Passing the time in Oakland by painting in various cafes and listening to people at nearby tables talk, to get a sense of the culture in the Bay Area. So far, I notice a greater acceptance of art as a living;  concern for politics; environmental concerns filter into many conversations; food and exercise. Also people obey the signals at street corners: shocking since in Boston it is everyone for themselves dodging in front of traffic. NO, even at 6 am people patiently wait for the walk sign to cross the street even if no car is visible for miles! They look at me funny if I try to cross.
Looking for something to paint I saw these little salt shakers all lined up and thought, well that might be a nice challenge! Maybe do a series of other mundane objects all in a row. Going out now to look for ketchup bottles or spoons.

3000 Miles traveled in 20 days! Uprooted my 35 year old art teaching business and now seeking to form new roots in the fertile soil of Oakland California. Rain has predominated these last few weeks, and the Californians are grateful for the end to the drought but apologetic to me, a newcomer, for the weather. Little do they know what I am comparing it to in my mind: the winter of hell in Boston! Sorry to all my old students in Boston! Now I have begun by painting each day in the local cafe. Listening in to the strangers talking near by to get a feel for the community. Not terribly different from Brookline, Massachusetts, but everyone is happier and in better health. Now on to seeking out my place in this new world!