My Illustrations on Display: Fall Art Show(s)

In the lobby of a new school, on the walls of a large bank, and next in the showcase of a new library, 26 of my small illustrations are on public display. "EVERYONE READS" is the title of this small art show that features characters I've invented, all reading. The Viking is reading from Runes, the Vocalist is reading sheet music, the Doctor is reading a patient's chart. I enjoy the comments, especially from children, made about these whimsical characters and the accompanying prose that identifies each. But more significant than any of that is the pleasure and joy I had while drawing and creating these fun characters. I may, or may not, revise/edit the text(s) that go with each and then submit for a children's book. But before doing so, I plan to have these images transferred to fabric. My wife quilts wonderfully, and we've thought it might be fun to have a "Reading Quilt" from Papa and Nana for the grandkids. Be Well. Do Good.

2012 Garden Tour

The annual Taos Garden and Home tour is always good.  For around $20 one gets a ticket to admission for 5 or 6 homes and gardens, a map of where these places are found, and a wonderful day of ideas and beauty.  Some homes and gardens are better than others, some are most surely "unique" (one year the home was a tree house, literally.  The bathroom was down on the ground in an insulted outhouse - insulated well with hundreds of cork tops from wine glasses.  It was very clean, and very nice, but still...)
This year the homes and gardens showcased were those of artists. And so in addition to wonderful homes, and beautiful gardens, their art studios were also featured.  My favorite: a wonderful 2 story home, adobe style, 2 floor, with great entrance and open front yard with hammocks, lots of trees, (one of which I noticed had clear miniature lights winding the tree trunk, I'm sure it's great a night), a fabulous front patio with huge dinning table and chairs, another "side patio" with a great little grotto like cave with facing mat-covered adobe wall benches, a 3rd side patio for reading, off one of the bedrooms, and not one, but two different art studios.  The nicest of the two served as a guest house AND greenhouse WITH A NATURAL FREE FLOWING MINI CREEK FLOWING in it.  I loved the old cast iron stove and tudor windows in its kitchen.  A writing desk near a wooded adobe fireplace, a guest bedroom elevated and tucked up and away from the studio/greenhouse/kitchen/fireplaced office.  There is ALWAYS at least one eccentric artist and garden/home featured, and this was no different.  While I did not care for his home, the studio/guest house (two story, served by a bright read iron spiral staircase) was really something I liked a great deal.  And as the photos herein show.... great outdoor gardens, fruit trees, and greenhouse complete with bright colored painted metal animals.  Including a blue flying pig at roof line. 
Be Well.  Do Good.

Felicity, Bliss...Lake Oswego/Portland

Patricia Holland once said that the ideal situation does not exist, nor should we expect it to.  That's been helpful advice in my life, puts things in perspective. But 10 years ago now,

as part of my "See All 50 States Before Turning 50" quest, I found a place of exceptional beauty, and experienced a sense of elation.  Now, because one of our daughters and her husband and kids have moved there, I go back as often as possible. And I think I'v come as close to "ideal" as possible when I'm in Lake Oswego, Oregon.  Granted, two of my current three granddaughters are there, which is bliss in and of itself, but additionally, I find that I'm very, very content and at peace there.  I have a number of reasons, but these photos do a better job of explaining that bliss than I can. Whether it be the water in the area (Columbia River, Willamette River's Waterfront Park, Lake Oswego itself), or the clean, immaculate landscaping and mutually held interests of beauty in nature, or the hills of forest pines..........I love the place.
Be Well. Do Good.