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| Photo from 5/26/20 at Verde River Access Point (L to R) Sue, Carolyn, John |
As you all can see from the above photo, this location does provide shade and a place to dip your toes should you be so inclined. Directions are on the left. Changing the Meet Up Time once again, we'll just make it 7:45. Also on the up side, the weather forecast does have it with a high of ONLY 95 on 8/1.
This past week I arrived quite early and instead of setting up, I sat, looked around, took a few photos and tried to pick my spot. But, I did become distracted by the javelina.
It wasn't long though before Denise came along.
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| Denise |
She joined me in the sitting, looking around and chatting, we wondered if anyone else would be joining us when Carolyn and Tecla came along.
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| Tecla & Carolyn |
Of course, I forgot to mention that Smokey was really the first one there. He's not very talkative though, but he's always prepared with shovel in hand.
Alright, so here is where I have to tell you all that I sort of screwed up. I was so busy "relaxing" that I totally forgot to take pictures of artists in their "spots". Well, just take it from me, they all found a spot and it was in the shade!
For instance, Tecla went back to her spot from the previous week as she wanted to try a new technique on the same scene, also this time standing. Denise took a spot further forward from last week so that she could see the light from the big round ball in the sky on her painting since last week she kept saying that she couldn't see what she was painting. She also decided to stand. Carolyn switched benches but was still able to utilize the patio floor for her Numerous paper plates that she thought to use as her palette. And, I used the bench that Carolyn had used the prior week, but I stood by it and propped my bag on the bench which bench later became our gallery.
And, much to my surprise, it turns out that my husband, Dave, showed up at some point. Now, I didn't see him and I don't think anyone else did either. But I know he was there because he gave me a picture he had of Smokey in his Spot. Boy, was I surprised and I think you will be too.
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| Smokey in his spot |
He apparently decided to strip down - guess he didn't want to get paint on his blue jeans. It also turns out that he is quite the artist too.
We all did visit back and forth and watched visitors wander in and out. Overall, it was a very pleasant morning and we were all glad for the opportunity to get out and paint together. Being close together we were also able to discuss where would be best for the following Tuesday and that's how we came up with the Verde River. Oh, Wow, I almost forgot. This is REALLY REALLY IMPORTANT!!!!
I had stopped INSIDE the ranger's station to ask about Banjo Bill's and learned that the reason it's closed is due to a rock slide, so we won't be visiting there this summer. BUT, when I turned around to leave I saw this display -- check it out!
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| Happy Birthday to Smokey - Birthdate: August 4, 1944 |
That's right, it's Smokey's birthday coming up - had we known we would've postponed our outings to the ranger station until next week. Oh well, we still got to wish him a Happy Birthday. Really glad we have a pic of him painting in his spot too. I also thought you all might like to learn his story: https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/story-smokey-bear
As I mentioned above, we used one of those nice long benches to build our gallery.
Well, Sue, this time Smokey did include his painting 😉 He did an excellent painting too, of course, he does spend every day just standing there staring at the scenery.
You'll be glad to know, Smokey did put his pants back on for the group photo. I was real glad about that, it could've been awkward.
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| (L to R) Carolyn, Tecla, Smokey, Denise, Me |
Cecilia