Day 401: Three years in the making ...

Thanks to Kevin Derek, Oscar Alvarez and 
their crew at Lake Forrest Films.

They have been working on a documentary film ,,,

about Demura Sensei.

Countless hours, photos, clips and interviews

are nearing completion ...

we all look forward to this tribute to our hero.

I think Demura Sensei will be pleased.

Day 400: A Big Deal to me ...

400 days ago, I decided to blog daily.

Can't think of any voluntary task...
 I have ever done 400 days in a row?

So today is a big deal to me.

I would love to have comments, but ...

at some point Google asked me if I wanted to increase

my comments, I checked yes, and ever since ...

NO COMMENTS!

I didn't get many before, but now, none.

So in case you might want to comment ...

I'm at jlonginc@gmail.com.

Day 399: I need something special ...

I've been working on something for tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be Day 400.

400 days in a row, of this little random blog.

So, I wanted something special.
This isn't it, but it is a work that happened today ...
in my search for tomorrow.

Day 398: I know ...

I make cards for a few stores ...

this is a new one.

And, anyone have an idea for the 400th post coming up Friday?

Day 397: Feeling helpless.

My baby is hurting. 

Surgery is scary.

I can't help.

I pour my frustration into art ...

Day 396: And a word from the sponsor?

I have a few classes coming up ...

I am really looking forward to these four classes,

September 5, 12, 19 & 26th  10 - 1 PM ...

with a new 8-1/2 x 11"  bound journal each, and ...

all the mixed media supplies, & sign - up registration at ...

Catalyst is an art space dedicated to promoting art appreciation and education 

as well as building a community for enthusiasts of all ages to create, 

discuss, learn and showcase their work. Catalyst is sponsored by ...

and also ...

on Sunday, September 8th • 1 - 4 PM at the terrific...

a  collage class ...

sign up info/registration

keeps me off the streets!

Day 395: Friday night special!

It's Friday night.

I am on Grandma TLC duty.

All are accounted for ...

B & E are in San Diego at the ...

celebrating their 18th anniversary.

Rooftop pool at the Andaz!

Jake and his freshmen buddies are off to the 

first dance of the year at Orange Lutheran High ...

Kaeli and Jordan, sophomores, are also ready to go ...

So that left my date for the evening ...

handsome Zack!

We went to see The Butler.

Great movie, even better date!

Day 394: Jr. Marathon ...

A tradition for Costa Mesa Dojo ...

 the Annual Jr. Karate Marathon! 

Held after junior classes on a hot August day...

Instructor, Roy Center gives last minute instructions.

The dojo is in a gorgeous 10 acre park.

The adult coaches are located all over the park ...

where they monitor push-ups, sit-ups, timing drills, 

kata, sparring, jumping jacks and more ...

for an hour and a half, followed by ...

"suika" (watermelon) and prizes.

Demura Sensei would be pleased.

Day 393: Just the BEST!!!

Got a call this morning asking me to lunch.

I was to meet E  & Z ...at Shabu Shabu at 11:30 AM!

I learned from my Aunt Vonda to always say yes!

Shabu Shabu is a Japanese restaurant ...

featuring healthy food that you ...

quickly cook ... at your table.

Your meat and fresh vegetables ...

all cooked in a boiling pot of  water ...

using seeds, spices and dipping sauces.

Oishi des! Delicious!

But, that is not the BEST I was referring to.

Afterwards, I went with E & Z to shop ...

and 12-3/4 year old Zack took my hand to walk ...

to the Mall, in the Mall, to the car ...

everywhere!

The BEST!

Day 392: Air Force One and me?

What kind of connection could there possibly be?

None really, except ....

on my recent flight home from Indiana

the captain announced that those of us ... 

sitting on the right might want to look out to see ...

Air Force One

And sure enough, zooming by, going East ...

close enough to read the lettering,

Air Force One and I passed,

at 3400 feet!

So there!

Day 391: Laguna adventure ...

Today continues yesterday's Laguna adventure ...

at ...

we enjoyed the beautiful local scenery ...

artwork at ... 

Oil by Mary McKay

and some cards by collage artist, Agnes Copeland ...

Then we went on to the ...

At the Sawdust we met Victoria Burnett! Lucky us. 

Every so often, you meet someone you like, instantly!

Victoria was hosting the Dazzle booth at Art-A-Fair ...

which seemed totally appropriate!

We talked and exchanged cards, and Marsha & I agreed ...

she was one of the highlights of the day.

Turns out Victoria is a nationally ... 

even internationally renowned storyteller!

A teacher, librarian, singer and performer who tells dynamic 

and lyrical multicultural stories, combining music and drama

with her own sense of playfulness, thus appealing to all ages.

She has performed all over the world, and will be featured

at October's National Storytelling Network in Tennessee.

See her at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in this video ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Ez9XwEJNk

 ...  unique displays, variety and ambiance.

And a great lunch ...

For 15 years, I have visited  artist, Shamus Koch ... 

“Shamus” Koch is a self-defined “sculptor of found objects”. Using his innate creative vision and his well honed welding skills, Shamus turns junkyard scraps into whimsical yet elegant works of art. His creations are a magical combination of organic elements and geometric patterns that will delight any art lover. I have been collecting his work over the years and they are my favorite things! And, I am in line to take a welding class with him in 2014!

every piece individually handcrafted ... 

all recycled, creative and unique.

A five hour adventure with a good friend.

Loved every minute!