Don't Settle for Mediocrity

I was discouraged this morning and needed to get back in the "game" so they say.   Push past thinking about what is, and put real effort into making something that will be.  Steven Silver gave me a good quote to kick me out of my doldrums... Thank goodness for people that inspire us!

"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents." (Andrew Carnegie) 

This is a harsh quote, but very true. As a teacher I have come across many students who wish to succeed in their field, but lack the motivation. Becoming  good at anything requires practice and effort and taking the initiative. By working hard  outside of a given assignment,  It is my belief that those are the individuals who will break through. I have some students now who bring me their artwork that they did during the week that I didn't assign, That is motivation. Don't  talk about it- Just do it!  

Steven Silver, Animator, Character Developer

My Website is now Linked to here  - I hope some of you will respond and write me....click "events calendar" and Vwa  La! you found me!  LET ME KNOW if you were HERE...

Steve sells first Die Laughing Books!

Steve Sells First Die Laughing Books!

Steve has sold 25 books to the Lynchburg General Hospital Gift Store, then went and sold the rest he had with him (total 36).  He is enjoying selling and talking with people and my husband has social gifts I never knew about - or perhaps I was flapping my own mouth to much to notice.  I am blessed.  

Death is....Feeling confident that THIS TIME you'll be able to keep your sobriety pledge...or as in my case vow of silence?  

Die Laughing! Lighthearted views of a grave situation.

  I never thought starting any sentence with "Death is" would be funny, but there you go...turns out it is.  When I was diagnosed with cancer, shortly after my mom had just died from it, one can't exactly escape thoughts, or conversations that deal with that word...death.  I'm glad Steve wrote the book, it makes me able to laugh at the gorilla in the room, and helps others around me to actually broach the subject, without having to cry. 

Die Laughing, Lighthearted Views of a Grave Situation was written by my husband, Steve Mickle so even if I hadn't already found it funny, that would have to make it a darn good thing 

You can see some samples of this book at www.kyleedgell.com/dielaughing_000.htm  Not exactly a fancy website - but it gets the info out.  

Death is....

when you're having a near death experience and there is nobody at the end of the tunnel saying go back, it's not your time.

Death is...

knowing a bit of rouge will only make you look cheap, not healthy.

Death is...

going "like totally" organic.

Could this actually be a tool for grief counselors? For Hospice workers? To lighten up a caretakers day? ...at worst, it would be a great "over the hill" gift for a friend. 

The National School Board Association had it's conference in San Diego this year.  Chevron Energy Solutions was my sponsor and it was beautiful!  The San Diego Padres had their opening game night right next door to the beautiful Omni Hotel where I was staying and the fans were in fine form! I felt as if I had several "Devine appointments" set up for me, meeting a graphic designer interested in doing caricature, and of course experiencing again the enthusiasm of my NSBA fan base, who have become collectors of some good, some not soooo good caricatures...

San Diego/Chevron Energy Solutions/NSBA