Almond blossoms on the way back to SF.

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Lilac blooms

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Spring

So obviously I didn't keep up with posting more frequently in March. You may or may not know this (I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before though) I tend to get very focused on something and everything else falls to the wayside. This time it's the guitar that's been occupying my every waking thought. Which is great, I love doing anything creative. But It's so hard. I think I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself though. I'm wondering why everything still sounds so cruddy, it's frustrating sometimes...but then I have to remember I've only taken 8 lessons. Oh, and watched hours and hours of youtube video lessons.

But I've definitely had time for other miscellaneous fun things. In fact today I went to my favorite art exhibit of the year...Bouquets to Art. I went with one of my crafting friends who hadn't gone before. I'm not sure what she expected, but I think she really enjoyed it. How could anyone not? It is super crowded though, which is always a challenge, but thankfully I carry quite a decent bit of patience in my back pocket. It's challenging waiting till no one is in your image.

11.6: Finding Flowers in the Fall

The Hall of Justice is across the street from the Flower Mart. It was a nice break on Monday to be able to wander though the flowers after a morning of jury selection.

May?

I May have forgotten how to upload to my blog.
It's been 30 days since my last post.
Have I been traveling?
Working on a secret project on a deserted island?
Stuck at the bottom of a well and Lassie couldn't find me?
Nothing nearly as glamourous as any of those.
I.
Have.
Been.
Sick.
Plain and simple.
For almost 3 weeks. Then of course, when I started feeling better, Jimmy started coming down with the same thing. Let's just say, we were pretty much quarantined for the last several weeks.

ANYHOO...
I'm back on track and LIFE IS GOOD!
Now, let's see if I can remember how to upload a photo.
I took this photo of a dogwood blossom on April 27th when we were at the hideaway. I was just coming down with that vicious virus. Today, May 20th, is the very 1st day that I feel completely, 100% better, well and happy! And that frog of a squatter has finally vacated my throat.

So I'm back to my normal programming. I've got a few photos and a video from Bay to Breakers, and a project or two to share in the next day or so.

PS: thanks SusanD for checking in!

Allergy Alert - Worth It!

Every year a handful of Macy's around the country celebrate spring by decorating their stores with a bounty of flowers. I forgot all about it, but when walked into Macy's with the intent of returning a sweater I bought for the wedding but didn't end up using, I was greeted by so many flowers in so many colors. A nice surprise. Thankfully I had just gotten my allergy shots an hour earlier!

Bigger is Better

As predicted, I wasn't satisfied with the smaller collage versions of yesterday's photos. So here are a few more, some different, some the same just bigger.




























This couple was sitting in the observation deck having the most animated conversation. They were fun to watch.

Bouquets to Art

This is my 3rd year attending Bouquets to Art.

From March 19 to 23, the de Young Museum will once again be transformed with a magnificent mash-up of art and flowers when more than 100 of the Bay Area’s most innovative floral designers come together to produce Bouquets to Art 2013. In creating their spectacular floral arrangements, these designers pay tribute to and draw inspiration from the art in the de Young’s permanent collections.

I have so many photos to share! Since I've been doing a lot of collages, I'm going to try to show more by grouping them into collages. Not sure if I'll like it. Not sure if I'll feel like the beauty of the florals and art will be represented enough in a collage. So tomorrow's post just might feature my most favorite in full sized versions. The click though image is quite a bit bigger so don't forget to do that if you'd like to see more detail. Of course, a photo can't come close to capturing the beauty of seeing it live and in person, so if anyone wants to come next year...my door is always open! Just bring your walking shoes and lots and lots of patience because it's super crowded and I take photos of everything and will wait till that perfect moment when no one is in my frame.




This was in the atrium. I'm always drawn to heart art. Especially if it's edgy, a little bit broken and reveals more than the valentine's version of love.









This one made an impression on me. I've seen the artwork before, but really, never paid that much attention to it. But the floral arrangement, with the broken down chain link fence, the burnt and tattered shirt and shoe, the bent pipes...made me notice the title of the artwork: "The Burning of Los Angeles" based on the Watts Riots in August 1965. The floral arrangement made me pay attention to the art. And the art stuck with me. For the 1st time I noticed the people, the fires and the smoke. Before it was just abstract art. Now I could see the angry souls. Probably not my favorite piece, but the one that made the biggest impression.









The deYoung Museum hosts this event. It's architecture is unique. Thanks to our famous earthquakes, it's designed to shift 3 feet in any direction to help withstand our rockin' and rollin'. The exterior is entirely made of copper, which will mimic the trees in Golden Gate Park when it oxidizes. At the top of the twisting tower is an amazing observation deck 9 stories above street level. The other photos in this collage were taken today from the tower.

3.13.13

13 totally random things for March 13th, 2013...

The last time I went to the Grand Canyon was in 1993.

Most of the family went...you may recognize Ashley since I've been posting about her a lot. The other girl is our niece from a different brother. She's getting married this year, too.

This "House on the Hill" is in the desert town I grew up in. It was built by the founder of the town. My mom was employed by the founder as a housekeeper and nanny and actually worked up there. The property, which is in extreme disrepair but includes 22 acres is for sale for $750,000. Any takers? {no.}

This is the church I went to every Sunday until I was 14.

My best friend from elementary school through high school also got married on March 9th. But 6 years go.

Her twin boys from a previous marriage graduate this year. I can't believe they're already 17. They were only 13 in this photo.

I miss my wisteria tree in San Jose.

I also miss my kitty.

Spring!!

Sometimes I still have to pinch myself to make sure that we really do live in this amazing city. In one of those buildings.

Ashley is with her beloved on this same island right now. Photo from 2006.

Anyone watching House of Cards on Netflix? Or Homeland on Showtime? Great shows that are based in Washington DC. Photo from 2005.

Ashley's husband is from Chicago. And it's almost St. Patrick's Day. Chicago does St. Patrick's Day right. There's definitely Irish blood in her husband's lineage. Her new last name, after all, is Mrs. Kelly.

-Out!