I love Vegas in the Springtime

Every year or two I get the itch to go to Vegas.   Three days worth in the Spring is perfect.

Ohio likes to mess with your mind in the spring -  throwing you a sunny day and then snatching it away for more gray and snow.  So I like to jump ship, bask in some 80 degree sunshine, wear all my sparkly clothes, and stroll down the street sipping a yard of margarita.

I like to stay at the Mirage.  They are centrally located on the strip, their lobby smells like vanilla and coconuts, and I think their pool area is the best.  

me, my double chin, and some strangers' butts

In the morning, it's actually pretty cool to go running on the strip.  With the time change, I end up getting up stupid early.  Right after dawn is the perfect time for a run; hardly anyone is out.

At some point, we always have to swing by the Bellagio and see the fountains.  So beautiful!  Does anyone else get choked up? Just me?

the fountains at Bellagio

I think the strip is the prettiest at dawn and twilight.  You get the twinkle of the lights, but not full-on brash, and it's not shoulder to shoulder people.

the strip at twilight

I particularly like the lights on Paris' Eiffel Tower  and hot air balloon.  Here's a super quick painting I did of the Paris hotel at twilight.

10"x8"x0.5" acrylic on canvas

After I thought I'd call it "done", I reconsidered.  Maybe it's a little too unfinished.  So I did a little more. Now I like the balloon more, but the tower less.  It's hard to know when to quit.

10"x8"x0.5" acrylic on canvas

Maybe I'll take another shot at the tower.  And make it really horrible.