Farewell to the Pacific NW (for now)...

I've had such a great time visiting the family and chillin' out. My time on the coast was just fantastic – just the right mix of adventures and relaxation. I'm so thankful for the family's place in Waldport. Such a fantastic retreat! I feel like I stocked up on rest AND got some work done. Nice! After heading back over the Coast range on Wednesday, Mom and I visited sis Deanna and her family which was fun and full of energy.


Then we hit the road on Thursday for Seattle to eat. Well, that's what it felt like. With Aunt Pam and cousin Cori and little Weston, we ate incredibly well all over the city. I'm now on a fast to recover from all the goodness. And in an attempt to curb the appetite with something a wee bit grody, we visited the infamous wall of gum near Pike Place Market. Here's a pic of Mom, Pam and I at the wall. Notice the word "JOY" spelled out in what I'm guessing is neon apple. It took a lot of coersion to get them near it. All kidding aside, the visit was so lovely and I'm so thankful to Aunt Pam for hosting us – and to her dog Bella for changing her attitude towards me. I also had a great visit with repeat offender client and brilliant friend Quinn, AND caught some live music with Cori in Ballard. Good trip.


We returned to the folks' homestead yesterday and had a lovely evening of Taco Time and SNL's Presidential Bash. And now after another visit with Grandma and a shuttle ride, I'm sitting in the Portland airport awaiting my flight home. I'll hit the ground running when I land in Burbank. Brotha-from-anotha-motha Roller and his lady Michelle will pick me up on their last night visiting LA (before heading back to Chicago). If all goes according to plan, I'll catch part of my dear friend Mel's debut solo jazz show before rejoining Roller and gang at Father's Office. The whole whirlwind evening sounds crazy and fun, and I can't wait to get on with it.


And even though it sounds like a late evening will be in order, I've gotta be up at seven tomorrow morning for the start of Inauguration Day coverage. I'm so excited!! So in addition to a change of direction in America (and HOPEfully a brighter new day), on a smaller scale, I'm responsible to usher in a new chapter in my illustration endeavors. I have to chain myself to the drawing board over the next week or two – a big caricature commission, some adjustments on previous work, and two huge personal projects that may well change my future. We'll see. Nose to the grindstone... that's me. Here we go! Wishes of peace and love are going out to you all. Take care, and love your neighbor.