The Exchange

I have no idea if the kid was an officer but he wore the dress shirt and billed cap filled with enough “scrambled eggs” that let me know he held a higher position than many of the other Russian sailors that passed by the booth. Most of them were extremely business-like, never smiling, only giving a quick nod to acknowledge a greeting. And they were kids! Many of them looked like they weren’t even shaving yet. This particular young man was different.

I had seen him interacting with the food vendor next to me. He seemed generally interested in why Nathan’s Hot Dogs were better than the others further up the pier. My neighbor Eddie struggled to explain how his dogs were all beef, larger, and grilled. It was quite obvious that most of the visiting seafarers aboard the Kruzenshtern knew very little English. So a little later an older man approached the Russian with some questions about his vessel and thus began “the exchange.”

To be honest it was a bit humorous. From his reaction the old man obviously thought the young Russian knew more English than first thought. Yet the conversation continued for several more minutes. Neither one was going to let the language barrier interfere with their dialogue. Eventually there were hand gestures, nods of agreement, and even smiles that let me know that both had finally reached a common language of non-words. After a few more moments they shook hands. The old man wanted to take the young man’s picture in front of his ship and like all the rest of his shipmates, he obliged by putting his shopping bags down, standing at attention with his hands grasped behind his back. There was no doubt how proud that young sailor was of his sailing vessel. Funny thing, I immediately thought of Ben.

Just like this scenario, there is a communication barrier between Ben and the rest of the world, a wall that separates many exceptional children from others. Unfortunately most people aren’t like the old man, determined to break through the language barrier only to find a deeper form of interaction. Oh but for those that have the patience the reward is great. Just like the young sailor you get one proud individual and in Ben’s case you also get one huge smile as well.

To view some wonderful pictures of the Tall Ships leaving Charleston yesterday go here. 13 of the 18 ships featured at Harborfest are now headed to Boston for the next leg of the race. Look for them on TV this weekend as they parade around Boston Harbor.

Flood, Sweat, and Cheers

At the moment I'm in the camper riding out (another) late afternoon thunderstorm near Charleston, South Carolina. Although dry at the moment, it seems as if I've been soaking wet since I arrived Thursday either via one of these downpours or body sweat due to the high temperatures coupled with high humidity. Having spent a great deal of time down here during my life I find it quite fitting for an event called Harbor Fest.

I gotta admit that there have been moments the past few days when I've questioned my career choice and definitely my sanity. In the end the grueling work and harsh conditions were very much worth it. This was my chance to finally put my foot through the door of an area where I find great potential. When that door creaked open I kicked that sucker in!

Meaning to write a prequel let me say that this is the longest I will/have/am away from my family since I started selling my art full-time 5 years ago. When I return Sunday it'll have been 10 days since I've hugged Joan, stroked Jessie's long red hair, or puckered up to Ben's cute puffy cheeks. God, I miss them! But the sadness of separation has been tempered by the fact that this is now what I do for a living. And meeting sailors from around the world, many of them so surprisingly young, has made me appreciate the adventure I've embarked upon.

I won't bore you with details but at least let me summarize. Here's what has happened so far: setting up in the rain; seeing up close some of the tallest sailing vessels in the world; having dinner with a dear artist friend and laughing till we cried; enduring the absolute worst weather day since I started this - heat index of 110 with 80% humidity capped by closing my booth in a soaking rain - only to find I'd had by best single day of sales since last September; experiencing the most perfect day anyone could enjoy on the harbor; dolphins, pelicans, and Russians...oh my!; watching two stunt planes fly death defying maneuvers over us thereby increasing my "puckerabilty"; and realizing I had the best show of the year (so far).

Yes, I have pictures. And I also know that I owe our readers some fun photos of our vacation with the Peters. I promise to work on those very soon...like when I get back home...after my back and calves stop hurting. In the meantime, enjoy the above photo of The Spirit of South Carolina. She's the schooner that this past weekend's festival supports, one of many endeavors the Maritime Center supports while preserving South Carolina's rich maritime history. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get to report from somewhere near Southport, North Carolina.

One Cool Kid!

One of the primary reasons I started this blog was to not only give folks a glimpse into the lives of exceptional families but also to change perceptions and attitudes toward individuals with special needs. While driving home from the beach Friday I heard this wonderful story listening to CNN. I highly encourage all of our readers to watch the story and then visit Jaylen Arnold's website.

Eight-year-old Jaylen is another one of those heroes who doesn't let his condition stop him from doing something positive for not only himself but other exceptional people. Jaylen truly is battling one of the things that frustrates parents of non-typical kids the most. Instead of anger he's using his personal story to educate others and thereby changing the perception some folks might have about Tourette's Syndrome.

So while I continue sifting through photos of our beach vacation head over to Jaylen's Challenge!

Crabs, Thunder, and Ornery Dolphins

Just wanted to pop in and tell everyone we are indeed doing alright. In fact we're doing really well at the moment since we are still at the beach just south of Charleston, South Carolina. Like last year's family vacation our PKS friends from Michigan joined us for a week of fun and sun and just like last year we are having a blast. Unfortunately we wrap things up tomorrow and head back to Greenville where we will show the Peters family the town.

I forgot my connection cable for my camera to link to the laptop so pictures will be forthcoming. Last August when we were last here together I had prepared Jim & Gretchen for the oppressive heat the Carolinas can cook up that time of year. At the time I told them how June is the preferred time of the warm months to visit. Well we had an unusual cooler than normal week 10 months ago. So Mother Nature has seen to it that we paid for that. Temperatures have been in the 90s with high humidity meaning we've had some pretty intense afternoon thunderstorms the past few days. In fact our alarm this morning was a bolt of lightening hitting one of the palmetto trees nearby. For the most part the Peters have tolerated the weather, even sitting on the back porch during the worst of the storms hoping to catch a photo of lightening hitting the ocean.

Two funny things as I sign off for the day. We've had plenty of interaction with dolphins this week including watching them herd a school of fish yesterday afternoon. That was a rare sight since that usually occurs in much deeper waters. Early in the week I attempted to get a closer look at one of them, an obvious young pup. Mom quickly swam over to let me know that was right out. She got within about 6 feet of me, turned tale, and slapped the water with it drenching me in sea water. She actually did this three times. Yes, my friends I can say without a doubt that I've been flipped off by a dolphin.

But of course Gretchen endured the most embarrassing of our dealing with Kiawah Island's wild side. She was lying on her stomach sunning when Jim noticed a fiddler crab walking across a corner of her towel. When he moved toward it to get a better photo opportunity Mr. Crab chose the closest dark hiding place he could get to quickly: between Gert's legs. So our wonderful friend goes home with a fabulous tan and a case of the crabs. Gotta keep a close eye out when slap that tanning lotion on!

Still Vacating!

Just wanted everyone to know we are safe and sound. Me, Jessie, and Ben have spent the past few days at the beach with my brothers and their families. Unfortunately most all good things must end so we will be hitting the road home in a little while. In the meantime you can find my latest blog entry here. While you're there check out the new look of the Hopeful Parents website! we have a new logo and even a picture scroll.

We hope you've had a great weekend. See you back here tomorrow!

Romancing Roanoke

I have to admit: I am wiped out. Exhausted to the core. Even Ben's nurse, Miss Vicki, asked if I was okay when I walked in this afternoon to greet Ben following a five hour drive from Roanoke, Virginia. After a 3 hour nap I'm probably a little easier on the eyes to my fellow mankind for the moment. And guess what? I am thrilled that I am this tired.

The weekend in Roanoke was amazing! I ended the Spring run of shows in a very positive fashion. As long as the folks with the Taubman Museum will have me I will be there every first weekend of June. The weather was extremely kinder and more seasonably than last year's event so more folks were out and about to check out the 51st Sidewalk Art Festival. This was also the fist year that the museum was open for their signature event so needless to say all of the artists were treated very well. And the icing on the cake was getting to hang out all weekend with two incredibly talented artists: photographer Charlie Smith hosted myself and wood-craftsman, Brian Sykes.


Charlie once again graciously allowed me to crash at his place which truly saves a great deal on expenses. It's also a treat to spend time with someone you consider as a mentor. Honestly (and Charlie, I know you will read this but it has to be said) I think of him as the older brother I didn't have. He's definitely taught me more about life as a traveling artist than anyone else. He's also helped me refine my print-making technique. In fact this past weekend Charlie told me about new software and hardware that could very well improve my images. Of course Brian and I would readily admit that force-feeding wine to our host probably lead to my buddy's "openness" about technical information. Seriously, thanks again my dear friend!

And now it is on to summer. Me, Jessie, and Ben will pack up and head to Kiawah Island Wednesday for a little family reunion. Joan's work, as you can guess, will keep her from going but I know our kids are truly excited about seeing their cousins! I know I am. There are three weeks to recuperate and recharge the batteries and I'll finally get to spend some time painting with the salty air feeding my creativity.

Life isn't perfect at the moment but really it never is. It's one day at a time my friends...one day at a time. I have a post coming very soon (perhaps tomorrow) about a ministry that sells food at cost to families in need. We just picked up our first box and items look very good. We want to try a few things before trumpeting the organization but our outlook is very hopeful.

We'll be back soon. Love and peace to all our readers.