eyes will no longer coordinate with each other.

I’ve recently been toying with the idea of putting up a new business — producing a special vinaigrette which i concocted. If you like pork chops smothered with vinegar, this is a perfect match. It’s my wife’s favorite food. So far I am in the research and experimental stage. I’ve studied distribution and packaging but I think I might have a problem preserving the spices.

With all of these, I wonder if I will still be able to join my college chums for a week and a half road trip from the West coast to the East coast. We’ve been planning this a few years now. We want to do this before our backs give in, our teeth fall off and our memories wander into the windmills of our minds.

Mama Lou, my aunt, told me (when I was a teenager) that she noticed that I was always busy doing something. I think I am starting to believe her. Isn’t life great?!?

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S. Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Video: Cheapest Travel Rate

Art of Sierra Madre, CA shared this hard-to-believe discount country. You might want to consider this as you plan your travels this year. Can you guess where it is?

Video: This is 2020

Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA shared this very apt video to welcome the new year.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this:

Here’s another one from Don:

The post Gettin’ Old appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Name Game

My wife has been dreaming about owning a corgi (the dog with the perpetual smile) and she’s been experimenting with different names to call it. Her choices have transitioned from Piper, to Wolverine, to Goliath and now to Max. To her it’s so important. But I don’t get it. Po-TAY-toe … po-TAH-toe … it’s all the same to me … or is it? What’s really is in a name?

I’m starting to read the book of Joshua. In the intro it says his original name was Hoshea which means Salvation. This book was written maybe 4,000 years ago so I’m thinking: In all those years did Joshua really stand for salvation or did Joshua start the meaning of salvation?

When someone is called a Judas, a Hitler or an Einstein, the adjective (used to describe that person) is named after the original person’s achievement or failure.

Most people live and die with the name given to them from birth. It’s a name that the parents decreed for their child. Some names have significance to it — like people who are named after the parent’s favorite relative,  or because the child is supposed to carry the ancestry line, or named after the situation of their birth (as in Chief Raging Storm).

Which brings me to the point in all this: Do you like your name? Are you living up to your name? Whatever your name is, your achievements may be a positive or negative contribution to society. Will generations use your name in contemptuous expletives or will it mean something of honor?

Are you living up to your decreed path by your parents? Take your time and really ponder this. This mental exercise may show you a roadmap or a pattern that you have been following subconsciously all through your life.

Ask yourself this: If you had a choice, would you still take the path you are in? Or is this someone else’s path? If it’s a good path, great! I guess you should stay on course. But if “the shoe doesn’t fit …”, remember —  no one is forcing you to follow this path.

But of course, this is just me.

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sending this joke.

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA who shared this.

The post Stolen Speeding Car appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Sport Lesson

What is a sport where people spend most of their time socializing than watching the game? Most of the time is spent waiting and waiting and waiting for something interesting to happen. It can be dangerous because players actually use a weapon. It’s a legal weapon that does not need to be registered. Some people carry this weapon in the back of their cars. In fact, I know of a New York policeman who does this in case there is a riot. There’s a lot of chewing and spitting and fidgetting going on — it’s the only thing to do because it’s so boring. It’s as exciting as watching a race between a snail and an ant. It is a sport where most of the action is focused on just 2 people taunting each other while the other 8 players on stage wait for their chance to become a star. If you’re obese? Who cares? As long as you can still “tiptoe through the tulips” you can still play and get paid by the millions. Whether you are a lefty or a righty, you have to use both hands … your weaker hand is covered and protected, the other isn’t. It’s played outdoors but unlike real macho, physical, brutal contests, a little rain calls off the whole sissy game.

I think my disdain for this sport can be traced to my youth. I was never chosen to play when I was a kid so I never appreciated this game. I often wondered who would pay the players millions of dollars just to strut their butts like peacocks because most of the time they have their backs on you. What’s even more surprising is, it’s not really a contact sport yet a good number of the players get hurt …. mostly because of a self-induced accident.

If you guessed BASEBALL, you got it right.

BUT last Tuesday I went to watch an Angels game. And, miracle of miracles, I am now a reformed baseball-hater. I can’t say I love it but now I get it. My daughter had free tickets to an Angels baseball so my family went to watch a live game. I was impressed. Volunteer good-natured senior citizens helped give you directions. The lights were so bright I didn’t notice when the sun went down. The field was so green and manicured I wanted to go down and touch it. Hardly anyone was paying attention to what was going on because, unlike watching a commentator on TV, you didn’t know how many strikes, balls or foul balls were at stake. You could hardly tell who was playing. But everyone was having a good time. It was like you were in a giant picnic. The couple behind me were chatting the whole time and I felt I was part of their conversation. There were so many kids running around and parents laughing behind them. The peanut guy, thechurros guy, the beer guy  and the hot-dog-&-drinks guy were all fun to watch — each of them with their unique way of selling their wares. And then there was the humongous big screen TV which flashed trivia games and kissing couples. It was fun. I mean, REALLY fun. No wonder they call it America’s favorite pastime. People laughing, families taking care of families — man! this is America. What a blessing to be part of this.

Like many things in life we can form opinions based on observations from afar. But when you are actually living it, the unspoken experiential nuances shame your biases. I admit I have been guilty of my narrow assumptions. If I have said anything to offend you in any of my many blogs, please let me know. I am open to your corrections.

Who would have thought there was a lesson in humility in the game of baseball?  TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Joel of Singapore for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Unstoppable Robin Williams
Sent by Peter Paul, South Pasadena, CA

Unedited Robin Williams doing a commercial … at least he is trying his best to stop the practical joker inside him. If you’ve never seen a display of multi-personalities, just watch. I couldn’t stop laughing.

WARNING: With Robin Williams, there is always some profanity.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

A man tried to assault me with milk, cream and butter. How dairy!

Something to Think About

Sent by Mike of New York City

Do you have time on your hands? Are you ready to take a short visual quiz? Below are 2 PDF files. One is for the women. The other is for the men. Both are about trademark/logo recognition. See how well you can guess the name behind the icon. Try it out with a friend.

Fashion Logos
Auto Logos

Being in the design industry and having designed quite a few of these logos myself,  I can really appreciate these great visuals.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA who shared this.

The post Grandpa’s Bet appeared first on Traveling Archive.

V-Day

How was your Valentines Day? If you know my wife, you know she loves surprises … especially on Valentines Day. You can ask my wife and she will tell you about my many secret Valentine schemes. This year was no different.

In late January the men in my Monday Bible Study group started planning for V-Day. We were to sing “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the theme song from the TV sitcom, Golden Girls. Of course we changed some of the words to be more appropriate for the occasion. Because it was difficult to schedule a practice meeting, I posted instructions on the web and we had to communicate via text and email.

As V-day approached, I was getting more and more concerned about everyone getting their parts right. Yes, I was getting stressed out. It was so bad that I had a nightmare about being in front of the women and forgetting my lines. My wife even said I was mumbling in my sleep as if I was having a nightmare. I thought that was funny.

The Saturday before V-Day, Andy planned to come over to my house to practice. Our wives were attending a Saturday church event so I texted him: “The coast is clear.” Wouldn’t you know it, his wife saw the text message. Disaster! The jig was up! But Andy somehow kept his cool and the secret plot was still on. His wife bumped into my wife and asked: “Did you know Andy was coming over to meet with Raoul?”

Somehow they thought we planned dinner together and so Andy and I rode along with that assumption. In order to keep the charade, we did have dinner together. Andy and I exchanged winks because, surprisingly, the women were still clueless. That was a close one because If they had probed us we wouldn’t … we couldn’t lie.

V-Day finally arrived and our lesson that evening was about unity. It was a natural segue to the surprise. “And since we are talking about being a team,” I said, “we men have a little surprise for the women.”When I saw the puzzled looks on all of their faces, I knew we men had pulled off the surprise. Then, with red ties on and camera rolling, we started our tribute to the gals.  And, wouldn’t you know it, (remember my nightmare?) I DID forget my lines. In my frazzled state I kept playing the wrong chord and we had several false starts. But other than that, we did goooood. The men took turns reciting poems to the ladies. We gave them chocolates and a memento of the song. The women said they felt so loved. One of them even said we should have Valentines every day. We men scored high points.

In case you are interested, here is a link to our practice song. We had another version with bongos but the lyrics on this one is a lot clearer.
CLICK HERE

Our ROLES may be different but I believe women are EQUAL to men. Neither gender is superior. We should not compete; rather, we should complement each other and work toward a common spiritual goal. That evening, we men wanted to honor the ladies for who they are and what they mean in our lives.

I trust that YOU showed your love to someone special this Valentine. If not, maybe plan something next time. I realized 2 things. First, it isn’t a perfect performance or gift that makes a woman happy … it is knowing that there was thought and effort in the gift. Second, I realize when we do something special for people we love — our gift creates joy and their joy comes back to us a hundredfold.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it a meaning”
— Anonymous

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Rey of Simi Valley, CA for sending this joke.

Videos of the Week

They Should Have Asked My Husband
Sent by Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Pam Ayres, the British comedian, describes her expert husband.

WATCH VIDEO

Touch Me Please
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

If you have pets, you know they enjoy being stroked. This is a heartwarming video of animals and how they love to be touched.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Bobbie of Quezon City, Philippines who shared this

The post 4 Marriages appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Blessings

I got a grateful phone call the other day. Rodger said he worked on a referral I had given him and was so excited and happy to be able to pay some of his bills. He was unusually upbeat and I shared his joy. And then he said something that I didn’t expect. He said “I’m giving you 20% commission for any referral you send my way.” To which I said, “No, this is God blessing you. Accept it all.”  He paused for a moment and continued to thank me.

If you know Rodger, he’s been having it rough for some time. He’s an honest, decent man but somehow people and circumstances have taken advantage of him. Few have treated him fairly. Most have said he did not meet their expectations. Compliments were few and far between. I’m guessing this is why he felt he needed to pay me, a good friend, for a kind deed. Dear God, take care of this beautiful man.

Did you grow up having to earn for every single reward? Sounds like many of us, huh? Many of us see strings attached to gifts. The give and take mentality has permeated society that when kindness is bestowed, we can’t even recognize it anymore. May I challenge you? Look around with a different lens. We are surrounded by so many blessings. I grew up with a weekly allowance worth 5 candies … that was enough then. What did you grow up with?

After counting all my blessings, for me, the most important blessing is the gift of salvation. You can’t buy it. You can’t earn it. It’s free. If you know what I’m talking about, you know you are blessed. If you don’t, I guess there’s a blessing waiting for you.

But this is just me.

TGIF people!

“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.”
— Anonymous 

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C. for sending this joke.

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA who sent this newspaper clipping

Videos of the Week

Alexa for Seniors
Sent by Bruce of Kanub, Utah and Jeff of Pasadena, CA

Hey, I want one of these. I hope that I will still have a sense of humor when I reach that age.

WATCH VIDEO

Flying in Dubai
Sent by Tom of Pasadena, CA

A thrilling and dangerous exercise. One mistake and you’re done. High quality video.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Garie of Makati, Philippines who shared this

Celebrating the Year of the pig:

The post Cooter Gets a Ticket appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A Tale of Two Cities

Last Saturday I found myself in the middle of a baby shower in Temple City. I was drawing 5 minute caricatures of well-to-do young families. In the process, I got into some very interesting intellectual conversations about career choices and family dynamics. I was being paid by the hour so I was very conscious of the speed I was churning these sketches up. They had fun and I had fun myself. The guests were pleasantly surprised at this unusual treat. The hostess was so proud and happy for her choice of entertainment that she displayed my work on her grand piano and said she was passing my name out to her other friends. I appreciate that.

In direct contrast of scenery, last month, I drew caricatures for the city of Watts [one of the poorest communities in Los Angeles]. To be honest, I was a bit nervous because as we approached the basketball court where I was to set up my easel, our guide pointed out 3 rival gangs to me. This was drive-by-shooting country (I wished I gave my wife a better goodbye when I headed out the door). I was only wearing my T-Shirt in the cold night air. The halogen lamps of the basketball court weren’t the best lighting but the “show had to go on.” The line was relentless. Many never had their portraits done … probably because they couldn’t afford it. They were shocked that I was doing it for free. One young black kid gave me business advice: “Are you rich? Like … do you live in an apartment? You know, [his inventive mind churning] you could make money drawing people for $5 a face.” How could you not love that boy?

I had to wrap up when the kitchen ran out of food. The church that sponsored the Christmas event fed 700 people. When I tried to get up a stabbing pain shot up my legs and backside. I guess I had sat down too long. I was so focused that I didn’t realize I was already shivering from the cold. I couldn’t walk. A good friend helped me to the car. I survived the night — no gun shot wound … but I was still wasted. That’s okay because my heart was full of gladness.

In my pain inside the car, I started to realize that one of these days, I would no longer be able to do face-to-face caricatures. My eyesight will go. My trembling fingers will no longer follow my instructions. My back will hurt so bad I wouldn’t be able to sit still for hours anymore.

I will surely miss doing this. I’ve done this for the dirt poor and the filthy rich. I’ve talked to thousands of strangers who I’ve connected quite intimately as I searched into their eyes for the brief period they were my portrait prisoners. Every one of them created by God so distinctly. Even twins have something different about them. Every one of them — special in God’s eyes. Every one of them loved by God. Maybe next week I will share what goes on my head as I draw people.

If you have a caricature I have made of you, please preserve it. If I get rich and famous, that drawing may cost a lot. If that happens, all these poor people like the citizens of Watts will own something of real value.

I decided long ago, pain or no pain, as long as I still can, I will share this gift of drawing to others. I’m certainly thankful if they pay me, but money should never be the determinant of what I give out freely. Please let others know of my services.

Tomorrow I will be doing caricatures at the Duarte Senior Center. It’s for charity. Do drop by and support the seniors. Perhaps you can still own an original Raoul.

TGIF people!

“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own. — Lao Tzu

Joke of the Week

Our Friday joke of the week comes from: Lois of Whittier, CA

Harry Caray was a beloved, colorful Major League sportscaster who was known for the funny stories he would tell about himself. I heard a story about him the other day, which would be much funnier if you could hear the teller of the story imitating Harry’s strange way of talking. It goes like this.

Lois

Video of the Week

Side by Side
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

This is probably the third time I am sharing this but it’s too good not to share again. Besides, there have been so many new subscribers since the last time.

Growing old can be funny.

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Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this

The post Caught Red Handed appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I met Lois at an April Fool’s Tea Party fundraising event over a year ago. We hit it off when she said she once was a consulting technical editor for USC. Lois is a senior who wants to do something with her dormant skills. Since that day, I have referred work to her when my clients needed a proof reader. Every once in a while she would contribute jokes for this TGIF email blast. She would share anecdotes, poetry and even songs.

One day, Lois asked if I was interested in illustrating and helping to publish her children’s book. She said when her kids were growing up, she would make up stories to put them to sleep. In fact, they liked her stories better than books she would read. One particular story was about “Tom the Mouse.” She said she thought it up at the spur of the moment. “Tom the Mouse” was by far their favorite bedtime story because it allowed them to participate in making animal sounds. Lois would repeat that story over and over. Lois’ kids have passed on that legacy to their own kids and grandkids.  With a history of 60+  years, there was no doubt that I wanted to do this story. We met once and threshed out the general concepts and I made the illustrations and added a few ideas. We made it an interactive book where kids will learn to read, make sounds, and search for hidden images. At the end of the book, there is a double-page spread full of graffiti names on a wall. We hope parents and kids will enjoy looking for their own names. This project was more difficult than I expected, but it was fun.

Guess what? The book is out!  “Tom the Mouse” has just been made available on Amazon! Just do a search for three words: “Tom Mouse Lois” and you will find it. If you want to do me a huge favor, BUY THE BOOK! It’s a perfect gift to give to parents with young kids. It’s just over ten bucks. If you have Amazon Prime, 2-day shipping is free. Buy two and shipping is free. How’s that for a shameless commercial plug? Oh, and please give us some feedback and please spread the word. Thank you!

When I see Lois all smiles and excited showing off her book, I know I made the right decision. I know I helped make a dream come true. I know I created a legacy for my friend.

CLICK HERE to buy the book!

“A book is a dream you hold in your hands.”

— Neil Gaiman

TGIF people!

Important Question

Shared by Don of Kelowna. B.C.

Best Friends
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

This is one of the cutest videos ever. More cute than funny. I wish I had a friend like this when I was growing up … these days I have to settle for “The Cat.” (Still resisting her cuteness, though).

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Crazy Success of “Crazy Rich Asians”
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

That movie is raking it in. This is a good analysis of this unlikely Hollywood success story.

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Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C. who shared this photo

The post Old Friends appeared first on Traveling Archive.