It's Time for Second on the 2nd, Plane to Sea At the Beach Aceo

Waking Up to Rainbows

Water is on my mind.  

An immense, unmeasured body of water that seems to go on forever and is so deep that it's a challenge to navigate, explore, and impossible to control. 

Ever since going on my trip last year I daydream, more than a little bit, about going on another ocean voyage.   If wishes came true, I'd be posting this while looking out to the horizon, where only waves, waves, and more waves surround the ship.

I'm entertained by their songs.  The waves are more than chaotic, small ones, huge ones, little ones being pushed forward and side to side.  They confide, no brag their secrets to the wind and offer to protect the treasures of the third world many fathoms below the hull.

I don't succumb to their calling, more or less their temptations, because I have miles to sail, or is that, cables, before I close my eyes to rest for a while.

It's Groundhog Day, so ocean wistfulness is a far away scheme.

I'm sharing Plane to Sea At the Beach Aceo  with you for Second on the 2nd  linked at Altered Book Lover.  It's a chance to share an older post once a month, on the 2nd of each month.

My aceo was first published way back on  July 25, 2011.  Thanks for visiting.  

Moving Across the Historic Highway Coast to Coast on Historic Lincoln Highway

Image: Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times.
The eastern terminus for Lincoln Highway is in Times Square
and the western terminus is in Lincoln Park, San Francisco.

Before there was Route 80, before Route 50, there was Lincoln Highway, the nation's first paved coast to coast road. Construction started in 1913.  It took more than a decade of hard work to build and navigate the 3,000 plus miles in all kinds of weather.

Standing in Times Square, I'd never foreseen that I'd be driving on Lincoln Way years later, nor thought about it when visiting family in San Francisco; didn't know of it's historical importance.

You could say the road was built on enthusiasm and a bright idea.  It was intended to be a toll-free road, the most direct route from New York  to California, and built by business people and not by the government.   An interesting look at the history of the road and how it came to be is here.  

Gas stations had to be built, guides, motels, diners, and more were needed to serve the people and their vehicles.  Early road goers had to make do with campsites and the best they could hope to cover on the road was about 18 miles per day with the cars available.  I have an image from Grapes of Wrath when I think of car travel in the 1920's and 30's.

Driving down the hill on Lincoln Way before it crosses over the river.
Christmas lights makes downtown look cheerful on a rainy evening.

I drive on Lincoln Way often. Surviving over 100 years and being a gateway from ocean to ocean, it's a piece of our past which can still be appreciated today.

If you ever do a coast to coast and find yourself on Lincoln Highway, (also called US 30) get in touch for a cup of tea and a chat.

Have you ever travelled on this historic road?

If you want to read more about it:   Lincoln Highway News  is a blog about it and for Ohio interests Discovering Ohio names some of the places you can visit, like the Kewpee Diner, First Ladies National Library, and more.

Some Gave All and Photojourney of a Victorian Cemetery

This Memorial Day we thank those who served in defending our freedom and the freedom of strangers.  Whether at home or in foreign lands, giving everything they had, they left an indelible mark on history.  No amount of thanks is sufficient, but in recognizing their sacrifice, we hope to hold them in the highest esteem.


Yesterday I took a drive of about 15 miles or so in one direction, then came back home a different route.  All along the way, US flags were waving in the cool air with the sun shining brightly.  Flags on lamp posts, in garden pots, from poles, on doorways, and more.



There is a cemetery that I've wanted to stop in since moving here.  I know, it may sound strange, but this cemetery is set on rolling hills with large trees and many unique and touching monuments.

So with Lucy in the back seat I turned in the gate, leaving the red brick road behind, to find myself very near this statue.   It's extremely tall and the face of the soldier so very lifelike.  The eagles are perched towards the bottom.

Very slowly I drove on a narrow one way road up and down the hills, through various parts of the cemetery.  I was taken aback by all of the crypts and mausoleums.  The birds were flying from tree to tree, singing their hearts out and there were flowering shrubs and ferns planted around the headstones.  All in all it was a strange and beautiful scene.

The sun was so bright that after taking a picture and looking at the screen, I could not tell whether I got the picture or not.  Maybe I will go back another time on a cloudy day, maybe not, it's unnerving being there.

Here are some of the pictures I was able to get.  A few I was able to get out of the car and walk to get closer, the others were taken from the driver's seat.  Click on the images to see them larger.

This monument with the woman holding onto the cross caught my attention as I was on my way out of the cemetery.

I saw about a half dozen crypts built into the hillside.

This crypt had a grand staircase.  Wondering the meaning behind their choice for this design.                

The mausoleums scattered around the space looked like little "follies" or extravagant playhouses.  These were probably built in the Victorian era.

 


I drove two times around to get the photo of this mausoleum --->

Set back from the road, the shadows from the trees reminded me of a little church from one of Jane Austen's books or something from Masterpiece Theatre.   It made me want to get out of the car and go inside, but then I knew it wasn't something I would really want to do.








From reading a few of the headstones, I could see this was a resting place for people of all faiths.  If we could all get along and abide together in life, Memorial Days could be ancient history. Otherwise our next door neighbor in death may just be a believer in a faith we don't accept or tolerate and what can you do about that? Despite all our differences whether we are fighting for the oppressed, over boundaries or religion...life is precious in all stages.

God Bless and have a safe and loving holiday.  ♥

A.S.A.P. Angel Intervention

There have been times in my life where I felt that divine intervention, some supernatural power not of our earthly realm was stepping into my personal space.  Angels are said to be Secretly Always Present, always nearby.  We are usually unaware of them; unaware until something happens to make that connection visible.

Example:  I used to regularly drive on an interstate to go to and from work. The highway was several lanes in each direction, traffic moved fast unless there was a jam.  There were lots of on ramps and exit lanes and although yielding is the rule, you can forget about that being practiced on the interstate.  It was always rushing, cutting  in and out of lanes, you know what I mean.

That morning the sky was lovely, the weather was comfortable, and I wished I was going somewhere other than work.  I saw the car coming up behind me, but I was boxed in, with no where to maneuver.

In a split second, which seems to last much longer, in close calls, I knew that I was going to be hit and probably die if not be tragically incapacitated.  Yes, it was that dangerous a situation.

I said to myself, "Okay I won't get to be an old lady, Mom and ***  are  going to be very upset about all of the blood..." and I accepted that.  Isn't it strange what goes through your mind at those moments? Then I expected the impact,  but it didn't happen.



Something took the steering wheel and whoosh, the speeding car seemed to pass through me, not around me nor to the side of me.  I knew something, not my actions, not the other driver, but something else unexplainable had moved me through time and space to escape inevitable disaster.  That was a very weird sensation.  I repeat, that was a very weird sensation.

Right after, I felt a sense of being chided, scolded, I got the impression that my guardian angel was a bit annoyed with me for having to be on the ball and work hard and fast to save my life that morning.  Wow, maybe I would get to be an old lady someday after-all, maybe there was a reason for this save.    

He will give His angels charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.  

On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.                                                                                   

                                                                                        Psalm 91: 11-12


There was no other way to explain what happened.  He had done the same thing for me years before.  No, I'm not a bad driver, the earlier rescue happened on a two lane road, one lane in each direction.  That time the car was headed directly towards me, driving in the wrong lane.  Maybe that's why he was annoyed, he had done this before and possibly he wanted a new assignment?  I was driving a lot and it wasn't a good thing for my health, besides the traffic, it was the hours of driving that were wearing me down.  So, do angels get tired, too?

On this same highway, on a different day,  miles from that near collision, I drove past a burning car, the woman driver was inside.  I saw her moving in the flames.  People had already stopped to see if they could help her when I drove past her burning car.  I wanted to help her, too, but  if those men couldn't pull her out of the car, I didn't think I could either.  She didn't survive.

That image of her inside the car has stayed with me even though I don't think about it.  I've wondered about her life, how did she get to that place that morning?  Was she distracted, angry, daydreaming of a vacation, reviewing her workday, pondering a divorce?  I thought about what she might have been thinking other than how to get out of the car, you know, was she thinking of her children, her husband, or something else?  Did she have hope that she was going to be rescued?  Was she cursing or praying?  Were there regrets?  So many questions...  .

I don't know why I was saved from these near tragedies.  Maybe someday I'll find out that it wasn't even about me, maybe it was for the other driver to live another day.  To realize their dreams, to mentor, raise their kids, create a charity, patent a remarkable invention, create art, train cooks, capture light and beauty from nature in a way that gives pleasure and happiness to even one person, to fingerpaint with the grandkids, to cuddle with the furbaby, to love, to forgive ...

If you're interested in my photo, it was taken on a train travelling from near The Loop in Chicago going to O'Hare Airport. I was attempting to take a photo when the train stopped, to show the station name, but this is what I got instead.  Those are the lights and my camera flash reflection.  I liked the effect for this subject.

Have you been rescued by an angel or encountered one for another reason?

Hope you aren't put off by this subject.  Let me know if this was too dark for you, it isn't meant that way. ♥  

(Another time a bank was involved, but I'll save that account (pun) for another day.)  

Something Special From The Train Jeweler

I love a good travel memory and Cynthia's blog, "Antiquity Travelers" tells an entertaining story from her overseas travels, vacations upstate, or riding the rails to her day job in the city.  She weaves the cast of train riding friends and coworkers into characters you can laugh with/at or nod/shake your head in agreement with.  She's blessed with daughters who are happy to model the jewelry and are interested in learning to make jewelry, too. Cindy forges her love of designing into a real labor of love. ♥  See for yourself on her blog or  Etsy shop.

Her jewelry designs are gorgeous and with her blog posts you also get an historical perspective on the gemstones.  It's more than educational- it's fun and pretty.  Check out The Train Jeweler's post  about the other bloggers given these awards.  They are a talented and encouraging group of ladies; I am both  surprised and honored to be included, happy to have Cynthia's friendship, and going to work a bit harder now!

It's no easy task selecting bloggers for these awards.  Friends? Strangers?  Size of blog?  Theme?  I've only read a fraction of so many inspiring, educational, and fun bloggers.  How do I choose?

What I've decided to do is what Cynthia said, "But what these awards mean to me is a way to tell a few of my bloggy friends how much I've appreciated their friendship and their encouragement for me to keep blogging -- to keep trying new techniques, to keep making something I love ... "  In her case jewelry, in my case a range of things and because of your comments and visits I keep coming back to share and post.   Thank you.  ♥♥



Chris writes, "Golden Lilly Crafts,"  and is Down Under so has Spring while we're heading towards Autumn where I am.  Her comments make me smile, she's so talented, has a beautiful garden, plus she named her blog after her two little dogs.  Please go say "hi" to her if she's new to you.  Or, maybe that should be, "G'day mate."

Debbie writes, "Crafty Moose Crafts, "  is a french bead artist who also paints, learns new techniques and shares them and is mad about moose or is that meese?  Whatever, Debbie has a way with words, her comments encourage and I'm happy we met somewhere in our blog travels.  Please head over to her blog if you haven't already.

Karen Anne writes,  "Ireland Brady - Musings to Ponder", is always perfecting her skills, learning, sharing, and has a talent for drawing, you must see for yourself.  Her comments are wise and from the heart.  Please go visit her blog and enjoy the portraits and the photos; also a wee Irish humor.  There's a real Danny Boy, too.

Stacy writes, "Magic Love Crow, " is devoted to drawing crows.  Not just any crow, but well, she has a reason why and you should find out for yourself.  I don't think you will ever see a more devoted crow artist.  Stacy comments and you know she is cheering you on.  She uses lots of colors in her work and her words as does Chris, Debbie, and Karen Anne- they make you feel encouraged.

All three of these awards can go to everyone who reads and comments, your company is much appreciated!

I want to recognize Inspiration Avenue and the people who participate there.  I haven't linked up much recently, but when I did, the other bloggers who stopped by here gave me great feedback and encouragement.

In February 2012 I joined the 29Faces Challenge from, "I Love 2 Paint Ayala Art."   It was a  great experience and the people who came by were so much appreciated.

But that's not all...  I know this is a long post, but it's worth it to meet some fresh faces and blogs.  Cynthia has turned the blog awards around and given us new ones to give out.  Here is the preview for the next set of awards.  I'm going to edit this post in a few days with the awardees.  (SEE new post HERE instead!)

I hope you check out some great links and discover people you might not have seen before now.  Thanks to Cynthia for giving me this opportunity to share. ♥

Shaking Hands and Shaking Paws Celebrating the Queen

Wishing everyone celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee a very happy and safe weekend.  

Hope your weather is outstanding for the long bank holiday.  

This collage celebrates Her Majesty's love for dogs. 

What do you think, would she rather shake hands or shake paws?

Running With Fire the Olympic Torch in Wales

Now that the Olympic torch is in Wales, I am having a great time watching the live coverage as the runners relay through cities, small towns and villages in the mountains and valleys, at the coast, stopping at castles, town squares, and more.

I made sure to watch the coverage on Saturday as the torch relay was going through places where I have family and friends.  It was an overwhelming experience to watch the crowds both big and small cheer on the torch bearers.  Some were athletes, a few celebrities including Doctor Who, others; survivors of disease, disabled, and a blind man ran with his yellow lab guide dog. There were bearers of all ages including children and adults all the way up to their 80s.  It was a diverse and interesting selection of people to carry the torch.





I turned the volume up as loud as I could to listen to the happy voices, the Welsh accents, and to hear the kids and their parents.  Every so often a dog barked, there were lots of horns, cheers and applause and even one of those famous Welsh Men's Voice Choirs.   Flags were waved and buntings were displayed.  It was a giant street gathering.  It was lovely to see the kids running to follow the torch, there was such honest  excitement.

A friend had an amazing surprise and she's still walking on air.  After the torch relay was over, there was a knock on the door of the home where they had all gathered to watch the festivities.  One of the torch bearers came to the house with the torch.  Everyone at home had a chance to hold the torch and get their photo taken with it.  Wow!

The torch bearer in the photo is Danielle Price.

If you want to watch the Torch Relay as it goes through Wales and the rest of Great Britain, here are  two links: BBC, and  London 2012.  There are probably more links if you search, but the BBC is the one I watched today (May 26.)  Remember the 5 hour time difference if you're on the East Coast of the USA at midnight it would be 5am in Wales.

The torch relay lasts 70 Days, there will be 8,000 bearers, and 8,000 miles travelled ending in London on July 27, 2012.

Photo credits: CJ and LJ.

Giveaway Winners List

Insert Fanfare...then Drumroll...okay enough delay.  

Winner(s) of the giveaway are:

In Random Order:

Deb

Dee

Linda

Stacy

Lucy

Cassidy

Val

ArtSings1946

SJ

Marilyn

A photo I took in Chicago, Aug. 2011. 

Everyone has been emailed to send their name and address.  I asked for help contacting one of you, you will know who you are because you got an email or message on your blog from a blogging friend.  Thanks, friend.

But, what did you win?  Don't you like surprises?  I wanted to thank everyone who entered, so some new items, not seen in the giveaway post, were made by me and they will be finished and ready to be posted to some of you in about a week, it will be a surprise.
To Everyone who entered, "Thank You" for being a part of this.  I am blessed with you taking time to stop here.  Hope you like your gift.

Re:  Marilyn Monroe statue photo, no it's not a hint.  Just wanted to add an interesting photo to the post.  She's HUGE!    
    

Greetings from Wales on Saint David's Day

This Welsh mountain pony was just perfect for a Saint David's Day Greeting to you.  

Wild and semi-wild ponies have a long history in Wales.  The church in ruins in the background and the pony's shadow add to the beauty of this scene.  Thanks for stopping by today and hope you enjoy this photo greeting on my own second national holiday.  (The pony is in Wales, I'm not; wishes...).

Photo:  © Copyright Jeff Buck and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Sunday Straphanger Vermont

Part of the beauty of New England are
the covered bridges, beautiful autumn foliage, mountains, and maple syrup.

Churches around the green.

At  one of the stops we made in Vermont before driving back to NJ, I saw these bottles of honey in bear shaped bottles on a shelf.  The photo doesn't show the way the sunlight was shining  through the honey casting a glow and making a unique design across the floor.  These bear shaped bottles are a tradition in stores across the USA, though through different makers.

These little bears are lined up like miniature Chinese stone soldiers, but much sweeter and less fierce than them.  The honey must have been all warm and perfect for squeezing, as the sun shined on them.   Oh, Pooh!  Yes, I just had to say it.


(This post was automatically published while I'm away from the computer due to vertigo.  Hoping to return very soon.)

No Dust on These Feathers Peacock Stalker

Sneeze on Monday, sneeze for danger.
Sneeze on Tuesday, kiss a stranger.
Sneeze on Wednesday, get a letter.
Sneeze on Thursday, something better.
Sneeze on Friday, sneeze for sorrow.
Sneeze on Saturday, see your true love to-morrow.


The little poem has nothing to do with Inspiration Avenue Weekly Challenge, just thought it was a cute poem to share, one of those old time rhymes.


Here's my piece for this art nouveau theme, peacocks were often featured in the art of that period.         

I took my original photo, left, and manipulated it in Picnik

I wrote about this particular peacock before.

Sunday Straphanger Pumpkins in NJ

Sometimes autumn can be hot, and it was deeply hot, though not humid on the day we stopped at this roadstand in New Jersey.  It was much bigger than a roadstand image comes to mind, with fresh pies, a place to get a drink, and lots of "Punkins" as the sign said.

Inflation has probably raised the price of these mini pumpkins since I took this photo.  Baskets of apples, colorful corn to decorate tables and doors, and dodging all the bees- fun times.

The End of Summer Aceo Collage

Summer's ending is not set in stone, despite the calendar, the solstice, or back to school sales.  It means so many different things to each of us, depending which side of the equator you are on will also confuse us here.

When I was young, we always tried to get one more beach trip in before school started.  We couldn't wait to get that first glimpse of the soil changing colors from dark brown to reddish, and finally to sand.  The tree species would change, the land became flatter, we could drive for miles without seeing any buildings/shops/houses- it was a full out production to get to the shore.

Once there, the smell of the salt water ocean was intoxicating.  The ocean was deep green and brown, with little whitecaps on the waves.  It was safe to walk barefoot on the beach, unlike now with the heaps of garbage of all types depositing.  Walking barefoot and feeling the sand erode with each wave was fun and dizzying.

The Aceo Challenge theme for September is what the end of summer means to me.  Since I can't incorporate so many ideas into one little aceo, I made this one, with little bits and pieces of summer excursions, wrapped up and put away, loved forever, if only in memory.   If you click on the image, the view is larger.

It's Bigger Inside Than it Looks Tardis in Shed of the Year Contest

I'm still waiting for a nice shed for my yard.  One to potter about inside or one to open up the doors wide and sit with a drink and a new magazine.  More like a big girl playhouse with pretty curtains and a place to get away for a solitary, melancholy mood.

Still waiting and then I came across these sheds.  If you know about The Tardis and Doctor Who, you might find these suitable for a little spot in your backyard, too.

All of these sheds and more can be viewed at :TARDIS where there are hundreds of all designs of sheds and there is a Shed of the Year Contest each year.  The last image the owner said, "I don't think of it as just a shed - more a David Tennant trap."  Oh yes.

Remembering a Day September 11, 2001 Aceo

September 11, 2001.
My collage and mixed media aceo.

Physical wounds and gaping spaces may yet not be healed in hearts, bodies, and landscapes.

We determine to get on with ordinariness and still not forget.

Here's my older post with World Trade Center photos. 

Love Letters in the Sand the Estuary at Laugharne, Wales

The creative challenge theme this week at Inspiration Avenue is "Beaches."  Make something with things you would find on the beach.  I found this love story.  I took my original, pre-digital photo, scanned it, and then went over to Picnik to change it to this:

If you click on the image, it will enlarge.

This is the original photo.

I'm also sharing a post because I found it inspiring and wanted to tell you about it, too.
You can read it here: tribute .  

Playing the Tourist at Home Photo Editing

A new month and a new aceo challenge.  This time the challenge is being a tourist in your own hometown. Ideas were churning, and I settled on editing photos from something I see on on the side of the highway and someplace I keep saying I'm going to visit, but haven't- and I've been here seven years!  The mural is actually black and white and I've edited and manipulated the photo to give an edge to it.

This little icecream stand is one of several in the area and I pass it regularly, but have never been.  Since it's open seasonally, I'd better get a move on- need to watch out for the teddy bear family, they seem to have taken over most of the seating...  I edited the photo, changed colors, put some "sprinkles" and a "cherry" on top, added the candy, added the clothespin note on the side, framed and toned it.  I don't know how those teddies got there.  Just kidding.

Add your aceo to the blog, click that link at the top of this post.  Entries taken for a few more days.

With Trees We Live Aceo

A few words on "Trees"... 

A seed hidden in the heart of an apple is an orchard invisible. ~Welsh Proverb.


I hear the wind among the trees
Playing the celestial symphonies;
I see the branches downward bent,
Like keys of some great instrument,

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


Inspiration-Avenue blog theme weekly challenge is The Forest for the Trees.  I didn't have time to make a brand new item so I am showing you the photograph I took some years ago after stopping roadside in northern New Jersey.  From this photo, I made an aceo which ended up like the image below.

ACEO inspired by above photo.

                             

Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we                           cannot eat money.   ~Cree Indian Proverb

Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars...and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful.  Everything is simply happy.  Trees are happy for no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance.  Look at the flowers - for no reason .  It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are. ~Osho

If there's still time for you to add your work to the challenge, please do, or bookmark and enter next week's theme challenge.  

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree                            

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

~-Joyce Kilmer, "Trees," 1914

                                   

I hope you enjoyed the quotes, courtesy of The Quote Garden.


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Sunday Straphanger High Point, NJ

In the northern part of NJ, High Point has the highest elevation in the state, (aptly named) and when the weather is clear you can see into three states.

The obelisk resembles the Washington Monument.  We visited on a crisp autumn day, with a touch of snow on the rocks which the sun hadn't melted.   Another visit in the summer with the trees framing the monument from my walk through the park.

Watching the sunset and the colors change in the sky.

Plane to Sea At the Beach Aceo

Aceo Theme Challenge for July, "At the Beach"

I haven't been to the shore, the real Atlantic Ocean- wide, wild, and wonderful ocean for too many years. Fortunately, there are photos and memories to substitute as a touchstone.  

This is my aceo for  At the Beach Theme on The Aceo Challenge blog. Just for authenticity, I used some salt on the beach mixed with the paint.

When I thought about the crowds, heat, salty water, dunes, boardwalk, etc.  the small planes which flew over the water facing the banner towards the beach came to mind.  They flew many ads for restaurants.

Once in a while, a marriage proposal on a bright white cloth would be flapping in the wind off the rear of the plane.   I'd look around for the lucky lady, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Have you ever seen these planes flying over your vacation spot?