Scribble Picnic - Opera

Welcome to Michael's Scribble Picnic. This week's theme is 'Opera'. Here's my piece on red cardstock (6" x 6") in acrylic with pencil shading on the mask, outlined with a PITT artist pen. I was inspired by 'Phantom of the Opera'. I did see it many many years ago, although that may be more musical theatre as opposed to true opera.

Some Honey

My sister from California gifted me some honey they make from their own been hives on their property. We have been enjoying it as pictured above!

At the Eye Doctor

I was at the eye doctor last week for my annual checkup.  There is a small cataract in my right eye that he monitors.  I had sensed some cloudiness in the eye last year shortly after I had seen him then I adjusted to it.  He could see no difference from last year so that was good enough for me.  He told me that if/when I become uncomfortable with my vision I can have the surgery done.   They would replace my lens and I wouldn't need glasses after that.  However they would have to do my other eye shortly after so that my eyes wouldn't be strained, with the difference in vision.  My plan is to postpone any surgery for as long as possible.

The office was really busy that day.  A lady sitting beside me mentioned that she used the wheel-trans service to get there.  They provide transportation for people with disabilities.  I noticed she was able to walk around, and seemed fine but she told me she had heart and back issues.  Apparently you have to apply and interview for this free transportation service.  It turned out that she had no family living in the country.  At her last eye surgery she had to ask a friend to take time off work to check her out of the hospital.  She was worried about being able to find someone to help her  with her next surgery.  It was easier to answer another lady who just wanted directions to the washroom.

Funny Girl

Key West beach

Coming home from our recent trip to Florida, there was this cute little, very blonde girl on plane in front of us, she was about 5 years old.  At one point we heard her ask one of the men sitting in her row  ‘excuse me sir, is that your husband?’  The surprised man said ‘uh no’.  ‘Then why are you sitting together like that?’  Her mom quickly explained that the plane has so many seats in a row and you just have to sit together like that.

Then when we were getting ready to unboard the plane we heard her ask this older man who was already standing in the aisle  ‘how did you get out (of your seat)?’  She was still stuck in her seat waiting to get into the aisle.

Life must be interesting at her house!

On World Travel

Key West beach

My 17 year old nephew was able to attend our recent family reunion in Miami, Florida last week.  He had been on a semester at sea world cruise last fall as part of a university program.  He has just started his first year.  I asked him of his impressions of his trip.  He said when he was in Ghana, he noticed how happy the people were living such a simple life, they wanted nothing and weren't aware of how little they had compared to life in developed countries.  He thought if only we could spend money helping others instead of spending it on things that didn't matter.  I thought it was very intelligent and mature of him to say these things.

He said many of the students on his trip didn't seem to be taking in much other than getting drunk and partying.  Some were from very wealthy families, some weren't.  Others were trying to get the most from the experience.  It's what you would expect from this age group I suppose.

Paint Party Friday - Snow on the Fence

Welcome to Paint Party Friday, thanks to Kristin and Eva for always hosting. My piece is done in my sketchbook (9" x 12") in watercolour pencil and acrylic. It was inspired by the way the snow fell on the fence in my back yard a couple of weeks ago, I thought it made a pretty picture.

And welcome to March!

Reunion

My family and I just returned from a 5 day family reunion in Miami Florida. The excuse was to celebrate my sister's 55th birthday party. She decided to have a big celebration and everyone was supposed to wear outfits with the colour blue. It was a lovely time away, a break from the daily routine.

The photo above is of a beach in Key West, we were able to go there for a day.

And welcome to the month of March!