Trips Not Taken-A Peek-a-Boo Project

  When I was younger and more adventurous, I thought I might like to travel the Us and see some the National Parks that boast of natural wonders, breathtaking vistas, gasp worth scenery. 

They are written about in enticing almost pornographic phrases, “will certainly captivate you with its sights, sounds, and smells. Sparking blue lakes and lush meadows will mesmerize you. Flowing waterfall and colorful rocks will have you completely immersed in nature. Please enjoy this extraordinary experience and allure..” 

I think I would still enjoy seeing them but this is my dark side to the national parks…make them a popular  destination for every type of traveler— sightseers, adventure junkies, families, oversea visitors, and everyone in between. Summed up in this one word— “CROWDS”. You never are there in your romantic imaginings as those who first discovered and explored this amazing landscapes, you are there with thousands of others, pushing to be first, taking selfies so they are a center of attention and not the magnificent mountains, majestic meanderings, or calm rivers. They are there polluting beauty with their trivia and rudeness. I don’t mean to be an introverted isolationist but know as I have grown older, I seek solitude and drama free zones with almost every fiber of my being. 

I’ve reimagined these national parks  as how I’d like them to be, these are the inspirations for this artwork. A bit of Old West with a sprinkling of Retro Regal.

Supplies: GSLC Chunky ATC Blanks, Reminisce National Parks Kit Paper Pad and Stickers, Carta Bella Paper-Outdoor Adventures Collection Kit, Carta Bella Paper-The Great Outdoors Collection Kit, Carta Bella Paper-Gone Camping Collection Kit,  Sanding Block, TH Distress Stains of your Choosing, Vintage Map Scraps, Exacto Blade, UHU GlueStick, Deco Art Triple Thick Gloss Glaze, DecoArt Matte Gel Medium, Plastic Palette Knife,  Golden, Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold, Iridescent Copper(Fine), Van Dyke Brown Acrylic Paints, Paintbrush

1. Gather Supplies.
   
2. Use a Sanding Block to Roughen Up Reminisce National Parks Poster Stickers. This is an Easy Way to Add Vintage Appeal to Shiny StoreBought Stickers.
   
   
3. Fill in Scratches with TH Distress Stains of Your Choosing.
   
4. Glue Prepared Stickers To Center of GSLC Chunky ATC Blanks. 
   
5. Use an Exacto Blade to Trim Edges of Stickers That Do Not Fit On To GSLC Chunky ATC Blanks.
   
6. As the Distressed Stickers are Slightly Smaller Than the GSLC Chunky ATC Blanks Add a Bit Of Vintage Map Scraps to the Top and Bottom Using a UHU GlueStick.
   

   
7. Sand Edges of GSLC Chunky ATC Blanks with A Sanding Block.
   
8. Use Bits of Carta Bella Paper-Outdoor Adventures Collection Kit, Carta Bella Paper-The Great Outdoors Collection Kit, Carta Bella Paper-Gone Camping Collection Kit, as Ephemera for Your GSLC Chunky ATC  Blank.
   
9. Use DecoArt Triple Thick Gloss Glaze as an Adhesive.
   
10. To Add Depth and Interest add Other Layers of Vintage Map Scraps.
    
11. To Unify and Give the ATC “Posters” a More Vintage Look use DecoArt Matte Gel Medium a Plastic Palette Knife and Golden Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold Acrylic Paint as a “Wash”.
    
12. Paint Edges of ATC “Posters” with Golden Iridescent Copper (Fine) Acrylic Paint.
    
13. To Give it a More Oxidized or Burnished Copper Look Gently Add Golden Van Dyke Brown Acrylic Paint to the Edges.

Final Thoughts:

I have chosen for my virtual tour of the National Parks mostly mountainous locations as mountain man blood flows through my veins. I grew up in Pennsylvania near the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains the north eastern part of the Appalachian Mountains. The closest national park to where I live currently would be Shenandoah, a place my husband has fond memories of, but where we have never traveled as a couple.  

Geographically our virtual trip would start in The Great Smoky Mountains, I feel I’d be at home here among the landscapes of my ancestors, they go there for the fishing. 

Next up Rocky Mountain National Park, I used to think I knew what mountains were until I saw the Alps in Switzerland and later when I was driving to visit friends in Colorado Springs and I saw the Rocky Mountains on the distant horizon. Hour later I arrive at their home but I am not yet in the Rocky Mountain. Colorado definitely can boast world-renowned scenery. Their peaks are perhaps a too grand for my humble beginnings.

Yellowstone is our next stop and here will see the great bison herds-noted it is the only place in the U.S. where they have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Other mammals you may see here are grizzly bears, wolves, lynx, fox, moose and elk. We will behold its many geysers, none more famous than Old Faithful. There is a “Mini-Me” Grand Canyon here but we will move on the big kahuna, the full monty, the real deal, the boss of deep ditches.

 Upon viewing the Grand Canyon it is said that people are overcome with awe. Its expanse is mind-boggling. Its colors defy the most colorful palette you have ever seen. There are layers upon layers of history and geology to discover. It makes you feel small, sobering to some to know they are not the only being in the universe. It reminds us that we are bart of something bigger than us.  It is said to still you, to calm you, a spirituality flows freely here, your energy may be restored and your spirit may soar.  The landscape is semi-arid, way too hot for my liking so we’ll move on.

Zion Nation Park is a red-rock desert and still too desolate for my liking I would imagine.iT does have Navajo Sandstone Cliffs, pine and juniper clad slopes, springs and waterfalls surrounded by lush and colorful almost hanging gardens. To these I would be drawn as I reminisce a favorite album by at Pueblo Musician and Native American Flute Player, Robert Mirabal - Music From Painted Cave. While is Zion we will be sure to do some hiking and if I were more agile the park boast world famous big wall rock climbs.

Our virtual tour will end here in Yosemite. It is best known for its waterfalls, towering granite monoliths, deep valleys and ancient giant sequoias. An ancient civilization called this place their home-the Anasazi people thrived here around 1,500 BC-traces of their villages, network of road and rock art can be found throughout the park today. Maybe we will catch a glimpse of the largest flying bird in North America-The California Condor. It’s been on the endangered species list since 1967. 

Looking back through the years, thinking of  trips I have taken to places I could only dream of growing up poor in Pennsylvania. I am grateful for eyes left wide open as I glimpsed amazing sights and sounds. Scenes once only black and white photographs in  our well worn World Book Encyclopedias. I still remember the green and off white textured covers with golden lettering on the spines.  For me they were the eyes to the world.

Upon Becoming Sixty-A Peek-a-Boo Project

 

Do know someone who is turning the BIG Two One—Oh or the even BIGGER Five-OH-NO? Well they have come and gone for me, I turned 60 on September 3. Never did I think I would be here to celebrate with you all. I wrote a short story 25 years ago titled “Obituaries” Some excerpts are part of this blog.

My birthday was the third birthday in my family the last week of August and the first week in September. My dad’s birthday was August 30th, my sister’s September 2nd, and mine September 3rd…My dad always wanted a spice cake, my sister a mayonnaise chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, then there was me. I often remember sharing birthday cakes as our birthday’s were so close together. We grew up with limited income so it made sense at the time.

I don’t remember birthday parties with party hats, and streamers flowing from the ceilings, or the extravagant ones now posted on social media with each year needing to top and be better than the last one. Mostly it was cake and ice cream and maybe a rendition of the birthday song. I’m not much of a party person now or wanting to be the center of attention, I am still quite introverted and shy in large gatherings.  There was no big turning 50 birthday party, with “Over the Hill” themed decorations, at 60 I am guessing if we had part it would be “Damn Your Old” themed. If I had an alter ego, and extroverted wild child side, that is the inspiration for this artwork.

 Supplies:  GSLC Little Niche Sun Burst, Vintage Party Images, Acrylic Paints Pale Green Tones, Stencil Butter Turquoise,

Green Gold Golden Acrylic Paint, Paintbrush, Stamperia Sweet Paper Pad, Washi Tape, UHU GlueStick, DecoArt Matte Gel Medium, Iridescent Thread, Metal Clamps,Ranger Glossy Accents, Micro Jewels

1. Gather Supplies.
   
2. Use a Paintbrush to Randomly Paint GSLC Little Niche Sun Burst.
   
3. Add Highlights to GSLC Little Niche Sun Burst with Stencil Butter Turquoise and Green Gold Golden Acrylic Paint.
   
4. Create a Frame Using Washi Tape on Top Portion of GSLC Little Niche Sun Burst.
   
5. Select Images for Your Perceived Composition.
   
6. Glue a Background Image to Box Portion of GSLC Little Niche Sun Burst Using UHU GlueStick.
   
7. Layer Other Images to This Boxed Frame.
   
8. Use Washi Tape and UHU GlueStick to Secure Bottom Portion of GSLC Little Niche Sun Burst.
   

   
9. Use a Paintbrush and Deco Art Matte Gel Medium to Seal in all Images of Niche.
   
10.  Add Iridescent Thread to Inside Box Portion Before Gluing on Top Part of GSLC Little Niche Sun Burst.
    
11.  Hold Tightly Into Place With Metal Clamps and Allow to Dry Fully.
    
12.  Use Ranger Glossy Accents to Add Micro Jewels to Your GSLC Little Niche Sun Burst.
    
13. Now Go Celebrate You and Your Unique Gifts Your Bring to This World.

Final Thoughts:

From my short story , “Obituaries”…

“As he approached the podium, few people could see his knees shaking under the burden  on his shoulders, not to mention the weight of his heavy heart. There was a butterfly convention being held in his stomach. He was not prepared for this public spectacle. The notes he carried in his beast pocket were sure to be out of sequence. Why was he so annoyed with the eyes that were now gazing upon him?”

“How can he be thirty-five and still be thinking about school playgrounds and taking sides? Can't anyone see the scraped knees, the hand-me downs, the scared little boy. Why does age seem to betray him?”

Our childhoods leave a lasting impression, some for better some for worse. If you want a deeper understanding of mine read my “Obituaries” Blog Post.

It ends with these words…

Thus began the man's reintroduction to the land of the living. he continues his epitaph saying; "Today we remember an accomplished author, a published poet, an enthusiastic entertainer, an artistic artist, an incredible cook, a kind soul, a lover of the lost one and walks in the woods, a terrific teacher, a beloved brother, a spiritual being, a quiet thinker, a dreamer. We remember a man more or less who was aware of his demons, who had faced some of his fears, who sailed through some scary storms, who spent many a sleepless nights awake wondering if this was it. But a man none the less who was willing once again to say, "I'm sorry,  I was wrong, I should have listened better to what you said.”

Thoughts of becoming fifty...Much remains the same love those put in your path (Family and friends float to the top). Save time for silence and stillness, and treasure serenity in the small simple pleasures. Find your passion and allow it to soothe your soul. Never give up the hope in better days nor the adage "This too shall pass." Blessings upon your journey!!

I am not sure I can top that one written ten years ago for the big Five-Oh. I love my life with my husband and our Gladyses in our imperfect condo community of Marvin Gardens.

Obituaries-Reflections of a Life

What harm can come from picking up and pen and a piece f paper?

How can words hurt?

Do you write in white ink?

A silent man was asked to speak at a gathering. To the crowd watching it appeared as if the speaker was well composed. He had the advantage of age. Maturity had been a good teacher. Experience was on his side. The scales were tipped in his favor.

As he approached the podium, few people could see his knees shaking under the burden on his shoulders, not to mention the weight of his heavy heart. There was a butterfly convention being held in his stomach. He was not prepared for this public spectacle. The notes he carried in his beast pocket were sure to be out of sequence. Why was he so annoyed with the eyes that were now gazing upon him?

Why at this very moment did his brain choose to take him back to the playgrounds of his childhood? It's time for PE, the team captains are choosing their players. The top draft picks are long out of the way even gone are the farm teams and the little leaguers. There are but four children remaining, and, this man-child knows that he will once again be last man standing.

How can he be thirty-five and still be thinking about school playgrounds and taking sides? Can't anyone see the scraped knees, the hand-me downs, the scared little boy. Why does age seem to betray him? Forget about childhood and youthfulness. It is no longer about getting a driver's license or getting carded at the bars. Why do some people hold youth in such high regard, while others grow old gracefully? Some seem to fall into life's routines, still others aren't willing to put away their glass marbles, the local swimming holes, fireflies in July, leaves that dance on Autumn's first breeze. They still dream of snow days spent sledding. They wrap even the tiniest gift in tissue paper.

As his hands press the podium, he composes himself reaching for the notes in his pocket. He first speaks in a voice only he can hear clearing his throat. He steps back into the present and remembers the reason he is to speak. The occasions vary, but, the emotions remain the same. This could be a Garden Party, Back to School Night, Parent Conferences, a Chance Encounter, a First Date or as it would now be His Own Funeral.

For in a very real way, this man who stands before you has died a thousand deaths since his birth. They started very early for him. No one should have to die before they remember their parents saying "I Love You!", as they did he is certain. This man is living proof that one can die from embarrassment. The times he was dressed as a little girl for Halloween because nothing else would fit; being tickled until he peed his pants, not knowing how to ride a bike or catch a baseball until he was in late elementary school. A tender hearted boy grows up slow in a farming community where strength is prided upon. Naturalists were only in vogue in New England several centuries before his birth.

Never, never believe the children's chant, "Sticks and stone may break your bones, but, words will never hurt you." Word can kill. "Fatty, fatty, two-by- four. Couldn't fit though a bathroom door!"never did anything to improve a child's self esteem. And the poem about what little boys are made of, left out a few verses for those who never saw a puppy dog' s tail, or who would choose crayons over karate, books over baseball bats, and solitude over sports.

Some boys take up hunting because it gives him a reason to be in the woods for hours. Some boys like flowers and the color purple. Some boys build castles in the sand while others swim in the surf. Some boys play in the band while others play on the football fields. Some Boys take art classes while others are in shop class. Some boys make meals while others are making repairs on their cars. Some boys beat the drums because it is more acceptable than beating the walls. Some boys write poetry while others keep the score. Some boys are quiet and shy, while others are loud and aggressive. Some boys have great smiles but they will never go to the prom or be the Homecoming King.  Some boys wear pants that don't have holes in their knees. Some boys wear button shirts while others wear t-shirts. Some boys wear vests while others wear tank tops, they still are both sleeveless.

The list goes  on and on, it's high time we stop putting people in boxes and demanding that perceptions are proof positive. But, back to the death at hand. There is no time to speak of the queer jokes he endured through high school, the dates he didn't have in college, the cool cars he never drove, or the risks he didn't take. Confidence never comes wrapped in a single capsule, nor is happiness a pill that can be taken. Life is the totality of all the events, those noticed, those not recognized. Some recorded, but mostly a vapor. Some were significant, others unimportant. Some dug in deep, while others quietly slipped away. There are bumps along the road of life and there are milestones. One never knows what will jolt them. However this last death really slapped him hard in the face. The stinging remains even a week later. Maybe this won't leave a lasting scar, but, it is sure to take a while to heal.

So a silent man was asked to speak at his funeral in September. He clears his throat one last time and begins with lyrics of a song from long ago that had been recently used as a book title. "I know this much is true..."

Thus began the man's reintroduction to the land of the living. he continues his epitaph saying; "Today we remember an accomplished author, a published poet, an enthusiastic entertainer, an artistic artist, an incredible cook, a kind soul, a lover of the lost one and walks in the woods, a terrific teacher, a beloved brother, a spiritual being, a quiet thinker, a dreamer. We remember a man more or less who was aware of his demons, who had faced some of his fears, who sailed through some scary storms, who spent many a sleepless nights awake wondering if this was it. But a man none the less who was willing once again to say, "I'm sorry,  I was wrong, I should have listened better to what you said.”

Thoughts of becoming fifty...Much remains the same love those put in your path (Family and friends float to the top). Save time for silence and stillness, and treasure serenity in the small simple pleasures. Find your passion and allow it to soothe your soul. Never give up the hope in better days nor the adage "This too shall pass." Blessings upon your journey!!