Friends,

It has been a rather difficult year, with many challenges, not the least of which is the loss of three dear and wonderful friends.  Not since the AIDS epidemic hit California so many years ago, have I lost so many friends in such a narrow window of time.  In September, my extraordinary friend, Terry Gates, passed unexpectedly.  As a screenwriter, artist, photographer and author, he left an indelible stamp on me and many others, with his enormous talent and incredible persona. 

His photographic work extended over a period of almost fifty years and much of his early work was for the purpose of presenting ideals for the characters in his screenplays, one of which elicited favorable comment from none other than Orson Welles.

His plane ride with Timothy Leary was a definite adventure, which few of us ever had the opportunity to share, and was just one of the many unique experiences that helped to shape his creativity.  As I mentioned, he was/is an extraordinary friend and I miss him, terribly.

Physically, my mobility challenges have grown, but I am not complaining.  I am, after all, a very fortunate person.

I wish everyone a very happy and joyful holiday and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!


KJ

Friends,

It has been a few months since my last post and, in this second-by-second world we live in, this is a travesty, for some.  I do not believe that everyone wishes to know when I last ate at Siobhans on the Black Sea, my shopping habits in Paris, nor do they wish to know the progress of my day-to-day activities.  Perhaps I am a dinosaur in this aspect of my personae?  Perhaps.  Most of my personal news would be mundane, such as activities related to autos, home, garden, workshop, and other areas of import in my life.

The most significant recent development in my life is the passing of my mentor and dear friend.  For those of you who have a copy of my book, she is at the top of the list of those to whom I offered recognition.  She was a remarkable woman and someone who altered the direction of my life, in a very positive manner.  Without her influence, I am not so sure that even I would like me.  The value of her gift is immeasurable.

My counsel to those who would listen: remember your teachers, mentors and guides - the ones who steered you in the right direction and reminded you to listen to your inner voice.

KJ      

Friends,

Several years ago, I was visiting friends in New Mexico, USA and they took me to a museum on a weekend afternoon, where they were donating their time to help prepare for the evening's symphony event, which we were scheduled to attend. At that time, I was still in need of a cane to move about and opted to wait outside, in the shade, while they went inside to prepare. I found a nice location under a tree and joined a gentleman of mature years who was already enjoying a comfortable bench in the shade, and who offered me a quick smile and nod, before returning his attention to the pipe and drum group warming up in front of us. Within a minute or so we had struck up a conversation, as people often do, when not immersed in their iPods/iPads/iwhatevers, and he asked me if I enjoyed the pipes, to which I replied that I did and very much so. After some discussion, and comments on the warming-up of the performers, he asked me if I had a favorite, to which I replied:

"When I was a boy, I heard the Black Watch perform Amazing Grace, and I have never heard it performed better than with bagpipes."

"Would you like to hear it, now?" he asked.

His name was Patrick and it turned out that he was the driving force behind the organization and was an old piper, himself. After a quick chat with the Pipe Major, they began to play my favorite. I was stunned and very moved, not only by their expert rendition of this wonderful work, but also by the kindness and graciousness of this man I had just met, minutes before.

During the time we sat together, speaking of music, bagpipes and single malt whisky, I learned a great deal about how the bagpipes came to be in Albuquerque and even more about this truly unique individual. Teaching the music was as important to him as playing it, which is why there were several generations present who could attest to his influence. At the end of their public performance, it was he who asked the performers if they would pose for me and I was very pleased that we were able to convince him to join in. The woman behind him and to his left is his daughter, Patricia.

It was a rare afternoon and the kind you only can have when your head is up and you are participating with your surroundings. Technology can never replace the experience of meeting new people and engaging them in real conversation.

If you are ever in the Albuquerque area and decide to take one of the tours around the Native American reservations, be prepared to see young Native American children coming out of their homes with the bag under their arms and their pipes high. It's the legacy of a very interesting man.

Tartan: Clan Wallace

KJ

Friends,

It has been a busy and productive Spring/Summer period, so far.  Finished several projects, including a workshop my partner thought I needed.  He was right, I do need it and now it is finished.  I have the studio in which to write and work on graphics, so this is a space in which I can use my hands and let my brain take a rest.  Windows are coming and that will lighten up the inside a bit.  It has electricity and it is - from my perspective - rather cute, as well as extremely functional.  Here is one view of the finished item:

There is a need for creative minds to give their brain a rest and working with one's hands can provide this, whether in a garden, workshop or other non-mental pursuit.  A mixed bag keeps a person sane(r), I am told.

Instigated by one of my previous blog posts, a reader sent a photo of what happens to be my second favorite Rolls Royce: a 1937 Gurney-Nutting bodied Drop-Head Coupe.  I adore this auto and, if you are familiar with 'The Boys of St. Precocious Academy,'  you will recognize the origin of my creative treatment for Kristie's Rolls:

For those of you who learned of the loss of my family member, through our post on 'The Boys of St. Precocious,' I wish to thank you for your kind words and notes.  Whatever relationship we have with our families, a passing will have an impact.  As I stated on our blog, 'Time is not conscious of our best intentions,' so don't wait to mend fences.

My best regards to you all and have a safe and fun-filled summer holiday.  I suggest the coast, if it close.


Ciao,

KJ

   

Friends,

The fall weather prompted a trip to central France, and then up to Mulhouse, to take in the terrific exhibit of vintage voiture on display at le Musée de l'Automobile Mulhouse.  I had hoped to see more Delage autos, but they were not in abundance.  However, one cannot accuse the museum of being without great visuals.  I have included a photo of one of the Mercedes Benz models that appealed to us.  I can confirm that, although we asked nicely, they did decline our request to take it for a ride:

 
It was balmy and warm, in October, surprisingly.  Perfect travel weather for France, in my estimation.  When I went for my morning walk before breakfast, in Colmar, I was greeted with the quiet street scene, below.  A mere ten seconds later, it was teeming with children heading for school and adults off to earn their geld.  It seems that autos are not allowed to pass through this street, which made it nice for me and my walking sticks.

All in all, it has been an interesting year and I hope for the sake of everyone on this orb that sanity seeps into the mindset of our leaders, so that we can all live in peace and enjoy prosperity.


Best wishes to everyone, for the new year.

KJ   

It has been some time since I posted to the blog and I thought I should at least post a note for the summer, such as: "Push back from the desk, go out doors and have some fun!  The sun's out, for goodness sake!"  You know, something warm and fuzzy, like that.  You really should do that, if you can.  I will, as soon as I finish typing this note.

For those who have yet to acquire a copy of IOAAODS, there is good news: Deutsche Post has reduced their airmail book postage and I am, of course, passing on the savings.  If you haven't yet purchased a copy, this is an additional reason to do so.   

Have a great summer and while I am away, I will be monitoring emails and will respond in a timely manner, as usual.

Be safe and have fun,

KJ

Post Script: The photo was taken during a return trip to Wissembourg, France, to visit a charming gallery, Artelier au Fleuve, mentioned in a previous blog.  The artist/owner, Maria-Elisabeth Geske, created this marvelous bust.

It has been a few months since my last post, due to health issues and recovery times. Everything is now looking up and next fall should find me fully recovered with extra benefits. I don't have much to share, but I will say that although times have been challenging, it has been a blessing to be insured. Viva Europa! I can only hope my American friends will find themselves as well protected, and very soon.