Ocean Beach   7:33 p.m.

Ocean Beach   7:33 p.m.

Ocean Beach   7:19 p.m.

Ocean Beach   7:19 p.m.

Ocean Beach   7:45 p.m.

Ocean Beach   7:45 p.m.

Black Heart With Things Stuck In It

Black Heart With Things Stuck In It

In the Mail

Almost too much excitement for one morning. Two packages came in the mail today from my publisher.

Color proofs for Cynthia Rylant's book, which will come out in Spring 2017, and EASTER CANDY.

Watercolor 101, Week Six

We were asked to fill out an evaluation after this, our last class. I loved this class so much, and I said so. One thing I had been worried about was that Mr. Erik would make us paint flower arrangements and gourds. But he didn't! He let us paint whatever we wanted and tried to help us achieve what we were after. The other thing I can't get over about this class was that there was no class pest. Not one. Whenever you're in a group – any kind of group –  isn't there always supposed to be at least one loudmouth pest? Mr. Erik played great jazz from the 50's and 60's and we painted. That's all.

Some people improved dramatically (the Moby Dick lady, and the beach guy, below). I improved, too. If Mr. Erik offers the class again, I'll take it.

Stormy Monday

I was still feeling good on Monday, still collecting beach plastic. But I got caught in a downpour. When I turned around, here's what I saw:

Spring Fever at FOG

We celebrated the Vernal Equinox – the first day of Spring! – Saturday at Anne's Gallery. Fun, food, wine, and the most incredible art.

A detail from Outside Looking In.

A detail from Outside Looking In.

Dogs are always welcome at the gallery.

Dogs are always welcome at the gallery.

Sold! Anne gets out the red dots.

Sold! Anne gets out the red dots.

When I'm feeling happy I collect things. This evening there was only one piece of sea glass left on the entire beach, so I started in on the plastic.

A Visit to Anne's Studio

I asked Anne if she had anything new to show me. She said, "No." Then she said, "Well, you know those potsherds I find on the beach? I've been painting those." So I bounded up the stairs behind her and here's what I saw.

The detail above is from a painting – a work in progress. It took my breath away. And below are some of the potsherds she's painted.

Watercolor 101, Week Five

Mr. Erik came by and his eye went straight to the red face. "That's how I'm feeling this evening," he said. "A little rough around the edges."

Walking home down the Great Highway at 6:44 p.m.  Maybe Daylight Saving Time isn't so bad after all.

Bonnard

It was so rainy today that I had to go indoors to take pictures. This is the Bonnard exhibit at the Legion of Honor.

Sneaking Out

Coastal Trail   5:57 p.m.   Sneaking a walk in between rains.

Coastal Trail   5:57 p.m.   Sneaking a walk in between rains.

Liver Lover

Well, msmushly finally turned in her birthday ticket and I was obliged to take her to lunch. Precita Park Cafe was our destination and Siri got me there without any major mishaps other than one wrong exit (onto 80 headed toward the Bay Bridge). But that was my fault, not Siri's. My mind was wandering, wondering, "Should I have lunch or should I have breakfast?" We both settled for breakfast. Thank goodness msmushly did not try to order liver. My spirit was revived after sitting and talking with this good friend.

Note to msmushly: I laugh when I think about how we met. It was ten years ago and you had arranged for Don Asmussen to come to Borders. Remember how I cornered you and begged to use your phone when it was over? I think I was the only one without a cell phone and I had no idea how I was going to get home – but I didn't care because I got to see the Bad Reporter in person. (And I met you – only I didn't realize it at the time.)