My Birthday Month

A lot of fuss was made over my 60th birthday. In fact my birthday actually turned into my birthmonth --a month long celebration. Although I had planned to have it sneak by relatively unnoticed, my sister Janice spearheaded a huge bash at a Eugene restaurant. Fifty plus friends and family members from near and far gathered to wish me well as I entered my next decade. It was a lovely event with an art theme (go figure). The restaurant, Davis, even took down their art, so mine could be hung for the party. I was most touched by my sister dressing up as Crow Man himself. What an honor to my art.

 

Here are some pre-party photos. The first two are taken with Joe and Fern, friends from L.A. Joe was at our wedding 39 years ago. That's an old friend!

 

 

Here are the little princesses, granddaughters Angelica and Marin.

 

My sister-in-law Eve with my daughter and grandson, Rachel and Noah.

 

Mike and Noah are best buddies.

 

Two days after the party Mike and I flew to Hawaii for a little work, a lot of fun, and connecting with dear friends. Since we were flying on my actual birthday, Mike surprised me with an upgrade to 1st Class. It is the very first time in my life I've flown 1st Class intentionally. I think once before the airlines put me up front because of some mix-up. Anyway, although I am philosophically opposed to riding 1st Class, I totally loved the big seats, special treatment and free drinks!

We returned to many of our favorite activities on the Big Island.

Snorkeling.

 

 

Kayaking.

 

Camping.

 

Watching sunsets.

 

But when we think of the Big Island, we mostly think of our warm and wonderful friends. We enjoyed reconnecting with many of them. Mike got to paddle with his paddling crew twice, we had several dinners and parties with friends, and I got to see what some of my art buddies are up to. My apologies to my friends at the YMCA pool, I just never got there.

Just look at these smiles!

Hadley.

 

Julie.

 

Mahealani.

 

Jerry.

 

Liz and Glenn--thanks for the use of your home.

 

Skip and Camille--two of my biggest collectors.

 

Toward the end of our trip, I stopped in at the Volcano Art Gallery to find a piece of mine in a primary position with the good news that 2 other pieces sold recently.

 

So now February is nearly over and it's time to get back inot the studio. I've got new energy and inspiration for new art. In the near future I'll find out whether my work is accepted into a Watercolor Society of Oregon show and/or an Hawaii Watercolor Society show. I'm looking forward to getting back in the art groove.

A hui hou