It's a Matter of Perspective - PV Library Art Reception

There are simple pleasures in life. Tonight I felt a sense of satisfaction as I checked in as an artist at the PV Library art reception.

Art shows are wonderful venues that promote friendly exchanges. You meet the most intesting people - who are open to ideas, discussion and different perspectives.

I wouldn't really call myself an artist - but I have to admit, I like the title - and I receive enjoyment from sharing my photography with others. I found myself asking questions and striking up conversation, "Do you recognize the setting?"I would ask. What I enjoyed about this local art show, is that the images of a local walking path were identifiable, relateable and resonated with the group.

Applicantication to the art show required an artist statement for consideration although they were not displayed with the art. I had two pieces displayed....

Title: Walking Path at Ocean Front
Artist’s Statement:
The quiet enjoyment of a peaceful stroll, with the smell of sage and a gentle ocean breeze is what brings me to the beloved walking path at Ocean Front in Palos Verdes. Teeming quietly with life, the natural preserve is a reminder that every day is a winding road - and you never know exactly what lies ahead.
Title: The Path that Lies Ahead
Artist’s Statement:
This is the sister piece to “Walking Path at Ocean Front”. Washed in the light of the sunset, the viewpoint is welcoming, serene and beautiful.

Strange as it may seem, even though the pieces are for sale, I'd rather have them back in my home. The photos were hung in place that I passed by several times a day and I would always smile in passing. You see, I love Palos Verdes. I cherish my happy, peaceful walks. And I love my home.

Little Bird

I saved a bird yesterday. It made me so happy. It flew into a window and was so scared that it tried to fly and it bumped into the window a couple more times. It's heart was pounding so hard. It's wing looked broken. It let me get close to it and I stroked it very carefully and told it I was there to help. The bird actually looked at me. I was very gentle and it seemed to calm down and then all of a sudden, it flew away!

After that I made a cake and and brought it over to my 78 year old neighbor. She was happy too.

And between the bird and my neighbor, I felt very content.

What Have You Heard Lately?

No TV tonight. I wanted to use my senses and my mind to enjoy my "free time". I am finding I have so little of it, (free time that is) that I want to use it wisely and not "veg out".

So I reviewed my music collection and listened to songs from one extreme to the other - rock, classic, pop, reggae, jazz and opera - some songs I played three times to hear all the lyrics, to hear the background instrumentals, to anticipate the crescendos...to experience the song fully.

There is such emotion that is experienced in music...it's a great release.

I must have listened to Nessum Dorma - well - I won't admit how many times - and each time, I was moved to tears. It never gets old. I remembered telling a friend years ago about this and she couldn't quite understand this but wanted to. What's there to understand?

Just stop and listen.

You can do this any time and you will be surprised what you can hear - wind blowing, the ruffle of leaves, birds chirping, dogs barking, cars in the distance -- -- your own breath. It's all music.

Take the time to hear. The world is a symphony.

Big Sky Countries Summer Fundraiser

What a great event!

I had to post an entry to congratulate Nicole Blackburn, the founder of Big Sky Countries.

My friend, Paul, had invited me to the "Morrocan World-Market" Benefit that took place at a private house in Manhattan Beach that was transformed into one of the best fundraisers I've been to in a long time.

Great people - a fun, interesting crowd. Lots things to see and try from tarot readings, live music (and my favorite Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow), to artists creating live art with attendees as the subject matter, a silent auction, cocktails and food....Fun. Fun. Fun.

The cause? Big Sky Countries has a wonderful mission.- donating large-scale murals to children's facilities around the world. Since 2006, murals have been painted in Thailand, Ireland, the Philippines, Bolivia, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. These children's facilities include elementary schools, orphanages, children'shospitals and youth centers. All children, faculty members, and well, everyone is encouraged to paint.

Nicole's next project? You guessed it - Morrocco.

I wish I could join her.

Lunch at Terranea

Last week a friend and I decided we wanted to have lunch at Terranea at Nelson's. I had heard it was a new hot spot and being that it is right in my backyard in Palos Verdes - I was eager to try it.

Terranea was packed. What economic slump? The valets couldn't keep up with the volume of cars and the lobby was buzzing. Map in hand, my friend and I explored the property. The family pool was filled with splashing kids and the adjacent patio restaurant was full. The view from the lobby balcony of this scene, coupled with the backdrop of the private beach was really wonderful. It was great to see people laughing and having fun.

Next - a quick walk through of the spa - large yet inviting - with intriguing and inviting pieces of art - a terrific retail area - spa bar and outside dining - and quiet adult pool for spa clients only. The fitness center was small and compact - by this time - we were eager for lunch.

There was a line for Nelson's - but it was worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed my lobster roll and beer but my friend - a chef - said his fish sandwich was just so so.

Would I go back? Yes. There were so many wonderfully planned sitting areas and nooks for socializing and enjoying the fabulous views.

Camille at the Kurotel

I have finally launched a blog about my travel experiences at the Kurotel Longevity Center in Brazil.

If you enjoy first-hand account travel writing, I invite you to read it!

http://camilleatthekurotel.blogspot.com/

When You've Been Googled

I'm always curious to see where my readership is coming from and what key word searches are conducted to route them to my blog. For some reason, I'm surprised when the key word search happens to be my own name.

Over the last couple days, I have had an avid reader from Oak Park that read all of my blogs. Interesting. Who do I know in Oak Park. Hmmm. I can name at least 3 people I know of that live in Oak Park off the top of my head.

During a business lunch and the gentleman I was meeting openly mentioned that he had googled me to have an understanding of who he was establishing a relationship with. That makes sense to do your due diligence.

A couple months ago I met an interesting fellow on a flight from Brazil. We exchanged emails and in our exchange I learned that I had been googled. I had forgotten that I had briefly mentioned him in my blog which upped the ante so to speak in our mutual interest.

I guess in a way, I find being googled can be flattering and/or a little bit creepy depending on who is doing the googling. Realizing, I am the one putting myself out here and making my thoughts and experiences accessible to cyperspace, I pause and wonder.

I'm pleased when the articles that I write and the work I have done are sought after or when one experiences that I have written about have gotten some good play.

As to my own name being searched...that is food for thought.