Save the Dates - Nov. 22 & 23, 2014 - The Colony of Coastside Artists (CoCA) is sponsoring its annual Fall Open Studios on the San Mateo coast. More than 30 artists working in various mediums will open their studios to the public. I will be showing my paintings and photography at 1198 Acacia St. in Montara at the home of fine art photographer Cindy Reed. Studio will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on both Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23. For more information, including a map and list of participating artists, visit our website: www.colonyofcoastsideartists.com

Do you believe in trolls? Yesh. Do you believe in elves? Yesh. Do you believe in fairies? Yesh. Do you believe in pixies? Yesh. Gee, Mooch...what don't you believe in? A closed mind.  From comic strip Mutts

A fiery morning sky over Pacifica.

This is one of my favorite pictures I've taken so far this year. It was January 28, right before the Maverick's big wave contest, you can see the swell is picking up...and the ravens are checking out the surf.

We are slowly getting our light back, emerging from the winter darkness. However, the darkness has been bearable as we have been experiencing a serious drought in California. Daytime has been dry and sunny. Seems like an extension of autumn. And the plants and animals are confused thinking spring is here with all the warm sunlight. I'm confused too! What season is it? Either way, I am grateful for the beauty of each day whether the weather. A hummingbird visited me today. The hummingbird is a good luck messenger according to Native Americans. Her colors promote healing and balance. She is spiritual and can teach us how to soul travel, improve the powers of our mind and be graceful.

As a final farewell to 2013, here are the highlights of the year:
Jan. 2013 - quit job after 13 years and started massage therapy school
July - 

• no fog in Pacifica on 4th of July!  
• art show at
  Salada Beach Café
• tried stand-up paddling on Pinecrest Lake
  - it was beautiful!
• Giants'  Tim Lincecum pitched a no hitter against the Padres

  Aug - started a neighborhood wine club,
Sept - graduated from NHI with honors
Oct -

• published my first PPCA newsletter
• we got a new
  stove
• I visited my brother's family in
  Illinois
• Danny and I had a wonderful vacation in New
  Mexico
• Danny coordinated a documentary film event, "Hearts of
  the Dulcimer"

Nov - lost Brenda, she passed on Nov. 12
          

8 hours - how much sleep I require each night. Doesn't happen every night.
1 time - number of times I've been to the Santa Fe Opera. l plan to return!
26 miles - how far I biked on the paved American River trail. On a mountain bike. Fun, gorgeous day!
1 brother - younger by a few years. Great father of 3 boys.
3 nephews - Caleb, Kyle and Kevin. Loveable nephs!
5 hearts - average number of hearts in each of my paintings

I am eager to go back to the countryside of France, especially in the fall.

Trees mean a lot to me. I enjoy being near them, under them, in them. I will write more on trees in future posts.