We’re almost halfway through August. My goodness, time seems to move so quickly. The long awaited summer turned into something not-so-wonderful in terms of the weather. However, I work hard to find little pockets of wonder and gratitude no matter the weather woes.
It’s turned humid again and the temps have been in the low to mid eighties. When I was growing up in Michigan, August was the humid month. Philadelphia was unbearably humid for a big chunk of the summer. Boston? More like Michigan. San Diego was rarely, if ever, humid. We didn’t need an air conditioner. Now it can be humid for several weeks. I’m lucky to have lived in San Diego when it had that perfectly moderate weather that people raved about. My husband grew up in that climate – lucky him!
Today is a mowing day. The front lawn has grown way too much and we have more rain coming this week so we have to get on it.
Finished.
I’m not happy with the leaves, but I’ll work on leaves another day. This painting was mainly about the rose and I like the way it turned out. It’s my first time painting a flower in detail and as the main subject matter and I feel pretty good about the result.
I’m still contemplating what to choose for my next painting. Since today will be about mowing, I won’t start a new painting. But ideas are percolating!
Don had a gig on Saturday and has at least three more slated for September. I’m so happy he’s doing this again. He needs to perform and share his music with others. He’s a born entertainer and I know he’s been missing that. It’s been a very tough 4 years with no acting work at all and it breaks my heart. He’s such a wonderful actor. I hope, once the strike ends, that things turn around for him.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
i am happy that you are happy with at least the rose part of your painting (i think it’s all lovely). keep going!
hooray for don having more gigs (also glad i could see his great work in “escape to margaritaville”)!
i keep you, don and everyone else here in my prayers.
happy monday. stay safe!
kathy
Thanks so much, Kathy.
Stay safe.
The painting of the rose that you painted is beautiful. I look forward to more of your paintings.
Thank you so much, Trina.
Stay safe.
Very pretty painting! I’m so glad the new blog posting schedule is going well for you. I’m happy for Don that he is getting some gigs and hope he gets to act again. The world it is changing so fast for this older lady and I’m not happy about a lot of it. Ha!
I’m not either, Linda!
Stay safe.
Claudia, your rose painting is beautiful…you can feel the dimension to it! We have a slight feel of humidity this morning, but nothing like what I remember from visiting Michigan. Glad that Don has found more work… good feeling!
Thank you, Barrie.
Stay safe.
Lovely painting, Claudia!
Would you post Don’s gig dates and locations? We like to listen to local or almost local musicians.
Betsy
I don’t have them available at the moment, Betsy. They’re on the west side of the Hudson River and sometimes quite a bit north or south.
When I find out more, I’ll let you know.
Stay safe.
Your rose painting is beautiful. I love the colors you chose. I am glad to hear Don is getting some gigs. It also gives you some time alone. I think we all need that sometimes. San Diego…..if it wasn’t so expensive, we would be living there. At least my older sister lives there so we can visit often. It is getting humid in Phoenix too but no rain yet! Take care!
It’s a rose in our garden so I just mixed the colors to match that rose.
San Diego is lovely, but it’s much more crowded than it was 20 years ago. Don, having grown up there, doesn’t like the way it’s changed. I don’t think he’d go back and, like you, we can’t afford it now.
Stay safe, Deb.
Another lovely painting, Claudia. You definitely have a talent for it. I do hope that Don gets some acting jobs soon.
Apart from the odd day, it’s rained heavily throughout July and August. I am used to it as it rains a lot anyway but I would love to get on with some gardening. Last year I planted a bed of both English and French Lavender. It’s been completely enveloped by grass. I haven’t even got a lawn in the back garden so it must have blown in from the front one.
There’s supposedly a warm front coming from France soon. Maybe September will be better.
My heart goes out to the people of Maui, unbelievably shockingly. I hope they get all the help and relief needed.
I hope you get some warmer and dryer weather, Dee Dee.
The tragedy in Maui is so heartbreaking.
Stay safe.
Claudia, pleased you’ve gotten so much happiness and tranquility from your painting. The rose is beautiful. Crossing fingers that both you and Don enjoy increased job prospects soon.
Thank you, Wendy.
Stay safe.
Your beautiful rose is the colour of roses my mom carried in her bridal bouquet 85 years ago on the 21st of August. They were long stemmed roses tied with a satin ribbon. So glad Don has some gigs to look forward to in
September. Hopefully after our hot, humid summer fall will be deliciously cool. I’m looking forward to it. I bought Jessie and Walter the cutest little duffel coats. Can’t wait until it’s cold enough for them to wear them. I plan on knitting them each a scarf. I should be able to do that, lol. Hugs, Elaine
They are the color of the flowers I carried at my wedding, Elaine. I have them upstairs in a box.
I am ready for September for sure. I have one duffle coat that the girls share. I really love it!
Stay safe.
We were in the 60’s today….and lots of rain. Almost two inches…which we desperately need. The cool air this evening is refreshing.
I love that flower you painted…just stunning. Enjoy your evening! ;)
So glad you got that rain, Donnamae!
Stay safe.
Well done, Claudia! Getting the light on the petals with the shadows is a tough job — ask me. I still haven’t mastered it. Nice work!
And good for Don — I’m glad he has gigs, too. Makes me smile! Happy week!
Thanks so much, Jeanie!
Stay safe.
Love all the shades of pink in your rose painting. Can’t wait to see what you decide to paint next.
It is for sure unreal August is half gone. Milwaukee’s Irish Fest is always around the time of my birthday and that weekend to me is pretty much the end of summer. Here’s hoping we have a nice long and mild fall.
Take care,
Kay
I sure hope so, Kay!
Stay safe.
We have had a great summer in Mn., unlike too much of the country. Your rose is lovely. We have friends who are in a band with other “older” musicians. They have been able to perform in clubs a few times this year. What a tough time for all performers the last four years.
It’s a very tough time for performers, Gayle.
Stay safe.
I enjoyed your post today, Claudia! Your rose painting is lovely; great job. And I’m happy for Don; always wishing the best for both of you!
(Stay safe out there; I was at my primary-care doctor this morning and they’ve got the plexiglass put back in place at the reception, in the lobby. I think the masks are coming next. Cold and flu season [and let’s hope nothing much else] is upon us, as early as September I guess.)
I told Don last night that I’ve been reading more and more about the new strain of Covid and he should be prepared to mask again, if necessary.
Stay safe, Vicki.
The flower is gorgeous – wonderful detail, Claudia! Well done!
Thank you so much, Ellen!
Stay safe.