tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-155907732012-02-16T04:59:14.656-08:00A photo( and occasional sketch) diary to monitor my culture shock from my move from a West Coast urban city to a beautiful and very small rural community in The Great North West. ***Click on pics for larger image. Updated every week, if we're lucky.***Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.comBlogger991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-15217804069305362502011-02-07T21:26:00.001-08:002011-02-07T21:26:43.306-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Taozerini, originally uploaded by A Lon MacLean.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-89062397303829524482008-12-01T18:39:00.001-08:002008-12-02T07:02:19.871-08:00

Miscellaneous photos from El Big Valley, 2008. Please stay tuned for more!

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-49161185183562030352008-04-16T16:11:00.000-07:002008-04-16T16:14:32.946-07:00

El Big is a city in Onion County.It is the county seat. The community was named for the river valley.The latitude of El Big is 45.324N. The longitude is -118.086W. It is in the Pacific Standard time zone. Elevation is 2,772 feet. Add 10 feet for those who drive these things.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-23777816651856555402007-11-06T02:34:00.000-08:002007-11-06T17:48:30.403-08:00

A few historical photos from the El Big region's history books...Their leader, Chief Joseph, famous for promoting peace. Local Tribesman Rattlin' PeteFirst folk NW regional cuisine side dish A first bungalowThe man assigned to control the unruly warriors Chief Lookinglass, the man who led the fight for the lands. A local tribeman warriorMeeting for the land allottment, 1889Famous faceThe

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-84665013172250598172007-11-01T14:12:00.000-07:002007-11-01T18:12:00.642-07:00

A good mix of El Bigians meet at the local pub for dancing and fun. For the first time in years I don't wear a costume, but just have a great time taking photos. Halloween at El Big U comes early with threats of layoffs and department closures. Rumors fly, and morph from positive to negative, back to positive and back again. Socializing becomes more trying as the days lead up to the announcement

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-3190739794913680022007-10-29T09:10:00.000-07:002007-10-29T09:14:41.168-07:00

An onion truck on our Sunday drive.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-5579289276764070162007-10-28T16:44:00.000-07:002007-10-29T08:45:42.203-07:00

"Reputations are everything"

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-75848673200365455632007-10-23T12:26:00.000-07:002008-02-05T16:57:03.525-08:00

Art inspired by the SFSU Grad student art opening food table, 2004

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-87465194052745269862007-10-12T22:49:00.001-07:002007-10-16T14:44:56.472-07:00

Drawing in the dark is hard.Please click on image

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-11752317901930990032007-10-11T07:23:00.000-07:002007-10-11T12:02:09.828-07:00

This week is a 2 fer Bonus photo, simply because while we toodled around the block for me to take this VSPD, I spotted the below image as well. "Honey, I'm ho-ome!""I kno-ow!"Race percentages from county websiteStudents are not counted.White (91.8%)Hspnc (2.8%)2 or more races (2.1%)Am Indn (1.5%)Other (1.4%)Ntive HA and Other Pac Is (0.9%)African Am (0.7%)Yet county is above average for foreign

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-917218211415613692007-10-06T16:19:00.000-07:002007-10-09T22:56:18.321-07:00

Just about every day is a special headline day.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-47171540058796507062007-09-30T08:45:00.001-07:002007-10-06T16:30:56.083-07:00

One of the greatest things about participating in a local race in a small town is that it greatly increases your chances of winning.Que and I tie for first place in our division. Nevermind that there were about 75 participants tops, and maybe 15 participants in what Que called "the senior division"...Dancing lady orchid plant gift from the nice neighbor ladyAnother great thing about living in a

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-44373735318065038872007-09-30T07:01:00.000-07:002007-10-29T08:48:18.901-07:00

Ugly Building Contest Entry #003Front If you've been following The Tank for any amount of time, you've probably noticed that EB fully embraced the mauve trend in the 1980's. Maybe it's just me, but mauve has always reminded me of the color of headcheese, or bologne, or any sort of block of nitrate deli meat you might find chillin' behind the counter of any corner convienent store in Oaktown.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-70689198474548688472007-09-28T07:35:00.000-07:002007-09-30T08:54:56.957-07:00

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-62071753290541284452007-09-22T08:17:00.001-07:002008-02-05T17:00:43.462-08:00

Seeing all these cute solar panels on everything from path lights to oven mits takes me back to the year Jimmy Carter was elected president. When my gradeschool teacher Mr. Johnson did a poll in our class asking whose parents voted D or R, I was the only kid in my Northern CA 5th grade class who raised my hand for D. I knew little about Carter, except that he had really big teeth and my dad and

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-50716312647602219102007-09-18T11:35:00.001-07:002007-09-22T07:43:23.854-07:00

FrontSideThe El Big Ugly Building Contest Entry #002: Yabba Dabba Do-DoWho needs fire insurance if your building is made entirely of stone?The Propane Gas tank group agrees. This building may be small, but it stands tall! Stay tuned--Don't worry, we have more entries!***

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-82048889704086744622007-09-14T10:41:00.002-07:002007-09-18T20:42:08.043-07:00

Typical gorgeous EB Autumnal weather. Mid 80's and sunny.The outdoors beckons... I drop everything and seek out Que, my pardner in crime...Que needs a break from his project, too. He tells me that something's going on in the downtown square.We walk downtown... pausing briefly at the latest store window display....5 min later...Yes! A street festival!Yes! Free hotdogs!This year Que notes his

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-9538447197990972982007-09-12T09:16:00.001-07:002007-09-22T07:35:12.076-07:00

"How far away do you think the highschool is from our home?""I'm not sure..maybe three blocks? Why?"***El Big Wildlife Report for 9/9/07An 18 month-old male black bear was found hiding in the row of junipers at the highschool that evening at about 8:30 am. The bear appeared to be the one that had been spotted in the nearby area about a week earlier. PD officers and the Dept of Wildlife were

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-21017605596372380912007-09-09T11:32:00.000-07:002007-09-22T09:12:25.394-07:00

Hiya Folks! In celebration of EB's announcement of an official EB Downtown Revitalization Project--noted last week by the mayor in the town daily--- we here at The Propane Gas Tank would like to announce the EB Ugly Building Contest! Although we agree that downtown is long overdue for a facelift, we fear that some of the...true character of downtown may be lost in the process of trying to

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-2927546310561725992007-09-08T10:52:00.001-07:002007-09-09T15:26:49.010-07:00

Promises, promises.And now, a few of those Nev/ID photos I promised you...Soundtrack for the desert: Bowie Space OddityGalaxy 500Lots of LooperTokyo Space CowboysWe pass through Ca's mountain region and into Nevada. This shiny, new camp is tucked neatly into a valley on the Ca/Nev border. Judging on the proud signage, I'd guess it was constructed in the past 5 years. Hmm... We pass through a very

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-36384860478316303712007-09-02T05:54:00.000-07:002008-02-23T17:11:01.493-08:00

Last night we had a fire on the mountain. The papers said it was approximately 150 to 200 acres in size. This is not surprising as we've had warm weather in the mid 90's with dramatic and sudden thunderstorms in the evenings. Most of the burning is in heavy timber and dense sub-alpine fir stands with a lot of dead trees. All the campers had evacuated.***

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-840001377369636692007-09-01T11:56:00.000-07:002007-09-02T06:04:53.594-07:00

Very Special Onion Photo Day. Thanks to guest photographer, Que. Bossy art direction by yours truly.Yes, that's a world-famous Wolla Wolla from the El Big Farmer's Market, grown right here in the big valley. Apparently the onion originally came from Italy. Someone brought it to the area in the late 1800's. Impressed by the new onion's winter hardiness, they harvested the seed. Located just 2 and

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-56257639960014155642007-08-27T15:43:00.001-07:002007-09-02T14:54:23.960-07:00

The Long Drive Home Ca-Nevada-Idaho-El BigSoundtrack from California to Nevada: Newly purchased The FormatThe BeatlesSeemingly endless Glen Gould mp3'sThe Smiths imitators, Silent GrayGuilty pleasure ELOTidbits of NPR around the citiesand Name That Tune to various statiic-filled Classic Rock radio stations. Once again, goodbye California. Well, for now.Artichoke fields, SalinasGood bye behemoth

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-2130533735670059722007-08-26T03:36:00.000-07:002007-08-26T03:39:52.424-07:00

Photo shot at the civic art gallery in Bakery Town, a small city south of El Big, pop. 9,000.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-3883713705890747762007-08-18T16:03:00.001-07:002007-08-20T14:02:14.981-07:00

Onion County Wildlife Viewing ReportMorning Doves can be seen around El Big until the first frost, when they head south to the vollyball courts on the Florida beaches. Bambi can be seen in Farmer Doug's fields and near cover in the am and at dusk. Teenage Red-tailed Hawks are visable, bumming around out on power poles and irrigation structures. Young Osprey are seen in Onion County too. Most of

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-8966202767586551112007-08-14T13:58:00.000-07:002007-08-15T15:02:02.353-07:00

So, Que and I had two bees pass us up on the drive down to the pizza parlor yesterday. I think El Big's suiting us just fine.As ever,Ms. Jane D'oh***

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-79675436168605288932007-08-13T21:34:00.001-07:002007-08-15T15:00:00.308-07:00

Once again, VSPD is "Very Special Photo Day!" An oldie but a goodie. Photo taken at Arbie's in 2005, The Daluz, an extraordinary rural community 2 hours east of El Big***

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-22126697087441133202007-08-13T10:34:00.000-07:002007-08-20T13:59:24.949-07:00

Classes I won't be signing up for this term...>ANS216-Pregnacy Testin/ BovineCredits-1 Lab-1This course is a "hands-in" course requiring students to pregancy check a minimum of fifty cows to become proficient. This class hasan open lab to accomodate students and give all adequate time to develop a high levelof profiency. Recommended preparation: AGM121, ANS122,and instructor approval.>ANS217-

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-66524144388092773512007-08-05T10:41:00.000-07:002007-08-15T11:22:23.227-07:00

A surfer at Jules Fiepher (sic) private beach, Grande Monsieur. This area was made famous by many a movie filming...Two above photos by Que ... including the Brand'oh film, Una-Ojo Jacks, (1961)More pictures of the 94 year old National Landmark, The Julie Morgan (sic) State Park Retreat, where Que and I stay for one week---...where my mother spent her summers as a young girl of the Y-Dubya-CA in

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-85682936907832765132007-08-02T09:53:00.000-07:002007-08-05T10:41:08.798-07:00

Repeat x100

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-76478748056804145742007-07-25T21:54:00.000-07:002007-08-02T09:53:29.246-07:00

Que gets invited to the Julian Morgan retreat in beautiful Central Ca coast for a week at the teacher's union conference--- which just so happens to be the same town where we honeymooned two years ago. Incidentally, we had tried to get a room at the very same hotel at the time of our honeymoon, but it was all booked up from summer conferences. His one afternoon off from classes just happens to

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-6281750318170095412007-07-22T12:06:00.004-07:002007-07-23T00:48:43.931-07:00

I am startled to see resin Buddha Heads for 50% off at the El Big local drug store. Have they always been here and if so, why haven't I noticed them? Is it part of the same bizarre influx of imported resin pan asian decor in the big cities? Who buys them?******Another prof's wife sends me an invite to a Zen retreat that's now being held every other Saturdays at a Qkr buidling down the street

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-86926574063271021092007-07-20T10:12:00.001-07:002007-07-21T12:39:56.722-07:00

My friend and I go out on a regular basis to sketch the local scene. In celebration for the upcoming big four-ah-oh, I am focusing on mainly folk over forty. The fellas near us may have known we were sketching them, but they didn't seem to mind. I'm pleasantly surprised to find that the locals seem intrigued by the idea.Yes, that is a teeny, little braid suspended from his greaser 'do.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-57857391868032425172007-07-17T10:03:00.000-07:002007-07-17T17:11:34.254-07:00

Late Breaking Story! Wildlife on El Big University Campus!This doesn't happen too often. Occasionally we see deer bounding by our home, but we never see these guys.Kids from the local hs were trying to figure out how they could go home to get their hunting rifles and come back for the elk before the wildlife rescue...Safe and sound...Well, until Fall!Photos courtesy of El Big U

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-39773328463625378012007-07-17T01:57:00.000-07:002007-09-22T09:10:23.399-07:00

Some of Que's colleagues invite us to join them on a three day camping trip in the highest nearby mountain range. Que goes up a day early with the guys to scout out a good site, and scare off the bears...As soon as we get into the high alpine elevations, we see piles of square and perfectly round, white granite rocks. Wild lilies, Indian paintbrush and groupings of Aspens dot the trail. We run

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-66188661993653968132007-07-08T15:39:00.007-07:002007-07-17T02:54:32.583-07:00

"African Amercian Girl" Violet Y. Chew-MacLean 1931-2006One of my mother's watercolors of an Oakland art student was chosen to be exhibited at the reopening of the de Young museum. She was on a plateau with her health at the time, so she was able to attend the festivities at the reception. This painting was originally part of a series of 50 large watercolor portraits she painted for a fundraiser

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-54156109508324859952007-07-08T14:17:00.000-07:002007-07-09T18:17:01.053-07:00

Today Que and I rode our bicyles around the neighborhood. It had been about 8 years for Que, and 20 years for me. It was just a short 20 minute ride. We saw one car the whole time. I look forward to running errands this way, and riding down to the Tuesday and Sunday Farmer's market with Que. A few of you probably remember my freak bike accident in '87, which caused me to stop riding altogether

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-80988091379058848192007-06-29T16:55:00.000-07:002007-07-06T12:05:50.301-07:00

My design for the silk screen tshirt for the town hospital's relay race fundraiser. Since I've been here, I've designed three tshirts for local event fundraisers. It was hard to say no to this one. The money raised from the run will go to the community rehabilitation program. I'm being paid with coffee, a small stipend, and over-the-top small town publicity. I sketched the drawing in brush pen

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-37682162375439237332007-06-28T08:34:00.001-07:002007-06-28T08:45:04.469-07:00

When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.-Chinese Proverb

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-74256883824850938672007-06-26T09:30:00.000-07:002007-06-26T09:33:40.099-07:00

Silhouette art is very popular in El Big. Here's an example of some very special homemade ones I spotted on a neighbor's window while I was on a walk around the ol' hood. (Click image to see detail)

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-44049871934598465402007-06-24T10:28:00.000-07:002007-06-24T10:46:12.306-07:00

Photo courtesy of dear visiting friend from Oaktown, Ca, PWB (Click on image to enlarge)

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-67050221890236423862007-06-23T22:59:00.000-07:002007-06-24T10:56:05.982-07:00

I, along with the entire town, including the farm equipment, joined in honoring El Big University grads on their very special day. (Click on image to enlarge)

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-39065076260613301002007-06-15T08:49:00.000-07:002007-06-17T18:44:23.439-07:00

Traffic hazard: An officer responded Wednesday to a report of three teenagers throwing a stuffed animal into traffic when cars go by on Willer Avenue. The officer made contact with the teens and counseled them.*Safety hazard: The dispatch center received a report Wednesday of beehives on the county right of way on Alice Lane near Amblur Lane. The county road department was notified.*BREAKING NEWS

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-13695738658961128922007-06-11T08:05:00.000-07:002007-06-11T08:51:06.591-07:00

A resident of Dove Avenue, El Big, reported Friday at 6:47pm that a truck with a horse trailer was blocking her driveway. A deputy responded and situation was resolved.*** *** *** Big Sagebrush. Fueled by Mexican Chocolate, Everything bagel, and impending project deadline.***

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-62720237412616448262007-06-08T10:02:00.000-07:002007-09-22T09:11:19.606-07:00

Yesterday's sunrise from my favorite outlook.Fueled by golden hour sun light, double latte, and sesame bagel.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-54869633260178020082007-06-05T19:22:00.000-07:002007-06-06T23:15:07.568-07:00

June 5, 2007A man on Antlers Lane reported finding a male golden retriever Monday. The animal enforcement officer responded and impounded the dog. Diner folks***A woman in the 1200 block of X Avenue requested officer contact regarding a stolen bike.Teen boys at colleague's daughter's hs graduation party***A pair of glasses found at Settler's Park Monday were placed in Lost and Found.Teen girl at

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-10141354224812469842007-06-04T12:06:00.000-07:002007-06-05T19:31:44.444-07:00

...for a Sunday hike up Mt. Frankie. The weather hits 95 in the valley, so we decide it's a good weekend to hike upwards. We borrow our friends' map and head to the closest, highest mountain. We find little surprises such as patches of snow and plants we've never seen before. When I spot a snow patch from a distance, my first impression is that it's a man made piece of discarded junk. When we get

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-7614783157453760852007-05-28T13:37:00.000-07:002007-05-28T13:38:39.238-07:00

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-55925489190092546872007-05-28T08:29:00.000-07:002007-05-30T11:00:16.995-07:00

Today's ForecastEl Big Valley: Mon: Sunny High: 77°Low: 46°Native Columbones! A visit to the local quarry.That's enough!The first path is in!We widen the driveway by pulling out some more turf. We replace it with pavers and "stepable" wooly thyme. We lay in the wood retaining wall, which acts both as a step and wall for new gravel pathway. Baby cold hardy bamboo from Bamboo Gardens in Portland

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-65410664990878031532007-05-17T14:01:00.000-07:002007-05-25T12:18:38.760-07:00

Even though there's still snow on the far mountain, it's finally warm enough to dig around in the garden. Que and I, along with the rest of the town go into a landscaping and gardening frenzy. I draw out the ''s" shaped paths and new garden beds with wheat flour, then cut them into pie wedges. Que digs the turf out with a shovel and makes a berm. I look up a really interesting Xericscape co-op in

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-35639552283547006472007-05-02T11:12:00.000-07:002007-05-07T11:33:28.782-07:00

It's only fair that after years of objectifying women, fat truck drivers are now seeing what it's like.The same day we decide to buy an old beater truck for our landscaping needs, my sister B coincidentally sends me this sticker in the mail---a play on the ever-popular truck driver mudflap design of the silhouette of a reclining woman. I slap it on Que's new ride. Two days later, Que moves it

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-9284002636497972102007-04-28T08:44:00.000-07:002007-06-27T17:59:00.524-07:00

A rough sketch drawn for a workshop I took at the community college on Xeriscape gardening. The class consisted of 12; mostly over 50 women and one man. It was kind of fun to meet some locals outside of the school. Drawn on paper and painted in Photoshop. (click image for details)Xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways that do not require supplemental irrigation. It is promoted in areas that do

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-70775439906821142332007-04-25T10:54:00.000-07:002007-05-02T11:12:29.632-07:00

Artist: Glen Campbell Album: Song: I Love My Truck It don't matter who lived It don't matter who lied I got my truck right by my side You got Sally and you got Sue And I got a... FORD She takes me home after work Don't ever miss a day She don't care what I am She don't care what I ain't But she ain't no cheap pick-up She just needs a couple coats of paint (Chorus) Yeah She don't care if I don't

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-50694365942671092302007-04-20T13:39:00.000-07:002007-04-20T13:43:46.575-07:00

Hi all, Please excuse the text issues. When the website was redesigned, the text was jostled. Fixing them will take hours. Just so you know, all the new postings from here on out will be okay. Cheerios, MJD

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-36130007482002800452007-04-18T16:35:00.000-07:002007-04-25T11:05:28.992-07:00

It's official. I'm certain of it. It's happened somehow, and I think I'm okay with it. How do I know for sure? Well, today I bought my first drug store clothing. You know the kind--it's in the seasonal clothing rack between the pharmacy and the canned food section; starched like your grandmother's tablecloth, and cheap, cheap, cheap. You run your had over it several times to make sure it isn't

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-23499577574960738252007-04-04T15:51:00.000-07:002007-09-22T09:13:18.815-07:00

In case you're wondering, the neighbor's Winnebago is still for sell.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-68166924660489949722007-03-31T10:51:00.000-07:002007-04-01T07:36:57.677-07:00

From everything I've read, original Craftsman style bungalow kitchens were often just a nook in a house— nothing special, just a space big enough for an icebox and a sink and a small prep table. Our original kitchen's no exception. The week we move in, Que casually asks, "So... Do you hate these knotty pine cupboards as much as I do?" "Yes." I answer. Ka-Blam!Without hesitation, Que takes a

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-76078688126472762082007-03-27T20:21:00.000-07:002007-04-27T10:04:11.668-07:00

On a recent jaunt south, I spot a pointy asian-looking structure from afar and ask Que to pull around so I can get a better look. It is a fairly recent memorial to the Chinese emigrants of the El Big area. The hills behind the temple are dotted with Cantonese miner and railroad worker's names on granite markers. Some are dated from 1880 to as late as 1940.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-51557194052706990452007-03-19T21:38:00.000-07:002007-06-05T19:52:49.172-07:00

***I wake to hear a very sad piece on the radio about the town's first Iraq casualty. Que and I agree that the local Peace march is a no brainer. I count 35 people in our small crowd--a nice cross section of folks from the local hs, local los Verdes organization, and a local Christian church...From the newspaper...March 22, 2007Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Memory of El Big Soldier Flags

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-38160026268670636932007-03-17T07:23:00.000-07:002007-03-25T11:31:39.435-07:00

My walking buddy Kit calls me and invites me for an afternoon walk at one of her favorite spots, a designated "bird walk" out in the State park. I enthusiatically accept. I fill my thermos with coffee, grab my sunglasses and we're off. I am pleasantly surprised that we drive for a mere 20 minutes and we're already in pristine underutilized park preserve. I often forget how the valley town of El

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-4057150521184892492007-03-10T06:51:00.006-08:002007-09-22T09:14:12.710-07:00

Two of my most recent paintings debuted at the school's Int Wmn's Day art exhibit. It felt really satisying to be involved in a community event. About one hundred people came to the opening. Granted, they had a chocolate fondue cascade fountain at the catering table, but it still seemed liked a very good showing. There are about 30 women artists in the show; mostly students and a few from the

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-65706102473020422662007-03-07T07:06:00.001-08:002007-08-23T08:23:49.295-07:00

It's been a combination of things. Partly from losing my ma this year, and partly moving to ye olde wild, wild west has inspired me to unearth my heritage. Just before I moved here, the Kawm Wa Cheung campaign of EO benefited from two grants that will help preserve some old buildings in the El Big area: $10,000 from O Cultural Trust and $80,000 of a $100,000 grant from the Nat Park Service's Save

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-34208123772565875952007-03-04T15:00:00.000-08:002007-03-10T08:08:56.758-08:00

Getting to know the neighbors...Actually, these are more likely, photos of the neighbor's next MEAL. About 150 elk are kept here in the winter time so that they don't cross over into Farmer Elmer's alfalfa fields. These furry friends are then released into the wild for prime pickins during hunting season. The native American woman seated next to me enthusiastically told me that they're "Just

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-27010624798936466392007-02-18T17:00:00.000-08:002007-02-19T14:38:11.634-08:00

From my sketchbook. Portland Sketchcrawl 2006

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-75805885455479756402007-01-20T06:43:00.000-08:002007-03-13T07:11:50.465-07:00

El Big is a city in Onion County.It is the county seat. The community was named for the river valley.The latitude of El Big is 45.324N. The longitude is -118.086W. It is in the Pacific Standard time zone. Elevation is 2,772 feet. Add 10 feet for those who drive these things.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-55405627660209413982007-01-17T12:20:00.000-08:002007-03-13T07:28:48.844-07:00

Psst! Have you fallen asleep yet?! ...Before we put down the new bath tiles, we lay in a sheet of radiant floor heating coils. Que attaches a programmer to it so that it's always warm for a bit of time in the mornings and evenings. It's pretty labor intensive, but proves to be well worth the time and sweat... The original bathroom fan was broken, which explains the dank mold problem. To insure

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1166209306672762462006-12-15T11:01:00.000-08:002007-03-25T11:28:54.305-07:00

Guess it’s about time I mentioned the homestead. Had it not been for the economic crash in the city a few years ago, I'd still be in there plugging away on another cereal commercial, or starting up some ragtag animation school. (A median-priced home in San Francisco, the most expensive in the U.S. market, is $759,000) Que and I were looking for ways to live with the economy when I mentioned that

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1166028129427718882006-12-13T08:41:00.001-08:002006-12-28T07:50:52.993-08:00

Culture Shock Level Check: missing Japanese candy stores The snow has melted in our front yard. It's a relief to be able to see the earth again— if only for a brief time. I feel like I've survived my first real North West snow storm, which, oddly enough, parallels nicely with the frantic completion of my first final at the school.It is a balmy 42 degrees outside. The school is out for the winter

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1165160653873874822006-12-03T07:43:00.000-08:002006-12-28T00:24:34.263-08:00

Culture Shock Level Check: I'm missing my SF friends at times, but I'm liking the isolation... I have to admit, having access to the art school makes it bearable. The school attracts some creative, driven people, and that's a nice contrast to the monoculture and maple syrup pace of the town. I've wanted to get away from the city for awhile now, so this is a welcoming pace. Living in the middle of

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1165000796991838132006-12-01T11:18:00.000-08:002006-12-28T00:25:35.870-08:00

These thumbnail designs were created on an online drawing program with my Mac and Wacom pen. From L-R: har gow; Michael Moore; The mentor; French water glass; self portrait during an earthquake; after Rembrandt. (Click on photo for larger image.)

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1164450948213819462006-11-25T02:32:00.000-08:002006-12-29T03:03:02.233-08:00

SUMMER'S CULTURE SHOCK LEVEL: Too Busy to NoticeFALL'S CULTURE SHOCK LEVEL: Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back...Que and I frequently remind each other of the Bay Area West bound morning traffic in the Berkeley Tunnel to help us keep our move to podunk in perspective...Images of bumper to bumper Bmw's and bloated Cadillac Suv's are soon replaced by images such as this. (Someone's private Covered

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1163725045798783552006-11-16T16:41:00.000-08:002007-02-21T11:39:08.240-08:00

And now..The Creatures of the El Big ValleySome of them, anyway. I still haven't seen a moose. And no, stuffed animals or an elk slung over a 4 wheeler certainly do not count.Culture Shock Level is presently: fuzzy and hoofedIt's nice to live somewhere with so many wild animals other than just the SF regulars such as seagulls, steller jays, sewer rats and 20-something hipsters. It all adds to the

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1163021957890445842006-11-08T13:12:00.000-08:002006-11-18T08:07:20.616-08:00

"Oh. Why, yes. I did rake my leaves this weekend." I looked up from my etching plate to see a classmate had joined me in the printmaking studio."Yeah, I saw you raking. It was good that you raked them up before the rain." she said."Yeah, I mulched them. Do you get many leaves?" ********************Dearest Propane Gas Tank friends, So it's been a little over a year, and I promised you that I'd

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1139626284610722362006-02-10T18:51:00.000-08:002006-02-10T19:08:05.813-08:00

This week's post is postponed due to another unplanned jot out of town. When I am able to post again, I'll send out an email to all of you who've shown an interest. Take care everyone.xo, Ms. Jane D'oh

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1138647200281197872006-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:002007-04-19T10:38:58.694-07:00

El Big architecture is fairly conservative.But I find it really interesting coming from N California, otherwise known as Geodesic Dome Central.This building looks vacant, but it's not.A turn of the century hot spring hotel that is being rennovated by an inspired group of Christian artists.Drive through espresso huts! One can hit the Taco Now and the EX-presso drive through hut all within the same

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1138304394986795562006-01-26T11:13:00.005-08:002007-08-23T09:29:26.291-07:00

This week's post is dedicated to my dear cousin J who we lost in Deciembre. J suffered quietly from an ongoing illness that eventually did him in. Today would've been his 42nd b-day. Que took this picture of J the morning after his wedding day in 2003. (Note: Someone who was close to J claims to have shot this photo. I was seated next to Que when this session was shot. Que has the whole roll of

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1137253800705050962006-01-20T12:15:00.000-08:002006-01-30T10:56:36.143-08:00

TODAY'S CULTURE SHOCK LEVEL:25°F;Feels Like14°FUV Index: 0 Low Wind: From S at 12 mphHumidity:83%Pressure: 30.66 in Dew Point: 21°FVisibility: 10.0 mile*****************************Note: Some of the following images may not be suitable for small children, or sensitive adults who are active members in organizations such as P*E*T*A*.I suspect this is only Part 1 of many posts of a similar

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136870597047069502006-01-13T13:20:00.000-08:002006-01-19T10:43:41.680-08:00

On our 2nd weekend in town, we decide to trek to Boise, Idaho, the next biggest city to El Big. It's basically down hill all the way...We pass through rolling hills and bucolic loveliness, until we are hit face first by serious suburban sprawl. Even though it's familiar to Bay Area sprawl, it's different enough to be interesting. It's like El Big on steroids.Craftsmen style architectural detail

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136794004396105622006-01-01T07:03:00.000-08:002006-01-28T09:39:53.286-08:00

Today's Culture Shock Level is: PLODDING AND STEADYWarmest Wishes to you and your loved ones this Holiday season.-Ms. Jane D'ohEl Big's unofficial fireworks show

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136855247197209632005-12-24T06:03:00.000-08:002006-01-11T17:42:18.930-08:00

Que and I pack up the car again and drive 15 hours south for Christmas break in California... As soon as we cross the border into my beloved treehugger state, we spot a herd of protected elk. This herd wouldn't last 2 minutes in El Big. They have fluffy, shaggy faces and weak chins, and seem almost dog-like in appearance. A female takes notice of Que and starts doing a sideways "girlfriend"

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136852480623780982005-12-01T10:04:00.000-08:002006-01-10T12:06:13.906-08:00

For Jimmy

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136837112866998662005-11-15T08:30:00.000-08:002006-01-11T11:18:22.623-08:00

I love the dry snow. The flakes are fluffy and the size of quarters. It's nothing like the slush I am used to seeing in California.I spend a half an hour taking photos just in the parking lot...Later that morning, I drive out to the north side of town and sketch the highest mountain...

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136923487921746802005-10-10T11:54:00.000-07:002006-01-11T16:44:30.746-08:00

Today's Culture Shock Level is: TEMPORARILY SHROUDED BY THE BEAUTY OF AUTUMNCumulonimbus virga in the sky on an early morning drive.This pine is not sick-it's supposed to be this way. It turns yellow and sheds it's needles in Autumn. It's a deciduous conifer, called the Western Larch (Larix occidentalis)

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136677653472305712005-09-03T07:31:00.000-07:002006-01-11T10:10:15.030-08:00

Today's Culture Shock Level is: 180 DEGREESAfter only one month in El Big, I return to California to check in with my mother. I experience a strange phenomena of reverse culture shock. The California traffic already seems too fast. People in the suburbs, in particular, seem really stressed out.I spend all my time helping my mother move the entire contents of her house into a storage center and

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136501271718431212005-08-31T07:37:00.000-07:002007-02-21T07:27:33.130-08:00

Patriotic egg farmers at the itty-bitty farmer's market...Archaic patriarchal religious groups that sell voluptuous cinnamon rolls...The cabbage table...Honey sold from the neighbor's front porch.Hal's 24 Flavors attracts visitors from every little town east of the mountains...Drive-In movie theater!Bison ranges! Fresh ground bison burger now available at the El Big Safestway meat section...This

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136245504346107762005-08-30T06:37:00.000-07:002006-01-19T10:50:24.206-08:00

Today's Culture Shock Level is: DANGEROUSLY HIGHMy jaw drops every time I leave our apartment. Every day regular activities of my fellow El Bigians stop me in my tracks. I can't sketch or take photos fast enough, and I'm self conscious about doing so. The loss of the anonymity that I had in SF is disconcerting. I've been in town for a few weeks and my culture shock hasn't died down at all. At

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136488625833888792005-08-19T08:45:00.000-07:002006-01-10T09:26:21.416-08:00

While Que is busy getting settled into his new job, I spend time setting up our apartment. I wake early every morning, make coffee, enter a few notes into a diary, and watch the sunrise to hit the hillsides outside our 7th floor apartment.The summer cloud shows are exceptional. "Cumulous mediocres" keeps me entertained throughout the day. I am excited about the prospect of plein air painting and

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136486554157784102005-08-18T07:08:00.000-07:002006-01-10T08:56:22.663-08:00

Today's Culture Shock Level is: RAPIDLY BUILDINGI can't get over the smallness of this place...The locals like it that way. Since 1900, the population has fluctuated between 12,000 to 12,500, depending on whether the small college is in session. In example...Que and I are seated in a window of the High Road Cafe, a cafe on the main avenue. The coffee is weak by San Francisco standards, but they

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136478601667325182005-08-17T06:31:00.000-07:002006-01-12T09:44:28.123-08:00

It's 97 degrees in our apartment. Que is now working full time. I'm afraid I'll get heat stroke so I decide to venture out and see the air conditioned parts of town. I go shopping at the local [sic]Safestway food market. Besides the lack of produce varieties and the endlesss throngs of tan, gay men in bicycle shorts chatting each other up in the aisles, the store is almost identical to my old

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136474994763264782005-08-16T08:15:00.000-07:002006-01-10T13:24:47.113-08:00

Que and I make plans so I can see the grounds of his new place of employment. I am surpised that it takes less than 5 minutes to drive there from downtown. I pass by several churches and old charming suburban homes... Out of the corner of my eye I spot a young woman standing on the garden slope of a 50's era row house. She is dressed in a prairie style gingham gown and bonnet and wielding garden

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136439457740380852005-08-14T08:30:00.000-07:002006-01-09T21:46:07.583-08:00

That evening Que and I walk one block down to the main avenue to buy some cables at the Radio Shak (which doubles as a 99 cent store. Most businesses seem to have a 2nd business within.) Que strikes up a conversation with the young, toothless salesman in a bad suit. "So, you're not from around here, are ya? Welcome. Well, just you wait..." His has an omninous tone in his gentle drawl. "...it'll

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136209625133713062005-08-13T08:46:00.000-07:002006-01-11T11:36:28.550-08:00

Only 56 miles to my new home!We pass through many small road bump towns. I start to get an overwhelming feeling I haven't had before. I experience my first big whallop of culture shock about 30 minutes from our valley. What in the hell are we doing?!The terrain is beautiful and strange and full of road signs for fossil beds.After driving through miles of desert, we start climbing up again.. I'm

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136207578150057592005-08-13T06:03:00.000-07:002006-01-11T21:25:36.430-08:00

Dry, dryer, driest... Our new state is big and sprawling with contrasting values. It's evenly divided at the Kaskade Mountains-- not only geographically, but socially and politically. The eastern portion of is mainly desert and socially conservative. The very liberal Western side often refers to the eastern side with sweet nicknames like No Man's Land, The Armpit, or as I like to call it, The Dry

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136204326971740022005-08-09T06:11:00.000-07:002006-01-11T16:59:51.846-08:00

The drive is long, but we're a day ahead of the moving truck so Que and I try to relax and enjoy the trip. I am easily amused by road side attractions such as this...We are often flanked by speeding logging trucks...Sign says, "Please yield to bears crossing." Okay, no problem...On our way out of Bend I notice the radio station is playing obscure follk music. I'm starting to feel like I'm in a

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1124900923355953312005-08-08T09:27:00.000-07:002006-01-11T13:36:51.836-08:00

...consolidate our junk piles, throw it all in the back of an eighteen wheeler, say good bye to the friends and loved ones, and drive off to start a new life in a secluded town in the eastern portion of the NorthWest simply known as EL BIG; population 12,000. Well, population 12,002...

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1124899960281044232005-08-01T08:01:00.000-07:002006-01-11T12:11:43.786-08:00

So, when my partner Que recieves the call for a full time dream job in the Northwest, it's a fairly quick decision to pack up and leave California, my residence of 37 years. On August 1, 2005 10:00am we marry in a private ceremony in the rotunda in San Francisco City hall......drive down the coast for three relaxing days in one of my favorite Central California spots, Pt. Lobos...

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1136327418354859422005-07-25T20:00:00.000-07:002006-02-03T08:36:39.610-08:00

With love

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1124623643590000622005-06-21T04:24:00.000-07:002006-01-02T14:20:05.146-08:00

Since the dotcom bust, I find it hard to make a decent living wage in SF. The studio that gainfully employed me for over 10 years eliminates my department without warning and sends our jobs overseas to sweatshops in Asia... By 2002, most of my colleagues scatter to affordable areas, like back home with their folks, back to school to retrain, or overseas to the studios that now contract out our

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15590773.post-1124482089301042492005-05-01T13:07:00.000-07:002006-01-22T07:52:01.016-08:00

We held it out for as long as we could, but my hometown SF has been outpricing us for awhile. Two bedroom flats go for 900 k. One single bedroom in a dumpy, 4 room shared flat rents for $800. The beau and I begin discussing moving out of the Bay Area to find an affordable place to live.I think a lot about how much I will miss the coast if we leave the area.

Ms. Jane D'ohnoreply@blogger.com0