a tale un-fold

Whales, the earth's most massive mammals, have been depicted as mysterious creatures in stories throughout history. There is a certain allure they carry about them. Occasionally, we hear in the news about how some of the populations are dwindling, or how the use of sonar is throwing them off their migrations, or even worse, hunting.

Yet finding out that these gentle giants are very social and extroverted, and that researchers have discovered that they know how to teach and learn, they scheme, cooperate and grieve and even dream. Their intelligence is definitely underestimated, and studies have shown that whales learn to avoid areas that are unsafe, and they have good memories in navigating that is beyond instinct and more closely related to making decisions.

Do you wonder? They sound a lot like us. Maybe we have more in common with the whales than we thought.

"a tale un-fold" approx. 6" x 4" mixed media on wood block

Mom's gone wild

March 4-6, 2011.

A weekend that will go down in history where my BFF from long ago (I mean really long ago!) had a girl's getaway in Austin, TX! I flew in to Dallas and we drove down to Austin, a three hour drive where by the end of the trip both of us had about lost our voices because we were talking so much, and arrived at the Four Seasons for two luxurious nights downtown. We ate a variety of local fare from Mexican (of course) and 1800 Reposado margaritas to food truck cuisine and trailer park burgers.

We even got to see Edwin McCain and Sister Hazel Saturday night at Antone's-standing room only, and we were front row! Austin is everything I've heard and more. I'd be happy to hang out in a saloon and shop retro cowboy boots any old time, I'm so glad I got to spend it with one of my favorite gals! Miss you already Di, XO !!