Three Peaceful Wise Men Paddle Surf for the Perfect Beach Christmas Image and Gift

Like the Three Magi of Biblical fame riding their camels west across the Middle Eastern desert these three peaceful wise men stand up paddle west into the sunset towards the evening Christmas star in the perfect sunny weather Beach Christmas image that is relevant year round.  The idea came from thinking about how to portray a California Christmas in an image that wouldn't be passé on Christmas morning.   Watching paddle board surfers while displaying my art on the San Clemente Pier it suddenly became very clear as they reminded me of the Three Kings crossing the desert and Venus prominent in the western Winter sky as the Christmas star brought it all together.  In the first sketches the paddlers were going across the image but the long boards made the figures small, so turning them to paddle into the sunset made it perfect.  The painting's full title?  "Three Wise Men: Peace on Earth or We Three Kings of Orient 'Oar'".  Another local reference is to the legendary "Three Wise Men" of San Onofre, the original "Old Guys".  Thinking of the best gift for the paddle board surfer you know?  This is it, and they can be customized to suit.  Check it out.

Yates Family Vineyard in Mount Veeder Area of Napa and Historic Napa Castlerock Featured in Paul Gavin Winery Autumn Harvest Painting

In progress - Yates Castlerock Family Vineyard at Napa 

The Yates Family Vineyard in the Mount Veeder area of Napa and the historic Napa Castlerock are featured in this soon to be completed painting by Paul Gavin. This elegant family run winery is the site of the original Castlerock Winery that has become the Yates Family Vineyard operations center and tasting room and artistic license used to move the prominent and historic Napa Castlerock, which is on the property, a little to the right so it appears in the composition.  Check out the Yates Family Vineyard for your wine and event needs and opportunities.

US Navy Blue Angels Publish 2014 Air Show Schedule with NAF El Centro, Palmdale, Fontana and MCAS Miramar

The US Navy Blue Angels have published their 2014 Air Show Event Schedule.   Southern California Air Show fans can look forward to NAF El Centro March 15, Palmdale March 21-22 and Fontana March 23, and  the 2014 MCAS Miramar Air Show October 4-5.  All will probably depend on whether the shows can gather enough support to cover all the expenses.  Let's hope so.  You can still get the now classic collectable 2013 MCAS Miramar Souvenirs  including Air Show T- and Hooded Sweat Shirts, Hats and Posters - featuring the F35B, the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and the Patriots Jet Team - a very limited edition design!

Mission San Juan Capistrano Celebrates Fr Serra 300th Birthday Today

Today, Sunday November 24, 2013 marks what would have been Fr Serra's 300th Birthday.  Kimberleigh will be at Mission San Juan Capistrano as they celebrate with a Historic Bell Ringing at 12:00 noon.  She will be signing her California Missions, Fr Serra Legacy wearable art pieces.

Hungry?  The San Juan Capistrano Mission Docents are serving a "Padre's Breakfast" of Mission Bread and Hot Chocolate - FREE - as long as it lasts!

The Mission is a beautiful place and it will be a gorgeous day.  Join Kimberleigh and everyone at the Mission as they commemorate this day.  Here's how to get there.

Paul Gavin at Paris Las Vegas 2013 International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention with US Navy Blue Angels, USAF Thunderbirds and Best Civilian Air Show Performers

Air Show Fans: The 2013 International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention is Dec. 2 - 5 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.  Paul Gavin will be there displaying recent Gavin Arts air show creations including the MCAS Miramar Air Show and the (sold out) 2013 EAA Oshkosh AirVenture design. The Gavin's are the leading producers and have created more  different Air Show and military event images than any artists over the last 29 years.

US Navy Blue Angels Echelon Pass

The event is a who's who in Air Shows where you can meet the military jet teams and performers such as the US Navy Blue Angels, the US Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Snowbirds jet teams and the US Army Golden Knights and US Navy SEAL Leapfrogs parachute teams.  All your favorite civilian performers are also present including Sean D. Tucker (who flies his Oracle Challenger III), Patty Wagstaff, Kyle Franklin and Julie Clarke.   Although Sequestration continues there are plans that many of the larger shows may get U.S. Military support and get of the ground in 2014.  Let's hope so, and if you are interested come to ICAS and witness the heart of Air Shows.

Oracle Challenger III - photo by Mr. Z-Man

Hard to Believe Pete and Gladys Show CBS Special Bulletin Television Coincidence when President Kennedy was Assassinated November 22, 1963

On November 22, 1963 when Kennedy was assassinated a unique impossible to plan coincidence occurred on television when the TV show "Pete and Gladys" had a "Special Bulletin" announcement happened just as the real one was broadcast on CBS Television.

I was home sick from 4th grade class watching the show on which two couples had gone together to a Lake Arrowhead cabin for the night.  They were not getting along, and wanted to go home.  The camera turned to a radio on the show and from the radio came, "We interrupt this program for a special bulletin."  Just then the entire screen went to a pattern in words stating "Special Bulletin".  

Shortly afterwards, Walter Cronkite came on and said "President Kennedy has been shot", and some details were given about the grassy knoll, etc.  I remember thinking to myself "What if he dies?"  

I am not sure and think the show returned to the scene after the bulletin, and it might have been on for a while, but I do not remember much after that.

It was not until a few years later that I finally saw the show without interruption.  The episode was entitled Peaceful in the Country.  The news bulletin from the radio was that there was a blizzard and no one could travel and hence, the couples would have to stay together and work things out.  Being 10 at the time the social implications of that predicament did not stay with me.

Walter Cronkite Announcing President Kennedy Has Died

But I always remembered what happened and wondered if anyone else saw it, i.e. the timing was the same.  A while later I learned my mother's sister Aunt Louise (Sally Lou) was watching the same show saying to me a while later, "Only you and I know what happened!"

It is interesting but being so young while the political and global ramifications were way over my head, and what I remember most about that day was that amazing coincidence and wondering who else might have seen that.

As an epilogue of sorts, on June 6, 1984 I met Walter Cronkite at Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France.   He was there for President Ronald Reagan's "Boys of Pointe du Hoc" Speech during the 40th Anniversary of D-Day events and celebrations.  I was there doing paintings.  I asked him to sign my trip book; he was very pleasant and said of course.  He did and I still have that book.  

Kimberleigh Gavin Joins Mission San Juan Capistrano for Historic Mission Bell Ringing and other Fr Serra 300th Birthday Events Sunday November 24th 2013

300th Birthday
Pin, Charm, &
Shirt Pocket Logo Design

Kimberleigh Gavin joins Mission San Juan Capistrano's Fr Serra 300th Birthday Celebration Special Event this Sunday November 24, 2013 from 9 - 5.  She will be signing her Serra Legacy Mission T- Shirts and Sweatshirts sold at the beautiful new Mission San Juan Capistrano Gift shop that opened in July.  There will be many entertaining, interesting, educational and just plain fun events including a 12:00 noon Mission Bell Ringing at what Fr. Serra called "The Jewel of the Missions." Kimberleigh will be signing from 9 - 1.

Kimberleigh's Mission Shirt Design

Want to have a special day at the Mission?You can arrange a personal tour for you or a group guided by an informed and delightful Mission SJC Docent.  (Kimberleigh is one of these - as is Paul's sister Helen).

Paul Gavin's Mission SJC Painting

Join the fun at this historic event.  Directions?  Click here.

Come say "Hi!" to Kimberleigh at the Mission this Sunday and have her sign one of her beautiful Fr Serra California Missions T- or Sweat Shirts!  The Gift Shop also has the elegant Fr. Serra 300th Birthday pins and charms.

Davis - Monthan AFB A-10's May Retire and Female Former A-10 Driver to fly at 2014 EAA Oshkosh

I read in the times that the A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" (A10) may be on its way to retirement.  Designed in the 70's around a pretty good sized Gatling gun, those who follow military aircraft know the power and capabilities of that aircraft and how essential it has been in protecting and supporting ground troops and armor.  It exemplifies "Close Air Support".

Kimberleigh and I had the pleasure of working with the A-10 and other aviation communities at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson in support of their Aerospace and Arizona Days Open House and Air Show for a few years.  We met many fine individuals  at all levels in operations and support.

One of these is LtCol Jill "Raggz" Long.  (Look at her picture and guess the origin of her call sign)  She flew A-10's and while still serving in the Air Force she finds the time to perform in Air Shows and this year she will be a featured performer at the 2014 EAA Oshkosh AirVenture.    We are working on some 2014 EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh Designs at the moment and perhaps we will see her there!

Jill in the "Ragged Edge"

LtCol Jill "Raggz" Long, USAF