The Roadside Artist

Last night I heard that another boat went down while trying to cross the Tillamook bar. It was a 50+ foot commercial fishing vessel and I guess the wave action was just too much. There were four persons aboard - one died, the others were rescued.

I went to check out the scene. The boat was gone, but someone had left a flower memorial…

The Coast Guard swimmer deserves a medal. It was an amazing rescue in dangerous waters. I used to be the Captain of a commercial boat, so I know something about how dangerous it is. I still have dreams about crossing the Tillamook bar all these years later.

Last night, I was reminded again how lucky I am to be alive.

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A last minute decision to enter two paintings in the fair - thanks to pressure from family members - meant I would have to see something of the event, even though it’s a bit much for me.

I haven’t worked at the county fair in years, but they usually have a caricature or portrait artist somewhere on the grounds. Here he is…

Caricature Artist Booth At The Fair

He was charging the going rate for a caricature, a bit more for color images. I didn’t see him do a color portrait, but he did a lot of line drawings. His shading was pretty good, I can’t comment on the caricature because it wasn’t my style.

I’m glad he’s using his talent in any case. He used to be a security guard, I think, but he found something that suited him better. There isn’t a lot of money in it, I can tell you, but I’m sure he’s happy.

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If one needs to depend on the kindness of strangers, they may be out of luck. Particularly if you are a feral cat. This one sometimes visits the McDonalds in Tillamook. Since I am there once a week or so, too, it’s gotten to know me. I feed him or her.

McFeral Cat

There is too much cruelty in the world, and too little kindness. The little one-eyed kitty probably can’t hunt and most people chase it away. I can’t do that.

I know there is no good outcome here. I want to think everything will be okay, but a lifetime of hardship has taught me otherwise. There is little I can do, for sure. But I will NOT make things worse if I can avoid it.

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