Room mate Marilyn Flower encouraged me to apply for the Plein Aire Paintout put on late July/early August 2017 by Frank Bette Center for the Arts (1601 Paru, Alameda, CA). I applied online. Hearing that hundreds of artists from all over the world applied in past years for me was like falling down a manhole! Marilyn remained confident. She had been a member and volunteer for a while and had seen the quality of the art at the center. I was accepted. For the first time, I would be a Plein Aire Artist. It was thrilling! But wait! I hadn't been doing any art. I was in ministerial school! Oh my! I'd better practice. Just in case I didn't have enough to do, I forced myself out to sketch and paint in Alameda as often as possible, usually only twice a week. It seemed completely inadequate but as I worked the old art magic came back. I live 15 to 20 minute drive from Frank Bette Gallery so it was easy for me to be a first time Worry Wort. As an artist, I work very slow