out ridin' today

Blue skies, Myakka Valley.

(Socialism Sucks and Biden Blows)

 

 

a buddy heads out to sea

Lost my fishing buddy of 30 years. We caught most everything, big, and smalls.

Off of Casey Key, Michael once hooked a large tarpon, and we fought it together for nearly 5 hours. That summer morning became a scorching afternoon as we each took turns on that rod & reel, exhausted and laughing hard. We finally brought it boat-side when a dark shape came up from underneath, from the dark depths, and tore that six foot sport fish all apart.

As a practical joker, a funny man as he was, Michael always had something to bring to the occasion. From fishing Sarasota's back bays, Michael had made up his own fish 'descaler' by implementing an old bottle cap as if living from the past.

 

Michael's homespun 'descaler' shows up at a filleted shore-lunch of Redfish.

 

   

an old portrait, still reminds me

Tired after three days of working the yard & garden (spring planting, fertilizing and watering all in), outside I took off my boots and headed back towards the bedroom. That ever changing indirect light, lit up an old pal's portrait - nicknamed "Carneirnho", whom I'd photographed in the early spring of '89 while living in Rio de Janeiro. (Escola de Samba, 'Tradiçao'). 

Reminding me now of the current spring Lenten season, and what was once Carnival.

 

 

SHOWTIME

The remarkable Circus Sarasota (Tutto Fellini)

Opening Act;  The renowned Sylvia Zerbini with her fine-performing, choreographed Liberty horses. 

Seated front row, ringside.  I always keep an apple in my pocket just in case.

back in the saddle

Been nearly three months since I came off.  Don't be timid, shy.  Full Throttle.  Go for it!

Today my comeback. Gusting, strong, dry, southerly winds while heading out east to Old Miakka. A bunch of sand & grit in my face. Reminding me of that one time, surviving some intense crosswinds, while leaning that bike into the borderlands of west Texas. Riding hard. Good back then, and feeling that today.

 

Mr Kroll comes for a visit

From his whirlwind Miami tour, a new book release, lecture and exhibit, an old buddy of mine comes for a 5 day visit to re-aquaint an old friendship. But there's a catch.

 

 

Arriving by Greyhound with a new book in hand - Eric Kroll, photographer.

 

 

 

And, according to his forwarded bus ticket, he's carrying 75lbs of luggage.

 

 

 

Minutes after, Eric checking and retrieving new messages. Eric always hungry, as we stopped by the nearby, JR's Packinghouse (roadhouse cafe).

 

 

 

Following day, Eric collecting balls of Spanish moss in the backyard.

 

Black History Month,

Our visit with my old friend Jetson Grimes, touring 'Jet's' one-room Greater Newtown Historical Gallery. 

Eric and Frank with some exhibit thoughts.

 

 

'Jet' sharing his story of how he helped organize the early, local Brickhouse "showgirls". Intrigued, Eric always photographing, always collecting.

 

 

Eric sharing his own "black history".

 

On our tour, visiting early examples of local, notable architectural homes. Eric, not shy, standing in the very front of the privately-owned "Umbrella House". (Paul Rudolph, 1953)

 

Eric, aisle for aisle, looking for fresh squeezed Publix orange juice.

 

With many meals over the ensuing 5 days (this particular one, at the Dutch Valley Family Restaurant), Eric called it, "the worst food (meal) that I had ever, ever eaten."  Our mutual heartburn was bad.

 

 

Today, with his latest publication in hand, Eric packed it up, returning home to Arizona. Luggage included a portfolio of prints, books, a laptop and his own personal collection of mis-matched socks.  I'll miss him.

Eric Kroll, The New York Years, 1971 to 1994.

 

 

sidewalks

Two of my buddies found while walking downtown Sarasota.

Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee.  (artwork, Holland King)

 

 

 

John Chamberlain as John the artist.  (artwork, Luther Rosebard)