Mules - September 12, 2025

For over a week, I have been trying to draw and paint a mule from a photograph.  It hasn't been going too well.   I've tried watercolor (three times), colored pencils, and pen & ink.  

Here's the reference photo:

(I found this picture online.  I would give photo credit if I could find it again.)

Note the mule's eyes and ears.  The camera angle and the coloring around the eyes gave fits.  The tops of the ears are missing.

Yesterday's watercolor attempt was almost a success, but I made so many mistakes that I ruined the paper and gave up without finishing the background    I'm still not happy with the left eye.  Or the nose.  

I might try again today.

* * * * * * * * 

The little town closest to us recently built a new park on what passes for the town square.  The park has a stage, and there is live music there on Thursday nights this month.  Last night, we drove to town to hear the band.  I was surprised at how many people were there - lawn chairs and blankets on the ground all over the park.  Little kids chased each other.  Folks visited.  The weather was perfect.  Our dinner came from a food truck - buffalo chicken "egg rolls" and shredded pork tacos.  

I set my chair down beside my first cousin, Richard, whom I had not seen for months.  He is a hoot, and he knows everybody in town.  When we arrived, he and the guy sitting next to him were discussing whether or not there had once been a dry cleaner in one of the old buildings across the street. The conversation had apparently been sparked by the lady behind us, who was asking the question of every "old-time" town resident who walked by.   I didn't remember one, but I didn't grow up in town.  I said, "Ask the mayor, he should know."  We asked him.  He didn't know.  I called my sister; she didn't remember a dry cleaner, but she hadn't grown up in town, either.  

If there was ever a dry cleaner across the street from the park, everybody old enough to remember it probably has Alzheimer's.  

It remains a mystery.

When the town library opens, I might do a little research . . . .   

If I don't forget about it.  ;)