Dr. Spock's Prescription
People my age make fun of how our parents raised us per Dr. Spock, but here's a prescription from his book that has stood me in good stead ever since training for my trip to the Grand Canyon. I suggest this might help most of us adults more than all the drugs on the market: check it out!

"Direct sunshine contains ultraviolet rays, which create vitamin D right in the skin. In the days before all babies automatically got all the vitamin D they needed from their formula or vitamin drops, and before the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays were fully understood, I recommended sunbaths for babies. Changes of air temperature are beneficial in toning up the body's system for adapting to cold or heat. A bank clerk is much more likely to become chilled staying outdoors in winter than a lumberjack, who is used to such weather. Cool or cold air improves appetite, puts color in the cheeks, and gives more pep to humans of all ages. It's good for a baby (like anyone else) to get outdoors for 2 to 3 hours a day (!), particularly during the season when the house is heated. ... in the northeastern part of the United States, most conscientious parents take it for granted that babies and children should be outdoors 2 or 3 hours a day when it isn't raining and the temperature isn't far below freezing."

I can testify to an improved life since spending only one hour outdoors a day; what a gift this has been! If it isn't raining hard, or below 15 degrees F, I try to get out there. More time spent outdoors can only help, my painting as well as life in general.

This is my painting of the Grand Canyon preferred by the friend who made the trip possible for me. All five Grand Canyon paintings are available as prints, from 12 inches square up to 18 inches square, unframed. Yesterday, I got my nighttime painting of the boat at Four Seasons Yacht Club sketched out; I hope to work on the real painting at Performance Lexus' event next Tuesday night October 11. Phone them to register if you'd like to attend.