Partytime

Have you ever seen 14 year-olds swooping through the sky and plummeting to near-deaths with smiles smeared across their faces like healthy helpings of butter? Cirque du Soleil, my friends. Some of the most incredible performing, choreography, costuming and overall artistic delivery of a concept I've ever seen in my life.
My dear friend Rainbow treated me to a 30 hour stay in Las Vegas, NV, where I luxuriated in his and Kelli's spacious and gracious suite at the Bellagio, overlooking the water show that is one of the many incredible works of art that makes that hotel famous. I soaked in the opulent Bellagio spa, ate at the only raw food restaurant for probably 500 miles, looked at the collection of modern art in the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery (some big names in there--I do love Clyfford Still) showered probably 4 times (because the shower was just that excellent), and had exquisite meals at elegant restaurants in the area. The Cirque du Soleil show was called "Love", plays only at the Mirage in Vegas and is based on the legacy and message of The Beatles. I highly recommend checking out this little taste of it (let alone seeing the show itself): http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/love/default.aspx
I had been to Las Vegas once before, but my experience of the place was not one I would have characterized with words like, "exquisite refinement" or "tasteful elegance"...and this trip was indeed made up of experiences that could be so described.
I am forever grateful to Rainbow for this beautiful experience.
My time in Las Vegas was a lavish contrast to the past couple months of camping in the cold or hot, showering with a gallon jug of Coleman stove-heated water.

Yet, I am grateful to be cozied back in the quiet of the desert.
I spent the latter half of yesterday researching painting spots in Arches National Park (Utah). I could barely drive straight, I was so taken by the other-worldliness of that place. After I finish with this post, I'll be venturing out to some select places to paint.

Another fantastic development that I can hardly believe is that I've been offered the opportunity to stay in New York for two weeks! Some dear friends of the family have offered me an apartment available to them right on Times Square. I'm a little delirious about this...hardly know what to do with myself. I've never really been to New York, and am ecstatic about the opportunities available there artistically. Even if I only get to look at work in New York, I know the time there will be rich with influence for me. If y'all have any suggestions about where to go in NY, leave a comment here!
Peace. Love. Apricots.