Playa Blanca, can you smell the hint of mythical adventure, of the the hope that today, "I'm going to catch a Grand Slam!"  This is one of those extra special places, tucked away on the Bay of Ascension, in the far southern part of the Yucatan, Quintana Roo.  One of those special places that you pay extra for no mints on the pillow!  The day ends when the fishermen return with their intrepid guides to compare notes about their great exploitations of the Caribbean backwaters, bays and flats in search of tarpon, bonefish and permit and the occasional snook.  We have heard, from those that knows, that these stories require vast amounts of tequila and/or rum.  We have also heard from the same said sources that sunrise requires the same fortification before heading out to parts unknown...along with a hearty breakfast.  Those of us that are left behind when our fishing obsessed husbands head for these far off shores are perfectly happy enjoying our own kind of celebrations, sans the fish...at least they aren't carrying guns!  

Eight years ago our son, David, married his true love and best friend, Alyson.  They exchanged vows under a beautiful white, wooden arch that he built for their special day.  They looked out over the water at the Ten Mile Range and the Gore Range at a view made for love.  Here are the words they shared with us...

"Two lives, Two hearts, Joined together In friendship, United forever In love
Today, we stand before family as well as friends to confess our deepest love and commitment for one another. It is the day we take one big step forward hand in hand and recognize that in this lifetime love is all you need to endure all odds. At times life will be uncertain , often expecting the unexpected, but it is our duty to lean on one another and provide endless strength and love forever and always. This is the day that we will cherish dearly because we can share this moment with the people who bring great joy to our hearts. Thank you for taking part in this glorious day."
These words seem as true today as they did and we are proud of the life you are building together.  xxoo Mom

Strange creatures, moose.    Bigger than horses, problems seeing far away, long skinny legs and just plain goofy looking in a lovable sort of way.  They hang out in our neighborhood and are fun to watch, but not to accidentally run into.  They are famous for charging and have been know to be quite aggressive.  Some plein air painters wear headphones and listen to music while painting away in the great outdoors.  Not me!  I want to hear what might be contemplating a close visit so I can avoid an unpleasant encounter with the fauna of our mountains.  It's a beautiful day in the high country and I hope you are enjoying your day!

Iris, Germanica, the royal flower or in Greek mythology, the Goddess of Rainbows.  I like that. You may not know that the French royal symbol, the Fleur de Lys that was a sign of power, was a stylized version of the Iris.  Painted by masters, Leonardo da Vinci, Durer, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Goph and Monet the iris has been immortalized through out history and is only 2nd to the rose.  I had to take a stab at my own version and take my place in history, too. Enjoy, and stop to smell the Roses...I mean Iris.  Toodles.

This is Belle, and her roomates are Molly and Jeff.  She pretty much runs things as any adorable doggie should!  Belle is a Springer Spaniel and I have written a poem in her honor.  Ahem...
Ode To Belle
Run over here 
Run over there
Jump over bushes
Fly through the air!

What's that flash?
It's a gazelle!
Leaping and twisting
Why, it's pretty little Belle!

This way, that way
Her antics are frantic!
The ball MUST be found
She's TOTALLY manic!

Ask her a question
She'll give no reply.
Just a quirk of her head
That seems to say why?

Beautiful, goofy
little bouncy Belle.
You do what you do
And you do it so well!

Till tomorrow, who know what the art goddess will require of me!

9 years ago a group of us had an art gallery in the factory outlet stores called "River Blue Artists".  Like most co-ops we took turns "manning" the shop. On one of my days we were visited by a young couple from Manchester, England.  I overheard them talking about my paintings from Italy and we started talking about how much we all LOVED Italy.  They also wanted to know who had taken the African photographs...me, and discovered that they had also been to Namibia and more specifically to Okonjima.  Huge small world moment!  They spent a couple of hours talking with me and said they would send me some of their favorite photos, and they did!  I painted today's Little Gem from her photo of Belvedere in the Val D'Orcia', about 40 minutes from Siena.  This is quintessential Italy!  Rolling hills, shrouded in morning mist and beautiful farm villas on hilltops peppered with tall cedars.  Spring brings poppy fields in bloom and grape vines getting ready for summer.  This is on my bucket list as I MUST experience it for myself!  Please wait for me Italia...I WILL return.

If you'e ever gone out for a day of fishing alone and have actually caught one you know why this Little Gem has the title it does.  All of a sudden you are fighting the giant of the river and then have to whip out your net, while holding your 15' rod as high up in the air as you can to bring the fishy within scooping distance...all the while keeping the right amount of tension on the line so the little devil doesn't get loose!  ...and that's not all!  The whole time this is going on you are slipping on rocks and just praying that you don't step into a hole or get caught in swiftly moving water.  All fishermen are really ballerinas...but it would be hard to find one that would admit it!  I know I said there would not be any more fishing Little Gems...but I guess I lied, 'cause thats what fishermen do!  Today's Little Gem was brought to you by my nephew Jud...we can't wait to get you on our river so you can practice your ballet moves :)

I love the way the sunlight leaves dappled shadows everywhere.  The way small areas become spotlit by the warm rays filtering through the trees.  The colors change constantly and the same color when seen in the light changes to another when in shade.    The same color is different on a cloudy day than on a sunny day.  These are the little, no BIG things, that a plein air painter needs to pay attention to and learn to "see".  Much of this distinction is lost in a photograph.  That is why taking the time to do a small study outdoors, making direct observations, makes doing a studio painting, using the study and a photograph more interesting to the viewer, YOU!

Upper Dam, Maine, is filled with memories, family and friends for our friend Dave.  When he shared stories with us of summers filled with swimming, boating and fishing here, his eyes lit up like Christmas.  I think most of us have memories of a special time and place in our lives and this is the center of his.  Dave's kids, and now grand kids, (there are eight!), are also building their own memories of this magical place.  They also get to learn how to say words like Lake Mooselookmeguntic... and have it mean something!   Dave says, "My two favorite things in my life are this place and anywhere my grandchildren are."   All live in Colorado and even though Maine is not exactly next door, it is always with them in their hearts and minds.  I think it is a good thing for children to know their family roots and history in this day and age of transient living.  Kudos my friend!  
Stay tuned to see where tomorrow brings us art lovers!