Deep Woods

--This is a still in process, the final stages.  The first panel in my proposed 5 panel group of paintings.  In photographing and posting this picture I have been able to see some things I want to go back into and work on.  

Leatherback Turtle

--Ann woke up in the middle of the night to go see this big Leatherback turtle come up onto the beach and lay eggs.  There is a team here that digs up the eggs and keeps them warm by burying them in the sand under a greenhouse.  The eggs they laid back in November will be hatching soon.  I will make it there for the launching of those little turtles.

--Studio work has progressed slowly but it feels good.  I'm trying to keep everything unresolved as long as possible.

First week Todos Santos

--We came upon  a release of turtle hatchlings, these are Olive Ridley Turtles, that are part of a turtle rescue program here.  They collected eggs and buried them in a safe spot (poachers) then when they are ready, they dig them up and release them into the ocean.  This is a newly hatched turtle in Ori's hand, still damp from the egg and covered with sand.  We were worried about being too rough with them, but when they go into the surf they get pummeled by big waves.

--Ann is excited because she volunteered to help collect Leatherback Turtle (extreemly endangered) eggs tonight when the adult turtles come up to lay eggs, though it sounds like it means staying up all night.

--Today I got my studio set up and found odorless mineral spirits.  I had bought "turpentine" at a hardware store but it smelled like gasoline so I couldn't use it.  I am used to Gamsol.  I found a small art supply/surf shop in a small town about 6 miles south of here, Pescadero.