Went to the Los Angeles Central Library! What a Good Trip!

I had a MUGA scan this week. I started having them every 4 months  because the results were good. So I went to have it done and after the second scan he says he wants to do it over. When I ask why, he said my spleen was in the way. I asked if that was a problem and he said "no."  I told him he has never mentioned this before and he said  "I know,  I checked previous scans and it wasn't there. Your guts moved."  So odd!  Finally, at the end of it all this woman comes in to tell me we're done. In my moving, I felt I was very wet on my side. She said "0h!  You are bleeding!  Are you taking blood thinners?"  Yes, I am. Well blood was all over the sheet and on my blouse. I was glad the blouse I was wearing was black, because it would have frightened people. I had to go pick up my morphine prescription, but I didn't scare anyone. 

On the day that Janet came, on Saturday, my refrigerator started making a lot of racket. I couldn't figure out how to stop it without turning off the refrigerator. Well when I did that, it stayed quiet for a while when I turned it back on.  I called the man who replaced my ice maker. He called me Monday and came out on Tuesday.  I'd rather fix it than pay to replace it if I can.   When he came he found the ice maker fill switch was no longer working. It cost $95 to get that taken care of. I was relieved because I thought I'd have to get a new appliance.   Water had dripped over everything in the freezer and there were many ice cycles.  He cleaned out the whole freezer to boot!  What a relief!  He also told me appliances don't run problem free like they used to for years. I've noticed that too. I remember buying a new appliance for upgraded and a more modern look. I think I would aim for the plainest refrigerator next time. Less things to break down!

Wonderful art class with Carol Bradshaw!  She can look at my drawings and see what are my issues. She thought I made a break through in drawing where there are no obvious lines. So we tried different ways of showing water when doing a river, waterfall, a puddle and rain. We also used the embossing tool which was nifty in showing much of this.  I took pictures and even some videos of her so I can look at it when I'm doing this. We won't have a class next week. So I have two weeks to work on this. When we get together again, I need to have some pictures of elephants to choose from. I look forward to that.  We also discussed how color is used to identify many things such as meanings, moods, chakras and musical notes among other things. 

Close-up of the Kern River above the dam.  Water rushing
over rocks.  This one I like.  It may require more
shading, but essentially I got it.

My attempt at a waterfall again.  I definitely
will redo this.

Janet and I joined my neighbor Celeste at the Renegade Room at Bakersfield College for dinner again. Last time it was delicious!  Janet and I had a glass of wine before we left. They do not have alcoholic beverages.  We had a wonderful lamb dinner. Celeste, my neighbor is in escrow for the fourth time with this time it looking like it will go through which will be the end of the month, or a possible delay of a week, though no reason that it would not close. 

Celeste has come down regularly from Alpine Flats in the mountains to make sure all was in order. People would say how they wanted everything modern. Well, in that case, they should go buy a new home.  Irritating. They do pay less for an older home  here, so they are getting a deal. There is a pool and the pump is brand new. 

I went with my friend Barbara and her genealogy group to the Los Angeles Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles. After seeing a place like this, it makes you so aware of what you are missing. What an exciting trip!  This building was built in 1926. It had wonderful artwork everywhere we went. Four floors are underground and four floors are above ground. They also had a Cafe with a Panda Express in the library. The prices were okay and if you needed to do research, you wouldn't have to leave the library to take a break. The only floors I was on was -4, 1 and 2. So I'm sure I would see a lot more if I went to the other floors.  Genealogy and history was on -4.  I got a library card which in addition to checking books out (which is not too likely I would do because of the distance), it does allow me access to download music and much from their e-collection.  I looked at a book on the Holocaust which was from Survivors' perspectives.  I decided to order it. I understand you can check out an iPad while there. It s amazing what can be done when adequate money is given to these services. They had an 8x11 flyer on both sides with all the activities going on at at that library for the month. They even had a section dedicated to teaching people to read.   How wonderful is that!   They also helped people who were homeless to get services they were eligible to get. 

Heading south to Los Angeles

In the Mountains

The shorter building in front with the tiled
roof is the library.  Misleading, in that there are four
floors underground and four floors above.
Beautiful weather!

This is what it looks like when you enter.  Painting of the
murals are on linen.  The painting on the ceilings were painted directly
on the ceiling.

This is the front of the library.

Ceiling Art

From a different angle

Help for People in Need

View from the first floor to the east

Another hand painted mural

There was a fascinating display called "State of Deception - The Power of Nazi Propaganda. Do Words Kill?  "Learning what propaganda is and how to counter it is essential in today's information-saturated world."  This exhibition was produced by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  "Nazis used propaganda to win broad voter support in Germany, implement radical programs, and justify war and mass murder."  This can happen anywhere and we need to be aware of it so we can take action to keep it from happening. 

There was also a nice display of Hollywood advertisement of movies over the years. In one glass display case, there was a fantastic display of 3-Dimensional origami.  I'm positive there was much more on floors we did not visit. 

Beautiful 3D Origami!

Across the street from the library, 1 Bunker Hill.
That is a waterfall between the steps.  Does anyone
know if this is where Angel Flight was?

We decided we will be going back there regularly.  It was a wonderful place to be.  Lots of tours, Lots of reading, Lectures and a variety of resources available.

I am continuing to feel quite tired.  I am again taking more breaks. As long as I take these breaks I can do these activities.  So that is it for the week.  I still saw some wonderful things;  though, I want to see more at the library.  I hope your week went well.  I'll see you next Sunday.                      Rachel

I'm Going to Control Myself to Not Overdo the Holidays

My teacher Carol had a minor suggestion for my deer picture. My contour drawing of a horse needs more work, but she was impressed.  I told her it looked a little off to me. She said when I felt that way, check my measurements. That was fascinating.  They were such small changes that made a big difference. Then we worked on drawing horse tails and manes. I watched how she did it and I was awed at how well it came together. 

I've been getting rid of strong lines

Ugh!  Still not right and I feel her eyes look like a puppet!
And, her body is still off!

I'm going to try another picture I have, like a portrait and
I swear, the horse looks like she is flirting!  So cute!

My friend Janet and I joined my neighbor Celeste for dinner at the Renegade Room at Bakersfield College. This is a junior college that has a program in Culinary Arts.  You can earn an AA degree and transfer to get a BA degree. They also offer a certification for their program. Celeste's son who is looking at a second career is in this program.  He hopes to do catering which he had done before this program.  Celeste had shared the menu for this last term.  They do two nights and one lunch for the weeks school is going. This was the last week and they will start late February.  When I asked why so late when school starts in January and I was told, "Well they have to learn some things before cooking."  My friends had shrimp scampi and I had chicken. Janet and I would like our dishes with more flavor. Janet felt there was not enough garlic.  I thought I was getting chicken piccata. But, no, it had a coating, but too bland for my taste. I had clam chowder which was wonderful. The salad was unique with puff pastry and a very interesting dressing. Dessert was Tiramisu or Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream. I had the Butternut Squash. It was tasty. So, even if you are thinking it is a vegetable, it was sweet and met the need for my sweet tooth.  Dinner was less than $20 each. They don't serve alcohol, so Janet and I had a glass of wine before going. Tips are shared with all the students working and you must make reservations early. 

  

Shelley and I went to the Red Hat dinner at the Mark. At this dinner we have an exchange of a Christmas ornament or something for the holidays.  I got Shelley a pink hat since she has 3 years to go before wearing the red hat. Though, I don't think any in our group would mind if she wore a red hat. So now she has a red and a pink hat. 

Marti and Jo

Claudia, Me and Shelley

Evelyn, our leader and Pamela

Shelley and Me

We had a gift exchange

Barbara brought me homemade vegan chocolate fudge with walnuts, homemade bread and three avocados from her tree. I have no restraint. I ate the fudge as soon as she left. The following day, I had the bread with butter.  Delish! 

So that is it for the week.  I did schedule to see my primary doctor next Friday about my hip.  It is still bothering me.  My granddaughter Crystal said "Why do you wait so long Gramma?"  I told her I didn't want to keep complaining, though I think I already do that a lot.

So I have something going almost every day this next week, most okay.   Oh, I said I was going to control myself to not overdo the holidays!  Oh well, I did some this week.  I hope your week went well and I will see you next Sunday.               Rachel

Forest Falls

My niece Kerri Buttler shared this article "Everything Doesn't Happen for a Reason",  wanting my opinion. She's a very loving person.  For herself, she feels there must be a meaning for her suffering.  I don't  agree with this for all situations.  I was horrified with people who would say to me "it was meant to be", "you'll grow from this"," you must be stronger", etc.   I was offended by this.  I felt it was making light of my pain. I do understand some of why people say this besides actually believing this and/or they don't know what else to say. But, it meant so much more when someone was willing to just be with me. I know it is uncomfortable, but that is what I needed. I wouldn't want anyone to feel guilty because they weren't doing it right.  And, yes, I did grow in time from what happened to me. I don't think I was better that someone else that I did this. I think I just had the right type of support that allowed that to happen. It is a very heavy burden to put on someone that they were responsible for what happened.  In their own process of grieving, they may come to this if it makes sense to him or her. But, I do not want to hear from someone about what I should do, be or feel. I think it is presumptuous of others to do this.

Here is the article written by Tim Lawrence.  It is well written and thoughtful. 

http://www.timjlawrence.com/blog/2015/10/19/everything-doesnt-happen-for-a-reason

If you are interested in other articles Tim Lawrence has written or to know more about him, go here:  http://www.timjlawrence.com/blog/                                                 

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Last Sunday, my daughter Shelley and I went to my niece Shannon's and her husband Patrick's home in Forest Falls.  It was about a 3 1/2 hour drive.  Shannon's mom Kerri, also my niece, was visiting and I had not seen her for several years. It was wonderful seeing her and Shannon. Shannon was recovering from a punctured lung which happened when the chair she was in flipped backward. I think it was good that Kerri was here, though she was also very limited because of physical disabilities. They had one restaurant, Mexican, a favorite on the West Coast which was quite good and reasonably priced.  Shannon and Patrick's home has a beautiful view of the mountain and a waterfall from their backyard.  So here are a few pictures from that trip. I'm so pleased that Shannon's family is doing well.  I'm hoping that Kerri and her husband will consider moving back to California (from Washington).  There wouldn't be "years" between visits.  Kerri is exploring how they could move to Forest Falls too.

Shelley and Me

Kerri, Shannon, Kaleb and Shelley

Kerri, Shannon and Shelley- The Cousins

Kerri, Me and Shelley

Patrick, Shannon and Kerri
At the Local Mexican Restaurant

Shelley went on a walk the next morning and took some beautiful pictures.  She has really become a very good photographer!  The first picture is of the waterfall behind their home.  Somewhat dry, but it has run heavily when we had quite a bit of rain recently. 

There was no art class this week, but I did work on my friend Janet's dog Poopy. She doesn't want any white on his eye. My reason for the white was reflection, so I made it much less. And my cat Pepper needs the hair blended more. What you would see is all black except for above the lip and the triangle under her chin. The rest is light reflection, but it doesn't quite look like that.  So more work there too.

Poopy
Attempting to get the reflection in his eyes

Pepper
Worked on the shading more.

Poopy in another pose.
More reflection in his eyes.

I got together with my friend Janet at Mexicali's. While there, she invited me to a performance her granddaughter Hannah was in.  It was The Bakersfield College Choir and Chamber Singers, along with Centennial High Chamber Singers and the Marvin Ramey's Experience Dance Studio. The title of the performance was Haunted Melodies. Excellent singing with very complicated riffs in some of the songs. The staging, decorations and the scary voices were nice touches. There were so many people there that many were standing in the aisles to see when all the seats were taken. But the Fire Marshall came and made them leave. I think this is a new theater, but it is fairly small.  The price was right. It was a donation. They asked for $10 for general admission, and $5 for students, staff and seniors. Though there were some people with no money and they got in. That is how a donation works.  I had looked up events at Bakersfield College and this was not listed.  I want to be informed of events to decide if my friends and I would like to go.  I'm not sure where to look.  If anyone knows, please inform me.  I would appreciate it.

My neighbor Celeste gave me the menu for the Renegade Room at Bakersfield College. They have a cooking school and they prepare lunch one day a week and dinner two nights a week. She said the food was excellent and wanted me to go with her one time. The date she picked I could not do, but I found another day that worked. I called in reservations for three to include Janet. Celeste said most of the spots were taken, so hopefully what day I selected works. I could only leave a message, but if there is a problem, I assume they will call.   They have been here for years.  I can't say why I've never gone.  I really look forward to this.

I got a call from the Bakersfield Concert Association which is soliciting more membership and donations.  My friend Janet joined and I gave a donation.  I hope others consider joining.  It really would be a shame if this group folded.  They have brought wonderful concerts to us.  I actually feel that a lot more people would like this if they heard it.  If  you are interested in becoming a member which is eight concerts a year for $80, or, giving a donation, go here:

http://www.bakersfieldcca.org

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This is a good article about end-of-life treatment from the Harvard Medical School Healthbeat.  They don't charge for things like this they send as an email.  They have many articles that go into much more depth if you are interested.  They charge around $20 or so if you order these.  Go here to see what they have.

http://www.health.harvard.edu

5 commonly held myths about end-of-life issues Some people don't have a health care power of attorney or living will because they don't realize how important these documents are. Others worry that such documents mean they are signing their lives away. Not so. These powerful documents make sure that you get the treatment you would want for yourself if you couldn't communicate your wishes. Here are a few myths that shouldn't get in the way of creating a health care power of attorney or living will: Myth: More care is always better. Truth: Not necessarily. Sometimes more care prolongs the dying process without respect for quality of life or comfort. It's important to know what interventions are truly important. It's often impossible to know that in advance. That's where the advice of a health care team is invaluable. Myth: Refusing life support invalidates your life insurance, because you are committing suicide. Truth: Refusing life support does not mean that you are committing suicide. Instead, the underlying medical problem is considered to be the cause of death. Myth: If medical treatment is started, it cannot be stopped. Truth: Not starting a medical treatment and stopping a treatment are the same in the eyes of the law. So you or your health care agent can approve a treatment for a trial period that you think may be helpful, without any fear that you can't change your mind later. However, be aware that stopping treatment can be more emotionally difficult than not starting it in the first place. Myth: If you refuse life-extending treatments, you're refusing all treatments. Truth: No matter what treatments you refuse, you should still expect to receive any other care you need or want — especially the pain and symptom management sometimes called intensive comfort care. Myth: Stopping or refusing artificial nutrition and hydration causes pain for someone who is dying. Truth: Unlike keeping food or water from a healthy person, for someone who is dying, declining artificial nutrition or intravenous hydration does not cause pain. For more on setting goals for end-of-life care and avoiding common pitfalls, buy Living Wills, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. .................................. I actually had down-time even with all this.  I need to do that because I crash and have to rest.  I took full advantage of that.  This was a good week.  I hope yours went well too.  I will see you next Sunday.      Rachel

Birth and Death, the Cycle of Life

A woman on one of the Google+ communities that I am in, thought it was amazing that I would think I was fortunate now.  This is what she stated:  "Hi Rachel... It is amazing that you consider yourself "fortunate"..But it's certainly a small fortune for anyone reading your take on life and what it brings to us. Thank you!"

This is how I responded:  "Believe me, in the beginning, I did not feel fortunate. I cried a lot, I was frightened and angry. But when you have gone through it for over 15 years, have allowed yourself to think about what you have gone through, what scares you and makes you angry and work through those issues, your perspective changes. My life won't be what it was before, so I needed to make a life for my current circumstances. It is not a bad life.  In fact, there are really good parts which would not have happened had I not gone through this. So, yes, I'm fortunate to have made a life I feel is pretty good. Thank you for your comment." 

I cannot see myself as being special because I am sharing what I have been going through.  It seems the right thing to do and if someone was in my shoes with my life, I think they would think it is what they might do.  It helps me to sort out my thoughts on all this by sharing,  and thinking out loud. The feedback helps me to think further on it. I really do appreciate it. 

"It is a question of odds". This is what one of my earlier doctors was explaining to me when I was wondering why I was taking medications which made me feel really bad. He was explaining that they looked at the numbers to determine survival rates of different interventions.  So that is how I did it first time around. But, having gone through it again and again, I have put limits on what I would do again. I'm sure I'm still here because of the treatment I did get. I can decide to do things even if it makes me sick if I know there is an end to the treatment other than death or because the cancer came back and I have reached the point that I will not take something that makes me so sick until the end.  That does not make sense to me.  That doesn't make sense to me.  I want to be here as long as I can enjoy my life.  If I physically feel lousy all the time, I think it is time to stop the treatment.  So my priorities change as my situation changes. 

I had my last Healing Art class with Nina Landgraff at Bakersfield College We did a more complicated movement- moving smoothly, non-stop. This exercise,  if kept up regularly helps with concentration, creativeness and balancing the left and right hemispheres of the brain.  There is another step that isn't on this one and that is to use a color on the outside (both sides), or a thicker pen that when you come to an intersection you do a weaving motion over, then under the next intersection.  make sure it is even every direction you go.  Keep moving your pen until it gets there.  Then we did a couple of Intuitive Paintings. They are really fun to do and I do enjoy getting my hands into it, though we used a brush more this time.  It is done in acrylic.  I also really like the idea of engaging in something like art or making marks which can affect my body and my brain. 

An Exercise to Increase your Brain/Body Connection

Nina Landgraff's Intuitive Painting of Wave Along the Shore in Acrylics
She Gave Me This Painting She Did!

My Version of the Intuitive Painting of Wave Along the Shore in Acrylics

This is My Intuitive Painting of Flowers in a Pot in Acrylics

At Carol Bradshaw's class at the Bakersfield Art Center, we worked on a different kind of watercolor wash. This is a streaked wash doing west into wet. I have a tendency to do things evenly Carol said,  "the mind wants to do this".  So I need to be more alert to me doing that to avoid it. It makes a blah, or even an unpleasant picture. It is also not likely in the natural world.   I will be adding more before class.

Wet on Wet doing a Streak Wash

This is a Wet on Wet Streaked Wash

This was the week in doing lots of plumbing repairs. It was fairly expensive, but I feel my home is more whole and substantial with this all done. 

My granddaughter Heather came over to help me put together the raised gardening beds for veggies. I ordered it through Costco and it slid together. Then we went to a nursery to get organic potting soil and something else to make it really lush. Heather and I spread it in the boxes. 

I had lunch with my friend Jeanne at La Costa de Mariscos sharing about people we remembered when we worked in hospice. Great time as usual. I would really love to get together with these people as a group some time.  We were incredibly fortunate because we had a supervisor who was very supportive. All the people there loved their work. We had a wonderful relationship and even got together outside of work. 

Then my friend Barb and I went to buy vegetable plants and herbs which we went back to plant in the same day. It looked beautiful!  Since then I added a few more then released praying mantis and ladybugs for some natural pest control.  So this is the finished project with my friend Barbara's and my granddaughter Heather's help.

Free-Standing Planting Beds from Costco with Veggies and Herbs in it.

The Taller One is Lavender to Attract Bees.  I Will Be Adding Dill for the Same Purpose
The Other Plant is a Second Tomato Plant.  I Will Get a Cage to Hold the Tomatoes

The next day I had no energy. After a workman left, I fell asleep in my armchair. I had called my friend Janet about meeting for dinner, but I woke up too late. I then fell back to sleep for three more  hours in that armchair and then went to bed.  I think I over did it the day before.

My friend Jody's cat Sweetum's died. I know this was very rough for her because he was a great companion as all of our pets are. She sent me wonderful stories about his antics. They were great stories.  I felt she could write a book about him. This was also the anniversary of my friend Janet's husband, Ron's death this week. Last Sunday was also the day of Paul's and my wedding anniversary. Lots of reminiscing and more grieving.  

So my second great-grandson was born on Saturday, April 18th. Meagan's water broke Friday. She was out of town at a special doctor's  appointment for Conner in Fresno.  They hurried to get back.  Meagan went from being dilated at 5 when they reached the hospital and reaching 10 in a half hour. So fast!  He just slipped out!   His name is Kason. He was born 7:40 AM on April 18, 19 inches long and weighing in at  5 pounds 13 ounces. Billy had to go out to buy him a premie outfit since newborn size was too big. I dropped by to see Meagan and Kason later that day.   Billy was also there and Meagan's mom Dainette. I was struck by how much Kason looked like his mom. When Conner was born, I felt he looked more like his dad. 

Kason is So Tiny!  It is Amazing Looking Down on A
Miniature Person!

Grandma Dainette is Holding Kason.  He Has Very Long Fingers!

Kason Has a Head of Hair!

Conner was with the people who care for him at day care with his sister Coco.  It is a regular day for him and as you can see, he is enjoying himself.  This is the same day his brother Kason was born.

Conner on the Day of his Brother Kason's Birth, April 18, 2015

So this has been an incredible busy and momentous week.  There was much more that happened, but these are the highlights.  I might just go lie down and take a nap!  My phone just went into French mode and I didn't set it there!  I changed it to United Kingdom English yesterday when my grandson Billy showed me now to change it.  So I'm trying Singapore English today.  I'm looking for what appeals the most.  I may just move it around.

So here you have it.  I hope your week went well or if you were going through rough times, you got the support you needed and will continue to get it.  I will see you here next week.  Thanks for reading.            Rachel

Art to Reduce Stress

Did you know that it takes a gallon of water to produce one almond?  I didn't. Did you know that agriculture uses 80% of our state's water?  I didn't realize it was that high!  So if I cut my showers to half the time I do now, it isn't going to have that big an impact. I'm okay about not growing grass.  I do understand the need to cut back. It seems we have a much bigger problem because the water is going to run out. The water underground is being used now by agriculture. That took millions of years to develop. It hasn't taken long to use it up. Okay, end of my rant on our water situation. What I now want to figure out is what can I have instead of grass. I did get three waist level gardening units that I have to put together.  But it is small and I am going to grow my own veggies. My friend Barbara does this we will talk about each of us deciding on some veggies and sharing them.  My daughter Shelley is doing her vegetable garden too.  Now, they never did put in a backyard, but her picture is a little scary.

Kevin and Shelley's Vegetable Garden

It goes before the city council  to put in a watering schedule. If your street number ends in an even number, you may water your lawn Sunday , Wednesday and Friday. If your street number ends in an even number, your watering days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Businesses do not have limitations. Now if this is a serious drought, why would they not be included?  This seems very scary,  but, they are acting too casual.  Why is this?  Okay, end of my rant on our water situation.  If all the grass died, which it should with this, I want to think about how to make my  yard inviting without it costing a ridiculous amount of water.

My oven now works. The element I ordered did the trick. I called a plumber to see about the water getting to the fridge for water and ice in the door. Water comes to the door. Still have a problem with the ice maker. I left a message with the appliance repairman about coming back for that.  Next week the plumber is coming back to replace the pipes attached to the house. But, he needs to know where the emergency shut off valve is. I don't know where it is.  I messaged the water company. Their message is I need to call and make an appointment for them to come and turn it off, then turn it on. They got back to me too late. I'll call them Monday morning 

Major events happened this week.  My great-grandson Conner turned one and his sister Coco turned three. My friend Marykay's daughter Rachel (named after me) had her first child, her daughter Eva Ramona. I also had friends who married. I'm so happy for them!  And life goes on. 

My art class, called Healing Art with Nina Landgraff at Bakersfield College was good.  We stood up with our hands in a prayer position our eyes closed and noted which way we leaned. She then had us do a drawing exercise to help get ourselves in balance. She first had us drawing the number 8. She asked us to determine if the upper part was the same size and shape as the lower part.  So we turned it sideways still drawing over it to make them be more in line. Then she had us do it with our non-dominant hand.  Then we did two eights next to each other trying to keep the same proportions. Then we drew both eights at the same time using both hands at the same time. Then we outlined the eights at the top and where they join in the middle to make a heart. She said to do this daily until we could stand without being pulled any direction.   Mind and body interact with each other and the idea is to get them working for you instead of against you.  I love the idea.  I recommend this class for anyone in the area.  

Then we did a finger painting selecting two colors and white. I've included Nina's (she's our teacher)  and mine. Then she had us do a background with several colors, then draw some squiggly lines to make grape vines, then with our fingers put in grapes and then more squiggly lines that the vines use to hold the grapes. Also a couple of grape leaves. The ocean and lighthouse pictures are done by  spraying water over the paper and then making a white circle and come back with the bright color around it until it is only the bright color.  The dark color goes around all of this following the circle at the top and going back and forth at the bottom.  Then work in white for the reflection and come back on the sides for the rocks and lighthouse.  Then perhaps put a boat in the water and birds in the sky.  Fun!  I'm going to do more of this.  Only one more class, but I have really enjoyed it. Learning how the body and mind work together to help or hinder us can be helpful to get the resources on our side. I appreciate having that knowledge.  I liked practicing it too because you get a better sense of how to do it.  I will take it again if I am not overwhelmed with other events.  I have to pace myself.

Nina Landgraff's Finger Painting with  Acrylic

Nina Landgraff's Finger Painting with Acrylic

Nina Landgraff's Finger Painting with Acrylic

This is My Finger Painting with Acrylic

My Perspective is Way Off!
My Lighthouse is too big!  But it was supposed to be Fun and it was!

Class with Carol Bradshaw went well. I find it helps to watch her do it, though I feel I need to see it more than once. So we went over the graduated wash and then worked on a variable wash. She also gives wonderful tips to make our pictures even better. One she said was to go back to the mountain range and drop a little more color at the top of the range, but not solidly. It will make it look more real.  By the way, she recommended Mastering the Watercolor Wash by Joe Garcia.  Very helpful.  I think I am ready to frame the green peppers and the seaside port.  I'm still working on my butterfly- perhaps nesx weekend.

Carol Bradshaw's Layering Flat Washes

Carol Bradshaw's Layers of Gradated Washes

Carol Bradshaw's Gradated Wash Using Two Colors
Coming From Each Side

My Painting-Seaside Port

My Painting-Green Peppers done in Hooker's Green

Trees on a Flat Wash with Some Color Removed from Trunks

Trees on a Gradated Wash with Some Color Removed from the Trunks

So a birthday party was held for Conner and Coco. It was a nice event.  It was held outside.  Very windy and when in the shade, quite cool, but I couldn't handle the sun.

Conner, One Year Old and Coco, Three Years Old

Conner Enjoying a Birthday Cupcake

Billy and Conner Going Down the Slide

Picture of Billy, my grandson and Conner, my great-grandson

Father and Son

This afternoon Barbara and I are going to a matinee put on by the Bakersfield Community Concert Association featuring Los 3 Ortiz.  A Cuban/Venezuelan harpist, Alfredo Rolando Ortiz will be performing with his two daughters.  They do folk, popular and classical music from many countries.  I'm looking forward to it.  Then we are going back to this great little Chinese. restaurant called Ching Yen which is so tasty.  With Barbara I usually go vegetarian and have found it delicious!

This is an article called "How Do You Want to Die?" From Nextavenue.org   

http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2015-04/how-do-you-want-die?utm_source=na_socialmedia&utm_medium=na_socialmedia&utm_campaign=na_socialmedia


That is it for the week.  I hope you are doing well and finding things to enjoy in life.   See you next Sunday.                   Rachel