Napa Valley, part deux

Finis! At last. For sale, 30" x 15", oil, $1200.

Mission Dolores

Dear Traveling Friends,

Do you know why a neighborhood in San Francisco is named The Mission? It is because a very old mission church, Mission Dolores, is located there. Above is the new cathedral built next door.

Painted ceiling inside the Mission Dolores.

This graveyard was featured in the Hitchcock movie Vertigo.

The nave of Mission Dolores.

The modern day basilica is on the right and the original mission is on the left.

An Indian tepee located in the mission's graveyard, as if to symbolize all the dead Indians who died of  diseases carried by the missionaries, such as smallpox and measles.

A Statue of St. Francis, for whom the Franciscan Order of monks are named.

Mission Dolores, facade.

I have tried to visit as many of the California missions as possible. They are so charming, and full of hand painted decor. As you walk through them, you can almost hear the whispers of a million prayers uttered over the centuries.

Your Imaginary Pilgrim,

Patsie

Food Trucks and Creme' Brulee'

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Where but San Francisco would you find food trucks selling Creme brulees in assorted flavors? They are blowtorched right in front of your very eyes! I ordered the Smores flavor, which had a graham cracker bottom crust, singed marshmallows and honey graham cookies on top. What a deal!! Only $4 - 5.

Yes, please!

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie

Sonoma Valley, California

Vines with Fall Color in Sonoma

Dear Imaginary Friends,

If you were in our rental car with Carlo and me last week, this would have been your view, too, as we cruised North from San Francisco up to Sonoma, part of the Northern California viniculture capital.

When we reached Sonoma, a cute little town that seemed a bit cowboys and Indians/Goldrush, we had a gourmet lunch at The Girl and the Fig. Naturally, since fig season just peaked,  there were at least five menu items featuring figs. Carlo is crazy about figs, so I thought it would be the perfect place to stop and rest en route to various vineyards for our wine tasting efforts. Must keep up our strength!

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie

"Napa Valley" by Patricia Miller Uchello

 

This is one of the best paintings that I have ever done. I have had many offers from clients to buy it, but am unwilling to part with my beloved friend. It reminds me of August in wine country in Northern California, when we rented a convertible and drove down the Pacific Coast Highway. 

When we ventured into wine country, I saw this building, a drug store on the corner of a semi-deserted street in the then-sleepy town of Napa.

My painting embraces the long shadows and feeling of loneliness of Edward Hopper.

And I like it.

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie