Our California Trip

Dee Dee and Hallie · October 20, 2010, 09:39:07 PM

We are back from the Federal Duck Stamp judging in California. Hallie was awesome, never made a peep and took everything in stride.

It was really interesting to finally get to see the judging in person. It takes 2 days to judge. There were 235 entries this year and in the first round the 5 judges vote each painting "IN" or "OUT". You need at least 2 "IN"s to go to the next round. Only 4 of the 235 paintings got 5 "IN"s (one from each judge) and mine was one of them. :crazyeyes: So I made it to the 2nd round along with 30 others, then also made it to the final round of 11! I was very surprised. In the end I didnt' win but I came in closest I have yet and my painting will be going on the year long tour again this year (last years entry did also it was a few points behind my entry this year).

After judging each day we took Hallie out sight seeing, she really had a great time and would get so goofy in the hotels, never made a peep but we'd play like a couple of young'ns!

The back of her head while sitting on my lap watching mom's painting being judged, she looks almost like a hooman little girl.

The last guy holding her was the Federal winner this year...this was during the break just before we learned who the winner was. (Jim Hautman)

Dee Dee and Hallie · October 20, 2010, 09:41:11 PM

China Town

Dee Dee and Hallie · October 20, 2010, 09:43:15 PM

The last one is a cute little shop dog in China Town.

Dee Dee and Hallie · October 20, 2010, 09:44:33 PM

Last one Hallie going down Lombard.

Dee Dee and Hallie · October 21, 2010, 12:36:12 AM

Here is my entry.

Rich · October 21, 2010, 06:59:49 AM

Congratulations DeeDee. It's easy to see why you made the finals. Your turn will come! I really like the way you handled the light on the back and head of the goose.

Kathleen · October 21, 2010, 07:16:10 AM

How beautiful-that would have been really interesting to watch (the judging, I mean).

I did the Lombard street thing when I was 17 (a really, really long time ago, lol) and thought that was amazingly fun. It's not just super twisty-it's steep, too!

Barb · October 21, 2010, 07:54:37 AM

WOWZA - as usual, your painting looks like a photograph....or the REAL THING sitting right there !!! AWESOME !!! Loved all the pics !

Kelly · October 21, 2010, 10:47:37 AM

Hey There Ms.Hallie Murry: This is Kelly and puppers in Illinois and as always we love all of the pics! :apls: :apls: :apls: :apls:

Roberta · October 21, 2010, 02:32:12 PM

Thank goodness your mom did not let go of your pram on that hill. Uncle Nick loves the one of the turns its one of his favourite scenes in dirty harry (I think). Your entance to china town is like ours in Melbourne.
The painting is stunning, you never cease to amaze me.
Ps you are a really good girl going all that way to look after your very talented mum.
Roberta

PattyInAK · October 21, 2010, 05:43:11 PM

Wow, congratulations, looks like you had a wonderful time, I loved the pictures.

Brekkesmom · October 21, 2010, 09:44:12 PM

Wow - can't wait to share with the kiddos! Gee, Hallie, you and your mama went down my favorite street! I drove down it in 1983 when my parents brought my furniture out to CA. My mom couldn't figure out why in the world I liked it so much, but I have a poster even! Seventeen Mile Drive, the crookedest little street in the world, Old Town Sacremento, the train museum for my dad, and Carmel-by-the-Sea were all done on the same trip with my sister as well. I love the duck painting.