We spent this week pretty close to home. My longest drive was out to 112nd on the east side of Portland to have our Honda Fit serviced, and pick up a second fob for it. The rest of the time we have been in The Pearl, which is just how we like it.

I did another sketch on my iPhone using Procreate Pocket, did the painting first, then added the ink using Apple Pencil on my iPad.

Slowly I am progressing on the small book about our time in La Thebauderie. I found a publishing platform, Maxim, downloaded their template, and have been collecting the sketches. Here is a map I made of La Thebauderie for the book.

In the evening, as we watch a bit of news and the late night talk shows – we need the humor – I find my mind drifting to France.

Last Sunday we watched the movie French Kiss with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline, one of our favorites.

The weather has been wonderful so I went back to Tanner Springs Park, this time I did a sketch with Procreate. These days it seems I am either doing oils, or using my iPad. Hope I don’t forget how to do watercolor…

First Thursday is quite an event in The Pearl, and since the heart of it is just one block away, how could we resist. We stopped at The Star, they make one of the better pizzas I have had in a long time, it is a go-to if I am out for lunch on my own, but Thursday we both had pizza as we watched les swells. I do wish their service was a bit better though.

Les Swells, or the swells, is an old term of French and British origin. “Swell” was British term for a dandy or stylish gentleman, it became a term used for all of the fashionable, well dressed people who strolled the avenues to see and be seen. In Paris it was part of the action on the Champs-Elysées. Marcel Proust, Balzac, and others wrote of it and Manet and other painters painted the events.

“The rout, that dreary review of fashionable fineries, that parade of well-dressed self-infatuations, is one of those English inventions currently mechanifying the other nations.” Balzac, La Comédie Humaine

The Swell along 13th Ave in The Pearl was not quite high society, yet there was a steady parade of interesting people to watch as we ate or pizza, many dressed to be noticed.

We started watching Netflix’s new addition to its Chef’s Table series, this one is called Legends. They are some of the most beautifully produced shows ever, and if you are a foodie, as we are, they are the best. Still I find myself sketching.

Next week will be a busy one again. Tricia is writing today about our recent time in Cannon Beach, check it out and enjoy her photos.

I hope your spring, or fall, is going well, that you are getting a bit of time to find joy, and, as always, I encourage you to capture the moment with a sketchbook.