Hey all Tonight is the night for the Pilgrimage walk from Ambato to Banos. It is roughly 35-38 km. The police shut down the road for the night and 20-12 thousand people walk, bike, dance, shuffle whatever to Banos. Then when they get here they visit the church, they sleep in the streets or parks or wherever they can and in the morning go back wherever they came from. This is an amazing night, this will be my forth pilgrimage but this time my husband and son are walking. What to expect, sore feet, rain (this year) improved night vision, openess to new and different things. The pace is fast and hard and when you think that you are tired you look over and you see an older person from the mountains walking in bare feet and enjoying the process or children walking or parents with trollers or wheel chairs. It keeps you humble and thankful. That is the whole point of the walk. It is also as spiritual as you want it to be. There are young adults partying the whole way and dancing through the street, that is also humbling. So.... all that said, who knows what this journey will be.... Let you know tomorrow. Robin

Hi there All The professional photos are in. Yeah, now comes the hard part... creating a new web page, with new photos. I will start loading in the new photos fairly quickly. Thank you all for waiting. Robin

in the early morning

Hi there Folks: For those of you who know me, and for those who do not, I am a person who requires less sleep than the average bear. So it is in the wee hourse of the morning and here I am blogging. I got up at 2:00, talked with my daughter in Canada, she went to bed and then I went into the studio to work. I have this awesome and crazy photo that I took of a Cougar corkscrewing its tale. So feeling some pressure of my photographer friend coming on Sunday night, I figure I have just enough time to get this painting done before the photoshoot. So, that said the layout is done and now I am waiting for the frisk to dry. This is a rubber material that I use to cover my drawing so that I can uninhibitedly paint the background. So, here I wait and think for the next thing to do which is practice my speech to the Casa De Cultura of Banos Ecuador to petition to have my first art show in Ecuador. This is more of an introduction of myself and my art. Oh but that is not enough, no, I like a little challenge and who wants to do these things easily: no I have to also do it in Spanish..... fun. Thank god for my Spanish teacher and my dear friend Manola, who is amazing with her education, language skills and of course understanding of the culture..... Manola is also kind to me in that she knows that normally I am short and to the point and really don't want to linger in the public speaking arena. So the speech is short and sweet. So, that said and that done, I may have to take my dangling participles and go to bed for a while. I have Spanish classes in the morning...... oh wait, like in 3 hours..... yeah that is how I work it..... This sleeping thing is really great to get things done and read books. I just got the new daylight light bulbs from Ebay and they are making my life better already. Whoo hoo. Okay, back to bed, nice talking with you, even if it is one sided. Be kind to each other and honor your differences Robin

Confetti: Dog and Cat

Confetti: Dog and Cat This was a painting that I struggled from beginning and stayed with the struggle until I picked up my brush. I fought again against: the idea of domesticated animals versus wild life, which species of domestic dog and cat etc. I just had to have faith in the author’s visions and go and paint in the flow meditating on the theme. Remarkably, this painting took every little time. There are times when it feels like the painting is meant to be and I just happen to be the one painting it. This is one of those paintings. I am still joyful about this painting and for me whenever I look at this painting: spontaneity and following my passion joyfully is very much the theme. This was a painting for the theme of: Spontaneity/ act now. How do I follow my passion? Original painting size: 50cm/100cm Robin

Beauty is often out of the Box: Peacock

Beauty is often out of the Box: Peacock When the authors said that they wanted the peacock to represent: beauty/see with the eyes of the heart, and how can I see beauty in everything: I immediately tried to answer the question what is beauty. I thought there are so many non-stereotypical creatures that could represent beauty why go with the norm. But again have faith in the authors and their vision. So, I went and researched and photo’d peacock in zoos and on-line. I wanted to give them my best with a unique point of view yet still poignant. As I was drawing one day with this thought in mind, there it was, the idea, this is the result. I still felt though it was not quite done. After several months of hanging on the wall in front of me, I happened to have purchases James Gurney’s book (creator/artist of Dinotopia) called “Color and Light”, and there were further answers to this unsettling incomplete feeling. Pursue that which calls to you. Original painting size: 80cm/94cm Robin

Last Straw: Donkey

Last Straw: Donkey Sometimes I laugh so hard while I am painting. This painting is one of those times. This poor little guy was pushing it up the mountain with this heavy load and he was not happy about it, neither would I in fact. Anger and frustration are often emotions people do not want to express. These emotions are huge motivators to move us forward and change that which is not working. Hence in the end, it is a positive thing. It just doesn't feel good in the moment. But moving forward is moving forward, and sometimes these things have just got to be done. Robin

Fox and Armadillo

Fox and Armadillo This is one of the few paintings that to me remind me of an Aesop's Fable. I still feel like in the future this painting will go through a metamorphosis but we will see. The purpose of this painting was for the book and the Author's wanted to communicate: Whom do I associate with?, networking, rejection or approval, do I sometimes wear my armour out loud, how this all effect my relationships. This was a huge theme process. I think the painting does provide for all these topics of discussion. Yet, in the future I still see a metamorphosis coming..... Robin

Construction Zone: Ants

Construction Zone: Leaf Cutter Ants We have these ants everywhere in Ecuador. I see them a lot especially in the jungle. They are trodding across the hiking trails to home base and do whatever it is that ants do. In fact, the jungle is an insect place. Amazing, and here there is such a diversity of "bugs". I am always so aware of these little ants, I don't want to ruin their destined path, and actually it is more of a highway.... Robin

Art Group: Otters

Art Group: Otters When I was still living in Canada, I was involved in an art marketing group. I miss them all so much. There were serious times of planning, marketing research, goal setting, practicing talking about the art etc. to help us understand the more commercial part of the art process. However there was also time spent making jokes, laughing and supporting each other. Art is way more than just the end result, it is connecting with others. You can be a teacher and help other growing artist; you can be in a show and communicate with others as they ask questions or just sit back and observe whatever. But at the end of the day my perception of art is connecting with others and expressing yourself sometimes when words just can't do it for you. Robin

If Jackson Pollock was a Fish.

If Jackson Pollock was a Fish: Salmon This was so much fun. I can see the fun when I look at it. I was dribbling paint remembering and honoring the time when I watched Jackson Pollock paint many years ago. He really was an artist who when painting, flowed and lived in the moment. Living in the moment is very difficult but when I paint I have to be very present and yet not. I have to become the painting or paint or process whatever it is you desire to call it. When this happens for me, you can really see it in the painting. The painting is more natural and intense. The feeling during and after is .... Incredible. When you look at paintings this way and you will learn so much more from art. We had spawning salmon pass by our former house across the street in Enderby. They were so interesting and incredible. They are so much a part of the environment and so much depends on them, I am glad when I see the environmentalist finding ways to make their life process easier and more fruitful. Protecting them helps to protect the entire web but other parts of the web need protecting and help also. Robin

Rachelle

Rachelle Here is one of the few paintings that I have done of real people. My daughter asked for a painting of herself for her birthday one year. I think it was an actual challenge to see if I could. Remarkable this painting took very little time and was highly successful. It was a fun process. And I proved to her that yes I can paint people also. In my family, we make each other gifts and buy presents, this came from when we were in a more financially challenged time. The custom is still very much alive, and I prefer it, even if it so much more works. I love to see what these children of mine come up with. Creativity needs to be nurtured. Robin

Play Date: Penguins

Play Date: Penguins To any parent who has been there, there is.... the play date. The parents are providing a supervised play time with other kids, especially young children. I was one of those especially cautious mother bear types. After all, my partner is a full out male bear type of guy. So we would be this kind of match. I look back at it now and know that I couldn't do it now like I did then. It is what you do for your children. So for all those parents and one that will become parents, Play Date is a hat off to you all and me too. Love your children endlessly. Robin

Meditation: Coyote

Meditation: Coyote This painting is of how meditation can affect our lives in a positive way. The coyote is often known as the trickster but it is also a wise and knowledgeable spirit. In this moment it is being wiser. Unfortunately, there are people who are for some reason not comfortable with meditation, I find it a moment in time put aside for me to center myself and bring my energy to a more focus less scattered position. I value meditation and I like many forms of meditation and meditative exercises. I am often sad when a person does not truly understand its reality and are confused with unrelated prejudices. Oh well, I guess that is a part of the exercise: allowing for all beliefs. Robin

Dolphins in the Light.

Dolphin in the Light I had originally done these dolphin more stylized and yes, it was interesting, but.... I was unsatisfied with it. And the original went to a magical person who it seemed that it should belong to. I was asked by the authors to have this painting ready for the Cover of the book, Yikes. I had allowed this painting to disappear to another country for its new home without photos of it. So back to the drawing board I went. This turned out well for me as I painted these dolphins in a more natural way. Both are interesting and I enjoyed the chance to compare with both concepts. They both are successful and both have value. Oddly enough I have no preference, accept the first painting if for the book as the second painting in the best home for it in United States. And for now is not available for reproduction. Things are as they are meant to be, sometimes there is no point in fighting it, letting go is more natural. Robin

Magic is Everywhere: Raccoons.

Magic is everywhere: Raccoons These animals are quite successful living in human environments, often much to the distress of humans. They are clever and can adapt oh so well. There is nothing like finding that a raccoon has entered you house and shown you how curious he is in locating interesting things to explore, tearing the house up to find it and explore. These animals are so adaptable you can also find these animals throughout the Americas. Here in Ecuador they are called Mapache. Originally this painting was to be called the Alchemists but this title just couldn't cut it. The purpose of the painting is: What is my perception of reality/truth is different for every person. Every person has their own perception. Each of these raccoons is seeing the event differently, on the creating end or observing end of things. When I look at each raccoon, I can almost hear what each is thinking. I think that this painting allows you to bend you mind to look from other points of view. These highly intelligent animals are terrific in representing the intelligence of a thinking mind. Robin

The Secret of the First Snow: Coyote & Raven

The Secret of the First Snow: Coyote & Raven Here is another paint that I just love. It is playful and fun. I am a "Dog" person and love it when dogs smile at you as this coyote in the painting is doing. The canine family of animals have more body language cues similar to human body language. We as humans can associate with them more easily because of this. Hence it was easy for me to enjoy this painting. So that said you can see in the painting that I am a dog person. This is the other painting that I gave the authors as an option for: creativity/perceive new ways to do things, and How resourceful am I. Although, they did not choose this painting for this theme, I still prefer this painting. I love the flight of the raven and the joy in the coyote. The coyote and raven both play roles in "First Nation" legends, and both are intelligent and also the tricksters. Because of this I wanted a more playful interaction. I think that the authors may still use this painting, I know that I will. Have fun and laugh daily. Robin

The Secret: Coyote & Raven

The Secret: Coyote & Raven The next two paintings are both of a coyote and raven. I researched and found different characteristics for both of these to creature. This painting is somehow more serious and intimate. Although the coyote is in a play bow, the interaction between the two of them is more intimate. It does look like there is more of secret information being passed. The purpose of the painting or theme of this painting is to be: Creativity/ perceive new ways in doing things. How resourceful and I? There is a natural relationship in the wild that can form with coyote and ravens. They are both highly intelligent animals, you can often see them both at kill sites interacting. They are both very clever when hunting or savaging for food. These animals are unfortunately stereotyped with cartoons for children with Wiley Coyote and Heckle and Jeckle. We need to look beyond our ideas of these animals and respect them all the more for surviving and adapting successfully in our modern times. Robin

The Honey Makers: Bees

The Honey Makers: Bees This was an awesome painting to do. It was geometric in all kinds of directions. It was fun, challenging, colorful and a learning experience. I love how the honey came out in the comb and the dancing bees communicating to the other bees. Although this is a smaller painting, it took as much time as any of the larger paintings due to all the detail. The theme that the bees are representing is: "organization/prepare what you need. What can I provide or do?" This is not a surprising choice but the job of illustration is to emphasize the topic and provide a visual impression. I think I was very successful in achieving this. I can still see the bees in front of me and making me almost dizzy with detail. Still it was fun. Robin

Looking From a Different Perspective: Cows

Looking From a Different Perspective: Cows This painting created a lot of agony for me. I have said in the past that I am a wild life artist and sometimes that can be a confusing term. Technically, cows are domesticated and breeding controlled to where they are not really part of the natural ecosystems and are no longer wild life, to no fault of their own. The cow/bovine has been an integral part of human civilization and has helped to mold our evolution. This said they deserve respect as well. I started this painting but in the first draft you can really see my lack of love for the painting. I had to shift my perspective and acknowledge my personal limitation of my thinking to realize how disrespectful and prejudiced I was being. Once I did this the painting took on a new and kinder feeling. This painting is much more cohesive with the background while still focusing on the relationship with the mother and babies. Fortunately, the authors insisted on pursuing their animal representation of the ideas of: "Abundance and wealth, do I see what is available to me" as being cows. This painting again challenged me into opening my heart and mind to the real wealth that these animals represent. Robin

Fresh Start: Snake

Fresh Start: Snake Now, I am not a fan of snakes for whatever personal reason that turns me off. Snakes are like any part of the animal world; they are an integral part of the ecosystem and deserve respect. They are in no way evil, just our interpretations of them are. What I love about them is they get cranky for a while, shed their skin and continue on without missing a beat. We can learn a very good lesson here. Robin

Jaguar Woman

Jaguar Woman This is one of the paintings that got repainted because for some reason the older one was not photographed or lost in the move from Canada to Ecuador. What is interesting is if you look on the official web site and the one now you will be huge leaps forward in technique and ability. It is like walking through time and grading me on growing as an artist. My perceptions have also changed a lot since then in what makes for a better painting. Don't be afraid to grown, then quickly glance back and keep moving forward. Robin

See into your Future: Look into Your Past: Moth

See into your Future: Look into Your Past: Moth When asked to do a painting of Butterflies for the theme of Role modeling/being an example to others, my researches lead me to look more into the colorful moths than butterflies. This is a painting of the caterpillar and adult of the Hummingbird moth. This is when a stereotype is not as interesting as something unusual. I found the moths much more interesting than the butterflies. When you are young, you look to adults for your future in anticipation, when the adults are looking at the young they remember their childhood with past thoughts. It is a real paradox. Robin

Balance Over Thrown: Lionfish

Balance Over Thrown: Lionfish I have to be honest and say that this is not one of my favorite paintings. There are many reasons for this. The primary reason is that it is toxic. This painting is representing where humans have intervened and placed an animal from its normal balanced environment into an area that is not capable of dealing with it. As we all know, the oil spill on the East Coast of the US. has created permanent irreparable damage, add into this mix the Lionfish, which is beautiful in where it should be but killing everything out of its perfect environment, the same East Coast. I normally try to paint to inspire people, but this is where attention should be put to clean up a serious mess. There is no nice way to represent these irresponsible acts. I can find nowhere in my soul to find the positive in this problem, accept action. In regards to the fish, it is not its fault; it is the fault of people thinking they are smarter than nature. Robin

Neoscona Cooksoni: Zigzag Spider

Neoscona Cooksoni: Zigzag Spider This is a spider I found in my garden. It is the common Ecuadorian Zigzag spider. The make these terrific webs with these interesting gauzy zigzags in them. On close inspection they are wonderfully colored and brilliantly designed. so when the authors of the book wanted a spider, I went to the garden, literally my back yard. It took me quite a while to find this creature on the internet but when I discovered its name I was even giddier. I would love a name like that. So the purpose of this painting is to represent "Oneness/know that everything is interconnected. What impact to I have? I put the water drops in to represent every drop in the bucket of life, captured in your web to contribute to the world. Yeah big concept and hard for me to express, but there you are. Robin

Choice and Destiny: Shark

Choice and Destiny: Bull Shark This paintings purpose was to be: Integration/Know that there are many paths. Do I have a chosen path? This was one of those painting that was extremely difficult to ensure the theme went with the meditations/ideas of the authors. This is a very difficult set of questions/statements but this is actually quite in tune with the shark. The shark is very misunderstood. Their purpose is clear being on of the most efficient hunters on Earth, but they are not evil, and clearly they are following their path no matter what humans say. Actually it is not the saying of humans but the actions. Humans are quite willing on any spare occasion to hunt these perfect balance beings to extinction. If we get out of our own self destructive way, our path will become clear. We often use our thinking brain to guide us and not our feeling, intuition brain to move forward. When this happens the natural turn of events is destroyed and we become out of balance and we follow paths that are not natural to use and end up being dissatisfying. A very wise woman had this sticker on the back of her car, "Don't believe everything you think". Interesting, hmm.... Robin

Magic on the Wing: Black Necked Swan

Magic on the Wing: Black Necked Swan Well this is a painting that was created for the book to represent: Humility: Know where you are great. How important am I? The first choices were Trumpet or Whistling Swans. I was still geared to try and paint as many Ecuadorian wildlife as possible. I think that this painting was where my mind opened up to other animal life worldwide. Yes, this is an Ecuadorian/South American animal but it let me realize I still want to paint as many animals as possible in my life, everything deserved attention. In my research for a swan from Ecuador so many other animals also showed up on my screen. It was like the wings were casting a spell to opening doors for others that want to be represented also. The painting background let me play. I applied the background paint like water color and let it mix and flow as it liked. Then we everything had dried I followed it with more dense color. The shapes that have been created were from the flow, I only instinctually followed. Again the subject, the animal was happy to be there: the background seemed to naturally do what it was meant to do to enhance the painting. Don't get in the way of your life. Robin

Trust in Your Next Step: Polar Bear

Trust in Your Next Step: Polar Bear I absolutely love this painting. I often do fall in love with paintings but I can easily let them go. This painting, for me is just so interesting. I allowed the background of the painting to flow and move and in fact I just let it take me where it wanted to go, and I tell you it was an amazing journey. This is absolutely the perfect demonstration of when a painting was meant to be. How can anyone plan this? The color and light and imagery were all preplanned but not by me. I really worked closely with the authors and often they meditated and I meditated and then on occasion plans and direction were made. The Theme of the painting was to be: Trust in your next step, clarity/know with certainty. Do I understand what is needed? So that said, we were all on the same page. I actually, in the beginning, thought that maybe a frog in a precarious position of reeds might be interesting but I decided to have faith and follow our hearts and let it flow. And boy did it flow. I kept my heart and my intention on the main ideas and meditations that we had all had and made the wet paint flow. I just love this painting. Just as I am making my first steps back into the art world, this is one painting that I might not be able to let go, so that it keeps me on having trust in my first steps. Have faith in yourself, Robin

Dancing in the Dark: Blue-footed Boobies

Dancing in the Dark: Blue Footed Boobies Okay, this painting was done just for me. I had had such a fun time photographing the Blue Footed Boobies on Isla Plato that I had to do something. These little fellows are whistling and dancing around all day long. Now in reality, they are posturing and establishing dominance and such but we as humans can put our own bent on things. So with artistic license, I did. I travelled back in times to my own youth and there you have it. I am embarrassed to say that I have been there, and there are actually some of my old friends from college there. By the way you can't even say the name of this species to my photographer without him giggling like a little girl. Nuff said. Robin

Ember: Horse

Ember: Horse Just before we left the Okanagan area, the Kelowna area in British Columbia Canada had experienced horrific out of control forest fires. We who were all living in the area were ready for evacuation if needed be. There were many experiences of people losing their livestock and having to shoot them as mercy killing as the poor animals ran still burning from the fire. We were beyond saddened at all this. Although forest fires occur regularly you never really are ready for them or what the damage that they can do. This was painted on a night where someone was reunited with their beloved horse, knowing that they would be survivors. Robin

Fluidity: Dolphins

Fluidity: Dolphins I love the dolphins. I have not had a lot of opportunity to be one on one with them. When I was a child, my family went to Sea World in San Diego, big trip since we were living in Canada at the time. I was a thinking kind of kid and I saw a pool of dolphin, at that time the pool was built in such a way that petting could happen if you were just so. So I fit in just so. There was a dolphin waiting for me, so naturally I started petting it. I was kind of like a wet watermelon in texture as I recall, but then I was a kid at the time. I looked into its eyes and had a connection, I could have stayed there all day and just touched it, with all the love that a young kid can give and it was quite willing to be there also. Of course this was a busy park and another child ran noisily over and popped our intimacy bubble, to where the dolphin snapped at the intruder. But as my parents called me away, I looked back and we connected again to say good bye. That was when I became hooked on loving wildlife. So yes, this painting is called "Fluidity" but it also expresses the love that dolphin are. Robin

Waiting for Trevor

well folks, it looks like Trevor the Photographer is going to be giving us a visit. This is terrific news as he can be taking the new photos of my work. Yeah, 30 more new paintings for you to see. He will also be providing a guiding presence as I create a new addition or changes to the webpage. Another yeah. On the new web page, it looks like I might be able to video some work and being taught the process of being more in touch with the internet world. I would be having more paintings on the web site than on my blog. For real!!! I am really excited about this so for the next 2 weeks I will be doing the writing for each of the new paintings. I just added all the paintings onto Brush in a Backpack so that is consistant and when he gets his work done I will be able to replace my old painting photos with the new on a clear and easy to use web site. While I was looking at my old writing on the other blogs of the paintings it brought up so much for me. I have laughed and cried at what I wrote and remembered some wonderful things. So I hope they have affected you as much as it has me. Talk soon Robin

Putting on a Happy Face: Dolphin

Putting on a Happy Face/dolphin
Putting on a Happy Face/dolphin When I can get too into what I am doing or get far to serious about something, I have found ways to make me lighten up. This is very important for me as I believe have your head in the clouds and your feet on the ground. One of the things that I do is look for wonderful faces. The dolphin has an ever-loving face and one that is filled with fun and naughty instigations. The clever dolphins play even as they feed and hunt for fish. They will get the job done but darn it they will have fun while they do it. This is what we all have to remember in our stress filled lives. Hence enjoy the playful and fun-loving dolphin and learn. Please also support the anti-dolphin hunts, protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Squirrel Monkey's Jungle

Squirrel Monkey's Jungle I loved doing this painting for a number of reasons. I love the monkey, they are fast delightful, naughty and playful. Any being that delights in being a bit naughty deserves protecting. They are not without defences though. Those teeth of theirs can deliver quite the bites. The second reason I love this painting is that I fractured the jungle colors and feeling into geometric shape and then fit the monkey right in. I can see that this is how a squirrel monkey would see things, as they move with such speed that they would have to break down their vision in broad shapes as they passed by on their fun time. Robin

Sitting in Anticipation: Coatimundi

Sitting and waiting in

Elizabeth: Spider Monkey

Elizabeth/spidermonkey
Elizabeth/Spider Monkey Elizabeth is a lovely monkey from the Refugio de Los Monos (monkey refuge) in Puyo. She is an elegant and loving lady. She sits often without even thinking about it in repose and a gentle glamour that just can't be taught. She has more elegance and grace in her than I have. I definitely can learn a great deal from her. Robin

Prayer of Hope: Woolly Monkey

Prayer of Hope/wooley monkey
Prayer of Hope: Woolly monkey I had visited the Refugio de Los Monos (monkey refuge) in Puyo. Here the people that own the land are passionate about the care for the animals that they have the opportunity to rescue. It is an honor to visit this center and spend time with the animals. While I was thinking of the gift of love that these people have given, some of the monkeys climbed up me and gave me hugs or cuddled. There was a Woolly monkey who cuddled right into my neck and started purring. It was later when I saw the same monkey stand at the base of my daughter, Rachelle, looking up at her in hopes of a hug. Sometimes, waiting for the right time gives you the best photos. So here it is, Woolly monkey looking up and only wanting, hopefully ...love. Robin

Yinyang Ocelots

Yinyang ocelot
Yinyang ocelot This photo comes from the magic photos that my son Dane took for me on my birthday. I am not one to enjoy bought presents; I am one who far more enjoys gifts of time or thought of caring where someone made something for me. This is one of my favorite gifts, a moment in time well shared. This painting is also in honor of a friend and inspiration Rob "Shoe" Glenesk. He once gave me the most wonderful complement I have ever received for a painting. He said, "Not a brush stroke was wasted." Rob often paints from an overhead view, invoking spiritual sensation and experience in kind and gentle fashion. So for him I say, not a thought or moment was wasted. Robin

Science of Flight: Perigrin Falcon

The Science of Flight: Peregrine falcon In the science of flight there are eddies where the air ripples and flows over the wings of the bird. This is how my mind sees how the air passes over the wing if air was visible. The background is painted to look like concrete. Concrete being a symbol for how the laws of physics do not bend. But I also painted the concrete to have a gauzy look to it to give the impression of air. Robin

On Strike: Pelicans

On Strike: Pelican
On Strike: Pelican I love pelicans, they are real opportunists. They hang out on the fishing boats and areas where the fishing boats are unloading fish in hopes to steal an easy lunch. I can't believe that stealing is easier than catching your own but there you have it. I love that the sea has colours that call to it. The optical illusion that is created by the living liquid is a sight to behold. Robin

Color of the Forest: Grison

Color of the Forest/grison
Color of the Forest: Grison This was a much unexpected opportunity. I had gone to the Refugio de los Monos (the monkey refuge) in Puyo when this little shy guy showed up for some photos. No one knew what it was, only what was obvious and that was that it was a part of the weasel family. So after visiting with a biological physicist friend of mine, and showing him the pictures, he informed me that although he had never had the opportunity to see one, he had read many books and had remembered that it was a Grison. I asked around of the locals and other informed people and no one else knew. So with pictures and paint in hand, I take the opportunity to introduce you to the Grison one of the rain forests forgotten lesser known creatures Robin.

Spick and Span: Ocelot

Spick and span: Tigrillo/Ocelot I love these animals. I love the grace and elegance but these creatures are not soft and gentle herbivores. To keep these guys happy and healthy they require.... Meat. What you don't see in the picture that I happily left out was the picked over bones and excess meat that he couldn't finish or was saving for later. This Tigrillo/Ocelot is taking care of business, post meal. What I love about this picture is the contrast between the black and yellow stripes with the pink of the tongue. What was also fun for me was that the low lights of the picture are blue. Shadow is not always grey/paynes grey. So with honesty, I tell you this picture is clean up after supper, we all need to do it..... So there you go. Robin

The Gentle Smile: Galapagos Tortoise

The Gentle Smile: Galapagos tortoise And there I was, again in the zoo in Quito, watching and photographing. Going to a zoo and watching is important when I want to take pictures. I settle in and try and get a feel for the animals and what is happening rather than just charging in there and click away without any kind of awareness. I like to invest my time in allowing for observing and interaction that might take place. So there I was....watching....waiting ... when a gentle soul of a man walked right up to a tortoise and started petting and stroking the tortoise's head, lovingly, kindly. The tortoise was in rapture, so also so was the man. They had made a connection..... One that I wish other people would just take the time to do too with other creatures. I joyfully watched this take place when I felt someone staring at me. So I turned and looked behind me, and there watching me with approving eyes and slight smile was another tortoise. I also had made a connection. Thank you for the opportunity, gentle old man. Robin