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.

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.

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.

You’ve been waiting for this moment and here it is – Josh “The Movie Squabblers” Obscure Gems and and Bottom 5 movies of 2015.

Leaving LAX with excess baggage, and arriving in the lap of luxury at the Elite World Business Hotel in Istanbul for our first night of our new life in Turkey.

After 17 years living the LA dream, we sold, gave away and donated our belongings to start a new life in Turkey. Our life was whittled down to 11 pieces of luggage and two sleep deprived travelers.

“Why do we hoard, and leave clutter untouched, When all that we need just isn’t that much.” The decluttering process inspired a poem about getting rid of your stuff, and starting a new journey. Includes a Pinnable image.

Here’s my tried and tested SIMPLE recipe for Spicy Pineapple Salsa with Pul Biber. It’s a creative way to incorporate this hot Turkish spice into a fresh and fruity salsa.

Photo Album of the 2015 Half Moon Bay 4th of July Parade. See the cast of characters parading down Main Street for the annual parade to celebrate the Independence from us Brits! I kept my accent firmly under wraps!

Killing Time before & after Half Moon Bay 4th of July Parade I went Horse Riding, ate at Main Street Diner and walked the dogs in El Granada’s Quarry Park. Head to Vista Point for a panoramic view of Pillar Point Harbour and Mavaricks Beach.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is just north of Half Moon Bay. It’s famous for it’s tide pools and Seal Cove Beach. The best time to visit is low tide.

I took a Stroll Down Half Moon Bay Main Street when I was dog sitting in Northern California. It’s a quaint old town, and it’s easy to see it’s mass appeal