Sunday, May 17, 2015

Just Breathe...

California enjoys an accelerated pace in all that she does.  Living here is like being on a perpetual treadmill, hustling in the eternal sunshine with little to no fresh water (over dramatization? Yes, but the point is made).  I miss the more manageable pace of the North Carolina springs.  Sometimes it is necessary to set aside part of a day to just breathe and take stock of all the pandemonium.  So, gentle reader...pour a cup of hot joe, relax, and enjoy a brief recap of March and April with your tour guide, SeƱor Wally.

California March and well into April weather is typically overcast and rainy.  We often get lots of mountain snowfall in March, as you know the snowpack really is what helps turn this desert into a lush oasis.  This March and April has been exceptionally beautiful weather wise.  We had many warm and sunny days.  Not so good for our drought but absolutely awesome for getting out and about.  

One of my favorite mid winter past times is to go on extended bike riders.  I've enjoyed several as of late.  One was to bike from the Oakland Airport to the Hayward Interpretive Center and back...Yes, that's a long F***ing way!  My legs were aching, my body was dehydrated and frankly my ass was sore from the seat.  But, at the end of the day, a quick soak in the hot tub washed my cares away.  


Proof that I actually made it to the Hayward Interpretive Center


A selfie (and No, I don't have two eyebrows).  


A January Ride along Oakland Shoreline...who knew Oakland was so picturesque.  


Alameda...Yosiell and Rusty bringing the Sass!


Post ride drinks at Brotzeit...a German Beer Garden on the Oakland Embarcadero.  


Yet another bridge ride...I love this bridge!


A random park along the Oakland shoreline.  This park is well hidden among the berths and shipping yards but pretty cool regardless.  



Anyone that knows me, knows that inside me is a frustrated artist just trying to escape.  Early on in life, I realized my talents don't lie in visual arts rather my means of creative expression is in writing.  Regardless of my limited talents in the visual arts, I've enjoyed being a supporter of the arts as long as I can remember.  Museums have always been places of comfort and solace.  Attending galleries and shows on Friday or Saturday nights are great ways to spend my evenings.  This Winter/Spring, I've attended several shows of note...


Wandering the Keith Herring exhibit at the DeYoung...so...frickin'...crowded!


Yosiell enjoying the show. 


A great show with some great pieces, but all in all not as many paintings as we would have hoped.  


Felicia Ann's show in downtown Oakland.  Felicia Ann developed a show around the different messages sent out into space.  Fascinating concept and beautiful execution!


A sitar player wearing a space suit...very 60's and and very downtown Oakland.  


The installation was amazing! 


Yosiell had two San Francisco shows this winter, one at Bash Contemporary...Creepy artist looking like Sir Lurks-a-lot


The second show was at Woot Bear on Clement...limited edition Sicklings sold out on the night of the  opening! 


In March, we had two of our favorite visitors...Michael and Mark.  We spent a few days wandering the beautiful streets of San Francisco and enjoying a Peaches Christ production of the Witches of East Bay (set in Walnut Creek, where nothing ever happens!)


A beautiful March day in Golden Gate Park. 




A trip through the Conservatory of Flowers. 


A lush garden paradise.  


A trio of beauties in a beautiful setting.  


Very Zen!


An evening of Drag Superstars!





Good times people, good times!




Coco Peru changed her hairstyle for the first time since the 70's for this occasion...

Early April and a great time to hit the coast for hiking on rocks and beaches.   


A stark but incredible landscape.   



What an awesome seascape.  


Sea lions lounging in the sun!


Rusty, Sam, and I resting and rehydrating in this beautiful ecosystem.  


Pigeon Point Lighthouse!


More sealions and more lounging. 


An adorable little sealion we ran across on our travels. We took our pic quick and skee-daddled so we didn't violate the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Spring has been exceptionally busy this year.  On top of everything else, Rusty and I tied the knot.  Pictures of this miracle event will be forthcoming soon.  Just remember, every now and again, we need to sit back, enjoy a few slow breathes and appreciate our surroundings.  Not bad advice.  I sure hope I can follow it.