More people sketches for my one week 100 challenge 2021. I sketched figures on public transport, at cafes and at the local farmer’s market. I also had a go at a bit of reportage.

Sketching at a Sunday concert series in Santa Monica with The California Feetwarmers.

A collection of people I’ve encountered and sketched during my walks around Culver City in May.

Looking back on my 20th Year and the wild ride it was.

A collection of people I’ve encountered and sketched during my walks around Culver City in April.

A Van Gogh self portrait at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art was the inspiration behind my passion to sketch. His painting was full of movement and emotions, and he was able to convey both movement and emotion in this one painting. It inspired me to start copying his self-portraits in charcoal and pastels to improve my portrait sketching style

I thought the Culver City Stairs was an ideal local hiking trail, and would be good exercise. Turns out it’s good for creativity too.

A Covid-inspired relocation back to the heart of Culver City, Los Angeles.

I visited the original Starbucks Store in Seattle. I’m a coffee enthusiast and slow traveler, and like to support local businesses, but I can’t resist a Starbucks Americano.

Guest Blogger Nancy Hann shares all the reasons why you should include a visit to the UN the next time you’re visiting New York City.

Dog sitting in California again for the velcro dog Shogi.

It was good to practice my sewing skills again to make some throw cushions and box cushions as a thank you to our hosts.

How many times have you created a travel plan, only to have it fall apart? Now I’m making travel intentions rather than travel plans. Our whirlwind tour of the United States was extended and here’s some lessons we’ll incorporate next time.

Roaming around Abbott Kinney in Venice California. Looking at the street art and murals, and the location of Charlie Chaplin’s former home.

A visit to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to view Van Gogh’s bedroom on loan from the Chicago Art Institute.

Monday Morning diet of government bureaucracy and paying for the privilege of eating up my day. How I got my buttons pushed at the DMV.

Our latest dog sitting charge was a 1 year old Vizsla named Shogi, all she wanted to do was play catch and be loved. If only life were that simple for all of us.

We used to have two of the ugliest couches. But my trusty sewing machine came to the rescue, and I re-covered both of them with fabric from Michael Levine’s in LA’s garment district.

We’ve been cooking this dishes for subsequent Christmas Dinners, and just discovered it has a name: A Perog or maybe a Coulibiac?

No trip to New York is complete without a trip to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. It’s tasteful, thoughtful, and inspiring.

Autumn is the best time to take a trip up to the Top of the Rock, the Observation deck in the Rockefeller Center, to get a colourful view of Central Park.

Photo Essay of our out-of-season trip to Coney Island for a Boardwalk stroll and voyeurs view of Luna Amusement Park, Brooklyn.

The Union Square Therapy wall in NYC is the brainchild of Matthew “Levee” Chavez as a way for New Yorkers to get their thoughts and fears off their chest.

Back in ’89/’90 we had many a leisurely brunch and hurried late night snack at the Empire Diner in West Chelsea .. so it was with heavy heart that I discovered its demise during a Sunday Stroll in the old neighbourhood.