This was the first in the commissions David Jones had me paint for the Sea Gull Bar.

At the time I was sleepless as was most of the village worrying about money - the lack of it. The Winter of 1976 had gas shortages if you recall.

The safety of community life and the joy of good friends and humor made all the difference at the time.

I used the size of the Pied Piper's original door - 30" X 80" - this painting fit between the rafters in the ceiling right over the bar.

Marnie Stearns posed as the Princess.

Victor Biondo posed for the King.

Marilyn Soloman posed as the Queen.

I played the wizard.

The family portraits on both sides of my painting are bleary-eyed.

The story of the Princess and a Pea tells how regardless of how common or unrefined a person is they are sensitive enough to be loved.

It took about three months after my first painting for Rapunzel to appear over the bar.

David Jones allowed me to choose the fairy tales that I would paint.

Becky Dobbs who was a day time bartender at the restaurant had lovely long braided hair. It reached the small of her back and she wore it braded to keep it free from her work. She had to be Rapunzel.

With Winter almost over you can see how Spring showed up in my painting.

Scott Deitz who posed for me as the young prince wanted to have the fifteen extra pounds he was packing along to be removed. I obliged.

The story is about a young girl who was caught stealing food and being imprisoned and most likely abused until rescued to live with a prince happily ever after.

Likely story or so I'm told.

Bill Bradd was my giant.

Christopher Larsen was Jack.

Margo Farrer was the Mom.

Richard Albright was the Bean Salesman.

Summer was upon us, dances and parties were held in meadows.

We celebrated the 250th birthday of America that year. Life was the adventure. Peace had happened.

The painting appeared as a bright spot over the bar at what soon became Mendocino's living room.