Circles and Parry's Nolina

I have a new favorite place where I like to hike with Pono.  It is a steep enough trail that it makes me breathe hard without running.  Besides that, I never see anyone else when I hike there.  I love that quiet solitude in the morning.  These photos are all taken while hiking our "new" trail.  First, I thought you might like to see how the wind is just like me - it draws circles too!

(Taken with my teeny camera, not the big fancy one.)

Next, we have some shots of the Parry's Nolina in bloom.  They were outrageous this year!!!  I became enamored of the way the sunlight came through the clusters of straw yellow blooms.  Kinda wish I had taken my big camera with me, but I was moving fast.  At least I have these...

Tomorrow I am heading to Metro Galleries in Bakersfield with some of my larger oil paintings.  The car is already loaded and I've planned my route.  Now it's just a matter of getting some rest so I am fresh for a big day. 

Blooming

Last night found me with Tina Bluefield, Mita Barter, Mary-Austin Klein, and Perry Hoffman at the Metro Galleries in Bakersfield, California.  It was the opening night for a group show called From the Desert to the Sea.  I was proud to have my work there, in this big, lovely gallery with the art of some of my artist colleagues from the high desert.  The opening was well attended, and we are always excited to see red dots go up next to our work.  It was a quick trip, up and back in one day, and I found myself crawling into bed at 1:30 am.  Needless to say, I am feeling more than a little zombie-like today.  A big thank you goes out to the owner of the gallery, Don Martin, and Sergio, the young man who helped get a red dot or two up on the wall.  Thanks, guys!

A few shots from the evening.

The crowd at Metro Galleries

My art, hanging upstairs in Metro Galleries.

Tina Bluefield and Don Martin in front of one of Tina's paintings.

I also have a few flower photos to share with you.  These flowers were discovered in a vacant lot in Palm Springs last week by my friend Nora and I.  We HAD to stop.

Desert Dandelion, sand verbena and Esteve's Pincushion.  Wow.

This week, Mr. Pono and I will be driving out to Denver, Colorado.  Pono will be staying with his Grandpa and Grandma while I get on a plane to fly to THAILAND.  Off to see the husband!!!  Stay tuned for adventures in Thailand, coming soon...