A Surprise Start to the Post!
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| Based on 4 Rows Back Row 4 (L to R) Mike, Nori, Eileen, Dona Row 3 (L to R) Karel, Barb, LeAnne, Betty, Pete, Nita 1, Gail Row 2 -- Far Left is John, Far Right is Bonny Front Row (L to R) Me, Nita 2, Anna, Ed, David, Sarah |
It's a RECORD!! So, I had to lead with our group photo. That's the largest number (19) we've had show up for painting. AND, all but 1 of that group attended the lunch which followed where yet a few more came along to join the party! NOTE: You have to make sure to check out all the photos as there are a couple of surprises!!
But, first here's a few pictures that lead up to the top photo. Or, as they do in tv shows and movies: Sometime earlier that morning!
The Prescottonians (John & Karel) arrived possibly first as evidenced by John's presence in the below pic:
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| (L to R) John, Sarah, Bonny Front - my shadow where I'm looking TALL |
Barb and Anna found their spots with Anna's pretty darn close to where she was last week.
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| Barb, Anna |
Oh, just so you know - Anna was waiting for the cows - honest! And, now I'm sure you'll know which painting is hers.
There were actually a large number of cows wandering around, or more appropriately, Grazing in the Grass (oh dear, we haven't had one of them in a while -- the band was "The Friends of Distinction" gee that almost sounds like us). For those of you who know what I'm talking about, is the song running through your head right now? The year was 1969, ... Flowers with colours bright, makin', everything outta sight .. Grazin' in the grass is a gas 😉.
Here's Karel getting more stuff out of her vehicle.
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| Karel |
So, our infrequent participant was able to make it this day.
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| Ed - hooray, he was able to join us! |
As I wandered up and down the parking lot, I saw this vehicle drive in -- we all know who this is.
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| Mike |
Oh, I initially saw Mike pulling in as I went to see who the artist was closer to the roadside -- Anna informed me of this person's whereabouts.
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| David |
I know, it's hard to tell - BUT, if you look close, you'll see his hat hanging on his easel and that's the first giveaway! He arrived earlier, which means he also finished early but did stick around for the gallery and group photo.
This little guy flew in to check out all the pretty colors on our paintings.
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| Nori, Mike |
Smiling LeAnne made it back from the cold country to join us. Although, she did comment that it was a bit chilly here that morning (and it was once the clouds rolled in).
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| LeAnne, Mike in the background |
That walkway is going to get a bit more crowded, wait and see.
Eileen also showed up to paint.
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| Eileen |
As did Dona.
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| Dona |
Look at who's next -- it's one of the Nitas' -- Nita 2.
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| Nita 2 -- walking over to say hi! |
Here comes Pete -- I don't know, he used to be one of the first ones to show up -- lately that hasn't been the case.
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| Pete |
Oh my, wasn't that a surprise. She arrived before 11 at least as the timestamp on this photo is 11:02:04
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| Nita 1 soon after her arrival |
Ah, yes, here we are, artists as far as the eye can see:
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| Front to Back - Anna, Barb, Karel, Pete, Nita 1's back, Eileen, LeAnne, Mike, Ed & More |
Closer look at Ed & Mike in their spots.
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| (L to R) Bonny (background), Ed, Mike |
Here's another look at the lineup with still more artists.
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| Front is Sarah with Nita 2 behind her Then, going from L to R along the fence Ed, Mike, LeAnne, Eileen, Nita 1, my spot, Pete, Dona's spot, Barb, Anna |
Boy, I wonder how many variations of the landscape we'll see when we get to the Gallery!
But, I can't leave out the person who was hiding in the trunk of her car -- sounds weird, but you'll see what I mean.
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| Gail |
Betty & Nori returned from the creek.
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| Betty, Nori |
Ok, finally -- after a LOT of moving around, rearranging and using backpacks as props, we built our gallery.
And, of course, we need a few close ups.
Amazing how we all really get the color of those red rocks and you know it's using a combination of colors.
I believe I got them all and some a couple of times!
So, normally we would next see the "group shot" all posed and smiling on 2. However, we saw that above; BUT, much to my surprise, my new configuration for taking photos, unbeknownst to me, took a surprise candid group photo all on its own and it looks pretty priceless -- so here it is!!
Ok, so I can see what a few of us were laughing at -- but David, what were you doing??
That's all of us, in action!! I've said it before, the smiles are always REAL!!
BUT, one more picture before heading off to the lunch. This is a photo from last week that somehow got missed, my husband found it in his photos -- funny huh!
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| Front Row - Anna, Janel, Me, Sarah, Jim Back Row - Smokey, Dona, Barb, John, Bonny, Pat, Pete, Karel |
Ok, so NOW, it's on to the Juniper Bar & Grille at the Sedona Golf Resort for a little New Year's celebration.
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| 2 people who weren't painting Left is Pat talking to Nori and the Right is Sandy talking to Sarah |
I've got to show you this next one because I can't imagine what Pat was talking about 😳
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| Carolyn who also missed painting as did Tecla (but no pic of her - sorry) |
In case you were all wondering, the food was very good, the service was excellent. And, that wasn't easy considering our crowd of 22 showed up all at once.
It was a fun morning & afternoon!! Till next week!
Cecilia