I did not head to the malls at 6AM like everyone else in the house. I was only convinced that I was missing a sketch opportunity late in the day by Margaret Nolan via facebook. I had already drawn The Miami Herald presses so I should have been satisfied. But when Terry and Elaine said they were going back for a second round of shopping, I decided to go. I thought I would be battling huge crowds but the mall was relatively quiet. The sound system piped in constant Christmas music like,”It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. I swear that song is haunting me.
When I started to sketch the sun had already started to set. Christmas lights started to light up on palm trees and on topiaries. Some shoppers looked exhausted while teens patrolled chatting on iPhones. Santa had set up shop in an outdoor booth behind me, but I wasn’t in a mood to face him just yet. Besides he looked nothing like the Macy’s Parade Santa so he must have been an impostor. A mall security guard came over and looked over my shoulder. My stomach muscles tensed. He said “Wow did you do that just now?” Part of me wanted to be a smart-ass, but I just replied “Yes, thanks.”
Thanksgiving in Miami
Terry and I spent Thanksgiving Day in Miami with Terry’s long time friend Elaine. The Macy’s Day parade was on TV as preparations were going on in the kitchen. Derrik made a fabulous appetizer with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, goat cheese and olive oil. He is working on that appetizer in the sketch.Terry as usual is fingering her iPhone. The turkey was in the oven being basted in ginger ale. Elaine’s sisters showed up as did friends. In all twelve people enjoyed an amazing Thanksgiving feast. The dinner conversations were loud and boisterous. This was in stark contrast to the Thanksgivings of my youth where the only sounds were of knives and forks scrapping on plates. After the feast, Terry and I joined Elaine’s daughter Hailey and Rebeka for a walk around the neighborhood. We walked along some beautiful canals and past many Suburban homes which had noisy celebrations still going on.
This morning I suspect I have been deserted as all the women invade the stores for Black Friday deals. Elaine has offered to let me sketch the huge presses for The Miami Herald so I should get an interesting sketch for today .