What If One Afternoon Could Change a Life?
An unexpected studio visit reminded me how simple encouragement can ignite a lifelong passion.

When twelve-year-old Drew first stepped into my studio, she clung close to her dad, Eric—a proud father whose eyes sparkled as he spoke of his daughter’s budding interest in art. Though my gallery space is designed to be inviting and relaxed, I could see in her eyes the quiet intimidation that often greets something new. After all, she was walking into a space surrounded by more than sixty original works—each bursting with color, movement, and meaning.

But that’s where the story began.

With a soft drink in hand and a gentle nudge from conversation, Drew began to relax. I guided her through the various themes of my work—some rooted in familiar landscapes, others abstract and open to interpretation. The ice officially broke when I took her behind the scenes into the studio itself—where the real magic happens. Her eyes widened with wonder. She asked questions. She noticed things most people overlook. And then, with a little encouragement, she stepped up to try her hand at painting.

I handed her a brush far larger than she expected—not to overwhelm her, but to show how bold choices often unlock unexpected results. At first, she hesitated. But with a little guidance, and a quiet cheer from across the table, she began to make her mark. Between brushstrokes and sips of Coke, she came to life.

That afternoon reminded me of three timeless truths:

Three Takeaways:

Confidence is Contagious
A gentle word and an open seat at the table can shift a young person’s posture from fear to freedom. You don’t have to have all the answers—just the willingness to make room for someone else’s beginning.

Simplicity Builds Foundations
It’s easy to forget how much there is to learn in the basics. Even as professionals, returning to elementary ideas—how brushes behave, how color moves, how light plays—keeps us grounded and inspired.

Encouragement Can Redirect a Life
Sometimes the best thing we can offer isn’t instruction—it’s belief. Watching Drew’s confidence grow reminded me that one positive experience can change someone’s direction, maybe even forever.

As they prepared to leave we relived the experience. The next day, I received a message from Eric: they had already bought a ton of art supplies, and were painting together. That’s the real reward. Not just the creation of art—but the creation of confidence, connection, and the courage to keep going.

You never know what spark you’re striking when you open your studio—or your heart—to someone just beginning their journey.

“You Never Know Who’s Listening: Why Every Message Matters”

Fifteen years ago, I launched a book that was especially close to my heart—
North Carolina Beautiful, a visual journey across the state I’ve spent a lifetime capturing with brush and palette. At the time, I had a variety of speaking engagements with Associations and groups to share the inspiration behind the project. Among the attendees was Tim Tribble, who received an autographed copy. I had no idea that moment—one of many heartfelt exchanges in my career—would one day come full circle.

Just this past week, Tim—now President of the Carolinas–Virginia Telephone Accountants Association—invited me to deliver my keynote, The ART of Making a Difference, at their annual conference in Wilmington, NC. In addition to my presentation, each attendee received a signed copy of Reflections, a collaborative book I created with Ralph Marston, filled with uplifting prose and colorful artwork.

Unlike a fleeting business card or digital link, a book has the rare ability to anchor a memory. It sits on a shelf, gets passed along, and—sometimes, years later—it quietly reminds someone of the message they needed to hear. Who knows? Perhaps a decade from now, one of those books will inspire another invitation, conversation, or ripple of impact. 
That’s the beauty of perspective, purpose, and passion—the three pillars that continue to shape not only my keynotes, but my life’s work.

Perspective: You Plant Seeds, Not Timelines
We live in a world addicted to instant results—but real impact often runs on a delay. The words you share, the art you create, and the kindness you extend may rest in silence, only to bloom in someone else’s season. Tim’s invitation was living proof that even the quietest moments can circle back in powerful ways.

Purpose: Show Up with Meaning, Not Just a Message
My talk wasn’t about polished slides or rehearsed delivery—it was about meaning. The individuals in that room weren’t just accountants; they were stewards of communication, navigating change across generations. Reminding them of the difference they make wasn’t a speech—it was a mission.

Passion: Fuel the Flame, Even If No One Notices (Yet)
It would’ve been easy over the years to wonder if the talks, books, or stories made a difference. But passion doesn’t seek applause—it simply asks for perseverance. When you keep showing up with heart and intention, you’ll be ready when that one moment—the right moment—comes back around.

The stage in Wilmington wasn’t just another stop—it was a reminder of what happens when we live out our values long enough for them to return in unexpected ways. 
For meeting planners looking for more than a performance—for something lasting—consider the power of sharing a message with meaning. A book or story well-told has the unique ability to live far beyond the final applause… and sometimes, it shows up again when you least expect it. 

Brake for Squirrels—And Life Lessons

This morning, as I left my workout and turned onto Battleground Avenue—a bustling artery six lanes of Greensboro traffic—I found myself in a slow-motion moment of comedy and clarity.

A squirrel, with more courage than common sense, darted out from the sidewalk and made a run for it. I braked just in time as it zipped in front of my car. It nearly made it to safety… only to hesitate, see the oncoming traffic in the other direction and did a full U-turn mid-intersection, and ran right back in front of me again. Another brake. Another gasp. Another pivot. And then, finally, it charged across with unshakable commitment to the original goal.
As I drove off, a smirk on my face and my heart a little lighter, I couldn’t help but think—there’s a lesson in that squirrel’s frantic, fearless dash.

Three Takeaways from the Battleground Squirrel

Don’t Let Uncertainty Derail You
The squirrel nearly made it, but second-guessed the oncoming cars. How often  do we do the same? When facing resistance or uncertainty, we retreat—even if we were steps from success.  Trust the direction you’ve chosen after thoughtful consideration, and move forward.

Looking Both Ways Isn’t Just for Traffic
Preparation matters. That squirrel made  a bold move, but a little more pre-check might’ve saved it from two near-death experiences. Whether it’s launching a business, planning a new project, or navigating life changes—take time to assess the risks and lay out a smart route.

Commit to the Finish Line
Once the squirrel finally made up its mind, it ran like its life depended on it—and it did. There’s power in full commitment. Half-measures and hesitations can be dangerous. When you've charted your course, put your energy behind it and don’t look back.

Sometimes, life is taught through squirrels. That little acrobat on Battleground Avenue reminded me how easy it is to lose focus under pressure, how valuable preparation is, and how important it is to commit when you’ve made a decision. 
In a world full of distractions and detours, stay the course—because the other side might be just a few strides away.

Journey with Me: What the Creative Process Taught Me About Leadership and Life

Every meaningful endeavor begins with a decision. You don’t drift into excellence—you commit to it.

That’s how each of my projects begins: with a date circled on the calendar and a vision I want to bring to life. Not every detail is clear at the outset, but naming the goal gives the journey its direction.

My latest exhibition, Journey with Me, began that way. But along the path of creating nearly 40 new pieces, I found myself reflecting on the deeper patterns that shape not only my studio life—but also the way we lead, create, and pursue progress in any field.

Whether you’re guiding a team, building a company, or working toward a personal goal, here are three lessons I’ve learned from the creative process that apply far beyond the canvas:

Start with structure—but leave room for discovery.
Every project needs a framework—a date, a theme, a purpose. That’s what keeps things from becoming chaotic. But creativity and innovation often show up once you’ve begun. In my world, that might look like a composition taking an unexpected turn. In yours, it could be a team member offering an insight you hadn’t seen, or a new path emerging once the wheels are in motion.

Progress isn’t found in the perfect plan. It’s found in motion.

Momentum is your ally—don’t let it stall.  

One of my quiet strategies is to always leave something unfinished at the end of the day. That way, when I return, I’m not facing a  blank canvas—I’m stepping into a rhythm.  That principle applies in leadership, too. Keep something waiting for you. Don’t start cold every morning. Build habits that carry you forward.

Success rarely comes from inspiration alone
—it comes from sustaining motion, even in small ways.

Not everything will go smoothly—and that’s part of the process.
Some pieces I thought would sing… fell flat. 
I had to step away. Others felt like dead ends, only to open up later when I revisited them. In business and life, you’ll have false starts, moments of doubt, and things you need to set aside temporarily. That’s not failure—it’s refinement.

Sometimes the best work is born out of struggle that forces you to grow in ways you didn’t expect.

So here’s my encouragement to anyone facing a challenge or goal that feels bigger than them:

Circle the date. Choose your direction. Start—ready or not. And then stay in the work. Stay in the story. You may not see the masterpiece yet, but something meaningful is forming.

Journey with Me isn’t just a title. It’s an invitation—to reflect on how the things we build, lead, and create often mirror the very journey we’re walking ourselves. 

 If you would like to see a preview of my upcoming show, click the button.

What’s In Your Hands? Rediscovering the Power You Already Hold

I was cleaning out a drawer in my studio not long ago when I stumbled across a brush I hadn’t used in years. The bristles were worn, the handle nicked from years of work—but as I turned it over in my hand, I was reminded of all the canvases it had touched. That single brush had helped create scenes that now hung in homes, boardrooms, and galleries. Not because it was special, but because I used it.

We often overlook what’s right in front of us—especially the talents, tools, and experiences that have shaped our journey. We think we need something new, something more, to make a difference. But the truth is, the most profound change often begins with what’s already in our hands.

Whether you're a business leader, creative, parent, teacher, or team member—you are already equipped with something uniquely valuable.

Three Things You Might Be Holding Without Realizing It:

A Story That Could Set Someone Free
We discount our experiences because they’re “ordinary.” But ordinary stories—ones of struggle, grit, humor, or faith—often carry the most power. You don’t have to be polished, just present. Someone out there is waiting for your realness.

A Gift You’ve Grown Too Familiar With
Talent loses its shine when it becomes routine. But that thing you do effortlessly—organizing a team, lifting someone’s spirits, painting a sunrise, writing a thoughtful note—may be the very gift someone else desperately needs.

A Platform You Haven’t Fully Claimed
Your voice, your network, your role—they all carry influence. The question isn’t whether you have a platform. It’s whether you’re using it with intention. Even a small gesture can ripple far beyond what you see.

In many of my keynote presentations, I’m asked what drives my daily focus and resilience. My answer is rooted in something simple: a deep sense of gratitude—for the talents I’ve been given and the calling to use them with purpose. I begin each day reminding myself that I already have what I need. The challenge—and the reward—is in showing up, staying grounded, and choosing to make a difference with what’s in my hands.

If you’re a meeting planner looking to equip and inspire your audience, I’d love to offer you a copy of my book Reflections—a collection of insights and artwork that continues this conversation. It’s my gift to those creating meaningful experiences for others.

So I ask you today: What’s in your hands? And how might you use it to make a difference—not someday, but today?