To the Center of the Universe

I zipped up to Tacoma on the train earlier this week for a quick visit with my oldest daughter Melissa and two of my grandkids, Luke and Gabriella. Luke was in camp during the week, so on Wednesday, the three ladies jumped in the car and headed for Seattle. The following are photos of our excursion to North Tacoma and the Fremont (aka known as the Center of the Universe) and Ballard neighborhoods of Seattle. It was a delicious day!























We discovered a beautiful little shop in the Ballard area, Earthues, a fair-trade, woman-owned business. It was a visual delight!








Another special find was the Fremont Vintage Mall, located in the Fremont neighborhood. It was right up my alley (and yes, it was on an alley).















I saved the very best for the very last. Prosthetic leg: $126. Manikin hand: $26. Hand on boob: priceless.

A Whole Lotta Pink . . .

Within walking distance of my oldest's daughter's new home in North Tacoma is this fabulous vintage store: Vanity. It was so cool we went twice while I was visiting (and I was only in Tacoma for three days!). The vintage clothing selection was extensive, but even more than the selection was Melanie's creative displays, each one a little vignette and work of art.






















A tiny bit of indulgence -- my daughter Melissa and my granddaughter Gabriella.

Abstract Landscapes: All Good Things Must Eventually Come to An End

Final day of painting in my Sitka class, Abstract Landscapes. It was a fabulous painting class and I would recommend Lori as a teacher. Lots of techniques shared, multiple demos, and lots of personal attention.




My version of landscapes in various stages of completion.





I also played around painting cruciforms using the various painting techniques I learned (and already knew). It was soothing to just paint and play with paint.





A photo of me with Lori.


Parting shots of the area around the little cabin in the woods where I stayed.





It sounds like Lori is already planning for her class for next year!