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With Spring comes the start of all the outdoor Art Shows around town that promise to introduce you to beautiful imagery and wonderful people!

Kicking off my own season is the Mission Federal ArtWalk in the "Little Italy" section of San Diego this weekend April 27th and 28th. 13 of us from the San Dieguito Art Guild will have tents together, several others from the SDAG will exhibit through their own tents. It's going to be a blast!!!!

In our own little area (booths 750 through 758) you'll see large gorgeous paintings, beautiful ceramics, incredible gourds, hand-woven fiber art, photography of all different types, and lovely jewelry!

The great thing about this show, each of the artists has been juried in, which means a higher-quality show for you visitors to enjoy. You won't see imported paintings, in fact you'll get to meet the artists...many of the more than 350 of us are your friends and neighbors from our fair city!

The venue is free to get in, but parking could be a little difficult the later in the day it gets. Lots of Art Lovers will be there! There'll also be plenty of food vendors, things for the kids to do, and of course, lots of mind-blowing art!

Stop by and say "hi," I'd love to see you! It's getting to be a tradition for some of you who love bringing your dogs and walking around taking in all the sights!

We'll be there, this Saturday and Sunday, from 11-6 both days. Our booths are located on Fir, near India Street. My booth is 756, but others in the Guild are in booths 750-758.

Hope to see you there!!!

Authorities say a confrontation in the North Pond nearly leads to violence

Published- Feb 21 2013 1100 AM PST

BOSQUE DEL APACHE, New Mexico (KC) --Witnesses looked on in horror as two high-ranking members of the notorious Sand Hill Crane gang nearly came to blows…and it was all caught on tape.

According to the witnesses, the two angry birds were upset about their division of territory. One witness heard them squawking about the issue during the long flight from the tundra in November, and apparently the argument escalated all these months later.

The other witness, who had a bird’s-eye-view of the whole altercation, may be taken into the witness protection program, and says he worries about ending up like the Afflac duck if he talks. He firmly believes the two combatants are dangerous and will retaliate if given the opportunity. Authorities described earlier violence the witness had seen personally…and they are madder than wet hens that they haven’t caught the suspects.

Authorities say too that the normally peaceful gang has been having other issues as of late. Most of the gang members were told to “fly right,” and they did as the winter progressed and only a few thousand stragglers remained. But our witness says that’s why the two “bird-brains” stayed behind, to gain more support from other birds-of-a-feather.

An undercover blue heron says he has also seen the struggle for power. He told of gang members who have mysteriously disappeared and reports the rumor that one of the suspects killed two birds with one stone.

Meanwhile, we’re told the suspects have tried to blend into the remaining crane population, until they can safely fly the coop.

Officials believe successful prosecution of these dangerous cranes may hinge on a wing and a prayer…and they’re not counting their chickens until the witness can safely testify.

The suspects are described as up to 5 feet tall, gray, and one about 7 pounds. The other has been described similarly, except his weight is said to be "light as a feather."

How did I hear about this dangerous confrontation? A little bird told me…

Life hasn’t been about artwork these last couple of weeks, even though I think about it a lot, my concentration and creativity have been kind of at a stand still.  This post is more about life…

Decided to get another hip replacement before the end of the year…this time opted to bite the bullet and go ahead and get it done. 

Family and my friend Hirschi have provided tremendous help during this recovery period, they seem to anticipate every need which has been very much appreciated. But support has also surprisingly come in a much smaller package.

My Bunny has some big ears and hunts lizards with the best of them. She also has an oversized heart in her small body…and knees that pop in and out. But she has ignored her own infirmities and stuck to my side since I got home from the hospital…through all the ups and downs.  She doesn’t say much…but gets up and walks beside my walker every time I get up and patiently listens to me ramble at 3 in the morning when I can’t sleep.

Last week I had a fever…not a huge one, but something that made me feel really lousy. Bunny got on my chest as I broke down like a big baby and cried cause I hurt. No one else knew what was happening, just Bunny.
She didn’t judge and let me cry, but would not let me thrash around…just stayed still and let her body heat warm me. Within about 15 minutes my weakness passed and I felt better.  Bunny shifted off me and went to sleep.

This is the second time Bunny has come to my rescue. Years ago when we were driving in the car together, I was driving faster than I should have down a mountain road. She was in her crate and kept crying and crying. I thought she was getting tossed around so I ended up slowing down a couple of times. A few minutes after slowing down for the second time, a huge semi rounded a blind curve out of control in my lane. If I hadn’t slowed down, we would’ve hit head-on. I was very shaky and said a prayer of thanks. I also told Bunny thank you…but she had fallen asleep, safe in the knowledge that we were out of danger. Yep, I get chills every time I think about it..

Obviously the people in my life have provided huge help…but Little Bunny has been there too. Thanks everyone!

Jack lives at the Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad California...along with a lot of other wild Peafowl...both Peacocks (the males) and Peahens (the females.) But Jack has a name, one of the few there that do. He's very special and knows it. 

The Rangers at this Historic Park say Jack is about 7 and hitting his prime! I have to admit he's my favorite of all the birds there...maybe because he's different. Not an albino, the Rangers say he was born of two Blues. He has dark eyes and all his feathers are white...something about a recessive gene I'm told (leucism it's apparently called) His feathers are gorgeous...and when the light shines in from behind, they almost look like lace. Sigh...he's beautiful!!!

Not sure whose fault it is, but Jack kind of stays by himself on an area he staked out for himself. I kind of felt sorry for him in the beginning, thought none of the other birds liked him, but not any more. Apparently he's got his own harem, a good-sized harem at that. The ladies are welcome in his area...the males must leave or suffer the consequences. One of the last times I saw him in action, or non-action as it turned out,  it was a little too early in the "season" for interested females. But I gotta tell you, Jack tried his best. Apparently a well-rounded set of feathers and lots of "eyes" are very alluring, and he does have some spectacular plumage! With all that, it was difficult to believe he sorta got snubbed. Like they say, timing is everything.

The Leo Carrillo Ranch is on property that was owned by the late actor Leo Carrillo from back in the day. These days it sports some preserved adobe buildings, a neat park area to sit and eat if you remember to bring your lunch, and again, lots of peacocks.

If you get to the park before I do, be sure and say hi for me...he knows me, that kooky lady with the hat who's always following him with the camera. Hey, what can I say, I'm a fan!

For those of us over "a certain age," the fast-paced world we live in can be daunting. If you wait too long to get the "latest" and "greatest" techy gadget, you fall behind. And if you miss too many generations and you have P/S 3 instead of 6, and the IPhone 4 instead of 5, you might as well hang your head in shame! Course on the other hand, if what you have is doing the job, then maybe it's not that bad.

So far my Nikon D300 is working, even though it's not a pro D4 or the "semi-pro" 36 megapixel model. Does my camera make me less than half a pro? The horse image included with this post is my most recent, it has already gotten lots of positive comments and a potential sale. Does it work for you? Would 36 megapixels have made it better? Can you see it on the plain IPhone...or must you use an IPhone 5? 

And yeah, I don't have the latest IPad yet to show my images, but they're still getting seen on my website, at shows, and by word-of-mouth. And just the other nite I got a potential collector. Wow, what can I say? 

People, not pixels or the hot new item make a big difference in my life so that's what I will continue to concentrate on. Of course I'm no dummy...if a D4 were to drop in my lap or a big lens suddenly appeared in my life, I wouldn't turn them down! But even without them...guess I can still compete!

If you've seen my work you know that critters are my usual subject...birds, flowers, and some horses. But just went on a fun trip with some good friends from back-in-the-day.

Wasn't sure how I'd handle it, but our subjects were mostly non-moving rocks. Yep, rocks...me! From the Alabama hills near Lone Pine, to the Tufas in and out of Mono Lake, the Trona Pinnacles, and Jumbo Boulders at Joshua Tree. We also hit the old western town of Bodie. Never saw any ghosts, but thought we heard some eerie howling which sent chills up our spines. Fortunately it turned out to be a lonely dog...we think!

The trip was lots of fun...and we often felt like adventurers exploring the new world (for me.) May have one or two keepers, but it sure was a different experience taking shots of subjects who don't move. Don't tell anyone, but I kept hoping something would move besides the shadows! Once in a while I'd see a bird or a piece of vegetation on the rock and include it in my shot. Didn't get that many good shots, but had a great time!

Don't have any of those images to show yet, but will have more of my usual types of images this weekend at the ArtWalk on the Bay behind the Convention Center. When I left for my trip, did not think I would be able to exhibit although I juried in. But thanks to fellow exhibitors from the San Dieguito Art Guild, I'll be there all weekend! In fact, 5 of us from the Guild will be there in booths #'s 279 and 280. The venue is nice and intimate, the artwork from the more than 100 artists is quite nice. If you have a chance, stop by and say hi!

Am getting better and better at figuring out how to prepare for tent shows and gallery shows, but a bank show is a first. Women in Creative Photography (WICP) has an exhibit that started yesterday at the Encinitas US Bank on Santa Fe, just off the 5 freeway. The gracious manager has been showing art from various artists and chose to allow our group to display our photography until September 28th.

This is different because the images are larger...I've got one that's 40 x 40 inches, and the other is 20 x 30. Huge for me! The theme is "Rhapsody in Blues" which literally means each image has a lot of blue in it. My horses aren't blue...neither are most of my bird images so I wasn't going to enter. But the WICP group which chose the images urged us to enter our images anyway. They chose two of mine, "Sandhill Cranes" and "Get Me Outta Here." Talk about feeling honored to exhibit with these professional photographers!

We're all very excited about the show...especially our reception which happens tonite from 6:15 through 8:15 at the Bank. Attendees can partake of wine and munchies as well as look at the art.

Again, the show runs through September 28th, so if you have a chance to stop by the bank and see the artwork, we'd love it!

It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, you remember it.

Last month at a "pop up" Gallery reception, a gentleman waited patiently to speak to me. He was a friend of one of the artists and had come to support her metal work. When I was able to speak with him, this young man introduced himself as "Zach." He said he wanted to tell me in person that he really loved my artwork and that he really connected with it. The picture above is one he noticed.

He sounded very sincere and went on to explain why.

While he didn't buy anything, he definitely gave me a gift. That gift was appreciation and it made me feel 10 feet high. It wasn't the quick "oh I like your work," that people often say because they want to say something nice. Zach took the time and went out of his way to compliment my work. He undoubtedly knows, because he's the friend of an artist, that we work very hard to produce work that people like. Obviously we can't please everyone because art means different things to different people. But when our work truly connects with someone, it's a fantastic feeling! A month later, I still smile when I relive the moment. And you know, I'm not unique. We all like feeling as though what we do makes a diference to someone.

The next time you see someone's work (whatever that work is) that strikes a cord within you, take the time to say something...even if it's only a few words. Who knows, that genuine gesture could turn out to make a big diference in someone's life!

Wow, Life is good!

You never know how much you miss "doing" until that which you take for granted is no longer there. And when you have to use a cane...whoa...you feel old age hot on your trail! (what d'ya mean old? Me?)

But, thanks to a fine surgeon, helpful physical therapists, and some time, all is well and it's back to the things that matter the most! And with loving family and good friends in support, photography is once again on the list of "need-to-do's" for continued health. 

To add to the mix, it's "show time" again and that means long hours, hard work, and meeting lots of great people! I'm very excited about the upcoming possibilities!!

The Mission Federal Artwalk in "Little Italy" is coming up this weekend. Six of us artists from the San Dieguito Art Guild (Off Track Gallery) will exhibit together in booths #320/321 starting early Saturday morning and continuing through Sunday evening. Hopefully the rain will have blown away, and sunshine will prevail! Our booths are near India and Cedar streets.   

The show will feature art of all types, from oils and acrylics, to photography and sculptures. Something for everyone and every budget. I've got some new work that I hope you'll like (including the peacock image on canvas)

And if you can't make it, but happen to be up in Idyllwild, there's a show up there at the Quiet Creek Inn that has one of my horse images.  ("Get Me Outta Here," also on canvas) 

Would love to see you there...please stop by and say hi!!!

I say again, Wow! Life is good!

As time winds down for 2011, the promise of a new year feels exciting. Lots to look forward to including new art opportunities, new friends, and the Love of a good family. 

A small blip may cause a little unsteadiness in the first month, but it will ultimately bring better health and a positive outlook. New friends made last year will make a big difference in my art...they have already given me so much...ideas, support, and excitement for the future.

And my family...how blessed we are to have each other. An engaging conversation around the Christmas dinner table revealed a closeness we didn't even know we had.

Yes, 2011 is almost over, and despite the trials and tribulations, it gave us plenty to be grateful for.  2012, which includes the auspicious Year of the Dragon, is one to greet enthusiastically. So much to plan for, and so much to hope for!