Sunflower For Shel

Yesterday two French tourists were taking pictures on the dock. They asked me if artists live here. I said, sure, many painters, sculptors, writers, and photographers live here, though it isn't a requirement. The idea of having to be a card carrying artist, as a requirement, did amuse me, however. But this place, this way of life, clearly attract artful people- like the women who asked the question while holding cameras, like Shel Silverstein - one of my favorites, who once lived in the balloon barge behind this sunflower . . .  like the gardener who planted and nurtured the beautiful sunflower for all of us to enjoy.