It’s journal time, and once again, I find myself nearing the end of yet another faire. The Georgia Renaissance Festival is drawing to a close. We have two weekends left here, including a Monday for Memorial Day. That’s right, while you are off enjoying a long weekend, yours truly will actually have to work a three-day week. Somehow, I don’t think I’ll be getting any sympathy.
 Those Horny Tortugaz |
 Onstage Hi-Jinx |
 VERY Photogenic |
And now... on to the happenings!
I’ve seen a plethora of friends since I’ve been here. Minnesota pals Robert & Steven came down for a visit. They were down from the St. Paul area on business for the American Cancer Society, but managed to mix in a little fun while they were at it.
Somehow, I got dragged along.
We had a splendid lunch in Buckhead - a ‘burb located near the heart of Atlanta. Afterwards we headed off to the Cyclorama. For those who don’t know, and God knows I didn’t, the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum is a Home of the world's largest painting, "The Battle of Atlanta."
I have to admit that I was pleasantly impressed with the Atlanta Cyclorama. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. I especially enjoyed the diorama that lent a realistic 3-D effect to the presentation. I was not the only one. There were oohs and aahs aplenty when the lights first came down and the "show" began.
 Angry at the Gods or Ecstatic with the Putt? You make the call |
Sorry, no pictures. : (
Next, we were off to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. While there, we enjoyed the Niki in the Garden exhibit.
Yes, they were beautiful. The statues were huge, with a playful use of form and their material components. One of my favorites was a statue of Tiger Woods, with his darker skin emulated by a multitude of tiger’s eye stones.
And that’s not all. We were even fortunate enough to catch a Dale Chihuly glass sculpture or three, left over from the 2004 exhibit, Chihuly in the Garden. I have seen his sculptures in a variety of places, and I have always been fascinated by his ability. Tortuga friends, Todd & Ruth - of Tarnished Images fame - have a Chihuly chandelier hanging over their dinning room table. Wow!  [Chihuly created another sculpture for the Mohegan Sun Casion (near the CT renfaire), called Sun Tower. Just about about everyone I know calls it "The Sperm Tree" or "The Tower of Sperm" - AB]
What a great time we had!
 I like the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Thiiis Much!!! |
 Steven and Robert in front of a Chihuly Statue |
 If I said I didn't like Niki de Saint Phalle's artwork, I'd be lion! |
Others also came to call from differing parts of the country. Sarina came down from Minnesota for a short visit. We hung out in the Atlanta area, and even took in a Peak Potentials seminar, promoted by T. Harv Eker, author of the popular book, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind.
In case you have not noticed by my journals of late, I am financial/success-minded. Education - even economic education learned later in life - can be nothing but helpful, especially when you own a business that is continually growing and ever changing.
 Kristin and Sarina say Hello |
 Yukkin' it up with the DeFeo Family |
Let’s see...what else has been going on?
Honorable mention (read: the guyz are already covering this) goes to Ronn’s birthday celebrations - one onsite and one off, a tip of the hat from Heavy Metal magazine (July issue, page 17 in case somebody doesn’t mention it), something or other about me dating... I think Jef took that one....
Okay, so I thought it was funny.
In case you have not heard, I have been spending a bit of time with someone I find quite fabulous. Kristin is a woman that I’ve been seeing socially (read: dating) for about a month and a half now. We’ve been to see a movie, the Georgia Aquarium, the GaRF Funky Formal, the Atlanta Opera House - Tosca was playing...loved it; ran into actor-turned-opera director John DeLancy (Q of Star Trek Next Generation fame)...he’s taller in person - and generally having a very good time together.
 Kristin doesn't like having her picture took |
 A Night at the Opera through the eyes of a Mercedes Benz |
There’s been some postulations and hopeful speculation (the big words were used in honor of Jef’s wife Sharon, because I hear she loves it so much when I use them) about where this is going. Let me state here for the record that... we’re having a great time, and enjoying each other’s company. More than this, it’s too early to tell, and that’s all I have to say about that.
There you have it, kiddos. Hope that was enough for you. Before I end this my most recent journal entry, I want to give a shout-out to my Gastonia, North Carolina buds, EJ, Charity, & Dylan Beam. I’m here on a short jaunt - more of a drive by - to catch up on new baby stuff and spend a few hours with friends I haven’t seen in far too long.
Next up, we Tortugaz are off to Florida, Iowa, and finally the Great Lakes Medieval Faire in northeast Ohio. Have a great month, and I’ll be seeing you out and about at any number of renaissance festivals happening this summer.
 Minion Holly rules at Tortuga-Mart!!! |
 Where are those young ladies' hands?! |
