This made me laugh out loud...

Particularly after having just read the story of Shin Dong-Hyuk in  ESCAPE FROM CAMP 14

STONY


I tried to adopt this cat not long ago.  Somebody got to him first, though. Can you see why?

WWII by teen gamers...

LAWN DARTS


It's been confirmed that this was the worst idea for a toy in recorded history.

SHARKS--SO MISUNDERSTOOD!

SHARKS--SO MISUNDERSTOOD!

TOUR OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION



This is a long video, but so interesting!  My favorite part is the view from the cupola of the docked Soyuz spacecraft @ 12:48.

I don't understand the hair.  Wouldn't you want it short, if for no other reason than to be one less source of debris?

COOPER'S HAWK




I saw this hawk outside my window today. He was looking for prey at the bird feeder.

A THOUSAND CLOWNS

This clip ends abruptly, but it gives a good indication of the excellent writing and casting of a 1965 movie about an iconoclast in New York City.  Here, Murray is trying to convince two social workers that his ward, nephew Nick, should not be taken from him.

BAHJI, ISRAEL



A remarkable image of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh and gardens at Bahji, Israel.

More pictures from various sources.

Around 1900

1969

I sketched this on pilgrimage in 1990.

ULTRAMAT,  Santa Cruz.

It was a music store before it was a laundromat with a snack bar.  I bought my son a trumpet in the former, and washed, dried and folded our laundry in the latter.

Garden Court at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco.

I've dined in this magnificent space on two occasions:  The first, in 1967, when I was an unemployed dishwasher; the second, in 1992, after it had just undergone a $7 million dollar renovation and was known as the Sheraton Palace. The brunch, accompanied by classical music played by a trio perched in a small balcony niche, was spectacular.  

Truthfully, as beautiful as it is,  I'm happy dining at Knapps down the street, and a lot more comfortable.  




I drew this between courses.

BALLOON RACE CLOWNS

Here's an annoying video showing what these clowns are capable of.


                       

This is my studio, which is also a small part of my small kitchen.  The bright afternoon sun is perfect for any art project.

Here, I was working on a pencil drawing of the prison at Maku.  I see some watercolor paint and my first efforts in oil---I was taking a night class.  How did I have the time to do all that?

Here, the blinds are closed and I was about to 'clean up my space', as Tim Gunn would say.  I was finished working for the afternoon on The Top of the Stairs, an oil painting for my brother.  

That's Art, the monkey, or, "the art monkey" as I'm wont to call him,  who balances a candle on his head. 

Near him, there is a slip of paper on which I have  printed this quote which I read before I begin each project:

 Look thou not upon thine own capability; the invisible divine confirmations are great and the protection and providence of the Beauty of Abha is the helper and the assistant. When a drop draws help from the ocean, it is an ocean in itself, and a little seed, through the outpouring of rain, the favor of the sun and the soul-refreshing breeze, will become a tree with the utmost freshness, full of leaves, blossoms and fruits. Therefore, do not consider thy capacity and merit, but rely upon the infinite bounty and trust to His Highness the Almighty. Do not delay. Undertake soon that which thou art intending.  --Abdu'l-Baha

This is part of a longer quote, addressed to a Japanese Baha'i, which can be read here.

I regret not putting more time into my art. The size of my studio reflects the sophistication of my art, I'm afraid.  Still, I keep at it, slowly.   My goal is to live up to Shoghi Effendi's sentiment that art must inspire--personal satisfaction is not enough.  I have no idea how near or far I am from that goal.




Normally, when I'm not working on a project, the chair is on the left side of the table.  i don't know why I do that.

I bought this figurine in Seaside, Oregon, thinking he'd fit in. Good call!