the cure for my mid-life crisis at 35...

...was entering the Theatre program at Cleveland State University - photo is from student ID...thoughts of this time brought on by recent email conversation with college mate from much earlier attempt at higher education - reviews of the past - the next phase was born not so much from crisis as need for a clarifying experience, when, at age 44, I gave up driving a car for riding a motorcycle, specifically a 1998 Triumph Trident (which became a six year affair) -- but first I had to have that pesky brush with death -- (which ultimately brought me to Key West) -- another story for another time

For vantage point I'll need to either a) climb this Poinciana or b) score a better camera

Royal Poinciana

Mikaloguer: Reliving Ruthie's Death, but Differently

Mikaloguer: Reliving Ruthie's Death, but Differently: "Ruthie died with dignity. That action was the last and greatest gift she gave me in this world. That dignity: complete lack of fear. She pas..."

In Memory of my mother, Ruth ~ March 25, 1933 - April 24, 2009 and my brother, Michael ~ August 12, 1952 - October 23, 1983

Me, Mom and Michael

Sunset on my back

from Sunday afternoon stalk

today's fetch and edit

These images now available in print on Canson Arches Aquarelle Rag by custom order - contact me by email for details

You can reach me at michelestrub@mikalogue.com

late night window stalking in Sante Fe, October 2009

Suksamran Gold: orchid on the move

Mikaloguer: Late night post re: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Mikaloguer: Late night post re: Las Cruces, New Mexico: "I had a great drive down the mountain from Cloudcroft to Las Cruces yesterday - spent time roaming through La Mesilla - photo..."

New Mexico on ma mind...

Bird of Paradise on the move

visions in my little yarden

Mikaloguer: High Light The Night

Mikaloguer: High Light The Night: "I'm in the down phase. The ball on the string of my highs and lows moves down down - but it will move up again soon, as it always does and ..."

from October 2009 - Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Not Just Adorable

Mikaloguer: Romulus, Ruler of the Realm

Mikaloguer: Romulus, Ruler of the Realm: "Romulus is twenty years old - he is most definitely a noble old man -[Monica reminded me that Old Man had a birthday; he's twenty-one; all t..."

Romulus (or as we called him, "Ole Man") passed on March 25 - just ten days after his 22nd birthday. He was a faithful, warm and loving friend to his pet, Monica, for many years. His spirit lives on. Thanks for tolerating us humans, Ole Man. We'll miss you.

Birds of Paradise at end of life cycle -- New babies on the way!

Jesse Darrow, a colleague in the reservations department of the hotel where we work by day, is moving to Mackinaw City, Michigan, with her husband Eric, where they'll be sharing the work of running the "Darrow's Family Restaurant" http://www.darrowsrestaurant.com/  -- I have been fortunate to be gifted a big fat beautiful pot of BOP that now sits in a special spot in my front porch living room garden!  Thank you Jesse! I'll take good care of these beauties! And good luck to you and Eric in your new life!

And to my dear friend and fabulous painter/artist Lorraine Ulen..., I have found our subject and she's sitting on the porch readying herself to produce babies for what I hope will be a lovely set of portraits!! Huzzah!! Looking forward to their arrival! So glad you said "take your time" when requesting reference photos!!! 

Mikaloguer: Late Night/Early Morning Trawl

Mikaloguer: Late Night/Early Morning Trawl: "I spent hours tonight poring through photos posted on friend's Facebook pages. The desire to connect is prevalent in these pages, my own inc..."

Posted during my three month stay in Cloudcroft, New Mexico -

Red-Bellied Woodpecker Comes To Visit

This RBWP stopped by briefly to scope a cavity in the Royal Poinciana in my  front yard - I scurried inside to grab my camera - photo quality not so great, but I was excited to capture an image of this beauty - I missed him (I think its a him!) the first time he stopped by over a week ago. Hoping the next time I'll have my camera strapped to me with a steady hand to go with. That is, if RBWP decides to call the Poinciana home for the brood!

Chica, neighborhood pooch, ditched home for a little venture down Catherine Street

She stopped by to relax for a minute, then wandered off for her next hello.