I don’t know what so many people are not fond of geese. I always look forward to seeing them at the park. They are often snoozing on the lawn in the middle of the day. “Get a job!” someone yells from behind a tree. I say just let them be! ;)
Walks in Autumn
The weather has been so gorgeous lately. I’ve really enjoyed my walks—even in fog. The pops of yellow and orange are even more stunning in the gray mist. The leaves are really coming down now and soon the trees will be bare. I will really miss this season. Daylight Savings starts tomorrow.
plein air landscape
Got outside this afternoon and joined some other artists at Yantacaw Park in Montclair. We were supposed to gather earlier this spring, but like most things- Covid threw a wrench in those plans. sigh! There were only six of us but it was nice to paint again. Even if it was while wearing a mask.
Wandering...
It's been a weird time lately. I think it's healthy to just need to slow down and get away from things-even if it's just for a few hours. Last week, after yet another doctor visit, I just got in my car and started driving. I wasn't sure where i would go, but I headed west.
still looks like this!
Somehow, I ended up in Dover. I've always thought this was a cool looking town. A little run down, but with it's hills and old buildings, it always had a certain feel to it. I remembered a little art store i used to visit back in the 80s when I first really got interested in becoming an artist. One click on my Waze app and there I was on Myrtle Street at the Joe Kubert School. Still there!
Joe Kubert Art store in Dover, NJ
I went inside and looked around. I think it may have been a different space. But there is always something so great about the smell of art supplies. I almost bought another sketchbook, but I'm determined to fill those I have first. But it was wild to think that i was just a kid the last time I was there-dreaming of being an illustrator and now returning as an author and illustrator.
Didn't take a pic inside but found this on the web.
It used to have this great little metal sign, which has been replaced by a vinyl one. Ms. Lombardi does not acknowledge ugly signage. So let's keep the memory alive...
After leaving there, I decided to keep going-this time to my old haunt of Mendham. I took long winding roads all the way and once I got to town, all I could think was just how teeny the town is! Before I could even blink, I was in the center of town! I hung a right and drove by my old grade school where I spent 5th to 8th grade. I pulled in front and just stared at the building-remembering the hallways, the classrooms but most of all...art class! Again, it looked teeny. But when you are only 11, it is your entire world.
I then drove back to the center of town (funny because it's about 2 blocks in nyc!) and decided to lunch at Mendham's big attraction "The Pub". I ordered a glass of chardonnay and then looked around wondering if there was anyone there I knew. I've lived a lot of places and left there in '89 but you never know.
Went down easy. ;)
After a tasty lunch (crab cake special) I drove down Tempe Wick Road and by Jockey Hollow Park. That is a great place to slow down. I used to go there all the time to look at the deer. Has a lot of history-most notably where Washington's troops camped.
Here's a moment from that time in history. I'm old, but not quite that old so you may be surprised to hear I did not actually take this next photo.
And speaking of old. I celebrated a birthday over the weekend. Here is the scene from Cuban Pete's-a fun place in Montclair where you feel like you are in Havana for just a moment. Or at least as long as it takes you to finish your plantains.
