Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Goodbye Old Man, Hello Baby!

I thought that I would refer to my post from a few days ago regarding art and my total lack of skill or even having a thimble-full of knowledge of anything resembling art. Years ago Bob Ross's program The Joy of Painting was very popular on the PBS stations (who knows, perhaps he still
lives on in syndication). I have, however, painted my share of door and window trims with a brush about the size of what he holds in his hand...my meagre contribution to the arts. And to answer your question. No. I have never had a 'fro' like Mr. Ross. Back in the day, I did have hair down past my shoulders but never permish.

The year is winding up and it seems somewhat appropriate to finish the year with my 100th post (not that I pay attention to milestones...) I have little to report regarding my writing progress for the year. This has been a time of learning about online networking and the places for one to go to peddle their stories. I started this blog in May of this year and have connected with many fantastic and knowledgeable writers with big hearts. I had some early success with a couple of short stories at 'those sites' that publish pretty much everything that appears in their in boxes.

My goal for 2010 is to focus more on a regular schedule of writing in order to crank out more stories (which, of course, will in the long run make me a better writer). I was pleased to have a flash story accepted at 52 Stitches as part of their 2010 line up. This was my first acceptance at a publication that actually pays its writers. This year I shall try to send out more stories to similar paying markets, some of which turned me down this year.

I shall keep practicing and continue to drink in knowledge of 'the craft'. I wish all of you success in your continuing endeavours for the upcoming year and look forward to reading your stories.

Thanks for all you kind words and support this year. I send a toast in your general direction!

Cheers, Alan

21 comments:

Elspeth Futcher said...

I remember that show. He always made it look so easy. I can barely draw stick figures, let alone anything that actually resembles anything.

A toast to you, sir, from the West Coast! All the best for 2010, and you get to be one of the first in Canada to experience it!

Elspeth

Anonymous said...

Best wishes for the new year Al!

Aaron Polson said...

We can buy the Bob Ross painting kid at the local hobby store. Vive Bob!

Have a wonderful and productive new year!

Aaron Polson said...

Ummm...painting kit. We don't have those kind of stores in Kansas. ;)

K.C. Shaw said...

I used to love watching those Bob Ross shows. His artwork was really formulaic but listening to him talk was like taking valium. Very soothing.

Best wishes for the new year!

DEZMOND said...

I've always wondered how it would be living without artistic skills, since I'm personally very artsy and creative in visual way as well.
I must say I loved Bob Ross as a kid, and I think my older brother even had a phase in his life in which he though he could try painting thanks to Ross :)

Wishing you all the best in the upcoming 2010, lots of love and great new stories and novels.

PS it nice knowing you've never worn perm :))

Katey said...

I was mesmerized by Bob Ross when I was a kid, wow. I guess it was partially the fro, which I wish would come back in style asap... but also, happy trees. Dude.

Here's to more success in the new year, both in writing and in life. And rolling rock babies. Ha!

Laura Eno said...

Here's to much success and happiness in the new year!

Alan W. Davidson said...

Elspeth, Thanks for the West Coast toast (cool alliteration). We really enjoy our special time zone that allows us to celebrate such things prior to the rest of North America...

Anton, Same back at you, buddy.

Aaron, he, he, he...I knew what you meant but the clarification is welcome for those here who may not know you.

KC, I'm sure that he would have liked to hear that he was as good as valium.

Dezz, Thanks for the good wishes. It's interesting that Bob Ross has a following in Serbia.

Katey, I had forgetten about the happy trees. Thanks for the flashback. And I second your toast to success and Rolling Rock babies, dude!

Laura, I get the feeling that both are in the works for you.

EC said...

Hilarious! Best wishes and good luck in your writing.

Jameson T. Caine said...

Happy New Year, Alan! Best wishes for 2010!

Fox Lee said...

Look at that sloshed baby. You just know his parents look the other way, when he comes home high as a kite and swilling from a six pack!

Cate Gardner said...

Have a fantastic 2010, Alan.

Paula RC said...

Happy New Writing Year to you, Alan
Good Luck with all your writing project in 2010

Alan W. Davidson said...

Thanks, all, for the kind words and New Year's greetings!

Akasha Savage. said...

That was a truly frightening picture!!!

Happy New Year!

:D

BT said...

Yep - me - oh late one himself.

Happy New Year, Alan. Here's hoping your writing continues to move from strength to strength and permanently into the paying markets. I look forward to sharing our first ToC together in 52Stiches. Here's to many more.

Kat said...

Every time I hear about Bob Ross I think about all of my profs who scoffed and said he wasn't a "real artist." He made a lot of people happy -- if that isn't a fine art, then what is?

A belated Happy New Year to you, Alan, and best wishes.

Laurita said...

Congrats on the acceptance at 52 Stitches, and good luck with your goals for 2010. I hope the new year is good to you and yours.

Anonymous said...

"Let's paint some happy little trees. Happy little trees right there." :)

Congrats on your acceptance! We'll be in there together. 2010 is going to be the year of fantastic writerly goodness. I foresee it.

-Mercedes

Paula RC said...

When you have time, Alan please collect your award for putting a smile on my face.:-)