Artist Renee Lammers

"Winter Day at Sandy Point" 5x7 oil on copper.  350$ Framed in gold wood and shipped free.

    I spent half my day taking care of my dogs!  What a fun they are.  At 2pm I headed to Sandy

Point to paint this scene.  I have painted this view before from a photo.  I always wanted to

paint this view plein air. Today was a grey day.  I decided to keep this painting light and peaceful.

    As you can see there are a lot of inky black trees in the photo.  I use a palette that

does not allow me to get these darks on purpose.  I want high key paintings.  

    Here is another great view to paint! 

   This morning I took the puppies for a walk in Stockton Springs.  

    Their leashes were tangled up around a man's leg and his golden retriever too.  I became

tangled up.  We were all tied up together.  It took us a while to get untangled.  

    We even ran some today!  Then they fell asleep on the ride home.  We found a large

silver ball in our front yard.  Monet was terrified of this ball.  Poppy thought it was great.

Robert had to dispose of the silver ball because Monet was too afraid of it.  Oh...and Poppy

knocked over the large water bowl!  She likes to wash her feet off in the water bowl.

Have a great night!

"Enjoying The Winter Light" 5x7 oil on copper.  350$ Framed in gold and shipped free.

"February Light on Deer Isle" 5x7 oil on copper.  350$ Framed in gold and shipped.

    I drove to Deer Isle on my way to Stonington to paint.  I saw this view after the green

bridge and decided to paint.  This is the first time I had paint all over me and my car.  Luckily

oil paint comes off if it is still wet! 

    This is the view I was painting. 

    This is how I paint sitting inside of my car.  The temperature today was 20s.  The cool

wind of the ocean makes the temperature even cooler!  I prefer the car to paint in!  Paint

was on my face!  I can't believe it!  I am a neat freak! 

   This morning I took all the pups outside.  This takes a while and we get all tangled up with

the leashes.  I had the puppies situated with rawhide bones and carrots in the kitchen.  Daisy was laying on her

bed taking a nap (so I thought).  I was carrying my painting equipment to the car when I realized

Daisy was trotting behind me.  Road trip!  Here she is bathed in the sun.  She

enjoyed herself.  She is so happy I am home.

   We walked all over Lake Alamoosook. 

   Then I took Daisy to McDonalds for a double cheeseburger.  She really

enjoyed this!  I was eating my cheeseburger when I felt her come up from

the backseat and snatch my cheeseburger right out of my hand.  Oh well.

So it was a two double cheeseburger day for Ms. Daisy! 

   There were snow flurries over Catapiller Hill as the sunset.

    Last light on the way home.    Good night.

    Robert was there to pick me up at the Bangor Airport at 11pm last night. 

      I saw Daisy by the front door when I came home.  I was giving her a hug

 when I heard Monet in the kitchen let out a whine.  So I went to see him.

  He was so happy to see me!  He whimpered!  He hopped up and down. 

He licked my face and hair.  He nibbled on me.  He looked at me and whimpered.

He wanted to sit on my lap.  What a homecoming!  Poppy was very happy to see me too. 

 I don't know if she remembered me.  Daisy came in for a few more hugs.  Glad to be home.

  They sure have grown!

    We decided to take them to Sandy Point in Stockton Springs today.  It was my big idea

for all the dogs to come along.  They did well.

    The first few moments in the car the dogs were trying to figure out where they wanted

to sit.  Finally Monet sat in the back seat.  Poppy on Robert.  Daisy in the back seat.

I had Monet and Poppy.  Robert took care of Daisy.

    Daisy did very well today walking.  She really wanted to be included

in the group.  She was very excited for me to be there too.

    Poppy and Monet found a ball on the beach.  Robert was chasing after them.

    Tomorrow I will start a painting marathon!  Have a great night!

    I love the jerk chicken across the street at Best of the West.  For 6$ US dollars

I had a lunch of 1/4 of a chicken (white meat is the larger portion), rice with red

kidney beans, and cabbage salad. 

    I always ask for the jerk sauce on the side as it will light you up! 

    I always enjoy looking at chicks with the hens behind the fruit stand across from my

hotel.  The men who keep these chickens are vegans.  They sell the eggs and chicken.

 He showed me a pot of rice with dried red kidney beans roasting in a pot on a fire.

  The little chicks almost blend in!

    I like to bring my jerk chicken back to the porch to eat...the view is fabulous!

   It was a great day!  I swam and soaked for 5 hours.  I have taken a lot of time off from

painting here in Negril, Jamaica.  I needed to think about my next adventure!  I am going

to do a snow painting marathon when I return!  I enjoy painting snow plein air!

There is nothing like painting snow when you are in it.  You have to suffer to create good

art sometimes. 

    The clouds have been so low in the sky I almost feel as if I could touch them.

   I zoomed in with my camera lens so you could see the intensity of the sun setting.

    Now it is raining very hard.  Last night was the coldest yet!  I put pillows on top of me

to keep warm.  I do have a fleece blanket.  I even wore a wool sweater!  Happy to going

home to Maine tomorrow.  I am being picked up here at 11am to drive to Montego Bay

where I will board a plane to Philadephia and then to Bangor, Maine!  I should be home

at 11pm at night!  Have a great night!  I hope you enjoyed my Jamaica adventure.

    I love my 6ft x 6ft board house I am staying in but it is pretty dark inside.  Last night

I could not find my camera cord to download photos!  I located this cord in the morning.

Here are a few photos I took the last two days.  I decided to just swim and walk until I leave.

    The weather is beautiful for part of the day, then it rains, and clears up for a cloudy sunset.

   I love this type of sea bird called a tern.

    Here is the sunset tonight.

   Robert reports Poppy has many cat like personality traits.  He found her on our dining

room table.  I hope this is something Poppy will grow out of soon.   I don't want to

see a 80 pound dog on my table!  She doesn't look surprised or guilty.

   How cute they are!  Snuggling!  I think I can put them all in the backseat of my car. 

I hope they fit.  I will be taking them to the ocean a lot when I get home.

    Here is Monet running along the shores at Sandy Point.  Robert took them on a road trip.

Daisy was probably taken on a separate trip.  She needs more attention walking on snow and

ice.

    Monet standing on ice cakes!

   I am glad we have two pups instead of one.  Daisy has sure enjoyed them.

    Best of friends!  Tomorrow is my last day here in Jamaica.  I know I will be swimming

and walking the beaches.  It has been a lovely time.  I wish everyone could have a month

off being in the beautiful tropics!  Good night.

"Welcome To Firefly Hotel" 11x14 oil on gesso board.  Gifted to the owners of this hotel.

    I have been thinking of the perfect angle to capture most of Firefly Hotel for the owners.

I admire all their hard work and determination.  This land was once woods.    I have enjoyed

 my time here.  Working on gesso board is so much easier than working on copper metal.

Sometimes it is just exciting to paint on this substrate.  I love the white of the board.

I can leave specks of white for highlights.  I also love how smooth and porous the board is.

I can drag my brush to create nice edges.  I wonder how priming copper with gesso or oil

primer would be like to paint on? 

    Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to paint in a swimsuit?

Well it is pretty fine indeed.  It sure does beat many layers and alaskan

boots!  When I was finished with the painting I gave it to the owners.

They were very pleased!

    It was a beautiful day here in Negril, Jamaica.  So much light!

    I am looking forward to coming home to Maine, January 28. 

    Here is a report from Robert about the dogs:

     I walked into the living room and saw them disappear up the stairs.

 Of course Poppy was the instigator. She always moves the box. (we have a

cardboard box there at the staircase to prevent Daisy from climbing the stairs)

 Monet in pursuit, reluctantly. Once upstairs the dogs went from room to room.

 Sniffing, caught a familiar scent, a person not seen in a while.

 Then how to get down. Poppy, fearless, no problem. Monet needed to be carried

down.  Little scared. But what fun!!!!!!
 
     I regret never to have known Duke and Daisy in there younger years.

 But I recall all the stories you told me. I have a feeling, history will repeat itself.

    That was very cute.  All stages of a dog's life are enjoyable.  This is

Monet's first time ascending the stairs!  Poppy has been sleeping upstairs

with Robert since I left.  It was too cold for Poppy to sleep by herself.

I look forward to hearing both pups climb the stairs and open our doors.

Daisy was Robert's alarm clock for many years.  I wonder who will

be the new alarm? 

    I still have a few days left here in Negril, Jamaica.  Have a good night!
 

    I am glad to see Monet and Poppy look plump!  Someone is feeding

them well!  That is my chair they are on back in Maine!

     Our house is small on the first floor...not more than 800 feet.  There is much

furniture downstairs.  Looks like they enjoy playing in my chair!  I hope I can

fit in the chair with all the dogs when I return home.

     Looks like they are enjoying themselves!

    Poppy must need my dictionary!  That is my desk she is standing on!

    Here is the view from our kitchen window.  Looks like they are both standing on my

desk!  Is there nothing sacred?  Soon they will be climbing through the window

into the kitchen?

    Negril, Jamaica has another storm coming through.  This is how the ocean looked

this morning before the storm. 

    The sunsets do look wintery to me here in Negril, Jamaica. 

    There are a lot of silvery sunsets with some golds.  The temperatures are much cooler

than in November and December.  So far we have had many cloudy January days.  I enjoy

seeing the different weather conditions.  Today I took a taxi to the bank with two ladies.

We walked all three miles back!  The rest of the day was very relaxing!  Have a good night.

    Two or more golden retrievers always form a party!  Robert reports all the dogs play

hard after he is home from work.  Poppy takes a nap at work later in the day to prepare

for the party at home.  Even Daisy participates!  Looks like a good time.

    After a few hours of playing, Daisy and Monet, take a rest together.

   Wait a second.  Where is Poppy? I see Poppy in the background

getting into something!   Robert reports Poppy is very

good at work.  When she arrives home she is a little devil. 

   Poppy can climb up onto my chair so now she can see what is on my desk!  Luckily

Robert keeps an eye on her.  He says I can't come home soon enough! 

    Today I walked with two ladies to Time Square, a local shopping plaza in Negril, Jamaica.

  We found a few gifts for friends and family.  I ate everything today!

  A papaya, 4 bananas, 3 cups of popcorn, a half a jerk chicken and coleslaw,

 a ting, and two veggie patties!  I did turn down german chocolate cake

 from Miss Herman, the cake lady.  I missed the ice cream man too. 

It was all delicious!  Have a great night!

    The 6 foot x 6 foot board house is hanging in there!  It is quite cozy.  I am not often

inside my dwelling during the day.  I can get internet inside my house.  I have a fan.  The bunk

bed holds my spare luggage.  The desk is nice.  There are windows with wood vents and screens!

At night it has been chilly! 

    The office is on the right.  The three story pink building has many rooms for guests.

The walkway leads to the ocean.  Restrooms and showers for the board houses are

located on the right across from the houses.   I enjoy all the flowers and hummingbirds!

    This is the view from the porch.  Many guests order pancakes,

eggs, hotdogs, and drinks here.  It was a beautiful day.

    Only a few guests use the clothing optional feature.  Sometimes for weeks there is

only one nudist.  I don't mind the nudists because I spent many years drawing nudes in

college.  I have not met an angry nudist yet!

     I fasted all day long but then treated myself to a half a jerk chicken.  Jamaican chickens

are very tiny compared to the American chicken.  I bet if I piled up all the chicken it would

not weigh over 6 ounces.  I enjoyed it.  Have a good night!

   "Jamaican Laundry" 10x10 oil on copper 650$ framed in gold wood and shipped.

    This might be my best Jamaican painting yet.  This is the view from my pink

boardhouse at Firefly Hotel in Negril, Jamaica.  I am getting rather fond of seeing

where the laundry is washed by hand and hung to dry.  It is so amazing to me. 

I also admire all the flowers!  I took my time today.  I was very relaxed. 

    I woke up at sunrise to see the colors.  The sunrise is on the other side of Jamaica

but we still have nice colors. 

    Ras Devon Anthony Husmo, the Jamaican artist, came by today to

sell his work and tell stories.  He told the funniest story today I will share

with you.  There was a rooster who belonged to his neighbor.  This

rooster would come over to crow sitting on top of Devon's house.  The

rooster would crow at 11pm at night, 2am in the morning, and also

5am in the morning.  Devon was sick of the rooster waking him up. 

He couldn't tell his neighbor to get rid of the rooster.  So he came up

with a plan.  He fed the rooster bread soaked in rum.  The rooster

ate the meal happily.  Then Devon waited for him to crow.  All

night long the rooster was quiet.  He went outside to check on the

rooster who was stumbling around.  At 5am the rooster was still

quiet.  The rooster would try to stand up then fall down.  After

5am the hens came to find the rooster.  They pecked at him very

badly.  The rooster was still too drunk to crow.  The rooster never

came back to Devon's house.  Somehow when Devon told the story

it was much more funny.

     There are five married ladies ranging from 49 years old and up at Firefly Hotel.  We

all sit together on the beach.  Some of the ladies are from Canada and some from England.

There are five young men from Italy vacationing here too.  Here are four of them.  A few

of the ladies gathered the young Italian men together so we could photograph them. 

These guys were so happy to do this.  After the photo they ran to get a soccer ball.  The

rest of the day they played soccer infront of us while us ladies giggled. 

    There is one young and  pretty girl here.  I thought this was a great photo of her.

  The rest of the hotel guests seem to be men vacationing alone.  Sometimes there have been a few families

here too.

    One of my friends is taking a ride on this boat.  She says this is the only time

she feels peaceful.  She takes rides often.

    Here I am painting today!  Have a great night!

    Robert sent me a few pictures.  Here is Daisy during her private field trip to Lake

Alamoosook.  It is safer for Daisy to travel alone so the little pups don't bump her and

make her fall down.  She really loves this place. 

    Robert sent me this photo of snow in our backyard in Maine.   The Penobscot

Channel has ice floes from the river above where it is fresh water. 

    Monet weighs 49 pounds and Poppy 23 pounds.  Robert purchased a few new dog

toys today for them.  They have ripped to shreds most of all their dog toys.  They have

even torn up their plastic toy basket.  Robert writes I can't come home soon enough to

help entertain them.  Gee they look easy to take care of in this picture. 

    I woke up this morning early in Negril, Jamaica.  I arranged for Yoga lessons by trading

a teacher one of my paintings.  We didn't do Yoga for very long before I became

too exhausted to continue.  I literally fell asleep right away for three hours.  I felt

terrible.  I had a fever.  Still feeling weak.  Sat under the Seagrape and Almond trees

and watched the world go by.  Have a nice night. 

    Robert reports Poppy was the first one in the water today at Sandy Point in Stockton

Springs, Maine.  Looks like there are ice floes in the salt water from the river.  Monet

followed into the water.  They had a great day!  Daisy was taken on a separate field

trip to Lake Alamoosook.  The photo didn't arrive yet.  Robert reports she loved it

so much she didn't want to come home.

    Robert reports the puppies didn't get cold at all even though he says they

are still slim.  He thinks they will be both good beach loving dogs. 

    Here both pups demonstrate a great purpose of ice floes! 

    The arranged marriage seems to be successful!   Daisy is doing very well.  She needs

help getting out of the car now.  She enjoys being on private road trips. 

    This early morning in Negril, Jamaica I awoke at 6:30 am.

I was trying to wake before 5:30am to see the moon hovering

above the ocean.  The hotel guard suggested this might be

good for me to see as a painter.

    I don't often wake up so early at home in Maine.  At night here in Jamaica after the sunset,

 I head straight to my 6ft x 6ft board house.  I normally download photos, photoshop, upload photos, and

write this blog.  This takes more than an hour.  Then I often go right to sleep.  The salt

air, conversations, and activity make me tired. 

   These last three days Negril, Jamaica has been under severe storm warnings.  The

threatening skies make this an excellent time to take off from painting and continue

my wicker weaving lessons from the wickerman. 

    Today I discovered I weave best highly caffineated!

The wickerman arrived two hours late.  He was drinking

a Red Stripe beer at 9am.  He rolled a big fat joint after

he handed me many long pieces of wicker.  Today he

was off talking with hotel guests showing them my

basket from yesterday.  He was also showing his

wicker hats and other products.  He was often singing.

    I asked him to pose for this professor wickerman photo.  I hope

to put together a few brochures for him if I return next year.  He

might do well handing out wicker weaving lesson brochures when

he shows tourists his products.  Today he was a good tempered

teacher.  He gave me many compliments.  I learned a few things

I need to work on. 

1.  Wickerman says I am always a nervous wreck.  He says I must

find a way to relax or it will kill me. 

2.  Wickerman says I must not work so much.  I must have fun partying.

He says if I work all the time without partying then I am dull.

3.  Wickerman says I must not allow my nervous energy to make me

rush with my artwork or weaving. 

     I think this is quite amazing insight.  I know he is right.  I was more

relaxed when I lived in Florida because I swam so much.  I also walked more

in Florida.  I also worked out at the gym hours every other day.  All this

exercising was great for me.  I also went out dancing sometimes and had

a few beverages.  In Maine I stay home every night.  I work most days painting.

I don't exercise much.  I am on the computer until I sleep at night.  I will

really give this much thought.  I am very thankful of the wickerman's advice.

    The wickerman told me he MUST go out and party for two days.  He has been

working very hard.  All work and no play makes the wickerman very dull.  When

he is ready he will return for more wicker weaving lessons.  I will be painting

tomorrow if the weather permits! 

    Here is a very fast 4 minute pen and ink of Rasta Devon Anthony Husmo the artist

doing a scream.  He posed for a while in a scream while I drew him.  I had to

not laugh it was so funny. 

    The Wickerman arrived two hours late for my wicker weaving lesson this morning.  He

said he overslept.  He said it was too cold out and I will spare you what he said he was doing

with his blanket.  I covered my eyes a few times during our lesson.  He started to work

lining up a lot of long wicker on the hotel's wall.  He cut a few wicker vines to start to weave.

He handed me a few and said do what I taught you yesterday.  So I did.  I became

lost when I was trying to create the sides of the baskets.  Wickerman had a melt

down.  He ranted for a few minutes and even stomped his feet.  "You must remember

what I teach you and you must do exactly as I tell you!  What are you doing?  Gosh!"

     I told him I was sorry and that I was an idiot.  I told him I was just trying my best.

He liked how humble I was so he settled down again. 

     He decided to put music on using his cell phone.  Then he started to dance

while I weaved.  I glanced over and he made a few provocative moves. 

 I covered my eyes and kept weaving.  He laughed. 

Yesterday I asked him a few questions.  "How long have you been weaving?"  He answered

over 30 years.  "Are you married?"  He answered no I prefer to be single.  "Where do you live

in Negril?"  He told me he lived in the mountains but stayed at an abandoned hotel

Tween Waters Inn (where I stayed when I was in my 20s) where most of the Jamaican

salesmen sleep.  I asked him if their pool was still there?  He said it was green.  Somehow

all these questions made him launch into a tyrant.  "I can not be bought for any amount

of money!  I am not a gigilo!"   This went on for sometime yesterday.  I reassured him I

 just wanted to learn to weave.  I think I convinced him. 

    Here is my finished basket!  My professor of basket weaving was delighted.  He

showed everyone who was interested!  I told them the price of wicker weaving lessons.

Hopefully he might get a few new students.  BIG LESSON of the day:  Do not go forward

when there is a mistake. 

    Here is the sunsetting!

    This very thin homeless dog made his way past me.  He stopped infront of a couple

having dinner.

    They noticed him right away.

     He ate off their plate!

    Have a great night! 

     The Wickerman came by this morning with his bongo drums and sang for some time.

I had inquired about wicker weaving lessons many days ago.  Lessons started today at

3pm sharp for 10$ an hour. 

    The Wickerman wanted me to see he was also a muscian. 

    First the Wickerman taught me how to do a star.  He told me this was all we would

probably do for the three hours.  Somehow I mastered the star within a few minutes.

He told me I was his first white pupil.  He had taught many Jamaicans without any

success.  He thought my artistic ability was the reason I caught on so quickly.    He

took apart the star many times and had me weave a new one.  Then he taught me

how to put in ribs.  I could not remember when or how many ribs to put in. 

He yelled loud a few times and marched off telling me I needed to listen!  I needed

 to remember."   I have seen many Jamaicans do this so I just had to remain calm. 

 They have a passionate temperment.  I said, "Yes Sir!"  a few times.  This seemed

 to calm him down.  He was smoking pot like crazy during the entire lesson.  After

many hours he was laughing and having a good time but also still yelling a few times.   

    I made many stars, the first step to baskets, plates, and hats.  Then I moved on to the plate.

He allowed me to keep my first plate.  Then I moved on to the basket. (He kept the basket

for himself to sell)   I had difficulty cutting the wicker with his knife and he

 marched off swearing loudly.  A few guests kind of chuckled.  I told him, "Thanks for

 teaching me.  I am trying very hard.  I have never done weaving before."

Then he would come back.   In the end he was very proud of me.  He was very very

happy.

     It was exciting learning something new.  I have wanted to

learn how to weave wicker for years.  Tomorrow he will return at 9am for another 3 hour

lesson! 

    Here is my first basket!

    One of the ladies who works at the hotel told me she has never seen such a storm

in January before in 8 years. 

   The waves were not as large as last week's 8 foot waves.  The waves were more like

3-4 foot.

    Very interesting to watch tourists today.  A few drank frozen fruit rum drinks and

then swam.  A few talked under the porch.  Some went to their rooms.

Many people walked the beach.  One tourist learned how to weave wicker! 

We all enjoyed today in our own different ways.   Have a great night! 

    Yesterday I hired a red tag taxi driver to show me Jamaican ladies washing in a

river.  I had the hotel guard meet him and ask him where it was exactly he was going

to take me.  The guard gave his approval so I was off!  We drove to Springfield.  When

we were approaching the road to the spring he stopped at a country store to get the ok

with the local men.  Then we drove a minute to the first spring.  There was only one

lady washing.  My taxi driver explained what I was there for.  I shook her hand.

I left a few hundred Jamaican in her pink basket for a photo. 

   At the next larger spring we found only one man washing a rug.  The taxi driver

told him the same story.  I gave him a few hundred Jamaican dollars for this photo.  I

asked him where his beautiful lady was?  He said she was with the baby.  I said, " Oh that

is a good way to get out of doing laundry."  He laughed. 

    The taxi driver then explained most of the homes have running water so very few need

to use the spring to wash their laundry.  Later I discovered Wednesday is not good for

laundry at the spring.  Tuesdays and Fridays are better.  But then another person said only

the weekends.

     The taxi driver decided to take me to a pig farm where he is a frequent customer.  I

met the owner.  The pigs were all very clean and well kept.  I handed the farmer a few

hundred Jamaican for his trouble.  I caught a glimse of the pig farmer's wife...very

young and beautiful.  Good for him!

   Next we visited Royal Palms Reserve.  Cost to have a guided tour along a boardwalk

was 10$ US.   There are 500 Royal Palms.  Here is a view from a tower.  What an amazing day!

Poppy is impersonating an eel. 

 
   Here is Robert's report:   Poppy saw a 7 month year old giant  poodle at work

 but didn't dare to come close. She hid right behind me and between my feet.

 The poodle who is very large was surprisingly just as scared of her. Hid behind his owner.

    Then a patient came by with her Yorkie, she came by just to show Poppy her little Yorkie.

Poppy was sleeping and couldn't believe it when this Yorkie was right up to her nose.

She was scared of this doggie too and hid away again. 

   Poppy finds physical therapy equipment to play with.  Have a great night!

    Here is a photo of me at Rick's Cafe last night! 

   I headed down to Negril River by taxi today to paint.  I hope to complete a nice

series of this area.  I might consider creating a book with all my Jamaican paintings

and tales with photos.  I could find a nonprofit organization of my choice for the proceeds

to benefit.  It started to rain during a painting so they allowed me to stand under their

pavillion where the fish scalers work. 

   First I painted this Jamaican man, name Spoon, a painting of his fishing boat.  I gave

this painting as a gift to Spoon.  Cash or gifts are appreciated by Jamaicans for using their

area as subject matter.  They will look after you, educate you about their area, and

they will be very friendly which helps the painting!  I have discovered doing this free

painting also helps relax you and paint better. 

   All of these Jamaican fishing boats are incredibly long.  So I decided

to paint it head on so I might get the boat into a 5x7 painting!  Otherwize

I would be looking at a 5x20 inch painting!

"Negril River Boat" 7x5 oil on gesso board.  Gifted.

   I purchased a bottle of cold water from this nice lady.  I liked her veggie and fruit

stand.  I told her I was an artist.  I liked her stand.  I wanted to pay her money if I

could paint her stand.  She agreed.  I paid her 500 Jamaican dollars..equivalent to

US 5$.  Jamaican minimum wage is 1.40$ so I thought this would be more than

adequate.  I painted for many hours when this man sitting down came over and

was harrassing me.  He was intoxicated.  One of the fish scalers came to my rescue telling

him to leave the artist alone.  The veggie lady found a large knife..you can see it in her

hands.  She also pretended to call the police several times.  He finally gave up.  I was

so glad.  I had started to pack it up.  Then it rained.  The fish scalers allowed me to

stand under their pavillion while they worked.

   The man who came to my rescue is wearing the red shirt on the left with the cool fish hat.

   Such an appropriate hat to wear while fish scalling!

 The dog was asleep the entire time by his feet!  What an adventure today! 

  "Rasta's Dinner" 10x10 oil on copper.  650$ framed in gold wood.  Shipped free.

    A Rastafarian posed for the painting.  Tomorrow I may hire a taxi to take me to an area

where  Jamaican women are washing laundry.  I will check first to see if this driver is

safe.  I don't really know where he plans to take me.  He is asking for 60$ US.  So we will

see! 

     Robert reports Poppy stole two different patient's shoes and one pair of socks.  She is

doing very well at Robert's work with his boss being fine with her presence.  Many patients

love to see Poppy.  I was able to watch the pups on Skype tonight.  What a lot of activity!

Monet and Poppy jumping onto the couch then hoping over to the treadmill.  Poppy hiding

under the couch with Monet barking.  Then running into the sunroom barking.  Daisy

quieting watching all the activity!  Daisy looks great.  Have a good night! 

\

    I was invited to take a taxi to Rick's Cafe in Negril, Jamaica today before sunset.

Rick's Cafe is now a major destination!  The place is two story now with a pool and many

diving platforms for all!  I found a nice quiet spot down by the water in a

little cave. 

    It was very exciting to get away from the beach for an hour. 

    Many Jamaican prepared to dive!

    I saw a few tourist dive too.  One lady had

bruises forming on the backs of her legs.  She was alive!

    So nice to be back on the beaches of Negril. 

   I was also invited to dine at Marleys By The Sea.  This was a vegetarian dish with

tomatoes, pasta, veggies, with cheese on top.  Look at the that!  Wow. 

   I am doing really well with my Domino game.  I was lucky to have Larry teach me all

he knows about stategy one night.  Now I am a force to be reckoned with!  One Jamaican

lady was suprised to see me playing and was even more suprised to see me beating them.

She raised her arms and did a victory cry each time!  I joined in.  (Was not a big hit with

the men players)    I should probably let them win a few games so I am invited to

 play again.  Yes I play against Jamaicans too!  Tonight they made

a nickname for me "Fluffy".  People are called "Fluffy" when they are plump.  I think they

were insulting me because I was beating them over and over again.  When I dropped a

domino I told them  "I have Fluffy fingers".  That made them all laugh.  I cut out early

so as not to beat them all night long.  Who could  forsee me as a domino queen? 

     I had wet sandals today from walking on the beach last night.  A

wave washed over my sandals.   I am not able to concentrate wearing cold wet sandals while I

paint.  I had to take the day off.  Yeah right! 

   Robert reports a patient brought  Poppy three pink dog toys.  Monet was quick to

tear up one the minute Poppy returned home for the night.  Robert suggests Monet

doesn't like pink.  Or maybe Monet is mad.  Monet wants to go to work too.

"Boats Under The Black Mangrove Tree" 10x10 oil on copper.  650$ framed in gold and shipped!

    I made myself incredible Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee first this morning, hailed a

red tag taxi, walked around by the Negril River where all the fishing boats are.  I chose

this spot to paint shaded by the beautiful Black Mangrove Tree.  I watched all the fishing

activity and handed out almonds to anyone who was interested.  I was called the almond

lady today! 

    Here is the scene I was painting.  I had to delete a few boats.  I decided not to paint

all the white igrets in on location.  I can always add a few later after it dries.  This was

a very challenging painting.  One Jamaican said the painting was very ambitious.  I told

him it is the coffee here!  I met so many nice Jamaicans today.

   This man proudly showed off his blow fish purchase!   He was a friendly man.

   This fisherman was admired by all arriving home with many beautiful fish!

HE was walking away with his fish as I tried to take him photo.  One almond

eating lady asked him to stop so I could take his photo!  How nice they treated

me today.

    I don't normally eat their fish.  I am sure it is wonderful

but as you can tell some are very small.  It is difficult for them

to even catch fish now.  Fished out.

    I love to paint here along the river.  There are so many paintings to be done.  One

lady suggested I paint this view and another and yet another!  Many Jamaicans inquired

when I would be back?  Tomorrow?  I said, "Maybe so!  I have more almonds!"  They laughed.

   Here is the Pigeon Man from a few days ago.  I painted his pigeon coop.  I arrived today

to draw his boat for him.  I asked him to put the fishing basket back on the boat.  He

took off a few tires that were there.  He wanted me to take his photo.  He smelled very

nice today.

    Here I am painting the boats under the Mangrove tree today.  I am working on my

tan!  I think my tan is done! 

   "The Fish Basket" 10x10 oil on gesso board gifted to the Pigeon Man! 

   Robert reports all the dogs are getting along...here looking for chipmunks!

    Daisy's bed is their clubhouse!  How cute! 

Have a wonderful night!

    I had the most fun today painting my feet!  I used a thumb box size guerrilla painter

easel size 5x7.  I have never laughed so hard painting in my life. 

    After a little while one by passer told me my feet in the painting looked like a mans.

I commented well I do have rather large feet for a woman...size 11!  We all laughed

very hard.  I worked more to make the feet look more femine.  Then another person

commented the feet in the painting looked like they had jungle rot.  We all laughed

until we were crying.  Then another person said the feet looked like rigor mortis had

set in.  The feet looked like the person was dead.  Again we laughed.  Someone suggested

I smooth the skin.  I did have dry skin.  Painting feet are not as easy as you might

think! 

    "Happy Feet" 5x7 oil on copper 350$ framed in gold and shipped free.

   "Negril Colors" 5x7 oil on copper.  350$ framed in gold and shipped.

   Here is the beach at 7am. 

   Curtis, the wonderful fruit lady, cut me up two mangos for my dinner

tonight. 

    Beautiful!

   Here is Poppy at Robert's work.  She likes to play inside her cage with the door open.

   Poppy stole a patient's shoe.  Lucky no real damage was done to the shoe.  It was

discovered in time.  The patient had dogs.  He understood and laughed.  Phew!

   Poppy and Monet in between wrestling matches!

   Poppy has Monet pinned to the ground!

   Monet is watching how Daisy tears the inside out of the squirrel

toy.  He looks so tired!  

  
 
Robert sends a report about the pups: 
 
The treadmill is there favorite play ground. Up, off, over, under, leap, roll, ambush, hide. We are getting our money's worth out of it.
 
Have a wonderful night! 

    I thought you might like to see how the ocean in Negril, Jamaica changes through

the day.  Here is about 8:00am.

    Clouds rolled in about 12pm.

    Most days there is a beam of light on the ocean around 3 or 4 pm.

    Here is the luminous twilight tonight.

   I saw a herd of elephants in the distance!

    Really here is a closer look at the elephants! 

    I was so fortunate to be treated to dinner again tonight!  People love to feed a real

artist.  This was curried chicken and vegetables with side of veggies and salad.  Delicious!

   Robert reports that Monet looks like a show dog.  Poppy has legs longer than Monet all ready.

She is getting a wider face.  She has more muscular legs than Monet.  Robert had to put the puppies

in time out for rough play.  They must play so hard he does this so they don't injure each

other!  I can't imagine having one golden retriever.  Have a good night.  I will try to be

more productive tomorrow.  Sloth is a common issue here on the beach.

     I enjoyed talking to many people today.  I am very outgoing.  When I drink the Jamaican

coffee I am more outgoing.  Robert told me one day I have the personality of a golden retriever.

He says I love to meet new people.  I love to swim all day long if I am allowed to.  I am

very enthusiastic.  I like an adventure.  I would agree with him! 

    Nice Jamaican sunset!

     I have to admit I gave away my dinner money to a blind man with a pack of wild

dogs and also a man with only one leg.  Luckily for me I met someone who decided to

treat the artist to dinner!  Ha!  I am very lucky.  I had coconut milk snapper with

white rice mixed with red kidney beans and coleslaw.  I also had coconut bread pudding.

    I am getting so tanned I had to use the flash on the camera!  I blended into the night other

wise. 

    "Negril Morning" 4x8 oil on copper  350$ framed in gold and shipped free.

   Here is one of my seascapes I completed yesterday before the waves became gigantic!

I have studied the colors and structure for hours.

   Robert sent me an update on Monet and Poppy and Daisy!  His writings on the pups are hilarious to me..so I will share.

   Today was very amazing in Negril, Jamaica.  There were giant waves.  Some

were over my head so I imagine they were 7 to 8 feet high.  Most of the guests

were in the ocean jumping or diving into waves all day.  We were laughing like

we were kids.  One man, a chemist, talked a restaurant called Chances, out of their

surf board sign.  He hung on to the surf board.  He coasted in on his belly.

      I was so excited about the surf board.  I asked to borrow it!  I was on top

of the surf board in a minute waiting for a 8 foot wave!  I had seen

several movies with surfers.  The chemist pointed out the fins under the board. 

Then I noticed straight ahead the bouys on ropes had moved at a diagonal.

  If I had caught the wave, I would have sliced up the ropes with the

underside fins or I may have just become tangled up.  I handed

back the surf board.  I needed to exercise caution. Now I wish I would have

rode that surfboard in!

    I have never seen Negril's ocean like this.  One Jamaican claimed, "The sea is angry!"

I did paint two seascapes.  I just need to work a little more on each one before the reveal!

     I played many games of chess as the sun was setting.  There are many smart people

here who play chess very well!  Everyone is still enjoying the new chess set! 

    I ate a papaya, a pineapple, and four eggs for the whole day!  Have a good night!

"The Pigeon Coop" 10x10 oil on copper.  650$ framed in gold wood.  Shipped.

    Now here is a unique painting!  What a story I have for you today.  Yesterday

I scouted the area along the Negril, Jamaica river to paint.  I had hired a pseudo

rastafarian (he drank Red Stripe beer so that is how I know he was not a real rastafarian.)

Today I drank three cups of strong Blue Mountain coffee for courage.  I hired a red

tag licensed cab driver to drop me off at the river.  I was going to hire another

bodyguard.  As I walked to the river many Jamaicans smiled and said hello.  Everyone

was very kind.  No need for a bodyguard!  I decided to paint the pigeon coop.  I set

up to paint.  I knew I needed small gifts to give to these people.  Luckily I had a

large bag of strawberry covered baked almonds from USA.  I asked a man if he

might like to try some of these almonds.  I poured some in his hands.  He said

they were so good and even took another handful.  A lady came up.  She asked

a few questions.  I offered her some almonds.  She thought they were delicious!

So a few more Jamaicans came up for almonds.  They were very polite.  They were

such happy people.  They even asked if it as ok to watch me paint!  One man did a

video of me painting.  It was a great time.

    Here I am painting the pigeon coop!  I drew out a few pigeons on paper first and then painted them

in to the painting.  I met the man who owns the pigeon coop.  He smelled like a 20 year old pigeon.

I am only being honest.  I could tell he was a very kind man.  I asked him if the pigeons were pets?

He replied, "I eat the pigeons!".   I was shocked but contained my emotions.  I asked what the

pigeons tasted like?  He said they tasted sweet.  I asked how he prepared the pigeons to eat?

He said he cooks the pigeons in stews or soups. 

     Another Jamaican man came over and told me the pigeon man is also

a great fisherman.  He catches the largest fish in the whole village.  When I

was ready to leave, I gave the pigeon man 250 Jamaican which is equivalent

to 2.50$.  He asked, "Is this to feed my pigeons?"  I said, "Yes.  Thank you so much

for allowing me to paint your pigeons.  They are beautiful.  I love pigeons."   He

thanked me.  He asked me, "Will you come to paint tomorrow?  Will you draw

my boat for me?"  I told him I would love to.  

    Back at my hotel, I played chess with many different people including the Jamaican

artist.  I purchased a chess set for the hotel.  Many people will be enjoying the game

for many years.  I played chess for several hours last night too.  I have not played

a real game of chess in more than 10 years!    Hope you enjoyed

the story today!  I hope Robert is doing ok in Maine.  Here are today's photos

of the pups!

   Monet seems to be using Poppy as a pillow!  Robert says Monet has adult hair now.

Daisy has smelly old dog hair.  Poppy still have puppy hair.  Robert reports he has

unruly hair. 

    Daisy and Monet look like they are enjoying each other's company!  Have a good night!

    Robert sent me a report tonight.  What he reported had me on the edge of my seat then

laughing.  Here is his report:

      I just sat down for a little break.  I have been moving things and trying to stop the water flow all morning. We are doing ok , don't worry but I am just letting you know what is going on. The worst is over. So it started to pour in the early am. No leaks on the staircase side of the house. Those icedams are gone and I don't expect them to come back. The dining room side of the house is a mess. Had a little leaking in the art gallery behind the heater but that has stopped. There are 4-5 holes in the ceiling.   (OH MY GOODNESS)  The new light fixture was full of water.  (HE is talking about my new gallery lighting!)    That has been drained out. There was water all over the table. Luckily I left my PC closed. No water went in but ran over it.  I moved the table/chair/bike out. The water is running through that whole wall from the roof down into the basement. There it was running along the trusses and pouring down onto your rack of art supplies.  (GEE!)   That has been moved/cleared off. I moved the dryer and washer. But a lot of things up on dry area's and now I have every where buckets and totes standing to collect the water. Every so often I empty them out. The basement walls are holding up well. It is all coming down from that wall where you sit on the bike. There is massive icedams there on the roof I can never get too. This is the last area of concern. But it is getting much better. It is nearly 50 deg. out. Everything is melting fast. The rain should stop by 5 pm with some snow/sleet over night, than we have several days of sun and right around freezing during the day. That should clear the roof completely of. I moved the nice extra dining room chairs up into the gallery to let them dry. They will be fine.   (Robert,  If I had been home this all would have made me a nervous wreck!)
 
      During all of this offcourse the dogs are super hyped out. Running around, thinking I am playing.   (That is so funny...I am laughing at Robert's note)   They pull on my towels I used to mop things up. They have to constantly go in and out. I am busy and all that activity makes them pee and poop, so I mop that up too.  (Poor Robert!)  All is good now. I am going to keep an eye on every thing all day and over night started drying the house out. I will make a fire and place some heaters in the more most places to allow for things to dry in the dining room area.
 
I hope I didn't ruin your day. Don't worry about a thing. When you get back it will look like nothing ever happened  (Thank God!  Yeah Robert!)    Like I said the worst is over. It is a good thing I stayed home though I hate to miss a day of pay.  (GOod Job Robert!)
 
 

    Here is Monet!  He is a fine looking dog! 

 

Here is the youngest Poppy weighing in at 19 pounds now!  Thanks Robert for the update! 

     Here is Monet and Poppy climbing up the hill in our backyard!  Looks

chilly!   I am   glad I am here in Negril, Jamaica sitting in my 6x6 foot

board house listening to frogs singing! 

    I was invited to share a taxi with a man who stays at our hotel.  Maxine, the chef,

assured me he was trustworthy, honest, and harmless.  He is a delightful elderly

Canadian here for a month while his wife is doing chemo back at home.  He has

much more experience traveling in Jamaica.  We went to the bank, grocrey, and

Burger King.  Then we walked over the bridge where I saw all these fishing boats!

 

    This river leads to the left to the ocean.  This area is a public landing

for all the boats to rest.   I could never paint standing on the bridge. (I took this

photo standing on the bridge)   Too dangerous  for drivers and myself. 

 I could paint at BurgerKing to the left.  I don't think I would

like the design of the painting from across the river.  I hiked down to the shops across

the river to scout for a perfect location to paint.

 

        I wanted to go by the river but something told me maybe it might not be safe.

  A Jamaican man told me he would walk with me for a tip.  First he showed

 me this home in the tree built with wood and tarps in a treehouse fashion

 complete with dog and coconuts.  I loved it!  Right on the ocean along side of the river. 

 

    Plenty of subject matter to paint along this river.  I loved the laundry!  Yep!  This

will do!

 

    We walked a few more feet until we came to this pigeon cage!  Wow!  I could see an

interesting painting here!  Tomorrow I will grab a red tag plate taxi to the market. 

I will ask the shop owner known by my friend who will direct me to a Jamaican man

who will watch over me for 5 hours while I paint!  I will have to pay this Jamaican

bodyguard 10$ or so.  I imagine I will also buy him a few Red Stripe beers too.

 I hope for the best!  Have a good night! 

    Last year when I was here in Negril, Jamaica for a month the Wicker Man would

come by the hotel daily trying to sell his wicker.  He would announce to us, "I AM The

Wickerman!  Get Your Financial Matters In Order So You Can Support The Wickerman!"

He came over to me.  I remember last year I told him,  "I am in financial ruin!"  Everyone

laughed including the Wickerman.  He said to me quietly, "Well then work very hard this

next year so you can (Support The Wickerman!) very loudly!"   This year I saved a little

cash to "Support The Wickerman!"  He was excited about this.  He made me two different

hats  last night.  Here is the first one.  I liked it.  But he said the other one looked better

on me.  Also he claimed it had the Wickerman's art on the hat!

   So here is my new wicker hat!  It is very lightweight.  It is a little painful in the

headband area.  I will find cloth to help with this.  I like it.  Humidity won't make

the hat wilt as it is doing to my cloth hat!  I will wear it tomorrow!  The Wickerman

Strikes Again!  I also love it when he announces:  "Fasten YOur SEATBELTS!  The

Wickerman IS HERE!"   He goes over the stewartest duties on the airplane.

 We are all laughing.   I think he is very talented.  He entertains us.  We don't care

what type of products he sells we just want to buy whatever he has.  I did like his hats!

    Now that I am a Wickerman Client I am allowed to take his photo!  So here is the

Wickerman for all to see!  Buy a hat from the Wickerman!  Get your financial situation

in check! 

    Serious waves this morning as I recovered from my first vertigo.  Many

tourists told me it was just water in my ear.  I recovered shortly.  One

couple gave me many Red Stripes, Cranberry Juice, Chicken Hotdogs,

Cheese, and Water that they couldn't use up.  They were flying back

home.  I was so happy to meet them. 

    So beautiful! 

   The Jamaican waters are like diamonds.

   Beautiful organic fruits for sale right along the beach.  All one needs to do is walk

and purchase and eat!

    I ventured out of the hotel area onto the highway.  Here is

a cottonwood tree.  Long ago they would make cotton material

from these trees.

    Across the beach some wooden houses are more inexpensive to rent by the week or

month.  This is a one bedroom cottage for about 1000$ per month in December.  The

cottage has a bathroom.  There is tile floor.  It has a patagodia roof.   I like it!

    I was invited to play dominos with a few tourists and my Jamaican painter friend Ras

Devon Anthony Husmo.  I kept up.  I didn't win any games.  They said I did well.  I had

a blast playing dominos.  It is so challenging.  When I was younger I was a chest champion!

Dominos is very different with a lot of challenge. 

   Here is Poppy and Monet!  They play so hard! 

   I wanted to have a closer look at their faces!  That is an extra long ear Poppy!  I know

you will grow into it!  Fine looking pups!  Have a good night!

   Robert sent me a few photos of Daisy and Monet today!  Here is my sweet

Daisy.  She just loves the snow.  Robert reports he is happy to have a

Maine warden jacket  so he can keep Daisy company in the

freezing temperatures.  She loves to stay out in the snow for a long time.

   Here is little Monet putting his front feet up on the dutch door in our kitchen. 

  He is very affectionate when he sees Robert in the morning and when he comes home from work. 

Here is an note Robert sent me:

     Poppy had an interesting day. A patient came in with her 8 week old yellow lab not knowing Poppy was here. The dog was a male who was a lot smaller than Poppy and rather chubby. When they met they started off just starring at each other. Than some sniffing. I though they would play and was concerned that Poppy might beat him up since she plays extremely rough with Monet and can beat the snot out of Monet easily, literally knocking him over off his feet.  But she was so shy, not knowing what to make of this younger and smaller than her male doggy. Kinda looked like her but not like anything she knows.  So timid and shy. She turned away from him mostly tried to play some but just wasn't comfortable. He turned out much more outgoing than her. What a difference in personality. Poppy clearly the much better behaved one. Never barked, listening, not nipping at people.  Very sweet.  Than at the same time there was someone with a service dog. An Australian shepherd, Poppy never even blinked an eye at that dog. Off course he didn't either but that is because he was on the job. He walked right past her, she did not do anything to acknowledge him.
 
Than we got home, we had a good ride, she sat in my lap as earlier. And so happy she was to see Monet and Daisy. We have been home for 2 hours and 15 min. And they haven't stopped playing yet. Daisy is in the sun room We are in the play room separated. Playing hide and seek. Now she is hiding behind the couch and runs full speed at Monet who is near me.
 

    The beaches were crowed is some areas.  On the right is my painter friend Ras Devon.

    He has made excellent use of supplies I gave him.  I am so happy to report the small

canvas samples that were 5x7 are such a success! 

     At first Ras Devon looked at how  small they were and wondered what he

could do with them.

       He usually offers middle size canvas paintings to his clients. 

 He painted many small 5x7 paintings and sold many already for 10$ each which

 is a lot higher price per inch than those middle size canvases. 

      He is now giving some of the 5x7 canvas samples to his painter friends to use.

     He told me today he will start to cut up the larger canvases to create smaller ones.

       He  sees the 5x7 canvases to sell quicker, take less time to paint, and bring a higher price. 

      I  am very excited about that.  I had hoped to be of value to the Jamaican artists here! 

    I woke up at 5am to take a trip to Treasure Beach south of here.  It is a 3 hour drive.

A group of tourists agreed to chip in on the taxi fare.  We were all waiting.  The driver

never arrived.  I was tired.  So I took a day of rest!  I walked the beaches.  I swam

for hours.  I sat under the almond trees for shade.  I ate a beautiful avocado, 5 small

bananas, a chicken Jamaican patty, drank a Ting, two blue mountain coffees, and

drank a lot of water!  The group of tourists wanted to try it again tomorrow morning

with a different taxi driver.  I decided to stay here.  I saw a Jamaican who worked next

door wear a cast on his arm.  He had no more front teeth.  He said he was in a car accident.

Then another Jamaican man limped by on the beach.  My painter friend yelled out

to him to ask what happened.  The man had totaled his motorcycle.  I think I will

be safer right here.  I can walk anywhere safetly during the day.  The roads in Jamaica

can be very dangerous.  There are many car accidents here.

    Look at my view today!

    This was cute today on the beach.  Young kids were lined up to race.  The very youngest

ran before the man said to.  They could bearly run they were so young.  They raced

all the way to the finished line.  Their smiles were so contagious!  The beaches here

have so much character. 

    I noticed a bunny above the clouds!  It was beautiful!  Perfect bunny!  Funny that

I had just mentioned how some people travel around like rabbits.  I prefer to stay

in one place for a long time so I can get to know the locals.  I am content with

Negril.  Have a good night!

  Last year I walked next door to paint this banana tree, a Jamaican man yelled at me,

so I ran back to my hotel.  This year while I ate dinner at their restaurant I asked

the owner permission to paint the banana tree.  He said it would be fine.  Today I walked

there to paint.  There was a huge pile of garbage near the tree. There was a terrible

odor!  I didn't know if I could handle this odor while I painted.   The tree looked different

then last year.  I stared at the tree for about two minutes.  Nothing really excited me about

the banana tree this year.  I debated leaving.  I should have!  If a subject matter doesn't do

something to me why waste my time!  That is what I learned today.  I painted for four

hours or more.  I didn't like what was happening all the way through the process.  I started

to soften the edges.  Here is the painting at that point.

   I wanted to make the bananas the center of interest.  The bananas were in shadow

and not clearly visible.  I thought as I painted some sunlight would illuminate them.

Did not happen.  Little red ants bit me.  I had these ants climbing on my arms on my

back...everywhere!  I was so hot from the sun.  I was standing out there for 6 hours.

    I was clearly frustrated.  I softened the painting.  I still didn't like it.  I thought about

bringing it back the next day to work on it some more!  No way.  I decided to do the

'wipe out'.  This is when you wipe the painting down.  Get rid of it.  I used my palette knife

on the palette first.  I was thinking about wiping the painting down.  I was considering

NOT do the wipe off...because sometimes I wipe off pretty good work. 

    After scraping all the wasted oil paint in a pile I took a look at how much paint there

was.  I don't normally worry about all the wasted paint.  My Jamaican artist friend

cringed the other day when I wiped off my palette.  He said, "Oh look at all the paint

you will throw away.  It makes me so sad.  That is so much paint we could use."  So

today I was more aware of all the paint.  I bet this wasted oil paint cost at least

30$.  One tube of my Cobalt paint cost 65$.  So it is quite easily 30.  Luckily I never

think about this.  I don't have the 'cheapness disease'.  Thank heavens.  I have met

artists who don't paint because they are too afraid of using their paint!  That is so crazy.

My paint bill at the end of the year is the least of my costs! 

    I took a clean paper towel and wiped off my painting.  Then I dropped the copper

panel on the grass.  I took a new piece of paper towel, soaked it in turpenoid, and

wiped it clean.  At least my copper panel will be saved and used again.  I learned a lot

today. 

    I must spend time making sure the landscape is important enough, there

must be sunlight on fruit and flowers, and I must feel comfortable.  I must walk

away and find a new spot to paint...or I shouldn't paint at all. 

    Sparky sat down next to me on the beach.  I think he remembered me from last year.

He was Marmaduke's friend.  I noticed when Marmaduke's foot was acting up, he would

allow Sparky to be next to him.  Sparky would guard him from other mean homeless

dogs.  Sparky slept under my chair.  He protected me most of the day.  I swam

a lot today.  I forgot about that banana tree.  Someday I will paint another banana tree.

    What a beautiful sunset! 

  Here is a note from Robert: 

    L

     Robert sent me really cute photos of Monet and Poppy.  They are

really growing. 

    They are getting alot of snow soon in Maine!  Poppy can only handle being outside

in the snow for a few minutes before she lets Robert know she is ready to come inside.

Monet and Daisy can stay out for a long time.  I asked Robert if the puppies were getting

fat?  I thought they looked pretty chubby from these photos.  Robert replied, "Oh no.

They just look fat while they are lying down."

"Sundried Laundry at Firefly Hotel" 4x8 oil on copper.  350$ framed in gold and shipped.

    Here is the painting I worked on for most of the day.  What a challenge any painting is

in plein air.  Today the dry towels were exchanged  for wet towels quickly.   The little red hut

in the center on the left is where the ladies stand to hand wash each towel.  They rinse

each towel with a hose.  I decided to paint in the water hose too to add to

the story.  Not many hotels operate like this.  The owner said one lady complained about

how they wash the laundry.  I told him she would find something else to complain

about even if he bought the most expensive laundry machine.  He smiled.  It is impossible

to make an unhappy person happy. 

    Here is the laundry scene today.  I omitted a few bathrooms in the middle.  I guess I

made the laundry hut bigger as it was more important to the painting. 

   I decided to have two eggs and blue mountain coffee this morning.  Two eggs

cost 3.00$ US.  Curtis, the fruit lady, arrived later when I was painting. 

    I saw this sand man yesterday during my walk.  I loved it!  I thanked the sand

man builders.  They smiled.

    Ahh is all I can write!

    So many choices!

    I think this is Marmaduke, the homeless dog, that frequented the hotel last year.  Most

of the dogs on the beach look alike.  I will check his picture from last year.  I would like

to think Marmaduke is still alive and eating lots of jerk chicken!  Have a great night!  I

am going to watch the sunset and go to sleep.

    I had a Blue Mountain Jamaica coffee, put on a white dress, and walked the

beaches of Negril, Jamaica today!  It feels wonderful to be out of the cold dark

environment of Maine!  I am really enjoying myself.  I purchased

four small bananas, a large ripe papaya, and a Jamaican orange.  I paid only

5$ and Curtis, the Jamaican fruit lady, peeled and sliced up my fruit.  I buy

my fruit only from Curtis because she comes to the hotel, price is right,

and the fruit is fresh!

    Here is the afterglow of the sunrise last night.  I talked to a couple for an hour.  I watched

people walking by.  Then I waited for Robert's email.  I had asked him  to email me once

a day so I would know all is well.  I was worried.  I never heard from him.  I walked

back out to the beach.  Many people were walking by on their way to a party.  Next

door was a huge party with an entrance fee of 150$.  Their music was great but very loud.

I enjoyed most watching the lanterns lit by people flying up into the dark night sky.

I counted as many as 15 once.  I found a couple lighting one so I watched.  It took

a while for the lit candle to raise the lantern.  I was very facinated by the lanterns.

I stood by the fire and watched the lanterns for about an hour.  Then I was in my cottage.

I don't think many people slept last night from the loud music. 

   The colors of Jamaican's oceans are beautiful. 

    I walked all the way down the other side of Negril on the beach today until the end.

There was a path through the jungle to more of the beach.  I decided this was far enough

for today.  There is a beautiful and quiet park called Long Bay Beach Park. 

    Here is my dinner tonight.  Curried chicken, cabbage salad, and fries.  The curried

chicken had slices of ginger, carrots, green beans!  Really good.  I feel like I deserved

this. 

   Here is a cute email from Robert about the goldens!

    Poppy, the youngest weighs 19 pounds, Monet weighs 40, Daisy doesn't

want to be weighed, and Robert says he doesn't have his triathon body any

more.  Here is what Robert wrote: