Disney Parade of Fun

I'm sharing this vacation in chapters. Today is the Disneyland--California Adventure chapter. Granted that 4 "mature" adults will look for different thrills than the teen crowd--and our association with Disney themed characters has a whole new meaning from kids and the parents that are saturated with it--we still had a great time. We loved "Soaring over California" and that ride gave us a sort of preview of the rest of our trip. And the Toy Story Midway ride certainly had its appeal (I had the high score among us, there; but Steve claimed 100% accuracy). We all got a wet kick out of the Grizzly River Raft ride and enjoyed the atmosphere in the Tower of Terror (the Twilight Zone theatrics was more fun than the ride itself, if you ask me). But my favorite thing is still the Disneyness of the place: the enthralled kids, the creative ideas and the shared "wow" you have with everyone else. I still prefer the original Disneyland, but this was a great day. Here's a bit of the electric parade, dedicated to Ami and Danyael (the Dedicated Disneyland Fans of the family).

Where Some Wild Things Are

California still calls to the adventurer. There is something magical about miles of sand, stone, sea and sun that appeals to the soul in a way that nothing else can do. The song of ocean surf sings its siren melody, and I am lost in the beauty and peace of it. Wildlife is everywhere, most of it with wings or flippers. How can one not feel refreshed and cheerful after a few days in such company and in such a setting? Here's a bit of our beach experience for you to share. These elephant seals hang out here in the summer months to molt. We could see a couple of them goofing off in the water, honking and splashing. What a treat to witness such a scene!

Fun with Simon

Having had another fun day with Simon, I thought I'd share some of the fun with the rest of you. I don't know if he's been jumping professionally before or if this was a new thing, but he certainly enjoyed this session.

Breathing Plein Air

Well, I did it! This is the painting I produced whilst sitting out in a field in Midway. It was a delight to be outdoors, enjoy the birds and beasts, indulge in an immersion of art, and to rub shoulders with some of the finest artists of the day. My piece didn't win any prizes. Nor did I sell anything at the exhibit. But I got to hang on the same wall as Gary Kapp, Robert Duncan, Gary Smith and others whose art is pretty well known and pretty exquisite. I got to have a lovely drive with Steven and exchange stories about July 4th celebrations from our childhoods. It was a grand time. Thanks to Steven for making it not only possible, but lots of fun. Any who knows what future this little 9 X 12 painting will bring! If nothing else, it's a fine memory.

Midway Get-away

No wonder I love to paint up there! We had a great time. I found the Zermatt ( hotel resort where we stayed with Dad's conference) European bakery especially delightful...and the plein air competition has been great fun. I'll tell you if I win or sell anything over the 4th of July holiday exhibit. The photos are of Timp (and the basic view I'm painting) and Cascade Springs. Meanwhile, I hope you all have as much fun enjoying the summer beauty in your world!

Connections

Yesterday was our quarterly "Cousin's Lunch." We've been meeting for nearly 4 years, now. It's one of the best things we do. When I was young, I bonded closely with several cousins that were about my same age. But now, I am getting better acquainted with several of my cousins who are older than I, and learning to love and appreciate them so much more. Sometimes we have a harder time building a relationship with people who are older or younger, or different in some significant way from ourselves. I've even known a couple who got divorced because, they claimed, they no longer had anything in common. Seems to me that a little effort can always result in wonderful discoveries on common ground. I find myself really enjoying a special friendship with these cousins I virtually ignored, growing up. I'm glad, because it's important to make and keep family bonds. That's my thoughts...

ps I thinki it's sad that poor Savannah is stuck and nobody (besides Eric) will take time to rescue her.

Pen on paper--Oops, I mean fingers on keyboard

Recently, Shannon has been spending some of her free time writing her own version of a favorite book. She's allowed me to read it. What a joy to have one of my kids writing for fun! And it is fun. Now, I know most of you guys write/blog some journal stuff. And that is wonderful. I love to read it and love to view the pictures. It's important, funny, and clever. But it tickles me to have somebody writing fiction. So, here is your chance. We're going to have a "story-go-round" like the old travel game we used to play. Here's the beginning:
Savannah knew that if she could just find the exit, she would be safe.