In The Eye Of The Beholder...

No pun intended about my current eyesight situation....but I've come to the conclusion that like art.... life, is truly in the eye of the beholder. You can go through your life with all its ups and downs and be constantly worried about what awful thing might happen next to spoil your day...or you can look at everything that happens as an experience to be remembered, good or bad, that is part of a wonderful journey that is all to short and should not be wasted focusing precious time on negative thoughts. I prefer the latter and therefore try and move on with my life in a positive manner every day. Sure there is some really bad crap that can happen, and I'm not saying that you should laugh your way through an extremely bad event in your life, but whether it's a hit to your soul, your heart, or something more physical, the quicker you can move on the better your life will be. That's why I love it so much in our little corner of paradise...people here, most that is, have a happier take on life than I think anywhere else I have ever lived.



When I see a sunset like the ones pictured here or just something as simple as smiling happy friendly faces like the ones of my friends pictured above...I just know that no matter what happens, friends like these and everyone you have seen in previous entries, are there for me. What a fantastic feeling to know that fact....so for all of you I would like to say "Thank You" for being there for me in time of need and for being my friends.



















Speaking about the eye of the beholder...here are two different versions of chalk artwork that I thought you might get a kick out of....one is the second attempt at artwork and the result of my last class with famed artist Carroll Swayze.. she has given me the gift of some of her knowledge of how to begin to develop an appreciation and a talent for art. Not that I'm saying I have any talent...but it is certainly more exciting and enjoyable than I had ever hoped it would be.


The next are 3D chalk drawings that were sent to me of an artist that is truly an amazing talent with chalk ....he draws these in public places and except for the pictures that are taken ....they are gone in a few days...this is true talent and I am in awe of this man...I will acknowledge him if I can get his name. Now that's a Frog....WoW!!!




Went to the monthly car show here on Dearborn Street and as usual...was amazed at how many people collect and care for these classic beauties..it happens every first Saturday of every month...if you love cars..then you should come down next month...









Talk about art....some of these are truly works of art....I'd like to doll up the "Monkmobile" someday so I would be proud to show it at an event like this...it will have to wait until I can get the resources to make it happen.
















Shirley and Flo are going on a road trip...it starts here in Englewood and may lead them to Dallas and beyond...they have been asked to be the opening act once more for Red's next visit to the Elk's Club here in Englewood and then he wants them to go with him on several gigs one of which is in Dallas....I hope they do it...there is some hesitation about getting out into the public spotlight...but like I told them...this could be the adventure of a lifetime and sometimes the road not taken can lead to a lot of "I should of's" later on.....do it girls ....you have a gift, share it.....


Dakota got her first hair cut and the end result is bangs...I'm told that Daddy didn't want a sweet hair on her head touched but common sense won out...look at that before picture ...it was way past time to do something about it...Mom was right ..and how cute is that new look....what a doll.....















Callie is so cute....she is going to end up looking like Dakota's twin sister...I have photos of Dakota at the same age and it like looking back in time at her...

















One last item.....this is how we hunt for Hogs down here...we just send the pet Alligator out and say "Fetch"....this shot was taken not ten miles north of here..."Come on boy, bring home the bacon to Daddy"......










That's All For Now....

Live, Love, Laugh & Dance...

Semper Fi...

Monk