Category Archives: Art

Can Beauty Come From the Ashes

Shea and I brought a few things back from the ruins of my garden which we tended to a bit yesterday. I had a sudden inspiration to try to resurrect a few more items. I think I can bring this plant back to life, and some of these other items can simply be washed, including this vase from Spain that my family had since the mid-1970’s. I’ll always be able to point to these items (among the less than 1% of things that I used to have) and say that they were among the few things that I had in the “before time.”

Clippings from this plant, which is more of an indoor plant that I had in a covered patio area, have been propagated by me several times, so it will be a big win if I can resurrect it from the dead when it’s been subject to the fire and exposed to the outside for over eight months. Some of the clippings were in my home office that perished.

Broadway Play in Vallejo

I’m so glad Shea and I got to watch “How to Survive An Apocalypse,” a play right here on Broadway (Street in Vallejo, hehe). I love supporting local theater. Stacey Loew and Jeff Lowe with Bay Area Stage Productions are amazing. I love the venue and the play, which was full of laughs and great fun. I think Stacey and I were at Obtainium Works earlier this year when I got this funky shirt that I love so much.

Sister Cities Dinner and Auction 2024

Had an amazing time at the Sister Cities International Dinner and Auction, which took place at the Filipino Community Center here in Vallejo. I helped Shea pick out this beautiful barong at Vallejo’s own Barong & Formal. The event was in recognition of Sister City La Spezia, Italy, where my cousin lives with his family. I got to speak a little Italian with the Italian dancers who performed, which I think they appreciated. There was a buffet from at least nine different cultures, as well as representatives from many parts of the world.

Butterfly Festival on Mare Island

Very busy day in Vallejo (unusually so for a Sunday) but before hours of resting by the pool with the dogs, we did the Vallejo Garden Tour and was able to make a pit-stop at the Mare Island dock for this first annual event, a Bay Area Butterfly Festival. It was very well attended and I’m so proud of my friend Shani Simmons for helping to organize this with a team of dedicated nature fans!

Shea Grove and Greg Haretos are shown here with me as we took a bathroom break to stop by and show our support.