Downeast Maine

It's been so long since I posted anything. Guess I needed to take a long break. Even so, I'm not entirely certain that I want to post on a regular basis. That being said, I wanted to share some photos of a recent trip to Maine.

We cruised around the islands (Cranberry Island in this photo). I think this picture best captures the rugged coastal beauty of Maine.

It was great September weather and we took advantage; hiking in Acadia National Park, canoeing and taking in the view from Cadillac Mountain on Mt. Desert Island.

One of the old gate houses in Acadia Park that was built in the 1930's.

Below is a snapshot of the beautiful Japanese Gardens near the tiny village of Northeast Harbor where we stayed.

Of course we indulged in some lobster-it was Maine after all! This red truck brimming with lobster traps was parked outside the lobster pound where we had dinner.


  We spent quite a bit of time in Bar Harbor, where the local ice cream parlor                                                      drew a constant crowd.




         A day trip down to Camden to see this beautiful seaport town.

All in all, it was a great getaway, and a nice break from the Texas heat. I took so many photos that it was hard to choose just a few to post, but I hope these give you an inkling of the charms of coastal Maine,.

San Diego to Santa Barbara

Two years ago we drove up the PCH exploring northern California along the coast. Now it was time to see the southern half-San Diego to Santa Barbara. I was anxious to see all of those beach towns like Malibu, Venice Beach and La Jolla. We began the trip in San Diego with a visit to Balboa Park. 

Who could resist the "Best Burgers in the World" at Hodad's in Ocean Beach? Not me. I don't know about the best in the world, but definitely at the top of the list.

The view from our hotel at Laguna Beach. Beautiful sunsets and endless surfers. Being a beach bum as its appeal.

    
 Mission bells at San Juan Capistrano


I had always heard about the swallows returning every year. They arrive in the summer and make their mud nests in the walls of the old stone church and stay until October. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see them. Supposedly the warmer temperatures kept them away this year.

Bird of Paradise that seems to grow wild in La Jolla

Santa Barbara has to be one of the most beautiful towns ever! This is the SB County Clerks-Recorder Office. Typical of the Spanish style architecture that you see throughout southern CA.

A view to the hills overlooking SB. The clouds look threatening, but no rain.

The view of the SB harbor from Brophy Brothers where we had our last dinner. Delicious seafood and a great way to end our trip.

Notes From The Studio

The dog days of summer are here, and rather than working in the yard, I've been spending time in the studio. Thankfully,it is air conditioned! Here is a preview of what I've been doing lately.

Metallic leaves on hand made paper, floating above a sheet of
silver paper

Two pieces from a suite of four. Painted on French hand made

paper. All of these are floating on a 

linen panel and framed in

acrylic.

Classic ornamentation in metallic paint on gray fabric. Floating

on a linen panel. I don't think the metallic paint shows well, at

least not on my screen. Kudos to Brent for his great framing

work and encouragement!!

QUOTES

I love quotations. Whether humorous or inspirational, they convey so much in so few words. 

One of my favorite quotes is attributed to the 18th century English clergyman, John Wesley. It is referred to as The Kindness Prayer.

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." So simple, so powerful.

"Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself." - Rita Mae Brown

If you have a favorite quote, I'd love to hear it.