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.

Attitude Adjustment

If you've been following me along on Twitter or Facebook you'll already know that for the first time this year I didn't make expenses. My streak of profitable shows has ended as I knew it would at some point. That's just the nature of the work I choose to do. And since you are reading this blog you'll also know that we still disparately need for me to make a profit at my shows, particularly given the fact that I'll have three weekends off after the trip to Roanoke, Virginia later this week.

A little over a month ago this combination of information could've been cause for a major meltdown. Regardless of the lack of income bills are still showing up in the mailbox. The good news is that payday for Joan takes place in two more days so we can breathe a little easier. Despite knowing that the past few days have been just fine. In fact they've been more than fine; they've been outstanding! You see I've had a small epiphany recently - call it a dose of my own medicine.

A few weeks ago the ladies at BlogHer Backtalk asked me to do a short blurb about advice I'd give to a parent just beginning the jouney of exceptional parenting (hence my discovery of the little webcam thingy on Ben's computer). After watching the piece it dawned on me just how much I was ignoring my own words. In fact it was quite sobering.

The first photo is of our new little friend. Shelly is an Eastern Box Turtle which I rescued Monday morning on my way home. She was slowly making her way across Highway 76 in the northern Georgia mountains and was about to meet the fate that many female box turtles encounter this time of year as they return to their own birth home to lay eggs. For the record Shelly is a temporary guest - in fact after school Jessie and I will be sending her back into the wild this afternoon.

It has been interesting getting to know Shelly. Joan and I have always used opportunities like this to teach the kids about nature and the very cool critters that are our neighbors (including the giant black snake who has returned to live under our deck). Ironically it has been me to whom Shelly has had the most to say.

Getting me to slow down is like telling Jeff Gordan to hop in the Dupont Hendrick Pepsi Frito-Lay Quaker State National Guard Tylenol Chevrolet and turn a few laps at Daytona behind a horse and buggy. It very likely isn't going to happen. Just ask Joan who has watched me for 16 years get distracted by shiny objects, funny sounds, sharp objects, things that catch on fire, and those odd neighborly critters. But living with a child like Ben one has absolutely no choice but to slow things down if only to grasp the always changing situation at hand.

My new friend Shelly has very clearly reminded me of that advice I uploaded to BlogHer. Take things one day at a time - try to concentrate on the moment in front of you. Otherwise life becomes too overwhelming and you'll end up defeated before the green flag waves. I shouldn't think about next month's bills because June isn't here. I can't think about Ben's school therapy plan because the summer vacation hasn't even begun. Don't fret over some boy fawning over Jessie because I own several guns. The point is that I am at my all-time worst when I'm looking at the big picture too long.

Shelly's pretty cool with that advice because she's more worried about just getting across that road in one piece. Then it's time to figure out what's for dinner. After that maybe she'll think about where to close up shell for the night.

And after our reptile friend has moved on when I need some advice about slowing down I'll turn to my son for that encouragement. Even after almost a decade living with an exceptional son I always find it amazing how much I'm still learning from a kid whose vocabularly consists of about 2 dozen words.

PS: Lisa wins the "Name that Corn" contest! You'll have to drop by some time to pick up that print! Jess and Mikaela I need mailing addresses for you gals. E-mail me at benwaddell@bellsouth.net with the info. Because of traveling the next two weeks it may be the second week of June before I can get the notecards out to you. Thanks to everyone for all the votes and humorous entries!

Embracing My Folked Up Art Side

There couldn't have been a better day all Spring than this one...not counting one of those fabulous days I sold tons of art. At the moment I'm gazing out my office window looking at a beautiful canvas of leaf green and sky blue. There are no clouds in the sky and I know from being outside quite a bit today that the temperature for this time of year is normal for us once again - somewhere in the lower 80s.

Jessie and I had a bunch of laughs when she got home from school. At the moment she's sound asleep - napping like pre-teens are supposed to do. When she is like that I can still see the "baby Jessie" in her.

Ben had an awesome day at school spending a whole hour in his new stander! Nurse Vickie said he smiled, kept his head up, talked, and generally shocked all the therapists at how well he tolerated it. When he got home he truly amused me by trying to tell me how powder Kool-Aid tastes. Do I not have two of the greatest kids?

Then I went to the grocery store and discovered a terrific sale on rib-eye steaks. Dear readers, do you know how long it's been since we could afford steak? Know that as I type this I am preparing a feast for my exhausted women folk.

Speaking of folk, I'm finally embracing that term for my artwork. I'd really like to be known as a "fine" artist but like most terms using "fine" means something quite boring. That I am not. So just to let you know that I have been working on my week off, I present to you some of my most recent finished pieces.

By the way, having had such a wonderful day at home one "downer" was that I did book my longest trip of the year today. I leave June 25th for Charleston, SC and won't return home until July 5th from the show in Southport, NC. The only good thing about it is that I'll have one of my new art friends, Kelly Morris, tent-camping with me part of the time. Which reminds me that my "art sister Christy" needs to send her application in soon so she can join us. Which also reminds me to tell Christy how much I'm writing on my paintings now.

"Catatonic" 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas
Perfect name.

"Fresh Air" 16" x 20" acrylic on panel
Mountain shows start this weekend!

"Funcky Chicken" 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas paper

The name says it all. 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas panel. Someone has already asked what the cow is smoking. All I have to say is that what happens in the pasture stays in the pasture...unless you're fertilizing a garden (it was meant to be a cigar).

"Joy in the Key of Life II"
Just to let you know I guarantee my paintings. If you hate it when you get home I'll make another. The only request is that you be honest with me!

On the Palette

Phthalo Green: Wow! It's been like forever since I've written one of these posts! For those who are relatively new I use "the palette" in front of me at the moment and begin throwing some "colors" on the canvas. After it's all said and done you will have a good idea about what is basically happening at the moment in regards to the portrait of our family.

For the most part things are much better these days. Having several successful shows over the past month certainly has helped. Both Ben and Jessie are growing like weeds so the mood swings from melancholy to excitement based on the moment. Our babies aren't that any longer! They are both growing quickly into bright young people. Neither Joan or I could be prouder for what each of them has accomplished this past school year.

Our scariest thought is now haunting us: we not only have one but two offspring smarter than us.

Medium Magenta: One very cool thing that is taking shape in a way I had hoped. Several of my artist friends are trading information on a weekly basis about upcoming shows. Therefore we are making sure that we 1) apply for shows that at least some of us know have been successful in the past, 2) when we are accepted we can look for lodging situations which we can share, and 3) know we have someone always watching our back.

At the moment at least one or more of my friends will be applying or attending the remainder of the shows I have booked for the year. That's a very cool prospect!

Cerulean Blue: For some reason I'm having no problem coming up with painting ideas this year. Last year at this time I hated picking up a brush between weekends. This year I'm actually painting at the shows (I hear my friend Christy's evil laughter). Things are still rather iffy in regards to the economy but I'm truly having fun with my job again. I cannot pinpoint the reason but I think I find it a tremendous blessing to be able to still do what I'm doing.

I hope everyone is having a delightful week! Come back and visit soon!

More Corny Stuff

I always say I have the most witty, clever, dark-humored bunch of readers in the Blogosphere. You guys not only rock but you really entertained the family over the last few days participating in our "Name That Corn" contest. The really difficult part came last night when we had to try and narrow the choices down to one. We couldn't do it. We barely managed to come up with three choices that we will now ask you wonderful SoulShiners to pick the winner from.

The overall winner gets a personally signed giclee' print of one of Ben & Bennie's paintings. The other two will receive a set of 4 notecards featuring our artwork. I will keep the poll up until a week from today when I will return from my next show in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

For the record, here were the other nominations either received in the comments, via Twitter, e-mail, or Facebook: Jimmy (the one who "cracked corn), General Cornwallis (this one barely missed as a finalist), Pelosi, Demetrius (comes from the Greek Goddess of Corn - someone must play way too much trivia), The Kernal, Sanders, Emperor Cornstantine, Cornucopia, The Cornspiracy, The Toe of Dreams (personal favorite but I just can't imagine building a baseball field in that corn patch), Sean Cornnery, Kojak, Corn Cob Like Old time, Dick Cheney, Be Glad It's Not a Hemorrhoid, and about 3 others that I can't put on a family site.

So without further ado, here are the three finalists:

"Cornelius" nominated by Nurse Boop
"The Great Cornholio" by Jessie in B-town (I am still a big Beavis & Butthead fan)
"Maizie" nominated by Michaela (family favorite because I had a wonderful great aunt by that name)

Vote by using the poll on the left side-bar and good luck to the finalists!