Rudy painting finally gets to Susan

When someone really loves the painting I've done for them, there is just no better feeling. I was so relieved and happy that Susan responded so enthusiastically to the portrait of her cat Rudy. She even tried to pay me for it again! I took a half-day off from work yesterday, enjoyed driving over to Tiburon in the gorgeous spring weather to drop this off. Visited Blackie's Pasture briefly too, where I intended to sketch the Blackie statue, but there was an impromptu softball game taking place right then.

Susan is such a sweetheart - very genuine and kind. I feel lucky that fate threw us together in this venture and hope I'll know her a long time.

Sandra & Karl also loved the painting of the cat I did for them, which I got to drop by to their Sonoma pad last Saturday after painting in Napa. It was funny - I'd painted it with their cat Twinkleberry in mind (since she is very sick right now), but when Sandra saw it, she was positive that the painting was of their other cat "Big Boy." So Big Boy it is! And I got some good reference photos from her to start in on her several other fur persons too. Got to meet Hoyt Smith but missed out on his wife Jackie who was napping after a very long flight from Singapore. Turns out that Hoyt is actually a bear cousin, which is fun. Makes it even more enjoyable to listen to him now in the morning as he hosts on KDFC.

More good news - it seems that Twinkleberry does have a good shot at surviving her kidney disease after all.

new attitude, thoughts about my sister's adoption process

He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant to all." Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

- Mark 9:35-37

Tardy party

Yes, my life has been chock a block with reality. And not so much with art. And so I have not written much. Also, I nuked my network connection at home to save some moolah, so now have to sneak in some typing at work.

This truly tickled me, so thought I'd post.

George Bush on "using the Google."

A satisfactory painting of a head is almost the highest piece of composition.

- Robert Henri, The Art Spirit

Here is what I want for Christmas. In the meantime, here is somewhere I can get lost for several hours!

Sent to our mother this week, and (happily) accepted:

Dear Ma-MAH,

Would you please review this proposed tour and give your blessing? If this meets with your approval, we would like to book your tickets asap.

Saturday, Dec 23rd:
You arrive to the Medford airport on a slightly chilly but brilliantly sunny afternoon and catch your complimentary flight aboard a sleek modern jet to San Francisco International Airport.
There, you are met at the baggage area by two lovely local hostesses, Porter and Kate, who also happen to be your darling daughters (DDs). They will chauffeur you to your evening destination, called "Casa de DD", which will be in Napa or Marin. Or Berkeley or Alameda. Casa de DD's accommodations are elegant and comfortable, featuring a private room and maid service.
There will be a short nap time rigorously enforced by your hostesses before dinner.

Sunday, Dec 24th:
Sleep in as late as you like and enjoy a casual breakfast at your accommodation or
choose a breakfast at a cozy local café with your DDs. (You will not be able to avoid spending copious time with these DDs during your tour, sorry.)
The DDs will chauffeur you to the beautiful and historic Gold Country town of Auburn, where you may choose to enjoy some antique shopping or a lunch (again with DDs). You may also select to visit the factory outlet stores at Vacaville enroute.
Arrive to Chez Lanterman in the afternoon, where you will be staying for two nights. Chez Lanterman is renown for its gourmet dining, first-class hug delivery by beloved grandchildren and scenic lake views.

Monday Dec 25 th:
Santa arrives in pajamas on Christmas morning at Lake of the Pines, where we too will be opening presents and noshing on pastry by the fire. The day is unstructured and relaxed. Even the dog is mellow.

Tuesday Dec 26 th:
After a leisurely wake-up time and breakfast, followed by an optional stroll around the lake, your DDs will chauffeur you back through the fertile and lush Sacramento valley to Casa de DD.
Boxing day activities are open and you may request your chauffeurs to deliver you to any Bay Area locale for your shopping, visiting, walking or dining pleasure.

Wednesday Dec 27th:
The DDs escort you to SFO, where you will once again board an elegant jet and be returned to Medford, Oregon, where once again, remarkably, it is completely sunny and not at all foggy.

Love, Kate and Porter