YULETIDINGS TO ALL

A STREET VIEW OF A LOST CITY

The Amphitheatre at Pompeii, with Mt. Vesuvius in the distance.

Ok, this may possibly be one of the coolest things that I've seen on the Internet. Google Maps now has a street view tour of ancient Pompeii that is very cool. When I was a senior in High School, the first exhibit outside of Italy of artifacts from Pompeii came to Chicago. Our senior class trip was to the Field Museum to see the exhibit and the top of the Sears Tower and all of the other good stuff that you do in Chicago. I don't know why it is, but that experience has always stuck with me. It's sort of the same thing as how the tragedy of the Titanic lingers in so many of our imaginations. I suppose that it's partly the sudden and great loss of life that was the ultimate equalizer between the classes. The iceberg and the volcano care nothing for your social status. But I think it's something more. I think it's about how quickly everything can change, especially when you don't heed warnings. I think there's something captivating about all of the fabulous architecture, art, wealth, commerce and simple everyday life being completely covered over in 20 feet of ash for all of those centuries, waiting to see the light of day.

I've always wanted to travel here, and I hope one day I will. Until I do, this very cool street view will make me feel at least a little like I'm there. Check out the link in this article by Discovery News. Once your at the street view, scroll in the direction that you want to see and double click.

HERE I AM

Dad in the hospital, desperate for reading material.

Wow, I've been gone for a while. My Dad wasn't feeling well last week and ended up in the hospital. He's doing fine now, but hanging out in the hospital is no fun for anyone. He was short of reading material so I lent him my favorite magazine, Art Jewelry. I'm not sure he was impressed. His tastes run more towards Ducks Unlimited or Wood Carving Illustrated, but beggars can't be choosers. He probably won't like seeing his picture here, but I figure you can't see him behind the magazine anyway.

This afternoon I had the nicest group of ladies come to the studio to shop. They were so sweet. It's nice to see a group of friends like this. We had cupcakes, wine, sparkling cider and lots of laughs. Thank you so much Barbara, Nancy, Kate and Joanne! Also, Happy Birthday Joanne!