SKETCHBOOK 15 – A BIT OF THIS, THAT, AND ANOTHER THING

We've been busy. For people who gave up being busy some years past, this is a novel position in which to find ourselves. I keep thinking we're too old to be embarking on so many projects, but the world throws stuff at you, and quite unexpectedly, you find yourself part of the game of life. … Continue reading SKETCHBOOK 15 – A BIT OF THIS, THAT, AND ANOTHER THING

BANNING BOOKS IS NEVER OKAY

Fandango’s Provocative Question #156 How do you feel about state and local school boards and other jurisdictions banning of classic books such as those I’ve listed? Under what circumstances, if any, do you feel that banning of such books is appropriate and justifiable? Just the other day, I posted this clip from "Inherit The Wind." https://www.youtube.com/embed/S_DQUAuNUvw … Continue reading BANNING BOOKS IS NEVER OKAY

DAY LILIES, SPIDERWORT, AND ROSES

FOTD – February – Day Lilies In these cold days of winter, it's good to remember some of the prettiest sites in late spring -- the rise of the daylilies, roses, and spiderwort. The gold of the lilies, the deep blue of the spiderwort, and the red and pink of roses. For about a month, … Continue reading DAY LILIES, SPIDERWORT, AND ROSES

SKETCHBOOK 14 – IT’S THE DUKE!

Encouraged by everyone (thank you, ALL of you!) to keep at it, I decided to try a portrait of El Duque. I saved myself from the humiliation of feet and other things I really find difficult, and only did a head/face portrait. I should mention the portrait was better until, for reasons I don't even … Continue reading SKETCHBOOK 14 – IT’S THE DUKE!

TRAVEL COMPANION

Friends and Companions, by Rich Paschall “In life, it’s not where you go. It’s who you travel with.” – Charles Schulz If you can travel with someone and come back as friends, then you have a good travel companion. I have had the good fortune of traveling with some people who were an absolute joy to spend … Continue reading TRAVEL COMPANION

WHERE WOULD YOU TRAVEL?

What if you could travel anywhere? by Rich Paschall If you could go anywhere at all, where would you go? Where would your sense of adventure lead you?  Would it be around the world or around town? Perhaps for you, it would have to be domestic. You could go to St. Louis and see the … Continue reading WHERE WOULD YOU TRAVEL?

THE ENEMY OF IGNORANCE

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” - Mark Twain When I was working for a freight forwarder in the … Continue reading THE ENEMY OF IGNORANCE

THE TRAGEDY OF INTOLERANCE, EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY STYLE – BY ELLIN CURLEY

A primary goal of the second Trump administration seems to be the institutionalization of intolerance, of almost everything and everyone. Intolerant people seem emboldened by Trump’s tolerance -- even embrace -- of intolerance, but more and more decent people are fighting back and I believe, will eventually ban cruelty and bigotry to the shadows of … Continue reading THE TRAGEDY OF INTOLERANCE, EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY STYLE – BY ELLIN CURLEY

ANTHURIUM OR FLAMINGO LILY

FOTD – February – Anthurium or Flamingo Lily This flower came in a pot that includes an orchid, ivy, philodendron, and anthurium. The Anthurium has been in bloom for four years. It started blooming right after the orchid stopped blooming and before it bloomed again. Since then, this lovely plant has never had fewer than … Continue reading ANTHURIUM OR FLAMINGO LILY

VALENTINE FLOWERS

FOTD – February 14 – Valentine’s Flowers We don't celebrate Valentine's Day. Actually, I don't celebrate it. I'm sure Garry would if he thought I'd enjoy it because he just likes holidays. I think it's a fake holiday invented by greeting card and chocolate companies. The whole point of the holiday is to get people … Continue reading VALENTINE FLOWERS