Summer Paintings

Here are a few of the paintings I worked on this summer. There are a few more that didn't get photographed professionally this summer for one reason or another. Please do not share any of my images illegally. And if you do, plaster my name all over the place and mention a few times that the paintings are waaaay better in person and "wouldn't you like to buy one?"

Feria Medioeval en Avila

Olga, Anna, and I took the bus to Avila to see the renaissance fair a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I broke my camera with a wicked jab of the hip the next morning. I've been heart broken--especially since I only just bought it in August. Will I ever stop my clumsy ways? Will I ever be graceful and bruise free? Alas. Enjoy these last shots from a truly fabulous (and barely used) camera. RIP.

Pulpo in red wine.

Making friends with the doughnut man is a good life-skill: tasty free sample.

Sweet Arabian treats.

I'm not sure what kind of disgusting meat product this is, but I'm positive it comes from a pig.

This guy seemed confused at my lack of enthusiasm for his booty shakin'.

Queso!

Pulling off glam like only a Spanish woman can.

The spiciest thing I've eaten in Spain. Spanish people are unusually sensitive to spice and often warn you when something is "picante". Sometimes this means that it was lightly peppered. The guy seemed impressed that Olga, Anna, and I asked for more sauce. All three of us were chugging our beers to put out the fire that built up bite after bite. Whoops. It sure was delicious though!

The old walls of Avila.

Nothing like going to a real midieval town for a renaissance fair. The best part was the falconers' exhibition at the end. And this lucky shot I took as the trainer walked by with a hawk in each hand.

Estepona

I arrived in Estepona at 5:45 in the morning about 48 hours after leaving the States. It was completely dark and I passed the time reading some Isabel Allende (slowly, but in spanish--go me!) in a little cafe. Eventually I was too excited to sit still anymore and I began to haunt the boardwalk and the beach. It was lovely to wait out the sunrise by the sea.

It was amazing how many people were out enjoying the peace of the morning.

Espeto boat in the sunrise.

Our room at the hotel had a little kitchen and it was fun to cook our own food and eat it on our little terrace overlooking the vineyards, little town, and the sea. A little snack bar downstairs by the pool sold the most delicious roast chicken ever for about seven euros. Sigh.... We kept joking about how "expensive" this trip was. Who knew that vacationing doesn't have to break the bank?

It's hard to see, but there's a picture of a foot with spots all over it. Yeah. So if you have the spots, please don't swim in our pool.

A tight toe-race, though Susan is losing her cool.

The grueling walk to the beach through vineyards. We would count the number of times cars honked and hollered at us, "Oi, guapas!" Good grief. I think we got up to 10 or fifteen one trip.

Loveliness.

I love windmills.

A night on the.... terrace. We got dressed up and then walked a full fifty feet to the italian restaurant in the hotel.

This one is for Aunt Carol. It reminds me of camping and how she insists on having some Donettes for at least one breakfast. Who knew there was a gelato flavor?

They had these platforms set up on the beach with exercise instructors leading kickboxing related routines. It was hilarious to watch the children and parents stumble their way to health.

This little girl was particularly adorable. So determined!

I tried hiding in the shade a few times, but I still got more and more tan. I hadn't been this tan since childhood.

My new love: espetos. They're sardines roasted kebab style over coals that are kept in beached dory. Ridiculously tasty.

Alex is our fearless teacher.

I know a few street musicians who could use speaker pants like these.... This guy played the steel drum, saxophone, and guitar. He rocked out to some very annoying 80s tunes.

The crew on the beach. Tan guapa.

I could really use a chiringuito right now.... They're these little businesses right on the beach. They rent out deck chairs shaded by grass umbrellas and serve drinks and food. What a way to vacation: beer, wine, seafood, a novel, sunshine, floating in the sea, and friends. I highly recommend it.