Anna Sun...

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As a lover of art-as well you all know, there are certain pieces that simply call your name.  Speak to you in a way that invokes memories of times, places and events.  A visual aid to your past and maybe your present or maybe just total fantasy and escapism.

Haunting galleries and discovering pieces is a hobby of Randy and mine, and from this, I have learned

the true meaning of 'art appreciation.'  I am perfectly content to admire, celebrate and dream about art without actually having to own it.

Years ago while slogging thru one of our favorite galleries, we came upon an exhibit by the exquisite Anna Sweet in her gallery by the same name.  A particular series of her work simply stunned us and we spent time questioning her process and viewing her 'Babe' series.  The group of ethereal women in water simply enthralled us.  We had a hard time choosing our favorite-they were all so spectacular.  We have visited the 'Babes' a number of times and dreamed that someday the time would be right for us to to own one.

Well, someday was Friday.  Randy decided that 27.5 years of togetherness was a perfectly good reason to indulge me and celebrate our love.   And behold. 'Tess' is on my wall-all 40"x60" of her!  And I love it.(her!)  In addition,  I also got a personal video from Anna herself congratulating and thanking us, which was thrillingly special.

Thank you to Anna for sharing your vision.  And to Randy, for years of happiness and surprises. You are THE gift and I love you.  XO

P.S.  Remember, Earth without ART is just Eh...!

Shangri-La

 At the last gasp of summer, on an evening beach walk, we stopped to check out this fort.  No, it was not a scene from 'Naked and Afraid,' but our neighbor kid's 'secret' fort.  There was no doubt that this was the work of Mason and Ray!  These kids are incredible and I love seeing them on the beach.  Both boys are tanned to a nut brown color that perfectly contrasts their wild, white blond hair that is sometime held in a bandana.   Athletic and fit, I see them running sometimes with a spear or torch-like thing in hand, deeply involved in some imaginative game.  The boys are natural on their kayaks. They fish from shore and hunt small game.  Both are artists and collect beach treasures for their various projects.   Barefoot and clad only in board shorts, these kids are the perfect picture of health, imagination, and charm.   

Did I say charm?  Oh yes, I did.  Anytime I happen upon them, they are always so polite to me.  "Hello, Miss Jodi!  How are you?  Are you finding any cool beach glass?"  They patiently answer any question I may pose about their adventures. I wish I had snapped a pic of them because they are adorable.  

Kudos to Hal and Denise for parenting these inspirational boys-they are the best kind of 'reality show!"  Thank you for sharing them.  See y'all on the beach. xo 

Eruption...

I just hate that Eddie Van Halen is no longer in this world.

As an old fan, I fell in love with his raw, hard driving talent.  MTV delighted me to no end with the entertaining videos that the boys provided.  The campiness of David Lee Roth plus his blatant playful sexuality made you happy to be alive.  And all the while, there was Eddie in the background, tearing it up.  Amazing.  Then, when Sammy Hagar fronted the band, I was stoked.  I have loved Sammy since the 'Three Lock Box' days and his gorgeous vocals were just what the band needed.  The pairing of the band and Sammy were perfection.  And again, there was Eddie shredding away.  More amazing.

So as I drove up to Ossineke this weekend, I was on sensory overload.  Sirius radio provided the perfect auditory accompaniment.  Van Halen radio was my jam as I sipped my Timmy iced coffee and admired the gorgeous fall leaf colors.  I never cease to be amazed at the beauty that Mother Nature (and God!) provides.  Three and a half hours flew by in a sweet flashback.

How can Eddie be gone?  Isn't he 35 years old with wild big hair and spandex-like me?  How has the time slipped by when we feel the same way now as we did then?  As I face the reality of aging and our mortality, I can thank Eddie and the boys for providing the soundtrack to many good times.  I only have to listen to trigger the memories.

R.I.P. Eddie and thank you for sharing your talent.  Your music and memory will live on.  XOXO

 

Eye of the Tiger...

 When I worked at my brother-in-law at his dental practice regularly patients would express their hate/discomfort and fear of their appointment.  But I've never minded.  Headphones, televisions, and overall good oral health makes it pretty painless for me.  And the bubble gum flavored tooth polish helps!

Doctors appointments for me usually are reason for a diagnosis or medications so if my doc isn't running an hour behind, again, I don't really mind.

Mammograms?  Never pleasant, but my girl does the whole thing in five minutes.  Bonus points for speed alone.

But last week, I had the dreaded, the once a year, dragmeinbythehairofmyhead-Eye Doctor Appointment....Yep, that's the one I dislike the most. 

There's the forms that I fill out with exactly the same info as last year.  I then am escorted to the chair where again, all info is gone over.  Same meds, same address, same insurance.  He then trots me out to measure my eyeballs.  Umm..okay.  We shuffle across the aisle where that machine blows a puff of air into my eyes, and I hate that!  Dilation is next making me look like an anime character.  

Finally the doc comes in and does his A or B.  B or C.  For about 50 times.  Then off to the contact person who does another check with and without my contacts.  (Didn't we just do that across the hall?)  At last the fun part happens.  I sit and wait until a consultant is available.  We try on a variety of styles-none of which look good.  We settle on a pair and then the pricing procedure takes place.  He tallies the damage and informs me of my 'portion.'  I slap down my plastic and await my receipt.

Two full hours later with my patience down and my hunger up, I reward myself with my guilty pleasure-Del Taco.  A bean burrito and strawberry lemonade and I'm good for another year. Gracias a Dios!