Being watched from afar 11/28

Sparring

Morning entertainment - two large beautiful bucks sparring.









I switched to my 300mm lens



















I felt like I was part of a filimg crew on "Wild Kingdom" in my own backyard

Happy December, I think

Well it is December. Maybe it's because I don't have a tree that I'm just not in the 'spirit'? Dunno. Baby it's cold outside - it really is.

I am looking forward to Vacation with Zak. I've never been to Las Vegas and am a bit unsure as everyone but one person I know has said "you'll love it". I'm certain I'll enjoy the food, escaping canyon food is always a GOOD thing. I'm hoping to get us tickets for a good show and take lots of photos. I'm sure I'll look around goggle-eyed like a true tourist I might as well wear socks with my sandles. The hardest part I'm having is picking out a hotel to stay at; a little more research is called for.

Other things are planned, including hiking, Flagstaff, Sedona and possibly Prescott. There are many things to see and do here in Arizona as there really is anywhere one goes. The main event is of course my back yard; the Grand Canyon; so that's the main thing.

Well this month begins on a busy note and looks to be continuously so throughout the month with various parties and such I will seek comfort, rest and beauty in between when ever I take a concious breath. I hope yours is filled with comfort, rest and beauty with every breath.

Thanksgiving pictures

Before the swarm. Didn't get an'after'as I was enjoying it as well.




Yes I actually do dishes...when I have to.

Black Friday

Yesterday everything was great, had a lot of people in and out throughout the day at Patrick's. It was funny; everyone consumed a lot quickly at first; then all sat back rubbing out stomachs, then slowly got up and picked at the food throughout the day. Quantities of wine were consumed, laughter filled the air along with various degrees in conversations; one side of the room would talk about religion or philosophy, another side of the room would talk psychology.

So here it is the day after, I'm off. Not going shopping; well I do need to go to the store for Patrick and a few things for myself. I plan on making a turkey soup at Patrick's insistance. I'm out of dill, unfortunately it can't be found here at the canyon. So I'll call it dill less turkey soup except there is dill on the turkey, well was. It turned out well even with the carmelized skin.

I hope everyones black Friday is a safe one as we go into Christmas time. Zak will be here in two weeks! Can't wait to see him.

American Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. The surge in electric bills have begun - as soon as that oven was cranked to start the bird and fixings.
The deer are frollicking and the sun is shining, no snow and none in the forcast at least for now. I'm secretly (well not anymore) hoping it doesn't fly until Zak has left.

The Christmas Jazz station is on my Yahoo radio and in 5 minutes I put the bird in. We've moved the dining venue to Patricks, as he's got more seating spaces, a tv, and we decorated until midnight last night last night. Between the two of us we tend to come out almost as a whole (he's gay, haha. Half of my kitchen items is up at his apartment. I'm not putting up a tree this year; there's enough in my back year. I did put out ornaments and I'm watching a heard of deer wander past my window.

Okay, it's over 1 hour later the skin is darkened (more then I wanted since I spread honey on it - oh well), so it's tented with foil, and the turkey smells really good. It's weird having my house empty of people on a holiday; even in St. Augustine I had company at least the last year I was there. Once the food is put away literally and figuratively I will work on Christmas Cards, and getting ready to mail out one or two packages of presents. I will take advantage of the post office being open tomorrow. It's nice being off for four days. I'm looking forward to doing a few things besides laundry and cleaning the apartment. Maybe get a little hiking and drawing in.

Almost time, the chairs are upstairs as I kneel to post; glancing up I see a doe and a buck pass by. I wonder what they think and say when they communicate; oh to understand would be pretty interesting I think.

Thanksgiving....almost

Next week already. This last Friday seemed to be the LONGEST day at work; we all ran out as that minute hand hit 5pm. We ought to get a clock that at 5 o'clock pm yells the word "Freedom" in Mel Gibson's great rendition. Now earlier in the week it was very busy with a group of people from central reservations visiting. We all took turns showing them around; and they we're kept running from early in the morning until well into the evening. They hardly got any free time and I imagine they went through the mind melting all the information overload upon their return. Still my part was fun as I get a kick out of showing off my 'backyard'.

Today was the first "Art Talk" - I hosted a class at the rec center to go over the basics of drawing. Two people showed, but hey, that's two more then 15 minutes before hand. After we went to lunch, we took in the exhibit at the Kolb. The two ladies with me decided to hike down the Bright Angel trail a little ways; I sat and drew for a little while. It was really breezy and didn't take long for the breeze to whip up and become colder; so I put my things away and headed out. Just in time there was a large group of Japanese visitors heading out with cameras at the ready!

Pulling out the Christmas items I was assalted with memories of last Christmas here. Last year I was excited, for the first time in quite a while, whereas this year I shrug. Maybe it was being with someone to do things together, but I'd rather it'd be in a healthy relationship or none at all. This year it is the latter; so I make the best of it as it's certainly not my first Christmas alone; and I'm sure won't be the last.

Zak will be here in less then a month, I've set my vacation time to spend time with him. And since he's getting a car, to escape the canyon for a little while. It's really not so bad, I'm realigning still and have some plans in the fire for changes, some beginning in the new year getting back to basics. Though if I get any more great catalogs with cute clothing I won't have room.

Not sure if I'll blog about Thanksgiving; I'm hosting it at my house for friends and friends of friends some old some new. Though I'll miss my dear friends in Florida my heart is with you and I am thankful for the closeness we cherish whether we're miles or continents apart.

The middle of...

November, already! Seems all I want to do when I get out of work is come home and either stick my nose in a book or go to sleep early. It's been really nice in the afternoons, though the days are shortened. I go to work in twilight, and come home in the dusk. Pretty sunsets, though the nights are getting longer and all those unspoken words in between.

I got an art table from someone who is leaving so that is set up and is being used - at least it's holding my art supplies - well not the sketchbooks or watercolor paper, except for what is currently being worked on but it's being used for the purpose of it's intention.

Zak will be here in one month! I can't wait. Beyond that I'm contemplating a new year move - back to a dorm room. Various reasons are inspiring me, at least I won't have to live with anyone due to my status. Right now it's just a seed, we shall see what January brings.

In the meantime, (there's that word again)I've got Christmas presents to think of, a visit with Zak and going back with him to Las Vegas to see him off, and/or getting there to pick him up. (he's getting the car but it would be nice to go visit a few places while I can.) and I'm waiting for my hair to grow back in. I do want to see how long I can get it again; this time sans fake color.

Of course I still gaze at my glorious back yard, avoid the elk and deer - especially when wearing my leather or suede coat. They don't seem to like those.

H1N1

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) website states that 99% cases of the flu reported since September 2009 are the H1N1, aka the swine flu. It is a doozy. It definately has different characteristics from the other known flu's as it attacks the bronchial tubes quickly.

Precautions:

DON'T USE ANYONE'S PEN - silly? maybe but think about how the germs from someone coughing into their hand before signing a credit card receipt.

Use your debit card rather then cash - there's already a gazillion germs on paper cash, cut the handling down as much as possible.

Carry towlettes that contain alcohol on you or with you; if you have to shake hands wipe discreetly or say politely "I'm getting over a cold, please understand it is a pleasure to meet you..." if they aren't happy that you're concerned for their welfare well think about it.

There are many precautions presented on the CDC's website; just google CDC.

Humphreys Peak

The highest of a group of ancient vocanic peaks known as the San Francisco Peaks. It lays between the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff. Near the top is a ski resort that is quite popular. Gayle and I decided to drive to it (because I've never been there) on our way back from Flagstaff one day. The part we went to is over 9000 feet up, there's a lot of switchbacks (not as bad as in Oak Creek Canyon), and a lot of Aspen. Considering this was the back end of October (the 24th) I was surprised to see a lot of leaves still on some of the Aspen.

November

Happy November. It's been a long but not slow summer into fall time period. Through it I took several trips, some over night, some day trips. I fought spider bites (several times) and illness (this last one took me for a loopy ride!). It's been 6 months since Mike left and I feel as though I am waking up. Just in time for winter. We had a little snow the other day - it didn't stick - and today it's a balmy 60 degrees.

Earlier this month I took a trip with the rec center to Sedona. We started out at Slide Rock, which is just as the name implies a rock feature you slide down with the water. I didn't plan on riding down, just enjoying the scenery; I thought it's just a bunch of woods around the area great fodder for drawing. Little did I know it was actually once a homestead; on it the apple trees are still tended and there are several of the buildings in use by the NPS. I was also struck at how much it resembled Utah, you decide for yourself.

October

Not officially the beginning of fall, but it has been cooler in the mornings. Came down with something Thursday, went home Friday and after as much pampering as I can do I feel a lot better. Working a lot, as September and October is busy months for groups not been doing a whole lot of anything else. Zak's visiting in December, looking foward to that.
So in comes October, I'm not as excited as I usually am with regards to the approaching holidays; maybe the excitement is waiting? For what? I guess I'll know when it (what ever that is) happens.
The elk have been using my back yard as a 'singles' meet; this last week they've been bugling a lot. Such a funny squeak from such a large animal.
Well I hope to have more to blog about this month and I hope everyone's month is filled with happy surprises.

Happy Birthday MJ

Looks like we're on the way to 50! I know I reach it 6 months before you, but that's okay you'll get there eventually.

My backyard

I decided to go down the Bright Angel Trail for just a little bit. So I put together my hiking things; water, apples, snacks, then threw in my sketchbook and pencils. I thought what the heck it certainly is a different world below the rim might as well get a practice piece in.

I ate breakfast at Maswik then moved on.

Just past the first tunnel I came to a bend that was shady, cool and had some rocks to sit on. In the center of the bend is a tall skeleton of a Douglas Fir. I was surprised the trail wasn't that busy but then the park has slowed down just a bit as school has started; so I took out my sketchbook and a 6B pencil and started.

I was more then surprised at the number of hikers who did stop to look and was quite surprised to get "nice sketch", "beautiful", and a father/daughter smiled and said "we'll check on the progress on the way back". I had to giggle. Well needless to say they did and they were very sweet, the daughter asked to take a picture of the sketch and me, and I consented, as did another lady later. At least this time they asked. What surprised me more was the reaction to just a rough sketch, a really rough one at that. So here it is:



A smaller part of the bigger whole (or hole) literally and figuratively.

On the way back I found another spot - once again around the first tunnel I will go down to tomorrow morning and sketch.

Back door friends

Yesterday I noticed a sap sucker (bad name for a very pretty bird) outside so I ducked inside to get my camera. I didn't realize until I had stepped mid way onto the porch there was a doe about 20 feet away; she looked at me sorta startled and I said "well hello".

Then she started walking towards me; which startled me so I took a step backwards and she stopped.

She looked at me for a minute; then noticed the sound of my neighbor talking on the phone.

She stopped to think for a moment before moving on:


Meanwhile the sap sucker had moved a little bit so I went to find him or her, and found it I did:

September

Happy September everyone! Hard to believe it's here. 'No matter how much things change, no matter how much they remain the same' goes through my mind as we all know change is contstant, yet eventually we come to full cirle. Or do we?

On the 11th (how auspicious is that?!) I will be in this position a year. It's been a great learning experience and I'm glad I'm still there. It changes like tides with 'seasons' and September is our hardest part of the 'season'. After checking 14 books this morning I see why.

Summer reflections

Hard to believe September is just around the corner, and soon Christmas will follow. August at least the end of it has seen grief especially for one of my best friends and her family; I cry with them. To me it extended the time that comes around every year and each year is different; not always better, not always worse but different. I've been going through my vastness of photographs and made cd's for Gayle and Karen of the two times we explored together. You saw some of the Zion photographs now to reflect on the July 4th parade in Prescott, AZ (pronounced like 'biscuit'):









Never thought I'd see the Shriner's with out the little cars.



That is something I'd thought I would only see in the North East.



Now I feel more at home





This was by no means 'the end'after all isn't life a parade..

Letting go...

Familar vignettes
The comforting old grudges
Time to let them go

2 years ago today...

I along with my sister Susan embarked on recreating life as we know it. I've been looking around and thinking "wow, how much has really changed?"

When we arrived we arrived with a couple of suit cases and carry on's. Life in a suitcase. Of course there were surprises and disappointments - those disappointments are expectations we brought on ourselves. I became my old boss' hero when I told her we had shipped a box of shoes to ourselves because we didn't have room in the luggage. Halarious to think of, considering most were the wrong kind of shoes - believe me you don't wear heels at the canyon except maybe once a year at the Christmas party. But the cowboy boots purchased in Georgia was the best investment to this day. I love them. Along with the suede/fleece coat.

Now I have an apartment, granted where I live on the outside front reminds me of section 8 houseing; but the sliding glass doors open to a forest where animals of all sizes; ranges and elements roam; including human but not many of those. Then there is the canyon, what I call my official 'backyard'. Beats the hell out of buying yard art! It even changes with the seasons; so no having to bring in the seasonal pieces makes it more enjoyable. But my apartment is comfortable; with the help of a friend with a car I have collected some interesting and beautiful pieces; including what I call my 'bordello bedroom' because almost everything is in red tones. I just can't bring myself to put the purple area rugs in there - that would truely confirm it. But is that re-creating a past life? Lord knows enough people took my picture at the front desk and out by the canyon as though I had been a part of a time capsule.

There are a lot of things I miss; my car - just for pure freedom, my friends, Publix and their higher-then-other-stores-but-the-quality-is-worth-it, what I have in storage in Florida, Ross and Marshall's and I know there are other things as well. But to look up and see the milky way - not the candy bar but the 'stairway to life' is pretty amazing. Watching the movement of the stars and every once in a while seeing a few fall deciding what to wish for (world peace). The 'lawnboys' with their racks munching grass outside my door. There were a lot of babies this year, a lot more then last year. They may be 'smaller' but they're still plenty big. The different people I've met from all over the globe; no where I have been would have offered this smorgasboard of personalities.

I have learned a lot; on the professional level I've done what some consider 'management training' with weeks spent in different departments (front desk, accounting, human resources, and now group sales). This last one is the longest I've held since coming here, a year next month. I'm learning a little more just how obscure being a 'concessionaire' in a national park is. On a personal level I've learned to love, be loved, be un-loved, and most important I'm still in the process of being true to myself. But I think that is an on-going education we all have and perfect in each of our own ways. Selfish? Maybe, but honey you only have one life; YOURS and no one, I repeat, NO ONE is responsible for your misery or happiness but YOU. Yes I get lonely, but like anything else including good luck, happiness or money it passes. Sometimes like a long winded stinky fart; sometimes like a gentle breeze. Part of the process.

So it's taken two years for me to go into another 'resolution' for myself. I discovered last year when I got restless to walk down into the canyon; it's almost time - probably Sunday - Mada's day. I feel as though I've moved away from some of the traits I liked about myself when I came here. Is it time to be more aware of those traits and not conform to expectation of others? Yes. Will I be more alone? Maybe, maybe not the future is a blank canvas on which I will express with color; me. I do want to get a good vehicle, so that'll keep me here for a while; which means I will realign myself to utilizing my benefits for what they are, start hiking again to relieve my inner restlessness, draw more even if it's a little doodle, and being kind, not just to others but to myself as well.

North Rim and Zion

Gayle asked on the spur of the moment last week if I'd like to get out of the park and go see the North Rim and Zion. Well, like any person who doesn't have many opportunities to get out I jumped at the chance. Once we made the preparations she asked Karen to come along too; so it turned into a girls weekend much like July 4th.

Stayed at a cabin at Jacob's lake, the North Rim is so different and smaller but higher in altitude so there are a lot of Aspen - my favorite trees.



After shopping - and they do have a great gift shop, we headed to Zion in Utah. I've never wanted to visit Utah, though I've heard time and again how beautiful it is. Traveling between towns is more and more desert; time and again I've questioned myself as to why am I in the desert? I know I chose it, was it subconciously to dry the tears? Or rediscover the basics of life and finding it in the most unlikely places such as the rich colored sands, the vastness of harsh beauty. The sand kept getting redder the further we traveled north. I wanted to scoop some up to take with me (which I did on the way home), because the color is so vibrant and rich; it's absolute pure minerals.

I drew a little in the back seat; some three second pictures in my little sketchbook, but soon picked up the camera and gave new meaning to 'drive by shooting'. I think I'm getting pretty darn good taking photos from a moving vehicle and I don't even have an IS (image stablizing) lens.



Utah is called the 'beehive' state; maybe because some of the rock formations look like bee hives. Frankly I thought they looked like a mixed swirled ice cream. But then I would.



It seemed like every turn was a new oasis of color and beauty. When we stopped for all of us to take a photo I got out of the car and had tears in my eyes for the magnificence of beauty.



Now we're further inside the park, we stopped at the Human Museum (and no I didn't go in there - there's too much outside for the limited time I had) and took the shuttle. It is one of the cleanest parks I have ever seen - and the town out side is calling my name to explore more. So put on some soothing music - something that touches deep inside and look at more:











We sat down in front of Zion Lodge at the bottom of the canyon and sniffed the air like doggies; we could smell the green in the grass. I wanted to be a dog at that moment and roll around in it. But it was refreshing to the eyes just to see the green.

The next day we went back after staying in a b&b. Parked at the same place and took the shuttle beyond the lodge to the last stop. Walked the mile river walk - that is where you see the hanging gardens, there's bogs with cat tails, and big red dragon flies. The Western Swallowtails fluttered above peoples heads; it was crowded but everyone was absorbing the beauty of it. Once we reached the end of the trail we went into the river; oh it felt so good! 60 degree water in 80 something heat - the sun was hot and boy did I want to load my back pack with the river rocks but knew better. That and the fact I was trying not to lose my footing - didn't want to get the camera wet. I would've gone further into the narrows, I still want to but the footing was not the greatest and I didn't have hiking poles.



Gayle continued on and went into the narrows eventually I will go there myself.

I was amazed and dazed at the natural colors; it felt like I was walking into a Thomas Cole painting from the late 1800's - Hudson Valley School of Art, I felt rather a little shamed how my camera couldn't do it justice, much less my art. Though I have enough fodder to try and try again.

It was almost disappointing to get back home though I was tired; it takes 5 hours to drive from there and we started out late because we didn't want to leave.

I can only imagine it in winter....