The Daily Prompt states: Photographers, artists, poets: show us ORDERLY.
Easy!
Two days of hard work equals amazing progress!
Searching for good squeeze bottles for the paint, we found a supply that came with free drinks!
When I hit a slump in inspiration, I paint rocks and am magically back on track!
Sneak peek! The next project is coming soon! Yes, that’s paint!
Would anyone care to guess what this (above) will be? It’s painted on the next section of the bodega floor and will help with navigational skills for the magic carpet!
Have a great weekend everyone! I’m heading out for a walk on the farm!
Due Diligence: “Research and analysis of a company or organization done in preparation for a business transaction’ (Merriam-Webster) ” Due diligence is the process of systematically researching and verifying the accuracy of a statement.”(WhatIs.techtarget)
… But the landscaping has such potential!..
I love a good fixer-upper, and I’ve also learned that the best part of a property might be the gnarled tree that guards the entrance! I’ve learned to spot potential problems, and I’ve also learned how to see past the neglect and find an ugly duckling waiting to transform into a swan.
With a dozen years of living in second and third-world countries, I’ve learned from trial and error and have also learned by watching others. We applaud anyone who embraces a new life, but when things go wrong, often times those new transplants find they’re playing David against Goliath.
Over the past several years, I’ve watched many people invest small fortunes only to find serpents in Paradise.
Others I have never met, but their stories find their way through the jungle grapevine. A few people have contacted me through email and asked if I could be their eyes and ears and check out a ‘too good to be true’ deal.
Some of those deals were truly outstanding, and I applauded them for their find. Others were swooned by creative photography that only showed the best views of a property but didn’t show the faulty foundation, the crumbling cement or the rotten lumber!
Yay or nay?
Over the past few months I’ve traveled through part of the country and met many people who have moved to Ecuador. Some have businesses, some bought homes, others built homes or had them built. Many are getting visas through their pensions and are happy renting without owning property.
Through emails and in person, I asked for advice they could pass on to others. Some tossed a few nuggets of wisdom and some shared volumes!
I heard this often:Due Diligence!
It only leaks in the rainy season!
Never assume; get all details in writing. Ask for official receipts. Just because someone shakes his/her head does not mean that they understand!
People continue to be divided regarding the use of beach sand for construction. (Beach Sand? Yes, beach sand!) Even when not used for structural purposes, beach sand is often used for the final layer of cement on walls and floors. Yay or nay? Other problems are leaky roofs and peeling paint. Could the salt in the beach sand be partly responsible for the peeling paint?
What follows are nuggets of advice from a wide range of people who have relocated to Central and South America. Some people are uneasy sharing specifics for fear of libel or slander charges. Even with unpleasant dealings with professionals, most people love living in Latin America. Hopefully their advice will help others who are considering a change in latitude!
People should come for a long visit and check out the areas they are interested in. Get involved with the community, check out the shopping etc etc. We only were in EC 11 days and knew we wanted to live here, but that was after 2 years of research and then another 2 years before we moved.
Ask OLD TIMERS about the history of flooding during El Nino years.
Understand septic systems and how they work!
Find out the source and reliability for drinking water.
A large majority of deeds to property are tied up in complex families , though the seller will tell you “no problemo”, and then you’re out thousands of dollars because the sale falls through.
What people really need to know is that (and I’m going to be blunt) info and references from the two leading resources are far from perfect and can be very misleading. In fact most people can get their pensioner visas on their own in Ecuador and save $2000.
One can find some properties that are not listed online!
Many info sites are outdated and you can certainly rent a car and do your own “real estate tour.” You cannot live on the coast for $600 month. We live on $1200 and are quite satisfied with our simple life style. A person must have a lawyer for buying real estate.
It has character!
Banks, people need to remember that Ecuador is a developing country and different from the US.
Peeling paint – Why does this happen and how can one prevent it from happening again?
* Due diligence* !! Talk to others, ask what they miss the most etc etc..lol. Our paradise may not be theirs.
Agua Stop, a water blocker, helps seal concrete floors.
A crash course on how they can “arm” themselves against the two faced, dishonest real estate system. This is not an anti Ecuadorian problem and it shouldn’t be construed that way because many of the developers are not Ecuadorian, but extranjeros themselves (even if they have married into Ecuadorian families, they are still expats themselves in Ecuador.) These are the people who gain the trust of innocents…Beware of some people who market real estate in English, who imply that they will handle any problems which may arise while ignoring the basics of human safety and honesty for the sake of greed. Too many new homeowners in developments have been abandoned by developers as soon as the sale of property is completed and their checks have cleared.
Trust me!
They have been seduced with lies their ears are eager to absorb and their minds do not analyze, nor take the precautions they would in their own countries. It’s just plain wrong!
Don’t be bullied into making a down payment: “Better act fast, this won’t be on the market long!” If it’s too good to be true, there’s probably a reason to be extra careful and proceed slowly.
Be sure there’s a clear title; be sure there were proper building permits; ask about warranties and be sure that the warranty protects you in case the windows leak or the plumbing overhead bursts or even if the concrete crumbles!
Pardon me, but it appears that you have two faces…
Always be cautious of naming names of individuals here in Ecuador which can easily result in law suits and many times becomes the central legal issue instead of the original thievery. I am unclear as to whether corporations or foundation or associations have this same protection with libel suits as individuals, but it is wise to check it out before throwing stones.
There are some organizations responsible for many real estate lies which we have encountered and hold partly responsible for many unhappy expat experiences throughout every country we have lived in in Latin America. I applaud your caring heart and whatever brave attempt you make to correct this totally unfair situation.
Just because they speak English does not mean they are honorable or should be trusted. Because they speak English and are perhaps from the States or studied in the States simply makes it “easier” for you to buy or build… it does not mean that they won’t rip you off along the way…. you trust them because they speak English not because you’ve done a thorough check on them.
Who’s there?
If nothing else google them or at the very least do your due diligence and talk to everyone you can about them. If every one they suggest you talk to gives them nothing but glowing references QUESTION IT… possible red flag.
Ask why the gringo developer or construction manager is in Latin America instead of prospering in their own country… don’t buy the line “I want to build paradise”…or “lower taxes here”… first one means they failed in their own country and are looking for a quick buck, second one seems to mean I am evading taxes. QUESTION IT… possible red flag.
Rent before you buy or build… no you CANNOT build from another continent. If they say, You can trust us, no problem,’ QUESTION IT… possiblered flag
Another one to add is If you think it will never happen to you QUESTION IT definitered flag! In Ecuador you will likely NOT get American standards… if they promise American standards…here good enough seems to be good enough – QUESTION IT… possiblered flag.
Don’t listen to the “expert opinions” and sales pitches from organizations or web sites that are paid advertisements… they have no liability and frankly don’t care if their information is accurate… it’s a business. QUESTION IT… possiblered flag
Needs water lines, electricity and building permit.
If you are going to build, KNOW what a factura and RUC are… if your builder isn’t giving you either of them, QUESTION IT… possiblered flag
Um… RUC? I’ll just write you a receipt.
How do you know they are honorable and trustworthy? Because they said so? QUESTION IT… possible red flag
Friends and I were talking about how cute little sheep can turn into wolves, and cute little puppies grow up to be wolves. How does one learn to distinguish which are real are wearing masks of deceit?
Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Beware of kittens that transform into viscous wildcats…
We don’t want to have a cat like that around the neighborhood….
Of course I can do that job for you!
If you are seeking any type of service don’t ask, “Can you do this job?” because they will all say, “Yes”. Many workers will say they can do it all -anything and everything from tiling, to cement work to electrical. Very different skills so QUESTION IT — possiblered flag
Roofing specialist?
Always, always ask for a detailed estimate of the work, including material and labour. Write a contract and even with all that sometimes they will get 90% of the work done and then not come back. Always hold back sufficient funds to make it worth their while to return. If that is not acceptable, QUESTION IT… possible red flag.
Oh my! But he seemed so nice!
You will meet lots of people that seem to be nice, honest people. If you are building in a foreign country remember business is business and money is money. As the saying goes , Don’t mix business and pleasure…. if they try the buddy thing like they’re your pal, QUESTION IT… possiblered flagand finally even in Ecuador wrong is wrong – even if everyone seems to be doing it; right is right even if no one seems to be doing it.
Survived the big earthquake, but will it survive the next?
Be prepared for bad wiring or for fixtures to be placed in strange locations.
One must be there during all stages of building.
It’s better to speak up or have to forever hold your peace!
No down payments without proof of building permits!!
Title – No final payment until title is registered.
Roof – Be sure the builder guarantees a leak-proof roof.
What would you do differently?(Laughter or chuckles often preceded the reply) Do not trust ANYONE.
Do not expect North American Standards.
Do not make assumptions.
Ask if closets are included… or shower walls included!
“You have to be there during construction, and even then, YOU HAVE TO BE THERE.”
As soon as they say, ‘Trust me,” you’re in trouble. If they failed in their own country, why would they do any better here? Don’t buy into the story that they bought it so they could share with others their good fortune.
“Drawing is the artist’s most direct and spontaneous expression, a species of writing; it reveals, better than does painting, his true personality.” (Edgar Degas)
This time last year (July 2012) many students toured the Mola Series exhibit at the Portoviejo (Manabi/Ecuador) Museum. The director of the museum said that a group of girls would be visiting the museum and asked if they could tour the exhibit. She said that the girls had ‘problemas.’ Some came from abusive homes, one was pregnant, and they all deserved some positive experiences. I suggested that we buy pencils and paper and give them a quick drawing class! Continue reading →
…So I ended last week’s post about Fresh Shrimpwith these words,“Oh yes, I’m seriously hungry now! Anyone want to meet me in town for lunch?!!!”
Carina, from ANYONE4CURRY&OTHERTHINGS quickly replied, “Yes, yes, yes – love to join you for lunch 🙂 🙂 We have some shrimp farms here in Kerala, but unfortunately I have never been there for the harvest. We have wonderful old Fort Cochin nearby and buy our fish/prawns etc. there – directly out of the Arabian Sea. Thanks for sharing this highly interesting harvest with us. Ciao, Carina :)”
I replied, “Shall I send the flying carpet for you? I think the restaurant can handle about 40 people — maybe others will come as well! ( I wonder how many the carpet can hold without crashing!)”
Shrimp, anyone?
Then CLANMOTHER commented, “…I’m coming over for dinner! :)”
What-about-me WANDERLUST Meredith chimed in, “Yes, send the flying carpet for me too – I’m close to Carina in Kerala so that shouldn’t add too much extra time! :)”and later added, “You’d better get everybody fired up and cooking their favourites, because the trip will be a hard act to follow! :)” Continue reading →
It’s a bird… it’s a plane… no, it’s THE FLYING CARPET! YAY!
Jama Ecuador –
Chomping at the bodega doors, the Magic Carpet quivered and hummed as it hovered several inches above the floor. After several tests with the wine glasses, we loaded rain goggles and fog lights when reports arrived from Nicaragua of rainy conditions. Mission control’s technical glitches continued to add hours to the delays but began to improve when the people of Jama shut down their computers!
Under the cloak of darkness, our navigator took the flying carpet for a very unsteady glide down the river and made a wide arc over the mouth. Clipping the mangroves as the carpet dodged a near miss with a yellow-crowned night heron, Continue reading →
Predawn eclipsed moon – Setting over Samara Costa Rica
Bear with me, amigos!
The navigator’s task creeps along with today’s slow internet.
This Google Map needs tweaking, but hopefully you can find your way around and see if we’re close to the mark!
Rae, the GPS wants to plant you in the Philippines! You must do a bit of out-of-body sleep walking!
( “View Larger Map” gives you the list of passengers on the left-side column!)
Take the map one knotch down to view it in the smaller window.
Here goes the “Publish” prompt, and hopefully most of the sites are close!
It’s almost 6 p.m. here, and we are set to lift off at 9 p.m. There’s a tiny glitch in the hydraulics, but the mechanic says not to worry! I’d best go powder my nose!
See what others are bringing and add your location (or leave a comment below) if you would like to reserve a seat on this test flight! You don’t need a WordPress account – just a positive attitude!
July 22-23, 2013 MAGIC CARPET Round-The-World Check-out Ride!
Hurry! This once-in-a-lifetime deal will sell out fast! Reserve your seat for the maiden check-out ride on the Magic Carpet!
First Class, Business Class, Economy, Backpacker or Freight? It doesn’t matter! On the magic carpet, all seats are unique, and because it’s magic, there’s room for everyone!
But wait! There is a catch! (Isn’t there always a touch of fine print?) Continue reading →
Sometimes the birds signal that something is wrong with the pond. Most likely the water in this pond needed more oxygen.
Jama Ecuador
Living on a shrimp farm presents many photo opportunities. My friends who own the ponds are not too fond of the egrets, herons, ibis, storks, pelicans, sea gulls, frigates and cormorants that feast on the shrimp. Watching the birds is a feast for my eyes! This week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge is Fresh, and the shrimp harvest produces lots of fresh shrimp!
The birds love the after-harvest buffet!
The birds flock to the ponds for an all-they-can-eat buffet when the ponds are harvested. Let’s go watch a harvest in progress! Continue reading →
John, Mary and I worked on the drawing while having dinner at the Surf Shack in Canoa Ecuador!
Traveling one hour down the coastal road to Canoa Ecuador, I met my friends John and Mary who had traveled about the same distance from the other direction. John and Mary and I were celebrating their anniversary as well as birthdays. We had planned to squeeze in a few drawing sessions, but they weren’t expecting a painting session!
Following up on last night’s post, I am pleased to present this photo update! Continue reading →
“Learning to draw, before you paint, is like learning to walk before you run.” (Don Getz)
This week John and Mary McDonald and I met in Canoa Ecuador for some R&R. We pulled out paper and pencils and practiced shading and contour drawing before attempting to capture the essence of trees. John and I were soon lost in our drawings while Mary grew bored (?) and confessed that she preferred painting.
John and Mary
We purchased a sheet of thick “Kraft” paper and retreated to a beach-side restaurant to create a new design that is part iguana and part gecko. Mary quickly weaned into ‘design mode’ and enjoyed adding details.
Iguana/gecko
Soon we will be sipping our morning coffee and bringing the design to life with paint! Because we took a timeout to map the details, the painting process will go well!
Luchy whips up many fruit drinks as well as cafe specialties!
Like a mischievous child, I’m jumping over a and b to tag along for Frizztext’s CCC challengethis week. How can I pass the opportunity to pair some coffee images with a lively song about coffee?
Last year’s It Started With One Lightpole opened with a story about my friend Luchy Cevallos Sabando. The post was one of the most popular for the entire year.
It Started With One Light Pole
Multi-talented Luchy tapped into his creative genius and opened a cybercafe with emphasis on cafe and not cyber! He wondered what he could do to attract more business, and before our afternoon painting session was finished, people were slowing down and taking note!
Looking better!
Luchy’s artistic touches throughout his Palo Santo Cafe and his nearby hostal leave little room for improvement! Several times I volunteered to help with a new project, but there was no obvious space for custom art.
Hostal Entrance
(One year later) At night, the lights come on, tables are moved outside, and the regulars drop by to say, “Hi!”
Popular with all ages, Palo Santo has a relaxed vibe.
Last week while visiting Luchy’s Palo Santo, I reminded him that I’d love to help with a new project. He pondered for a few minutes, then showed me an area in the VIP room that might make a fun backdrop for group photos. We did a bit of brainstorming, then started on Wednesday and finished on Saturday! Continue reading →
Many farm houses have living quarters on the second floor and an open area at ground level.
Manabi Ecuador
Last week after the coffee-picking trek, my friends and I stopped by a farmhouse on the way back to Jama. Enjoy the photos while listening to Frizztext’s updated version of “Calling Mississippi.”
“Good drawing forms the ‘bones’ on which a strong painting hangs.” (Chris Bingle)
Jama Ecuador – Last week I sketched this cow skull then did a test to see how it would look with zebra stripes. What do you think? Would it make a fun painting, or should I consider this an exercise and move on to another subject – like bright colorful coffee cherries?
Palo Santo Cybercafe
Today I spent time at Palo Santo Cybercafe, which is more cafe than an internet service. Opening around 7:30 most evenings, Palo Santo has a brisk business and an easy vibe.
Luchy whips up many fruit drinks as well as cafe specialties!
Luchy and I had discussed doing a joint painting project in his “VIP” room, and today we began that task.
Luchy’s drawing and painting skills are excellent, so I was amused that he chose to watch instead of paint! He wanted a backdrop for photo moments, and since the word “Jama” means “iguana,” he visualized a large iguana draped across a limb a little higher than shoulder level. We discussed several ideas, and then he watched as I mixed paints and began to ‘draw’ with the paint.
“Aren’t you going to use a pencil first?” he asked cautiously.
“No,” I smiled, “it’s not necessary… there’s no need for pencil…” Continue reading →
Jama Ecuador (Manabi Province) often projects a mellow feeling of yesteryear, and I am pleased to present another post about nostalgia in honor of theWeekly Photo Challengeon WordPress.
Jody, Bobby and I dined with Cynthia this past week!
My friend Cynthia invited mutual friends Bobby and Jody for dinner last week. (Thanks again, Cynthia! The wahoo was wonderful, as was that decadent cup of coffee with a dollop of ice cream!) Bobby mentioned that he had an abundance of ripening coffee on a finca near Jama, and Cynthia and I quickly volunteered to help!
(Miguel Rendon of ESCoffee and I are reworking the itinerary for a new coffee tour, so I looked forward to playing the role of tourist on a trek to a coffee farm!) This past Sunday we met at Restaurant Exclusivo near the center of town and traveled fifteen or twenty minutes east by mototaxi.
Goodbye to civilization!
We stepped out of the mototaxi, and Bobby led us “arriba” – up an almost-dry stream. Just a few yards off the gravel road, we left the modern world behind and stepped back in time. Continue reading →
Catfish, lima beans, watermelon and fresh tomatoes; I often tell my friends that life in Ecuador reminds me of my childhood in the Mississippi Delta. As I walked through the farm town of Jama this past weekend, I pondered the differences. Continue reading →
Who asked permission to upload this to Pinterest? No one did, yet it’s there!
This past weekend some friends and I were discussing how some people use images from Pinterest, Facebook and Google Images. I shared a copyright infringement story with them, and told how shocked I have been recently to find so many of my images ‘shared’ on Pinterest. But I should be honored, right? Flattered that an award-winning photograph had been ‘pinned’ without my permission and uploaded, and basically been given to the world wide web to be used however they’d like! I think that that person who pinned the above image agreed before adding the image that they owned or had permission to share it.
This past week WordPress put their spotlight on reblogging and also on Using Other People’s Images. Both posts received a lot of interesting feedback, including a link to DON’T STEAL MY STUFF, DUDE – Laura at ‘Lolabees’ states her clear case and managed to make me chuckle at the end as well! Please read her post, a real eye opener for any blogger.
Sometimes people truly don’t realize they have violated a copyright; One of my friends this past week gasped when she realized that Google Images is not a grab-bag of public domain goodies!
Here’s a story from Roni Lauren who innocently used a “Google Image” and paid a very unfortunate price: “Well on one random post, I grabbed one random picture off of Google and then a few weeks later… ” Continue reading →
The Daily Prompt prompts us to show “Mirrored.” Here’s a shot of a just-hung zebra mirror in my friends’ home in Costa Rica. Natural models, the cats seemed quite at home beneath the new mirror! Continue reading →
Using $1.00 film-canister sized containers of acrylics and very cheap paper, I painted these one afternoon while at Hostal Charito in Mindo Ecuador. The bones of the studies had been drawn the night before, so filling in the color was a joy.
“Drawing is the backbone. It is no good having a lovely sense of light and color if there isn’t the firm foundation underneath.” (Alexander Creswell)
Iliana and Hostal Charito
This past week found me in the cloud-forest community of Mindo Ecuador. The hostal where I normally stay was closed, and someone pointed me down the street to a flower-draped hostal beyond “Hostal Charito.” The owner of Hostal Charito and I shared eye contact, and there was something in her posture or her eyes that nudged me to her door. Continue reading →
Working late on research about Ecuadorian mammals, I was delighted when an email from Bobarrived tonight! He is alive but not real well; the doctors in Costa Rica have him back on the road to recovery. He thinks he picked up a nasty food-born bug in Columbia. We should be hearing from him in a few days, but for now he’s resting and regaining his strength.
Bob “PiranCafe” and Miguelito/Galapagos Turtle/Ecuador
(Oops! Slow internet and power outages can frustrate one’s day, and both contributed to this post that was anxious to leap from the starting gate. The Preview and Publish buttons are too close together when one is working on a mini laptop! After the false start, it took another half hour to return to the edit page! For the next hour, I failed at uploading any new images. I resumed, worked with archive photos, and then the ‘Publish’ function would not work! And then the page wouldn’t open. And the email wouldn’t work. Hobbling along, I”m hopeful to send this now! . . . Shall we continue?)
My father once stated, “Imagine how empty your life would be if no one called or came by.”
Every so often those words of wisdom echo back during specific moments, usually when society interrupts my day one time too many, and then I remember his words and am honored to have people in my life who care. On rare occasions my antennae tweak toward others when their usual habits suddenly change, which is what’s happened with Bob.
Bob Ramsak, our WP globe-trotting reporter, started his 18-month round-the-world journey in January 2013. Working his way north north north from the tip of Argentina to the equator, (@Week 18!) he is now somewhere in Central America between Boquete Panama and Costa Rica.
Bob meeting Miguelito, a Galapagos turtle in Bahia de Caraquez.
I’m talking about Bob, who schedules drafts to publish when he is in transit… Bob, who has been publishing shots of daily newspaper stands. Bob, who updates his location more promptly than a Timex! Bob, who was supposed to leave Boquete last week and is still ‘pending’ (Top right on his homepage.) there in Boquete!
Inquiring minds want to know: Bob, are you going to choke me for my concern, or will you remind yourself that I care and hope that you’re ok?!! Hopefully you’re out there and will approve of this post and the music!
Bob at lookout – Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador
Sisters Vania and ‘Silvana escort Bob via trek to the petite village of Amacora Ecuador.
Stepping back in time. Amacora Ecuador
Here’s Bob’s weekly recap from the time he spent along the line of the equator: Bootleg Barbies, Inauguration, Monsanto, Coolest Floor in the World.
Bob’s visit to the Riverhouse and the Magic Carpet Hand-painted Floor!
Bob had plans to meet friends and family in Costa Rica, so I hope he’s tied up with reunions; it still seems odd that he hasn’t posted an update.
Have any of you heard from him this past week? A tweet, a like, a reply to a comment? I’m considering firing up the flying carpet and starting a search party.
Bob “PiranCafe” and Miguelito/Galapagos Turtle/Ecuador
(Oops! Slow internet and power outages can frustrate one’s day, and both contributed to this post that was anxious to leap from the starting gate. The Preview and Publish buttons are too close together when one is working on a mini laptop! After the false start, it took another half hour to return to the edit page! For the next hour, I failed at uploading any new images. I resumed, worked with archive photos, and then the ‘Publish’ function would not work! And then the page wouldn’t open. And the email wouldn’t work. Hobbling along, I”m hopeful to send this now! . . . Shall we continue?)
My father once stated, “Imagine how empty your life would be if no one called or came by.”
Every so often those words of wisdom echo back during specific moments, usually when society interrupts my day one time too many, and then I remember his words and am honored to have people in my life who care. On rare occasions my antennae tweak toward others when their usual habits suddenly change, which is what’s happened with Bob.
Bob Ramsak, our WP globe-trotting reporter, started his 18-month round-the-world journey in January 2013. Working his way north north north from the tip of Argentina to the equator, (@Week 18!) he is now somewhere in Central America between Boquete Panama and Costa Rica.
Bob meeting Miguelito, a Galapagos turtle in Bahia de Caraquez.
I’m talking about Bob, who schedules drafts to publish when he is in transit… Bob, who has been publishing shots of daily newspaper stands. Bob, who updates his location more promptly than a Timex! Bob, who was supposed to leave Boquete last week and is still ‘pending’ (Top right on his homepage.) there in Boquete!
Inquiring minds want to know: Bob, are you going to choke me for my concern, or will you remind yourself that I care and hope that you’re ok?!! Hopefully you’re out there and enjoyed the selection of music…
Bob at lookout – Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador
Sisters Vania and ‘Silvana escort Bob via trek to the petite village of Amacora Ecuador.
Stepping back in time. Amacora Ecuador
Here’s Bob’s weekly recap from the time he spent along the line of the equator: Bootleg Barbies, Inauguration, Monsanto, Coolest Floor in the World.
Bob’s visit to the Riverhouse and the Magic Carpet Hand-painted Floor!
Bob had plans to meet friends and family in Costa Rica, so I hope he’s tied up with reunions; it still seems odd that he hasn’t posted an update.
Have any of you heard from him this past week? A tweet, a like, a reply to a comment? I’m considering firing up the flying carpet and starting a search party.
Sometimes the comments between bloggers lob back and forth like people tossing a beach ball in a swimming pool. Other times there’s more focus, like a friendly game of tennis, only the participants are looking inward and swapping ideas like, “What drives an artist to…”
Read on for the dialogue…
Lisa/Z
