My New Book

Yesterday was a very exciting day for me! I just got my first printed proof copy of my new book, "Jewels In The Junkyard". I have spent the last year and a half working on it, and it is now available to order through Amazon.com!!! It is also available as an eBook in the Kindle format.

It's been a tough assignment, and I felt like quitting several times along the way. But I know that sharing my story of the last seven years since losing my wife, Cathy, will resonate with others who may be struggling with grief. Thanks to all those who have been so encouraging to me while on this project!! 

Click here for the link to Amazon.com!

Below is a postcard that you can digitally share with those who may find my story helpful.

SKETCHBOOK - "Belvoir Winery"

Today, it's been 4 years since my wife, Cathy, died.  Each year at this time...well...I never quite know what to do about it.  It gets a little easier, I suppose.  The family honors Cat in their own way...but it's always an odd mix of emotions.  One of the things Cathy told me in a note she left was for me to "keep sketching".  So today...I did just that.

It just happened to be one of the monthly "sketch crawls" with a group of artists I belong to online...  the "Urban Sketchers Midwest".  Today we went to the Belvoir Winery in Liberty, Missouri.  I had never been there before.  I was thinking that the vineyard would be on the surrounding land, but alas...it wasn't.  But the place is beautiful and interesting...weddings are held there.  I'll go back, if for no other reason than to go inside.  (It was too nice outside for me to sketch indoors!)

My first sketch was done from the side of the road that leads up to the old "Odd Fellows Home" that has been turned into the winery.  The marsh just caught my eye.  Drawing at this spot also helped me avoid the hundreds of children that were just up the road having an Easter egg hunt on the grounds.

The next sketch is of one of the many sculptural elements that line the looooonnnnngggg stairway leading up to the main building.  This is the entrance to the winery.

 I tried to loosen up some on my final sketch of the day.  This is part of the older buildings that have not been restored...the "ruins", as it were.  I don't know the history of the property...I'll need to read up about it on their website.

Below is one of the last photos I have of Cathy, taken just 3 months before she passed away. I am so blessed that she was so supportive of all of my creative endeavors, and I often think of her encouragement.  Thanks for a lovely day, Cat...I miss you!

Remembering Cathy

On Tuesday, it will have been one year since my wife, Cathy, died.

I've thought a lot about how much I should post on the matter. While I could probably fill a book with all that I have gone through, I think I will keep things simple. Many of you have written very thoughtful and caring messages to me. I really appreciate it...more than you can know.

I found this photo in a box this week...it is from 1982. We had been married for only a couple of years, and were celebrating Cat's birthday at her favorite Japanese steak house. Those are the moments I want to remember. After nearly 30 wonderful years of marriage, I can truly say that Cathy changed me for the better. Thanks for your prayers, as my family continues on.

Oregon Coast: A few more

(Here are a few more photos from the trip to Oregon to place some of Cathy's ashes in the ocean.)

A Christmas Star...fish.

Okay, I'll come right out with it...I don't have any current projects to post. We've come nearly to the end of this crazy year, and I must admit: I'M TIRED! I've been slowing the pace down the last couple of weeks...and probably will continue to do that through the end of 2010. So, until I start up my "next thing", I thought I'd just show a few more photos from my October trip to the Oregon Coast.

Below are a few "stars at night"...clinging to the barnacle-covered rocks during low tide at the base of "Haystack Rock" at Cannon Beach.

On our flight in to Portland, Courtney and I could see Mt. St. Helens, and Mount Hood from the window of our plane.

Here's a nice ol' "Grinch Faced Eel" at a dinky little, over-priced aquarium we went to at Seaside, Oregon.

In Ecola State Park, there was some really interesting green slime growing on the rocks. Very festive for the holiday season!

In Astoria, we saw these huge sea lions all over the docks, barking loudly at who knows what. Note the rain that was coming down during most of our trip. Courtney took this photo.

Here are Jenni and Courtney standing in front of what's left of the shipwrecked "Peter Iredale"...an English sailing ship that ran aground during a storm in 1906. This was in Fort Stevens State Park, just outside of Warrenton. (Love the name of that town!)

A pair of salt-water crocs on Cannon Beach.

As we were driving out of Cannon Beach, the sun broke through the dense fog for just a brief moment.

Here's one more photo by Courtney...it makes a great screen-saver for my computer!

Obviously...this last photo is not from the beach. It's my house, all lit up. In case I don't post again for a while, I just want to wish you a Happy Holiday with friends and family. Count your blessings...each day you share with your loved ones is truly a gift!!

Oregon Coast

I just got back from a very significant trip with my two daughters over the weekend. We all flew out to Portland, Oregon, then rented a car to travel to Cannon Beach. As many of you know, my wife, Cat, died on April 19th of this year. The main purpose of the trip was for my daughter, Courtney, to be able to spread the remaining bit of ashes of her Mom. Cat had loved the ocean all of her life, and we thought it would be something she'd be happy with...to become part of the Great Pacific!

This will probably be the longest post I've made so far. I decided to load it all at once, instead of breaking it up into "chapters". There were many more photos, but I chose some of my favorites.

We arrived at Cannon Beach late in the afternoon on Friday. We managed to avoid rain for the trip out there, but as soon as we made our way to the beach...raindrops started to fall. We knew the local weather was going to include rain...Oregon usually does.

There's a nice little path that was near where we stayed (The Lighthouse Inn). Walk through the covering of trees...and there is the beach!

Just happy to be here!! In the background is the famous Haystack Rock. One of the fun things about picking this area was that several movies have been filmed around there, and farther up the coast..."Twilight"..."Point Break"...and of course "The Goonies"!! (I'm ordering the Goonies 25th Anniversary Special DVD this week!)

The next morning, after breakfast, we headed up the coast. Down the road from Cannon Beach is Ecola State Park. Just as we entered the park, we saw about 10 ELK just laying around near the road!

You drive through the park down a curvy road, surrounded by lush green pines, with ferns and moss covering every surface...magical. Then we came to Ecola Viewpoint...crazy weather time!! The fog was dense...the wind was brutal...the rain was whipping into our faces...and WE WERE LOVING IT! Jenni has seen some comparable coastlines in New Zealand...but Courtney and I were in awe. We miscalculated on proper rain gear for Courtney...her poncho was ridiculous, and inflated like a giant blueberry (remember the girl in the Willy Wonka movie?)!
Wet and windy!!
Love those gorgeous waves!!
Later in the day, Courtney borrowed Jen's rain suit, and we returned...we thought it was windy before...it was insane when we came back!!! It was nearly blowing us off the trail...but the whole time Courtney and I were screaming to each other, "This is AWESOME!!!" (Screaming, because it was the only way we could hear, and because it was so much FUN!)

This next segment is from Indian Beach, in the park...about a mile and a half from Ecola Viewpoint.
Courtney is below on the rocky shore, with Jen's gear on...much better than the poncho!

We kept going up north...I'm leaving out some of our stops along the way...too many photos. But I had to show these from Astoria, Oregon...the "Goonies House"!

Finally, on Sunday, we had a break in the weather...at least no rain. But the fog was beautiful, and gave us some great photo opportunities back at Cannon Beach.

Jenni and Courtney heading towards Haystack Rock...
...but the waves kept chasing them back towards the beach. Run, Forest, Run!

Here are two panaramic scenes I pasted together from several shots...the beach view, then the ocean view.

We spent a bit more time wandering around Haystack Rock, the girls following in their Mom's footsteps with camera in hand. Then we headed back to Portland and got on our planes...Jen to Lake Tahoe, Courtney and I to KC.

I'll leave you with this image of what I will now call "Cat's Rock"...the little half oval rock in the center of the photo. This is the place where Cat's ashes joined with the great waters she so adored.
We love you, Cathy...thanks for being with us on this journey!

Cat's Memorial Bench

This weekend, a small group of family and friends braved the incredibly hot weather on Sunday, and went out to the Overland Park Arboretum. We gathered to see the new plaque on the memorial bench dedicated to my wife, Cat. We shared some tears and a few words from the heart, then took a brief walk in the gardens. It was so hot, however, that we didn't stay very long. A special thanks goes out to everyone who was able to be there. I'd also like to thank those who donated to the bench memorial fund. Cat would be so pleased that you honored her in this way.

Below are a few photos of "Cat's Bench" which is located within the "Legacy Garden" area of the Arboretum. It is such a beautiful setting, with the sounds of a bubbling brook nearby. I hope, if you are in Kansas City, you can visit the Arboretum (when the weather is cooler) and take a moment to breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds, and enjoy a quiet moment of reflection while sitting on Cat's Bench. Cathy loved to go there often and take photos of the flowers, so bring your camera and enjoy wandering the many trails and walkways.