Day 49: Ever been on a Tall Ship?

I never know what I will "blog" about. 

You may have noticed?

Yesterday's Orange County Register had 

a front page article about the Tall Ships Festival.

No, I couldn't go, but I did in 2005 

and they still look pretty much the same?

I took 159 shots that day ...

and mostly,  every shot is a part of ...

I must be a "parts" person, fascinated with parts of.

I see the whole picture, I prefer parts.

If you're a "whole picture" person, 

you have probably left me by now.

I like close-ups. Backgrounds, not so much.

There were some interesting looks from the crew ...

but I didn't mind. 

I was a happy camper.

If you are nearby you could go to Dana Point Harbor

today and see for yourself.  I can't.

I have a potluck pool party in Riverside.

Day 48: Everything is FOR SALE.

Maybe it's age, or mood?  
Though I don't think I am moody, anymore.  
Anyway, the fact is I want to simplify.

Don't you ever want to live simpler? With less?

 I've lived in a small home for the past seventeen years.

 But, I have too much stuff.  So, before I die, 

I plan to give, donate and sell everything.

No, I am not sick and don't expect to die anytime soon.

But, I have a lot of stuff!  So, I need to get started.

I told my plan to friend Mitchell. 

He said, "Oh, 断捨離 Dan Sha Ri ?"

He explains my idea to me, saying it is very

popular in Japan currently. No, I say. This is my idea.

Day 47: I was an only child. I still am.

My daughter was an only child. 

   But, she has brothers and sisters.

Mutually adopted, this family 

of five grew up together.

Big sister Lisa, a caring guardian, even then.

Three purple belt sisters at Japan Expo Tournament.

There are,  in this world, 

special, good people who fly into our lives 

and if we are very lucky, 

they stay for a long, long time. 

Day 46: Dr. Zhivago is calling?

It's almost 5PM. I just opened my e-mail to find an invitation 

from a dear student, to go see Dr. Zhivago at 7PM.

This digital composition has nothing to do with Dr. Z. 

except that it also is from years back.  Eye candy?

Same with this one, but I hoping you might like the collage, 

and forgive me for the weak blog content?

I worked out today in the heat and am beat. 

But then I thought what would Aunt Vonda do?

I never knew Aunt Vonda to say no to any invitation.

So, here I am,  going to get presentable.

Day 45: I missed class!

I hate it when my work gets in the way of my day class.

The Drama Sisters are ready.

Their faces needed work!

Better?

"Sisters 3" ready after slight cosmetic surgery ...  (right is final)

And above "Sisters 4",  which I started on Sunday.

And this is "Sisters 4" at 10 AM.

And, at noon.

And by 2PM I was agonizing about the background, 

but starting on it anyway. I almost left it white.

Meet "Sisters 4". I am quite attached to these ladies.

I have used sewing patterns before in collages, 

but never as the source for shading.

I am happy.

Day 44: Collaging my brains out ...

Today I am paying for not working during my mini-vacation.

Here's the canvases I started with this morning ...

A long way to go, but I decided to start with Sisters 3, on the left.

I am in a small space, so lots to be moved, as I start work.

A close up of adding highlights.

Adjustments.  They argued about who was in front.

90% done, but not happy, so am letting them rest.

Maybe I am just weary of the girls, 

but right now,  I am liking this one more?

It'a a balancing act.  To not work past when it's done.

Day 43: Home from a Villa Park vacation.

I promised pictures of my vacation mates. My four grand-dogs.

Meet Laker (the crazy) and Kobe (the best).

In fairness to all of the grand-dogs, 

no one seemed in the mood for blog photos.

Bella (the brave) is in front of Roxie (the queen).

Roxie requested a solo portrait.

My vacation reading spot, if ...

Nothing quieter than a yard minus it's five family members.

This is the homework collage I brought with me 

on this mini vacation.  The idea was to finish it.

I did start on the (R) sister's face, it's about half-way.

But then my "monkeybrain" started on Sisters4. 

I like to give my clients a choice, and I guess me too.

•

I hope to have progress to share with you on Day 44?

Day 42: On my way to Villa Park.

On my way to Villa Park. A seven mile trip I make often. 

But, as I turn on to a familiar street I see ...

A really warm day, what are they doing?

Turns out it's Sam (11) and Jack's (12) 

Amazing Lemonade stand!  And 25c ?

Now being in advertising,  I am drawn to 

their savvy in putting their signs on a stick!

They had me with the collage ice cubes on the signs.

I don't know about you, but ...

I see these young men as future entrepreneurs!

Of course I pulled over. Actually I made a U-turn. 

For not only lemonade, but great flyers.

So I plunked down my four quarters, 

and my card so their parents 

could check out the lady who took their picture. 

Lemonade in hand, and back on route to 

join 4 dogs on a mini vacation.

Pictures tomorrow, I promise.

Day 41: How quick can I do a blog post?

It's 10:08.  I want to leave home by 11 AM.  

I still need to pack.

I am just going 7 miles for a min-vacation with 4 dogs.

I don't have dogs, but I get my fix with these guys.

Pictures tomorrow.

So I just pulled out a little artwork to post, 

and since nobody reads this anyway...

I am taking "Sisters3" to work on, this is how it looks now.

I want it done for HBAL on Wednnesday. 

I hope it co-operates.

I'll come home tomorrow for Day 42. 10:35 AM