"Slidin' Off the Shelf" oil on masonite 6x6"

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Years and years ago my family lived in Southern California and both of my brothers surfed. Being not too fond of water I never gave in to the temptation. Now my niece and her beau are avid surfers even though they reside in Washington state. Somehow that changes the entire persona of the sport. Wet suits, freezing water.....me thinks I'm STILL not tempted!

"Kern Hicks, Shidoni" oil on masonite

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We had so many wonderful folks help us when we were installing but none with more authority and confidence than Kern.. He just swooped in and took over. When things were under control he moved away as quietly and unassuming as when he came. It's people like Kern that make us want to go back, over and over again to be part of Shidoni.

"I Can't Believe You Said That" oil on masonite 6x6"

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This little guy must had such and adult look to his expression. It somehow struck me as very odd and a bit humerous.
Things have been very busy here. We had about 35 yesterday for a bronze pour/food and drink fest. One poor attendee was still on my couch this AM. From our conversations I don't think he remembers being sick and passing out on our bathroom floor. Oh the wicked wine we drink! I counted 25 empty bottles and 6 half empty. My friends all know that when I get tired I just go on off to bed. Me thinks I missed a lot of merriment! My kitchen rug had been pitched outside, someone lit candles and there was a wax mess like you've never seen and the kitchen looked like it needed to be blown out with a fire hose. Sounds like a frat house doesn't it? Nope! Our neighbors were the only young folks here. These were "mature", educated professionals. Whew, it boggles the mind.

"Kerrilee, Shidoni" oil on masonite 6x6"

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This wonderful, warm woman was generous with her time when we were at Shidoni. Unfortunately she has decided to take on new life challenges and is not longer there. We'll miss visiting with her on our next trip.

"Pablo, Shidoni" oil on masonite 6x6"

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Back to the trip. My husband Ross shows his work at this marvelous place in Santa Fe called Shidoni. It was really the destination for our road trip. Installing his work is a daunting task. However, Scott Hicks (the man in CHARGE) loaned us Pablo. What a treasure! He's very thoughtful and has great instincts. Our job was made mountains easier because of this hard worker (and yes ladies, he is that handsome!)

"Buggie" oil on masonite 6x6"

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Okay! busted. This is NOT from the Santa Fe trip. This is a marvelous little Boston Terrier that I met when I was downtown in the little place we live. He was so well behaved and with that wandering eye you just couldn't help but love him.

Just to catch up, I've been away for a week. I went with my husband to Grand Rapids, Michigan for the International Sculpture Conference. I didn't get to attend the conference (actually I could have...for $600!) but it was still a memorable trip. We stayed at the Amway Grand Plaza. The conference had a special rate there or we never could have afforded it. WHAT an amazing place! I didn't leave the hotel for 3 days and wasn't bored for one single moment. Just a quick highlight: I was in the work out room on Thursday at noon. Senator Obama had just presented a speech two blocks from our hotel in front of the local court house. WELL, the gym at the hotel actually has members. While I was there a group of judges and lawyers came in for there lunch hour work out and conversation. By the time they were done I felt like I should pay them for the entertainment. Like everyone else they were talking about the upcoming debate between Biden and Palin. What a hoot! There were persons on both sides of the issues as well as one lawyer that continually did his impersonation of Palin. It was an hour I won't soon forget.