"WITNESS" 5" X 7" Pastel

These wonderful old Cypress trees are such majestic sentries. They grow right on the coast where the moisture is greater than it is even one mile inland. There's a grove of them here locally with trees over three hundred years old. It would be wonderful if they could talk and share all they have seen!

We shot some scenic shots yesterday of the ocean south towards Point Lobos.

                                                                                   

                                                                                
                                                                             

"CALIFORNIA SUNSHINE" 5" X 7" Pastel

After a year and a half of back problems (four fractured vertebraes and compressed discs) and the procedures to "fix" them, my husband felt he had to have a change of scenery. So, a week ago, we traveled from Arizona to the central coast of California where we plan to stay for awhile. We used to live here, so it's like coming home for us, and it rejuvenates and inspires us. Third day here Clair, my husband, was in a bicycle accident when a man opened his car's driver's door just as Clair passed by. He went down hard, but thank goodness just deep contusions and scrapes rather than something much more serious. Because he can't walk well yet we take the car for little scenic jaunts where he can use his camera to photograph the area.

We can't believe all the gorgeous flowers, and I spotted these Coneflowers (I think) in full bloom. I did bring my pastels along so I was able to complete this painting. 

The pictures below were taken by me (a lower level of expertise with the camera) of places in the area.

                                                                                 

This was in our front yard yesterday morning.