A Royal Celebration

I thought it fitting that my first post-Britain trip posting should be on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee otherwise known as the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne. The reason being is that it is the Jubilee weekend as I write.
Although I am not there in person to participate in the festivities this weekend, I was able to enjoy the decorations and see some events which took place previously.


Everywhere I went in England the shops were awash in red, white, and blue bunting and Union flags.

This display from the Yorkshire Soap Co in Hebden Bridge was one of my favourites as it was both witty and beautifully creative (they do the most wonderful soaps as well).

This is a sweet (candy) shop in Haworth.


Other funny, original window displays were found at Selfridges in London's Oxford Street.

This is of a Pearly King and Queen celebrating great British food with a meal.

An old three-wheel Reliant Robin car decked out in red, white, and blue.

Normally Corgi's (the Queen's favourite dog) aren't allowed to drive but this is a special occasion.

You have to be British or very familiar with its culture to understand the word play here.

British workmen love their cuppa as the rest of us Brits know well.

Bunting wasn't just confined to shop windows as this shot from Haworth in Yorkshire shows.


Even the Tube in London got into the Jubilee spirit.

Congratulations Ma'am on 60 years on the throne in service to your country. Long may you reign.

Colours and Cars

Recently Hubby and I went to the annual Woodie car show at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Ordinarily we are not car people but Woodies are so iconic and they often display more than a touch of whimsy which appeals to us.

I like all the stickers some owners cover their windows with.

As an artist who uses lots of bright colours in her work, I revel in all the beautiful custom colours.

Those cars really shine.

Some of the owners have fun with their vehicles.

Looks like someone ignored the do not touch sign.

Owners take great care on the inside as well.

I always have to get a picture of an English Woodie. I remember seeing these cars on the road when I was growing up.

A sample of some of the luscious colours on display.

Here was a particular treat. A very old (1930's) Woodie Rolls Royce.

Hold on. Who is that on the front? She looks familiar.

The cars were not the only interesting things to see that morning.

Art Fest

It's that time of the year - the art festivals in Laguna Beach: Festival of Arts, Art-A-Fair, and the Sawdust Festival.
This week hubby and I went to all three festivals and saw some really good art. It's always interesting to see what other artists are doing. I enjoy seeing how multiple artists interpret the same subject (such as seascapes).

For copyright reasons, I can't show you any of the art I saw but here is the sculpture at the entrance to one of the shows while below is a waterfall in the grounds inside.

But I can show you two pieces of work from a drawing class I have recently begun attending.