Gum Shoeing Your Way to Success – Rules of Engagement

"Auburn Nights" oil on 20 x 16 canvas

In years gone by, detectives were referred to as “gum shoes.” The nickname stuck because they wore rubber or crepe soled shoes as they stealthily crept into dark shadows to pursue a suspect.

Gum shoe cops were thorough and diligent. Their persistence didn’t let up until “they had their man.” Failure was not an option. Their stick-to-it-iveness led to their success.

When I first stumbled onto the term “gum shoe,” I thought of the time I’d stepped on a glob of bubble gum in a parking lot. Try as I may, that hunk of pink refused to come off of my shoe and followed me in florescent strings across the hot asphalt.

Much like a trail of toilet paper that sticks to your shoe and betrays where you’ve been, the things we do in life, the places we go and the choices we make leave a trail of evidence behind us. Some might call that trail character; others may refer to it as reputation. Our chances for success get better and better as our trail of credits and experience become stronger and more reliable.

Sometimes even with our best efforts we “stick our foot in it.” After all, we’re only human. When I was a kid, I remember how smart and independent I felt at times. A real “know it all,” my mom would say.

(First lay-down of paint)

One summer I was playing with my older cousins in my aunt’s pasture. They were showing off, stomping on crusty cow pies. They were fearless daredevils, or so I thought. Their secret was to choose only those pies that were “seasoned” or dry.

Well, I wasn’t going to let them out do me. Although I was only five, I began stomping with the best of them. Unfortunately, I was wearing a shiny pair of black patent leather shoes with white stockings and lace cuffs.

My first cow pie, crumbled successfully so I tried another. On the second thrust, my foot sank into warm, mushy green poop right up to and over my pristine lace stockings. Shock and awe crushed my confidence and sent me running back to mother for help.

"The Neptunes -- Trumpeteers" 11 x 14 acrylic on panel; 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/169001141/the-neptunes-trumpeteers?ref=pr_shop

We all get in over our heads (or our socks) at times. Here’s how to avoid it:

1.  Don't promise what you can’t deliver

2.  Know beforehand what your client expects

3.  Never assume anything; be specific, and ask questions

4.  Plot realistic deadlines and time lines

5.  Keep your client updated on progress

6.  Evaluate your time and money expenditures carefully

·         Make your aim “customer satisfaction” and your target “repeat business”

Persistence Eventually Pays Off

"Hey, Coconut Mon" Currently on display at ACSWF Gallery at Coconut Point

Giving up is easy. Getting discouraged is human. Persistence is the gold that separates the “men from the boys” and what distinguishes the earnest from the whiners; the strong from the weak.

There’s a fine line between persistence and stubbornness. Have you ever known someone who never gives up, even when the odds are against it; even when others tell them there is little chance for success? Yet in spite of that, they continue to beat their head against a stone wall hoping that persistence equals skill and talent.

Sometimes there’s a break through, and against all odds they manage to succeed. Many a mediocre person rises to the top on sweat and tears alone while seemingly super skilled people slip into oblivion. Networking and marketing skills prove once again that “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” It’s not how talented and skilled you are, but how diligent and persistent you are.

(On display at ACSWF Gallery at Coconut Point)

It’s the way of the world. When remarkable talent receives recognition, we are pleased. We hate to see real talent go unnoticed. But sadly, sometimes even outstanding talent is hidden from view for lack of exposure. Competition has never been greater. Technology has accelerated the “learning curve” of yesteryear. Today’s entrepreneurs and artists are better equipped and more knowledgeable than ever before.

There’s a level of desperation in people on the social and business networks. One artist was so eager for a sale that she fell for one of the oldest cons on the books. She agreed to accept a personal check for payment of one of her artworks. When the check arrived, it was three times more than the asking price. She checked with her bank and they agreed to hold the check.

The artist then went to the police. She told them that during their exchanges, she had noticed that each time the buyer contacted her, they called from a different location. On the final call, the buyer had requested that she send them a check in the amount of the overage. Of course, she didn’t comply. The only thing she ended up losing was her self-esteem, but she felt humiliated and disappointed.

It’s a terrible experience to be scammed. I try to avoid it at all costs. I use only PayPal. If someone refuses to use it or loses interest in buying because of this requirement, that’s my tip-off that the buyer is illegitimate. 

Being a tenacious seller is important. Persistence usually does pay off. But in today’s world, it pays to work smart: if it feels or sounds “too good to be true,” it usually is.

(All paintings currently on display at the ACSWF Gallery in Coconut Point Mall.

Open the Window of Your Soul – Read a Good Book!

"An Open Book" 16 x 20 mixed media canvas SOLD

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. I’m especially fond of non-fiction books and historical fiction. But when I’m tired, overworked, and my creative juices feel the need of refreshment, I turn to fiction.

I missed “Hunger Games” on the movie screen. I wasn’t too fond of youth pitted against each other for survival and killing their peers to stay alive. I thought it might be another horror film for teenagers.

With my handy dandy Kindle, I downloaded the first book. I must admit it was a wild ride. The book is well written and I could hardly put it down; definitely not conducive to painting my daily quota. I recently downloaded book II, “Catching Fire” and book III, Mockingjay.

At the same time, I was reading a book by Octavia E. Butler called “Parable of the Sower.” All of these books are considered Science Fiction, but they mirror the degeneration of society and what happens when government becomes tyrannical and parcels out freedom and money in order to punish and control the populace. The parallels at what’s happening in Europe, i.e. Spain, Greece, Egypt, Syria, Sudan and Somalia, etc. are frightening. This could happen in our own Country if the foundation, the structure of the Constitution and the government are destroyed from within.

 I normally have two or three books going at a time. When I had my three-level townhouse, I had a book on every floor. I’d pick up whichever book was there and continue where I’d left off. On one floor, I even had some Opera CDs I’d checked out of the library. I would read the English script while I listened to the music. I not only learned a lot about opera, I loved the ribald humor, the comedy, and the innuendo.

In addition to taking art classes, I studied art at home in much the same way. If you were to tell me you either didn’t have time, money, or the support to get an education or to learn a skill, I’d ask you if you ever visited your Public Library?

Instead of whimpering about missing out on life, or being denied an opportunity to get ahead, look within. You can climb as far and as high as you are willing and your brain is able to take you. It’s all about determination, persistence, and desire. If your desires are in the wrong place, turn your life around. Get help! You can do it. Believe in yourself. Believe in the God who lives within you.

Books have the power to change lives. Read your way to success. The illustrations in this blog were used in the book: “Inez Ibis Flies again; the Story of a Courageous Ibis who never gave up.” See miniature book link on this page.

The Best Laid Plans often end-up Topsy-Turvy

"Three Juvenile Blue Jays" pencil drawing

There’s always a big “let down” after the holidays. The stress and excitement which builds and then climaxes is over. The tension is released, the fun is gone, and the aftermath of pine needles, discarded wrapping paper, and clutter smacks us with reality.

The best cure is to look forward. Focus on goals and plans. Lift up your spirits by remembering what makes you tick and what provides motivation in your life. Eliminate regrets. We can’t change yesterday, but tomorrow is like fresh fallen snow. What will your imprint be? What mark do you want to leave and how will you express yourself on this pure clean slate?

We all need a fresh start. We need to have purpose and vision in our lives. The New Year is a perfect opportunity to have both. Shame or guilt strangles hope and enthusiasm. Leave it behind and step into the future free from shackles, doubt and fear.

If you can’t walk alone, get help! We all need something to anchor our souls and give us strength. A friend, a mentor, may help you cross over into the realm of possibility. Education can provide knowledge and self-confidence. Skills can be increased through practice and persistence.

My husband’s granddaughter has not only completed her college degree, she is in her third year of dental school. Her goals are clear; her determination is strong. She shared that out of her class, several people have dropped out. So close, yet so far from their goal. To quit that close to the finish line is sad. How many of us stop and get discouraged before we reach our goals.

The New Year provides us with the opportunity to eliminate “could have beens” and “would have beens” from our lives and our vocabulary. Don’t end up looking back on your life and saying “what if” I had done this, or “what if” I had done that. 

As Coach Lou Holtz once said, “Just do it!” He went on to say: “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

Happy New Year everybody and forgive this late blog. My computer was down for a few days, but now we’re back!