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Sunday, May 29, 2016

Tribal

This week's Illustration Friday prompt is "Tribal", and I drew this mask for no other meaning than it was just fun.  I don't know the origin of this mask.  I just found the reference on Pinterest and think that it's African, and that's all the culture from me today.

Merriam-Webster defines "tribe" as:
a group of people that includes many families and relatives who have the same language, customs, and beliefs.

And it occurs to me that this is a time of year when many tribes get together.  Our next-door neighbors had  a large gathering at their house yesterday.  They've lived there for about a year, and I don't know them all that well, but what I do know is all good.

This is the neighbor who killed an antelope last fall, then gave us a couple pounds of meat from the murder.  None of us had eaten antelope before, and we declared it good with a very distinct flavor.



Their tribal gathering also seemed nice in that, despite the throngs of people in attendance, it was relatively subdued save for one girl child who felt that screaming was a necessary part of any game being played in the yard.

As for us, Wolfgang was here for most of the day.  He'd dropped his truck off at that same tire store that lives across the creek from us.  Smartly, he asked us for a ride rather than traverse the creek.

He continues to lobby for me to get a family membership at that high faluting fitness center he goes to. It would considerably lower his portion of the membership fee, which he now pays as an individual.   I remind him that it would substantially increase our portion of the membership fee for which we currently pay zero.

Still, we might go visit to have a look around.  "The outdoor pool opens this weekend.  It's REALLY nice... you should check it out!",  as just a portion of his sales pitch.   He knows which of my buttons to push.

I still use the university rec center, but it's not as easily accessible, nor does it have as nice of ammenities as Wolfgang's place.  On the other hand, it costs us nothing (more).  Magnum says he'd be interested in trying a yoga class at the nice place.  But don't tell Wolfgang.




I drew the illustration while Wolfgang and I chatted about fitness centers and various other topics.  I did it in my pocket moleskine, which is just the cutest thing and one of my indulgences.

I don't really have time (nor the inclination) to do bigger art projects, so this is a nice plaything.  I can get cheaper knock-offs, but I think, once you go moleskine, you don't go back.




18 comments:

Sparkling Red said...

Oh my! I did not know that you are an artist. I really like the mask.
Don't be suckered into the expensive health club membership. The more you pay for it, the less likely you are to actually go there, in my personal experience. ;-)

Anita said...

I'm with Sparkling Red. As soon as you sign the contract, something in your life changes and you're not able to go as often as you thought. Although... You seem to follow through with things that you start AND you enjoy exercise, so it might work for you.

Glad to see your drawings again! If I page back, I'm sure you started again before now and that I'll see more; Once again, I've been absent for a while. *sigh*

Anita said...

My brother has a tribal Memorial Day party every year in his back yard. He lives 2 hours away from me and I just couldn't make myself go. Heard it was an awesome time and reunion of the folks who grew up together... Still no regrets from me.

Claire said...

I know how you feel about moleskine - I've recently dipped my toe in and I love them, just the most lovely books!

Abby said...

I think in some ways, everyone is an artist. I guess I'm a "hobbyist" :)

Abby said...

The long lost Anita!
Actually, we got a trial membership, so the scheduling problems will probably happen after that's over. And I've only drawn a couple of things since we're on a break from classes right now. Believe me, you haven't missed anything!

Abby said...

Well, as long as you have no regrets. Our neighbor's bash was mainly for a kid who'd just graduated high school - a good reason to gather the tribe.

Abby said...

I know, right?! I don't even remember where I first heard of them, but glad I did.

Ginny said...

Always impressed by your drawings. Very nice.

lotta joy said...

I like that! I especially love the eye socket you left empty so we can pretend it's glowing. Most people never know when to stop and believe all empty spaces must be filled. I applaud your stopping point. Moleskin??? Now I have to google it and see what I've been missing.

Linda Hensley said...

I think I'm better off not discovering moleskins because then I'd want them, need them, suffer when I don't have one. You see it all goes downhill and I'm better off knowing the joy you're feeling. Enjoy! Nice mask :)

Abby said...

Thanks Ginny :)

Abby said...

Thanks for noting the stopping point. A real compliment coming from you! Moleskine paper is very smooth - wonderful for ink (smudgy for pencil...)

Abby said...

You expressed that very accurately. If you do end up with a moleskine, you can thank me/hate me.

ShadowRun300 said...

I used to be totally against going to the gym, but now I go around 3-4 times a week, and have been for over a year now. Worth the money in my opinion.
Love your mask. I'm always so impressed with how talented you are. Amp's a big fan of moleskin too. Wonder if he's got a book like yours?

Abby said...

I'm a former gym rat who's been somewhat anti-gym in recent years. This new place speaks to me, though.
And good for Amp! These little pocket moleskines make nice stocking stuffers - only 208 days 'til Christmas!

Unknown said...

Make that into a sculpture and ask some specialist to appraise it.
You can end up a millionaire!

Abby said...

You're absolutely right! (If I buy a winning lottery ticket on the way to the appraisal)