The idea for Blue Skies Notebook was birthed when Jimmy Jack Whitaker played his song, “Not Just a Name on a Wall” in his van for Carroll when the two artists met on the infield at the Texas Motor Speedway last summer. In turn, Carroll described a sketch that he’d just made for a painting telling the same powerful story. They decided a book had to be made. General Franks wrote the Foreword for Blue Skies Notebook and the project was launched.

The book is designed to bring hope and healing to our troops and those that love them.

The extraordinary text was written by people touched by war --- moms, dads, widows, children, military wives, chaplains, and veterans. It’s about finding meaning and peace. It’s about living.

Twenty-eight emotionally-charged watercolor paintings by Carroll Burgoon are in Blue Skies Notebook. Carroll learned to paint with a prominent European artist collected by the world’s finest museums, kings, titans of industry and, who did two-man shows with Picasso.

Carroll’s paintings were inspired by music on the CD “Thank God for the AMVETS” by award winning songwriter, artist, producer Jimmy Jack Whitaker. A native Texan-Oklahoman, Jimmy has penned #1 songs for various artists and is produced by Multi-Grammy Award Winner, Gary S. Paxton and New York- based, George Maddaloni.

Collectors limited editions and Artist Proofs will be created for each painting as they are finished.

Planned for early 2011 publication, the book will be sold through a carefully chosen Armed Forces-related venue. Sponsors are being interviewed. Carroll is the project manager.