This Saturday I will be volunteering at the Buena Park Jr High Campus, California, for my second Relay for Life event. For those who are not familiar, Relay for Life is a program sponsored by the American Cancer Society to help fund research for Cancer.

Two weeks ago was my first time to help this non-profit organization which was held at La Mirada, CA where I helped raise over $200 doing caricature sketches of people. Of course, I gave everything to the group.

At first nobody came to my booth because I was a complete stranger. But after my first “victim” showed it around, the people started coming in. Perhaps the most intriguing person I drew was a High Schooler who was emboldened to ask me a special favor. She wanted me to draw her with a singer who was part of BTS, the hot Korean Boy Band. She had his picture on her smart phone. She giggled all throughout the posing. She even gave me a hug after she saw the finished work. Later the event organizers told me she called them to get my name so she could properly credit me on her Facebook account. What a sweetheart.

I would have continued if not for an appointment with some church friends. The interruption was a blessing because my back was hurting badly after sitting there for just a few hours.

I think I’m getting too old for this live 5 minute sketch. My eyes aren’t as sharp anymore. And my fingers are beginning to shake. I might shift from pen and ink to digital. So if you are in the area, come on by this Saturday. You may be one of the last people to have a live caricature done by me. It’s for a good cause.

When I was young my Mom cautioned me about becoming an artist because she knew artists didn’t get paid enough. Sure, money is always nice, but Mom was wrong. To share my gift of art to so many people is plenty payment for me.

What’s your gift? If it comes naturally, if it comes easy, it’s meant to be given freely.

But this is just me.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life“
— Pablo Picasso

TGIF people!

Insults Between Husband and Wife

Shared by Mel of Washington, D.C.

CAUTION: NOT FOR THE SENSITIVE ONES

Donald Trump Needs a Date
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Art found this old Candid Camera footage of Donald Trump doing a cameo appearance with his Playboy persona. This isn’t political but I know some of you can’t stand the guy so just skip. This may also not be for the sensitive among you. Hard to believe this is our President.

WATCH VIDEO

John Mayer Cheap Viral Video
Sent by Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

If you know John Mayer, you know he’s a superstar guitarist. He and his marketing team couldn’t agree on a budget to make his MTV video. So he went to a local video store that mainly does weddings. Wouldn’t you know it. this video went viral. Certainly dispels the myth that you need a big budget to market well.

WATCH VIDEO

TEDx Canada: How to Succeed
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

How do you measure success? Is it finances? Is it relationships? I’m sure we have different ideas about it. Next question, how do you achieve it?

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shots

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

I hope I’m not being too mean here but it really begs the question: “Why doesn’t anyone of her status get any honest feedback about how she dresses up?” — Raoul

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My Net Worth is not measured in dollars and cents.  I believe that we are the sum total of all our life experiences combined.  And, good or bad, it all adds up to something.  The question is, do you like what it adds up to or not?  If you don’t, you need to understand that you had something to do with the total!

Some people think a big bank account equals success or happiness, but I don’t believe this.  How you value yourself has everything to do with the way you were raised and the lessons learned along the way and this is really your Net Worth.

I come from a big family and we were poor, but we didn’t know it because my parents loved us and each other, we were fed and nurtured, taught to work hard and take pride in doing the best we could at home, school, church, sports or any task in front of us.  And, we were all told to do the hardest job FIRST.

I grew up in the 40’s and 50’s in Chicago.  I watched as many different immigrants came to the U.S.A.  I went to school with every ethnic and religious group you can name and prejudice was never taught or practiced in our home.  Everyone got along and the new comers were so happy to live in this country and eager to learn English, go to school, college or learn a trade.

We were all taught the value of money and what hard work would bring you.  All the kids I grew up with knew how to make money.  I am so grateful my parents sometimes said NO to me when I asked for money because I’d go get my orange crate and sell Ice Tea or lemon aide and buy the Popsicle I wanted myself.

Money has never been my driver, but I have always been able to make money because I love working.  I have known many very wealthy people who have used their money to insulate themselves from others and end up isolating themselves from the people that really matter most in the end.

If a Genie gave me three wishes, I would ask for health, health, health, because I can get the rest of the things I need for myself.  My father told me this when I got married, “If you can go one year, have some good times, stay healthy, pay your bills and have $15.00 left at the end of the year, you are successful”!  Doesn’t sound very ambitious, but then I’ve never seen a Brinks truck back up over a grave and bump in bunches of money.  Have you?

My family, my friends, my associates and all the memories we created together make more sense to me than more cents and add up to my real Net Worth.  So, are you in the red or black when it comes to your Net Worth?

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