The Last of the Orphans

Some of you might know, or have realized by now, that I have retired from the newspaper daily grind, and also have curtailed my art output. There's a horrendous overflow of spare art at home -- on walls, in closets and car trunks. Some few are also inside of other buildings and (mostly) in the homes of good friends and loyal customers. I have over the past year generated a few creations, mostly for friends and family although I kept a few for myself and sold one or two. So this post serves as a catch-all for the latest orphans -- the pieces that won't get their own writeup, yet still give me great pride. If you have one of my drawings or paintings, please cherish it. I do not think there will be many more, if any. A series of unfortunate circumstances -- numb hands, sore arms, tired eyes and other stresses -- led me to disassemble and pack away my remaining drawing table. This is painful on a lot of levels but it's a reality. Here are the last of the orphans, and thank you.

This one is called "Pencil," but No. 496 is Agnetha from ABBA.

This good boy is "Max," No. 486, the only one in color this time out.

Here's Dolly! No. 505 is the gorgeous Dolly Parton!

No. 484 is "Uschi," a gorgeous German Shepherd donated at a fundraiser.

No. 482, "Dust Off," is my grandson, Anthony.

Some of you may remember Catwoman. She is No. 497, called "Hello," and it's the lovely Julie Newmar.

Speaking of lovely, No. 499 is Keith Richards, and this is called "Rocks Off,' after the song.

The next four (503 and 504), the kids, are family gifts -- my brother's grandchildren. Aren't they a bunch?

Here's Taylor Swift, No. 500, from a photo my youngest daughter Emily snapped at a Pittsburgh concert. Ooh glossy.

My favorite beer is Miller High Life! Why not? This is No. 481, "Champagne." It's Marilu Henner.

480 is "Lexi," so very cute.

No. 502 is really TWO done simultaneously. It's Bill Leonard, separate portraits for both daughters. One is in Texas!

"Clint Squint," No. 495, is the second Clint Eastwood for the same person. Mishaps happen!

Chet Baker is No. 492. Known as a tragic trumpeter, his voice was also so very sweet. Check out Chet's music.

"Loki" is No. 493. Beautiful boy, am I right?

No. 498 is "Little Kid," also known as Sass. I have drawn many kitties.

"Thor and Mack," No. 490, are mischief personified. Dog-ified. Whatever. Fun boys.

No. 488 is the aptly-named "Wiley." All dogs go to heaven. We should be so lucky.

Here is No. 501, "Seamus." Another good, big boy.

The Camaro is "Hurdle," No. 494. Haven't drawn many cars since grade school!

No Mayhem

Early on in my journalism career, I was told by upper management types that I am not a photogapher. My car wreck photos, house fire pics and other mayhem art never saw ink (in those days, we used more ink.) So I resigned myself to being a writer (even more ink, all black). Some 40 years later it finally dawned on me that news photography just isn't my thing. I don't need more mayhem in my life.

But I've always looked around. That comes from years in journalism, too -- being observant, taking stock of things, keeping only what's necessary to tell the tale.

Now I'm done with drama, or about to be, and looking to calm down. Sold the house, moved to the almost-country, almost-city. I walk county roads now, rather than city streets, and there is more air in my surroundings -- far less on-top-of-everybody. Things here are mostly quiet and people wave but don't really pester.

So I go on little adventures, both physical and in my mind, as I roam where I like. I find things, bring some home, hide a few, and go out again the next day. Mostly, though, I look around and really appreciate what I'm not forced to view. And, I take a lot of pictures.

"Pretty" is not a manly word, I'm told, but I use it a lot here, now that I know what to look for -- and what to bring back.