427. Real vs. non-real.

It's nice living by the Bay. I mean, this view is roughly 5 blocks from my studio:

I pulled into Chevy's parking lot to to snap this picture. (I don't know how Chevy's scores the best real estate in the Bay Area, but they also have a great location in Alameda that overlooks the estuary.)

I was so excited that the bird maintained its pose for me. I took a few shots, and slowly it dawned on me during this post-sunset moment: The bird isn't real! Artists throughout the years have added their touches to the Bay. For instance, Snoopy as The Red Baron had a perfect spot perched where the Bay meets the freeway, in a shallow muddy location. Just recently (well maybe roughly 8 years ago-yikes!), he was removed.

Sitting here typing this, I'm again filled with doubt. I'm only pretty sure the bird is not real. Doesn't EVERYTHING have a unrealness or offness when scrutinized? That's one habit of mine I'm dropping.

Paying attention: good. Scrutinizing to the point of negative judgment (as a habit): not so good.

In the end, it doesn't really matter if the bird is real or not, does it? I enjoyed it, and I have a pretty picture.

For fun, I'll stop by this spot on my way into the office. Do you think I'll think find a empty stump, another bird, or confirm this bird is an art installation after all?

The correct winner(s) will have something special done for them. I can't promise a 55 (my new class is cutting into my 55 writing time, but that should resume in August), but I'll do something on this little blog of mine as a prize!