Kaleidoscope
With the slightest twist, the view changes, colors vary and patterns emerge. This summer has been a bit kaleidoscopic so far.
May into June brought relatives from Australia to our house. Five weeks of conversations lingering over coffee and tea, treasure hunting through charity shops and antique stores. 
Found: an alphabet primer from 1920, mother of pearl buttons to make a necklace, and safety welding goggles in the original box from 1932. Jaunts west to the coast and north to Seattle. Five weeks of stories laughter and making memories sandwiched in with the everyday 8-5 working routine.
4th of July, celebrating the Independence of our nation with the truly traditional St Paul Rodeo. God bless America and thank you God, for cowboys. 
5th of July, Portland Waterfront Blues festival what a fun variety of people enjoy the blues, the festival was a great source for people watching with good music as an added bonus. There’s nothing like seeing Portland from the river- thank you to the friend of a friend with the boat. 
Meeting up with friends not seen in a long time- visitors from Japan, and some locals from Portland, it’s always nice to catch up, to hear the latest and enjoy each other’s company.
Sand in the City and hanging out in Portland on a sunny Saturday- what could be better? I’ve just discovered the small urban park that has opened up off Yamhill, between SW 8th & Park St- across from Flying Elephants Deli and Banana Republic- they have a wading pool for the kids- a perfect place to wade about in on a hot summer afternoon- lots of splashing opportunities…
Time in the Studio… I’m to be September’s Artist of the Month at a local Starbucks (more details to follow) so I’ve been madly working in the studio, creating a variety of pieces to show. Ink, paint, colored pencils, and writing with a great variety of pens, including popsicle stick.
Even a visit to the Oregon Zoo, I got to feed the lorikeets their brightly colored feathers and friendly attention was great fun. I also visited the elephants, the baby Samudra is getting to be so big. And I stopped by to see my favorites- the giraffes. 
And it is nearly August- I’m looking forward to more sun-shiney days, my sunflowers blooming and seeing a few out-door concerts as well. How is your summer going?
