30 Sketches Projects I-VII

DAY 30! This one is for you Rayray. Another round of 30 Sketches Project. Check. As much as I love this project it is always a good feeling to be done. Until next time...

Secretary bird. Angry mark-style I'd say. A bit anxious about the big move. Buying a one way ticket to the other side of the planet brings forth feelings I've never felt before. Going away to paint in Wyoming for a month was an appetizer for this...there is just something about going somewhere you've never been, knowing no one, and having no idea what is in store for you that I adore as much as I fear. I made these NZ plans with careful consideration. I knew full and well that there would be times that I would question the decision, stress about the journey, and at times wonder what the holy hell I was thinking. I knew that getting accepted was not the most difficult part...making it happen would be the challenge. But I went through with the plans with a smirk, secretly hoping to deal with all of these challenging obstacles. Bring it NZ adventure.

A wee little egg for your eyeballs. 2 more days people and 30 Sketches Project Numero Cuatro is out. Whew...I'm beat!

Jem, this little Belted Kingfisher is yours. I know you will treat him well. Why do kingfishers have such little feet and such large bills? It's not an opening line to a joke...I really want to know.

This is how I feel.

Yes, this guy does indeed exist. He is a Hoatzin nestling. One thing you should know about these birds is that they are born with two claws on each wing. They are clumsy in flight and use these claws to climb about in their native swamps of Venezuela and Guyana. Once they reach adulthood, they those their claws. Dinosaur times-style.

Jem, my beautiful friend, your roadunner is ready! It's buddy the kingfisher will join him soon. We shall have lots of these dudes on our farm.

Bacon 9 weeks until I’m New Zealand bound. Two of my greatest friends that I will miss dearly are my pals Lani and John. I know neither of you like to get all mushy but you both have been nothing but supportive, accepting, and have helped me make this NZ dream come true. I thank you. John, its your birthday. Lani and I decided that a proper gift to you would be meat… but not just any meat. What you see above is if Lani and I were bacon. As you can see, Lani is the little munchkin-size slice on the left and I’m on the right. We salute you John, thank you for being born.