I am always on the hunt for cool stuff. Check out the work of Dutch artist, Anita Lortije.
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Aloha Life
Just got back from Hawaii and I still have that blissed-out feeling you get after a few days sleeping to the sound of crashing waves and waking up to a killer ocean view.
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Flea Market Inspiration
"I love going to flea markets especially when I am traveling, because I love seeing the stuff of other cultures, handicrafts and things with historical content."Anna Sui
I am a flea market addict. It's one of my favorite things to do when I travel and even at home in the San Francisco Bay area. The Alameda Antique market is probably my favorite in SF and when I am in SoCal I hit up the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena.
It's always a great source of creative inspiration and the key for a successful trip for is to have no expectations. When I go looking for something in particular I never find it and I end up missing some cool stuff. And, of course, i always bring my camera...because you never know what you might find.
Bon Voyage 8 x 6 in. $135. Flea market-inspired original mixed media
Abandoned Mare Island Naval Hospital built in 1869.
Always Bring Your Wingman
The bolted front door was unlocked by a facilities manager, who walked around the first floor with me while telling a tale of WW I amputees, an excess of removed limbs and something about the basement and a concrete burial. It was difficult to listen. My eyes were fixed on the huge 19th century windows casting light on the walls of peeling paint. I could barely wait to explore. Then, he left with a final warning to avoid the basement. I was alone in the three-storied abandoned hospital with no electricity, no flashlight (I was ill-prepared) and a very dark staircase.
Remnants on third floor of the abandoned hospital.
It was completely silent except for the gusty winds that rattled the windows and tree branches that banged against the glass. In the distance I could hear the clanging of metal on the flag pole outside the front entrance. This is not a gig best enjoyed solo. The first trip up the stairs was tough - I started up then turned back a couple of times. Finally I felt my way up using the railing. As I explored the upper floors, I was shaky at first but after a while my fear subsided and began to imagine the Pearl Harbor survivors and the 1918 flu epidemic patients who passed through here...so much history. I still want to check out the basement but definitely with a wingman.
