Hello, and thanks for stopping by to witness my sundry creations, be they paintings or writings, or who knows what. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to come on by.

I will soon elucidate certain things about me in the near future, about my art, my ideas, and anything else that just happens to enter my fevered imagination.

For now, take good care, and I'll see you around.

Paul

I miss him dearly!

This picture was taken two days before he died, four days after his 78th birthday. Here he is, with glass of chardonnay in hand, strolling along a stretch of pebbled beach in front of Brinyview, a lovely cottage on Bailey Island, Maine, where our family has vacationed for years.

The island is nothing more than sea, sand and sky, and rugged rocks that encircle the land, but it is a place of healing and utter relaxation. It is rather fitting that my Dad was there, to witness the tranquil sea once more, and spending time with loved ones. It is fitting because he has not been to this calming place in decades.

Perhaps he knew that it was almost time. Perhaps he wanted to chance one last glimpse of such an enchanting island, to reminisce upon the many moments spent with family and maybe wondering why in hell he did not partake in this haven of delight more often in the past. (A Dad blog here in a previous post, titled 'Encomium For My Father'.)

My Dad was a quiet, reserved man, but he had a tremendous capacity for love and generosity, and the moment I learned of his demise I was crushed, heartbroken to learn that this mentor of mine was no more.
I called him 'Pops', and he is sorely missed.

Wherever you are, Dad, know that I love you and that I'm thinking of you, and wish you nothing more than a comforting smile etched upon your visage.

I love you, Pops.
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Two of our kitties, jostling for position near the radiator. The one looming over the other is Boo, our 17 pound cat, and he rules the roost. Although he is quite pinguid, he is rather agile and can leap upon furniture with incredible dexterity. "Boo! Behave yourself!" Cats are, without a doubt, such a welcome addition to the household, providing many a laugh with their varied antics.

The other two, Fenway and Miles, are fascinating creatures as well. The former I sometimes call Eeyore, as he seems rather depressed at times and perhaps needs a sprinkling of Kittie Prozac. Miles, on the other hand, is such a nervous feline, that I think one day he will simply disappear! I call him our '2 ounce cat', although he really weighs perhaps five pounds.

They all get along handsomely, and all three always provide moments that are never dull.