Over the Falls

 January 1st, 2025, seems so long ago. The end of winter, spring and asummer,  and now we are well into fall. The one constant has been change. Life has been rushing by lately like a barrel over Niagra Falls. We've been a little bruised and battered lately but I have every confidence this barrel will hold and we'll survive the falls. More on that in future blogs, for now let's take a look at two of my passions, gentle reader. 

2025 thus far has been filled with nature and art...two of my favorite flavors. "How is this different than any other post Walt?" you might be asking. Honestly, it isn't, but these are the two things that make me happiest. Don't worry gentle readers, as I get closer to retirement, I'm sure it'll change to early bird specials and pickle ball, but for now let's take a look at some pretty cool photos of art and nature. 

Art: 

January started at the SFMOMA to see Amy Sherald's work. Most will know her as the portraitist that painted First Lady Michelle Obama's offficail portrait. Her signature style is to paint African American skin color in gray scale, drawing into question the impact of skin color on and within the black community.   

This controversial piece is titled "Trans Forming Liberty" and is actually larger than life in person. This picture does not do it justice. Definitely a commentary on the treatment of trans members in our community 

This of course is patterend from the famous cover of Life Magazine of the nurse being kissed by a returning WWII soldier.  The person on the left gives one the sense of the scale, Her paintings are quite large and very impressive in person. The vibrant colors compared with the gray scale skin tone has an incredibe impact. 

No trip to the SFMOMA is complete without a vieiwng of the Yayoi Kusama infinity room. 

Up, down, and all around! Disorienting and whimiscal. 

A couple of educators enjoying the last of winter break. 

Awkward but endearing pose from Anand.

Heroic pose from myself of course. 

Random art in the cafe's and streets of Oakland!

Spray painted at a park on the embarcadero in Oakland. One of my favorite children's book is, "Where the Sidewalk Ends," and this stylized interpretation is definitely Oakland inspired.

A lovely mural on the UC Berkeley campus celebrating two things I love, bicycles and California poppies. 

Frankenstein realness at Mother Tongue Cafe. 

Of course Hellvella is always good for new and innovative art.  

Yosiell's sickling piece for the Muschi Muschi mushroom themed show. The picture does not do it justice. 

Raul's (gallery owner) piece from the show. 

Another piece Raul did that I absolutely love (I bought a print on wood of this piece). 

And of course our July trip to Japan was filled with Art. While there we were able to visit the Yayoi Kusama Museum. A full circle opportunity considering my love of the pieces at the SFMOMA. 

This is a stark white room with white furnishings in which visitors can place sticker dots anywhere we pleased.  Yayoi Kusama likes immersive art for sure.  

These large pieces were at the entrance to the museum. 

We also went to Team Lab, a multimedia experience.  

Another very cool immersive experience with different components that were changed by participants actions.  There were lots of rooms with different displays in each. Some of the art followed us from one room to the next. 

This large scale room was very relaxing. So insipiring and creative.  

Westumbled upon this Takahata exhibition.  Takahata directed Grave of the Fireflies, Pom Poko and many other anime movies.  I was not a big fan of anime until I saw this exhibit.  The sheer beauty of some of the stills from the movie are incredible, each a stand alone art piece.  


There was way too many opportunities for viewing art in Japan, but the previous pieces were some of my favorites. Ani Difranco has a line in one of her songs, "Art is the reason I get up in the morning, but my definition ends there..." My feelings exactly Ani...

I'll end the art portion of this blog, gentle readers with a prtrait of me done in the Orphans of Dudleytown style by Yosiell.  This was a gift for me for my sixtieth Birthday.  Another piece I absolutely love! 

As beautiful and emotionally impacting as art is to me, nature illicits a different reaction, one that centers me and reminds me of my small part in the grand scheme of things.  Nature does wonders for my mental health, truly my favorite form of therapy. 

What better place for nature therapy than Steep Ravine Trail in Marin. This January hike affords the hiker with small waterfalls. The trail down the ravine is incredible as one can hardly believe that we are still in the bay area. 

Several ladders assist to traverse up or down the ravine.  

More waterfalls, small but charming.  I'm definitely in my happy place. 

After walking down the ravine, it is a steep hike back up to the Marin headlands.  The sun was definitely low in the skyas it is January. 

As one summits the steep climb, the views are incredible from the headlands.  

It's hard to see but SF is in the distance. Great views. 

My favorite hiking buddy. Always willing to try a new hike and to challenge ourselves...well...within reason.  

A hike close to Half Moon Bay with my other favorite hiking buddies. 

We got the squad back for more hiking after our long trek up Half Dome the previous summer. (Anand, James, and Ivan) 

Exhausted but happy. 

And...the post hike brew and burger.  Beer after a long bike ride or hike is the ambrosia of the Bro's, so delicious. 

Next up, perhaps one of my fondest nature experiences, Ano Nuevo State Park for the annual Elephant Seal breeding and pup rearing season. We didn't see alot of bulls battling but still an amazing guided experience.  

Intrepid explorers viewing Elephant Seals, up close! 

We were upon a ridge but quit honestly very close...

Momma seals after a time just abruptly leave their pups to fend for themsleves.  Talk about tough love! 

Our Oakland hills are actually quite stunning. 

It's easy to be contemplative when this view is available in practically your back yard. 

In Japan we experienced some incredibly beautiful natural areas. 

The bamboo forest of Kyoto was impressive. We arrived early enough to avoid most of the crowds.  Very serene. I'm much more used to the more wild and unstructured wilderness of California.  

In the cool shade of the bamboo on another hot Japanese day. 

Very quiet and tranquil. 

.  

And the crowds start to arrive...

Close to the bamboo forest is a temple with an amazing water lily pond. 

Beautifully large and colorful water lilies. 

Close to our hotel in Tokyo was a cute little urban park with lovely greenery. 

So, here we are gentle readers, with a smattering of beautiful art and beautiful natural surroundings. No matter the circumstances, my sanity depends on seeking out the beauty that people and nature are able to provide.  I'll always be a fan of both art and nature.  My winter plan is to include more in my life...so let me know if you want to go to a museum, gallery, or hike a trail.