April 2026 | Morocco
NEWS | April 2026
I have such fond memories of this solo trip to Morocco. The idea of this trip came to me when my daughter Natalie asked if I would return with her to England with my 1st born grandchild. Flynn Macken was born August 6, 2011.
So I thought to myself: If I am already across the Atlantic where would I like to travel rather than coming directly home.
Ah, Morocco.
I found a family owned company that specializes in Morocco founded by Jeff Wilson called Experience It Tours. I highly recommend this company offering years of experience, support and superior services at any price range.
Morocco is so broad in environments and terrain. I had a driver with a van and we drove all over the country from the sea to the high Atlas Mountains. I rode a camel into the Sahara Desert and spent the night under the stars. I will do at least 2 nights next time.
I can only express that this country is a must see in our lifetimes. the color, culture, music, art, call to prayers is so gorgeous and unique to a Westerner for sure.
Enjoy these few photos I picked out and head over to my website for more lovely images of this extraordinary country.
Rwanda Gorillas has just been uploaded on the website. Please visit and share with any and all.
I would like to introduce to you Gina Mead in this months newsletter. Gina is an extremely accomplished fine art painter, and metallurgist. I’ve known Gina since our daughters were together at elementary school in Laguna Beach. Both of our girls are named Jessica and throughout the years we met up at their many dance performances and school activities. Our Jessica’s are now in their 40s, yikes! I also have had the privilege to represent Gina as her Broker in the purchase of a magical home here in Laguna. Gina has been very active in the art community here in Laguna while exhibiting her work in many different shows and settings. I know you’ll enjoy her work showcased here!
FEATURED ARTIST
Gina Mead
Gina Mead is a visionary artist whose journey is as captivating as her artwork.
With a BFA from Indiana University and an MFA from Laguna College of Art and Design, Gina further grounded her education by studying landscapes, oceans, and skies; painting both En Plein Aire and in her studio. Her interests shifted later on as she studied the New York Painters of Abstract Expressionism for their freedom of expression and their experimental styles. One of her biggest influences have been the works of Joan Mitchell, Elaine De Kooning and Helen Frankenthaler; three very strong female artists of that era. The rebellious phase of abstract painting, exploring lines and fields of color, offered freedom from the known to the unknown for Gina. Yet, abstraction was not enough to sustain her attention for long; compelling her to follow the journey towards light as it hits objects and creates atmosphere.
It’s the combination of representation and abstraction that has become the journey in Gina’s newest body of work.
“I found that I love to paint that vase and flower, but I do it on my terms now. I love the shifting of light on objects and atmosphere, bringing me into the journey of discovery. If I don’t want a certain perspective, I can shift it to what I delight in and uncover the experience in that process. I get to paint what I love to paint in the way that I want to paint.”
Intermingling traditional representation and abstract expression, Gina's art transcends aesthetic beauty to become a reflection of her own journey of self-discovery and introspection. Her work leaves an indelible impression, offering a glimpse; inviting viewers to see the world through a new lens.
“I find with my painting that I get into a zone. It’s a meditation and a journey where the layers, gestures, and materials become as vital as the finished painting. This process is an intuitive dialogue between myself and the canvas, transforming, correcting, and building meaning over time. The final content includes this accumulation of history, serving as a record of my personal physical, emotional, and cognitive journey.” - Gina Mead
