My husband and I have this unusual fascination with Bob Ross. 

My minor obsession began when I was a child. My father and I would watch Bob paint “happy little trees” using Van Dyke Brown on PBS. We would eat peanuts together (He held the can and I got mine served on the lid) and be mesmerized throughout the transformation. Bob’s unique gift to convert a blank canvas into a breath-taking landscape, in less than 30 minutes, was unrivaled.  

When I married my husband, I had no idea that he admired Bob too, until one day, I caught him watching the show.  Intrigued by Bob’s ability to “get crazy” by mixing any color with Titanium White, held him captive to the public channel’s rerun episodes.  So, for Valentine’s Day this year, you can imagine my excitement when I was able to get my hands on the hottest holiday gift on the planet, the Bob Ross Chia Pet, and surprise my husband with it. I know what you are thinking…I am the best wife in the world!  No argument from me.

Not only did my husband and I fall in love with Bob’s obvious talent for painting snow covered mountains, we both admired his calm demeanor and belief in his audience. There were no mistakes to be made, “just happy little accidents”.

Bob Ross had a way of making you believe that you could paint like he did.

“Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.” 

― Bob Ross

Believing Bob, I researched painting classes online for the two of us to attend.  While we have not taken a class yet, I would not be surprised if you find us at one on a date night after this quarantine is over.  Here is the link in case you are interested too.  Bob Ross Style Painting Classes

Who knew there are 6 CRI (certified to teach Ross Landscape Method) instructors in MA?

I don’t know if we will have any talent, but at least we will pursue an interest!

What about you? This quarantine is a perfect time for you to pursue that dream you have always had, because now you have the time to put in the practice.  

Dust off that sewing machine.  

Begin your Couch to 5K training. 

Purchase Rosetta Stone and learn that language. 

Learn how to practice Yoga.  

Pull out your paint brush and paints and get to it. 

One man in California discovered his talent for making picnic tables  for squirrels! Pull out your wood scraps, hammer and build something too.

Plant those seeds and start that garden you have always wanted.

Start writing that blog that you always dreamed about…

You can do it!