Category: USA

  • Happy D. Klown – Nebraska

    Happy D. Klown – Nebraska

    I am bobbing around Lincoln, Nebraska, for the annual Abate District 2 Bike Show at the Sand Hills Event Center.

    You never know who will pop up in your journey. On this day, little did I know that I would meet a whirlwind of fun and laughter, Happy D. Klown!

    As I made my way through the event center, amid the rumble of engines, I spotted Happy. He is a modern-day clown with a heart as big as his imagination!

    Decked out in a dazzling suit and happy face shoes, he was in his element. He was spreading joy and laughter like confetti.

    Happy D. Klown specializes in creating unforgettable experiences, offering a variety of inspired services that make any event pop!

    From turning ordinary balloons into quirky animals and hats to face painting that transforms faces into pieces of art, Happy has it covered.

    Kids and the young at heart line up for a chance to see him work his magic. There’s nothing quite like watching a little one’s face light up with a painted face or a new balloon friend!

    Happy effortlessly engages everyone around him.

    He juggles like a pro,

    dances like nobody is watching,

    and cracks jokes that have even the toughest bikers doubled over with laughter.

    Who knew a clown could bring so much joy to a sea of leather jackets and roaring engines?

    One of the highlights of the show for me is when Happy and I decided to strike a pose together for a memory picture.

    There I was, a cheerful little rubber duck, beaming next to Happy’s giant grin. It was a snapshot of pure joy, one for the ages!

    The camaraderie and mirth he brings is the cherry on top of an already thrilling bike show!

    My time with Happy D. Klown reminds me that laughter is a powerful connector, a magic bridge that brings people together no matter their background.

    Fun and silliness can spark joy in any setting, whether it’s a bustling bike show or a simple day at the park.

    Rumour has it that Happy D. Klown has a close connection to none other than Santa Claus.

    Maybe he can set you up with a personal visit!?!

    Wherever Happy goes, good times and laughter are sure to follow, making adventures a little more memorable!

    THANK YOU, HAPPY D. KLOWN, FOR AN INSPIRED

  • Breathtaking Bronzologist – Montana

    Breathtaking Bronzologist – Montana

    Today was a quack-tastic day for me! My little heart swelled with inspiration during a truly extraordinary encounter with the fantastic bronzologist, Jim O’Hara. This happened right at the legendary Sturgis Rally!

    Picture this: motorcycles revving, laughter ringing, and a crowd buzzing all around me.

    Amidst the excitement, I floated my way into the realm of Jim and his mind-blowing bronze sculptures.

    Oh, what a delightful surprise it turned out to be!

    Jim is a self-taught sculptor with over thirty-five years of experience under his belt. He creates life-size pieces that radiate personality and pizzazz!

    It felt like magic as I watched his sculptures. Each one seemed to spring to life, giving me a chuckle or two!

    The artwork he crafts tells a beautiful story. It reflects the vibrant history and quirky culture of his beloved Montana.

    What bubbled to the surface even more was Jim’s passion for his craft, bursting like my squeaky charm! He’s on a mission to evoke smiles, whether through delightful absurdity or sheer amusement that tickles the soul.

    I couldn’t help but wonder, “How does he dream up such amazing pieces?” Jim shared his secret. He creates art that resonates with him, guiding him with a light-hearted touch through life’s adventures.

    As we quacked away amid the rally’s excitement, Jim revealed that he has deep roots in the land. He grew up as a third-generation farmer. His love for agriculture intertwines seamlessly with his artistic journey. This nurtures a beautiful blend of passion in his work.

    Can you believe his largest sculpture, a magnificent bald eagle, stands a staggering 7 feet tall and 11 feet wide?

    Talk about a sight to behold!

    But wait, there’s more to Jim than his impressive art! He’s also a community hero! Since 2001, he’s been serving as a County Commissioner for Chouteau County. He even represented District 27 in the Montana House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019.

    Talk about multitasking! Jim shows us all that you can be a creative spirit while making a genuine difference in the community!

    Before we said our farewells, Jim invited me to check out his Facebook page for more of his captivating work.

    So, off I paddled to explore the treasures!

    Paul McCartney jamming on the piano,

    a cowboy taking a break over a smoke and a drink,

    politicians past and present,

    and my personal favourite, a breathtaking depiction of Jesus being lifted from the cross by an angel.

    The diversity of his creations is nothing short of extraordinary!

    Here’s to the incredible Jim O’Hara!

    An artist whose imaginative spirit and heart for giving back inspire not just humans but even a rubber duck like me! He reminds us that art isn’t just about the finished piece. It’s about laughter, storytelling, and the connections we make along life’s joyous journey.

    Whether in an art gallery or in the middle of a bustling rally, Jim’s work encourages everyone to embrace life’s quirks. We can find joy in every moment. Quack-tastic, wouldn’t you say?

    THANK YOU, JIM, FOR AN INSPIRED

  • Resolute Ryder – Mound City, Missouri

    Resolute Ryder – Mound City, Missouri

    Quack, quack! Bob here to share the incredible tale of an inspiring individual I’ve come to admire: a marvellous man we will call Ryder. Now, you might not expect a rubber duck to have deep insights, but trust me, Ryder’s story bubbles with inspiration!

    Ryder isn’t your everyday fellow; he’s in his mid-70s and runs a thriving hotel while maintaining the heart of a young boy.

    When Ryder decided to tie the knot, his friends were skeptical. “It won’t last six months,” they said. But after 55 years, he and his wife laugh in the face of doubt! This man is not only a husband but also a father and a proud grandfather to a sprightly 7-year-old.

    He’s also a motorcycle enthusiast! Sounds pretty standard, right? But let me tell you, Ryder is anything but ordinary.

    Imagine a young Ryder, barely able to ride a bike, walking into his father’s mechanic shop, bursting with excitement over a surprise. Instead of a shiny, ready-to-ride motorcycle, he finds a heap of parts laid out, just waiting for his young hands to work their magic.

    A little disheartened at first, Ryder’s never-give-up attitude kicked in. He spent months figuring out where each piece fit, and before long, he was off on his very first ride! Can you imagine the joy? That little triumph laid the tracks for the fantastic journey his life would take.

    As a young man, Ryder joined the U.S. armed forces to protect his country and fellow man. He faced challenges head-on, including an injury sustained in battle.

    But did he give up? Nope!

    He dusted himself off and cruised into a new adventure as a semi-truck driver. He’s seen all of America and much of Canada, even travelling those dangerous ice roads like a true adventurer. His resilience was tested in the face of danger and uncertainty, but he never wavered. Talk about taking the scenic route!

    Seeking a change, he moved to sunny Florida, dived into the housing market, and became a whiz at buying, restoring, and flipping houses.

    But after battling hurricanes, he shifted gears once again and took on a new challenge: running a motel with his wife. And guess what? He’s still hitting it out of the park with that venture!

    Today, you’ll find Ryder at the motel, always dreaming up new ideas. He’s already created a fantastic John Deere-themed room that’s taken the motel world by storm!

    And if that wasn’t enough, he’s currently working on a room dedicated to Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Can you believe it? After all these years, he’s still living out his passion for biking, a whopping 60 years since he first constructed that motorcycle in his father’s garage.

    Oh, but here comes the real sparkle in Ryder’s story! His greatest joy, I believe, comes from his cherished grandson. He noticed the little one spending too much time gaming, so what did he do? He gifted him a motorized go-kart! Imagine the excitement every Sunday when that boy gets to zoom over to Grandpa Ryder’s for some thrilling rides.

    With a knack for mentorship, Ryder wanted his grandson to fall in love with two-wheeled adventures, so he added a small motorized bike to the mix. And guess what? It worked! That little munchkin is now riding his regular bike like a champion and is almost ready to try the motorized version! Ryder’s guidance and support have not only helped his grandson overcome his fear of riding but also instilled in him a love for adventure and a can-do attitude.

    So, my fluffy friends, the lesson from Ryder’s life is crystal clear: when you hit a bump in the road, think outside the box, overcome those hurdles, and embrace life’s wild ride. You’ll always find a way to achieve what you truly desire. Just like my friend Ryder, let’s keep paddling forward! Quack on!

    Remember, no matter what life throws at you, keep Ryder’s story in mind and keep moving forward. You’ll always find a way to achieve what you truly desire.

    THANK YOU, RYDER, FOR AN INSPIRED

  • Magnificent Mom – Florida

    Magnificent Mom – Florida

    Nestled in Florida’s sun-soaked state is a remarkable woman named Angie we will call her the Magnificent Mom.

    This magnificent mom stretches her mothering instinct far beyond her children. Being a mom is a big enough job, but she’s not just a mom; she’s a paralegal prodigy, a business maven, a scrapbooking sensation, and a motorcycle enthusiast. Her story is like no other!

    Everywhere Angie goes, she radiates positivity like the sun on a perfect day at the beach.

    I’m sure everyone has their off days (even yours truly might float a little askew at times), but I’ve yet to see Angie without that dazzling smile.

    She’s like a supermom with a cape made of kindness!

    And she does all of this while juggling the roles of entrepreneur, social media guru, teacher, and, of course, a devoted mom and wife.

    Now, let’s rewind to discover how she got to this fabulous place in life.

    Picture a young Angie, only 18, living independently just down the street from her parents.

    Dreaming big, she couldn’t wait to dive into the world of paralegal work.

    With a leap and a splash. She started her journey, quickly outpacing her formally trained peers. I’d say she’s like that bright toy sailing across the water, leaving all the other ducks in her wake!

    Then she met a man with a similar spirit, and they married!

    With dreams of raising a family, she knew she needed something to keep her at home when those cute little ducklings arrived.

    After some quackerjack teamwork, she joined her husband in operating a credit card processing business, but Angie wasn’t done yet!

    With a passion for scrapbooking, she dove headfirst, distributing supplies and teaching others the craft. You bet she mastered it!

    Soon enough, the warm Florida sun called out to her and her family.

    Ever the planner, Angie orchestrated the perfect move, carefully timing it so her kids could start high school in their new sunny surroundings.

    Off they went, and like a proud duck following her hatchlings, she helped her family take their next big leap.

    Once settled, Angie didn’t sit back and drink in the sunshine!

    She launched her Personal Assistant business, gathering clients like I gather bubbles in a bath.

    Whether organizing insurance claims or tackling bookkeeping, her charm and relentless energy had clients lining up.

    Every completed project seemed to spark new needs, but she always found a way to help.

    Pushing through obstacles faster than I float past a rubber whale!

    Angie’s compassion shines like a beacon despite all the hustle and bustle.

    On a recent visit, she noticed my humans struggling with populating our website.

    With a heart as big as the ocean, she put the brakes on what she was doing, swooped in and coached them through.

    Who needs life buoys when you have Angie around?

    Today, she and her husband run a vibrant community for motorcycle enthusiasts, a venture they launched in 2020.  Why motorcycle enthusiasts? 

    They say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

    Angie’s parents have passed down their passion for motorcycles. Angie’s mom shared with me that Angie’s first motorcycle ride was at just six weeks old!

    Raising a family took precedence over her love for riding, and even though she enjoyed being the passenger, she knew she wanted to be the rider one day. 

    In true Angie style, she earned her motorcycle license within a month! 

    At the start of the month, she took her beginner’s driver’s test, and about one month later, she embarked on the challenging Tail of the Dragon.

    Angie is a force to be reckoned with, letting nothing stand in her way!

    So, here’s a quack of gratitude to Angie!

    An inspiring whirlwind of kindness and determination who shows us that you can paddle through anything life throws at you with a sprinkle of passion and a dash of compassion.

    Thank you, Angie, for being a magnificent inspiration! Your resilience, determination, and compassion are beacons of light for us all.

    Now, who’s up for a ride?

    THANK YOU, ANGIE, FOR AN INSPIRED

  • Successful Squirrel – Florida

    Successful Squirrel – Florida

    Have you ever seen a squirrel darting around your backyard like it’s auditioning for a role in an acrobatic show?

    Well, let me tell you, this little critter is not just any bushy-tailed rascal.

    The subject of my inspirational human today has the energy and determination of a squirrel.

    His human name is Sonny, and his story is as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride on a warm Florida day!

    Picture a fluffy ball of energy zooming up a tree.

    Suddenly, he hears a delightful “clink” – a peanut drops from above!

    Without missing a beat, he spirals down the tree, snatches his treasure, and starts piling it high for the winter.

    This action is what brings Sonny to mind; he never misses an opportunity.

    Now, let’s dip into Sonny’s past, shall we?

    This adventurous guy was dealt some rough cards.

    Orphaned at the tender age of two, he found himself adopted by a loving couple who desperately wanted kids but couldn’t have any of their own.

    Growing up on a charming family farm, Sonny quickly realized that unpaid work on the family farm was the way of life.

    However, earning money at the neighbour’s farm sounded much more profitable!

    What did he do? He hustled his way into a job next door. Talk about savvy!

    But life wasn’t all sunshine and daisies.

    In his teenage years, he faced heartbreak as he lost his adoptive mom to cancer, followed by another gut punch when his dad passed, too.

    That’s a lot for any creature to bear – I couldn’t even imagine floating down a stream with such weight.

    Yet, rather than drift away on waves of despair, Squirrel took to life with a spirit meant for soaring!

    This guy had talent – mechanical talent!

    By the age of 19, Sonny was a master mechanic, laboring tirelessly to support his family. Sonny became the rock they both leaned on when his dad needed him.  Sonny’s tenacity kept him bobbing along even when life delivered a blow that could sink anyone.

    Now, let’s dive into his shrewd thinking!

    While wrenching away at engine parts, Sonny spotted something – a tool truck guy who was dapper, cheerful, and didn’t look worse for wear despite his age.

    Sonny thinks, “I want that life!”

    He went after it like a well-timed splash!

    But wait, there’s more! When Sonny was selling tools, he realized how much credit card fees were cutting into his earnings.

    Being the inquisitive squirrel that he was, he decided, “I could totally do that!”

    He waded in and figured it out, starting a credit card processing company as a side job!

    Ever wanted to chase a dream that seems just out of reach?

    Sonny didn’t want to wait until he was old and gray to enjoy Florida’s sunshine. He packed up his family and zoomed over to the Sunshine State!

    Once there, what did he think?  I love motorcycles, particularly Harleys. “Why not sell Harleys?”

    Spoiler alert: he did!

    He then realized that he needed to know more people to be successful at a commissioned sales job. He needed to find an avenue for Networking like a social butterfly—or perhaps a rubber duck at a pool party.

    He discovered BNI groups.

    Instead of just joining one, our go-getter started five! Can you believe it?

    Can you see a pattern here?  Sonny sees beyond the page, discovers what is next, and makes it happen.

    Now, fast-forward to today. Sonny and his lovely wife, who share a passion for motorcycles, have turned their love into a spectacular business that unites bike enthusiasts worldwide!

    It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but just like a squirrel scavenging for nuts during fall, Sonny gathered ideas—some golden, some a bit nutty—but they all contribute to his success.

    They blend his adventurous spirit with his wife’s creativity, their hard work, and a splash of determination, creating a recipe for success. If something doesn’t exist, Sonny detours and makes it himself!

    Their latest wonder? A nonprofit that reaches out to bikers in need. How heartwarming is that?

    Spending time with this incredible individual on a recent trip was like riding a wave of inspiration! 

    Sonny opened his home to us, took a day off work, and whisked us away on an exhilarating tour of his vibrant world.

    So, here’s a big shout-out from me, Bob the Rubber Duck.

    Thank you, Sonny, for being an inspiration and showing us how to float through challenges with style

    Keep paddling forward, my friend!

    THANK YOU, SONNY, FOR AN INSPIRED