Bravo! SF Opera

If Il Trovatore is any indication SF Opera season is shaping up to be a good one. New music director Nicola Luisotti, stellar performances, "haunting imagery" Goya inspired sets, Verdi's "irresistible stream of melody" (SF Opera) stunning, favorite themes "destiny and desire" (SF Opera) passion, love triangle, maternal love, happy ending if not for the fatal poison-death, ultimate revenge... After 12 years of dedication to SF Opera this is one of my top of the list picks! Of corse there have been so many and memory fades...

lovely lunch at Boulevard in San Francisco- these posters are in the hall on the way to the bathroom - equally beautiful

thoughts after a weekend in Southern California - pondering growing older with dignity, passion, confidence and grace - in spite of the forces working against the concept.

Fall Fridays

October brings a new layer to the palette, rich warm tones and bright bold splashes glaze past the eyes while robust scents of harvest - ripening - abound. A drive up the Napa Valley fills the imagination as one drinks in the familiar yeasty smells of crush... The wines that will grace the table accompanying warm stews simmering slow in fig and rich red wine, spiced/candied walnuts tossed with blue cheese over fresh greens and crisp juicy apples topped with a persimmon vinaigrette - treasures from my garden. A distant fire adds a layer of warmth to a table surrounded with loved ones. I love October!

the parched land will soon be replenished by the first rain-it will lie hopefull...as do we here in the land of the dry

Inspiration From the Sea

this painting hangs in the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego - "Vision" the original dreamers taking inspiration from the sea



recently while watching a glorious sunset at Humbug State Park on the Pacific Ocean in California, I was mesmerized by this elderly gentleman seeking solace from the great display — a time passing, a long lost loved one, a life full of wondering, wandering, what next, seemed so peaceful yet so sad in the same breadth.

the subtle surprises of fall approaching...



the vignettes that roll out before your eyes


little things left for repose and reflection
if only one takes the time to look

Fall Approaches Quietly

I am amazed at how quickly the subtle shifts occur. Even when the parched land still radiates scorching heat and the suns rays continue to bare down high double digit numbers — the smells, the breeze, the light, even the animals all suggest change is upon us...

passing summer days, remembrance of the treasures beheld, the grace of morning sun illuminating the colors and textures only mother nature can inspire ... us mere mortals to greatness