Will work for food

For the most part when an Ecuadorean asks me to do a paint project, I offer to work for food. While house sitting, one of the local surfers came down and asked me if I could paint a couple signs for him. He wrote down what he wanted, and I told him when they would be ready.

He apparently fixes surfboards, and wanted people to keep the beach clean. When he came to pick them up, I was in the middle of moving, so I just told him they were a gift, and he said he would catch me sometime...maybe, but I doubt it.

Most recently some kids found me sitting on the porch at Jerri’s and asked if I could paint some pictures for them. They had a deadline, by the 6th of April, and I said no problem, and then we figured out what they wanted. Three boards with pictures, no words, one of the Cabana restaurants, one with a sunset, and one with the mangrove tower. To be delivered to the Golden Dragon Restaurant down the beach.

Still not quite sure if they are just decoration for the restaurant, or if they are raffle prizes or what, but...I will work for food, and that is all that matters. I really love being asked, and like having a project to work on. So...stay tuned, the adventure continues!

House Sitting and Dog sitting

When Mike and I seperated last year, I started putting the word out that I was available for house and dog sitting. I decided to charge $15 a day, and have had several jobs, this past week was a doozy.

On Thursday I went to San Alejo to sit for friends Pam and Bonnie, while they went south to celebrate a birthday. They have two dogs, one HUGE and furry, and Stevie, a small poodle thing. Perry, as always went with me, as he is soooooo good with everybody.

I was lucky to have an above ground pool, and a beautiful balcony to sit and watch the sunset. Life is good...

On Monday Perry and I had to move on, back to San Clemente to sit for Laqueta and Mike while they went on a three day trip up north. While there, I had a couple painting projects to work on, and again, had some great leftovers in the fridge, and a beautiful spot to hang out.

Alexis, the Boxer and Rocky the lab/rotweiller mix, both very sweet dogs. Perry always has fun playing with his new buddies.

awww, he is all tuckered out...my sweet boy.

Here today is Friday, and low and behold...I am at another house. Today is a trial run, the dogs here dont know me very well, and the owners thought it might be good to have me be alone with them today while they went shopping in “the big city”. I will be house sitting here for three weeks starting the first of April. Another house with a pool, did I mention that life does not suck?

AND, I get to house sit where this sunset picture was taken for three weeks in May! Also will have painting projects and a couch recovery project while I am there. So, stay tuned...the adventure continues!

First Annual Art and Craft Show

The day for the show finally arrived, I had been getting inventory ready for about three weeks, knowing the month of March was going to fly by. I had made arrangments to share a taxi truck with a lady Kerry who lives in San Jacinto, but as time passed and no truck, she chose to find another way. My truck DID finally arrive, an HOUR LATE...

the truck was smaller than expected, and I couldnt fit a couple of painted tables, but I took quite a bit, and some of Mike’s art too. After a bit of a frazzled morning, I got myself set up and was able to cool off. The show was held south in Crucita, on top of the hill where they do hang gliding, a wonderful restaurant La Loma, offered the use of their grassy area and served lunch specials to the artists and shoppers.

Many people from San Clemente and San Jacinto came to browse, shop and support. A bus of people came from Manta and another from Santa Marianita just south of Manta. Had another artist from San clemente, me and Kerry, the others were from Crucita. Maybe a dozen artists total...

Tagua jewelry, “panama” hats, lots of art, abstract, whimiscal, real ART, painted palm fronds, shell mirrors, wood burning, some dolls, a real mix. I sold about $100 for Mike and another $100 for me after the cost of taxis and table rental. None of the painted furniture sold, only because people came together and didnt necessarily have transport. I made and gave out business cards, so may get some calls or emails in the future.

A very good turn out, and I think many of the artists did well. Moving forward I will most likely focus on custom jobs, and not have so much “inventory”, but do know what sells best and will participate again next year. There is talk of a Christmas fair too. Around 3pm people started packing up, the crowds had dwindled, but from 10-3 was much traffic.

Beautiful area, gorgeous day, good food and even had some entertainment. All in all a WONDERFUL experience. So...stay tuned, the adventure continues!