I took a walk the other day and ran into this mural on the door of a utility box. If you’ve ever wondered what happened to unicorns, well apparently they’ve fled to the Secret Ocean! Probably via that green UFO!
I had a hard time getting a clear shot because of its location. And also because of the bright sunlight!
Another utility box – this one in a more hospitable location (at least for photo taking.)
I’ve been in funk lately for a variety of reasons: a summer cold I can’t seem to shake, a garage that needed cleaning out about twenty years ago, and a lack of inspiration. As a friend of mine wrote, I’ve been thinking of putting writing on my list of things I used to do.
And then I found a birthday card a friend sent me long ago, during a particularly rough patch.
The “novel” she was talking about was just a rough draft back then. I did finally finish and publish the darned thing (unfortunately just after her passing) but was never happy with it. But now I think I know why. So I guess you could say, her note was my door for the week.
Check out other (presumably legit) Thursday doors at Dan Antion’s cool hangout.
Saying nothing in particular 
Hi Jan,
I always seem to turn on my computer near or at the exact time you post something. Like I always say, is it coincidence, synchronicity, or serendipity? If we can understand the correct word, then our path is well-lit. Friendships, family, love. More words to help us.
Duke
I guess we come from the same planet … that makes sense, doesn’t it?
Love the painted boxes. But I admit when I read that card I thought it said protect your navel… and thought that was a very strange birthday wish.
🤣
That may have been what she meant and I also misread!
Jan – I love the utility box doors. Orinda’s wealth of murals just keeps on getting better. Sorry about the funk, points well taken. Connemarra’s note is uplifting. “Strength. Energy.” Yep, may you have both, and soon.
Thank Jude.
You found a couple of very cool painted doors. I like them a lot, especially the second one.
Thanks! The second one has a much prettier setting for sure.
I love the painted utility boxes. We’re finally starting to see some around here. I think the note is a wonderful door. Totally appropriate.
I’ve noticed some of the paintings on the utility boxes are covered by plexiglass – I guess to dissuade graffiti artists! Sadly.
I hope finding the card from your friend is a doorway out of the funk, Jan. i know that funk 🙂 Wishing you lots of strength and energy as well.
Thanks Mary! You’re a great friend.
I too wondered why your navel should be especially vulnerable. Good to know its integrity wasn’t threatened
It’s been decades since I’ve exposed my navel to the world. It might be full of lint but it does have its integrity. Thanks for your concern!
You may be able to supplement your income by mining for rare earth minerals
The painted utility boxes are pretty. Would that more of them got an *upgrade* like these. Your note made me smile: novel/navel, what’s the diff? 😀
Many would agree with you. I’ve often been accused to naval gazing.
Hi Jan, I haven’t been able to write my novel for about a year now. I can write poetry (lots of it), and children’s book, but I can’t write anything long that requires a lot of commitment. Sometimes life is just to busy and overwhelming. My setting aside of my novel coincided with my son getting very sick for over three months and then my husband had a brain thrombosis and stroke. I have decided its okay not to write at the moment. The time will come again.
I totally understand. I wasn’t able to start focusing on my novels until I was in my late fifties! Too much life happening.
🥰
How wonderful to have these works of art on your local utility boxes, Jan. I really like the Secret Ocean a lot. Cheers.
Thanks for the street art, Jan! Love to see all the art in the streets that I can.
“Protect your novel”…. I initially read “Protest your navel”.
I’m thrilled you finished your novel!!!!
However, I’m now at odds with my navel. 😂😵💫
Oh no! Being at odds with your navel is like losing your shadow! Please tell me it’s not so!
Hard to tell hat’s going on. I’ll let you know when my navel starts speaking to me again!