Chihuly Sighting

If you ever find yourself in the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, Pa. you will likely be impressed by the variety of things to see and appreciate.

There’s one in particular piece you should look for while exploring. In a rather unremarkable stairwell, there is a large Dale Chihuly glass chandelier. You can stand under it on the stairs or you can appreciate it at eye level from a hallway.

Chihuly’s work is recognizable because it’s so different than what most glass artists are doing. He mimics shapes found in nature, the colors are brilliant even when he’s using a monochromatic scheme, and the scale is typically quite large.

A lot of places would be tempted to hang this piece in their lobby so you can’t help to see it. They would want to show it off . At Westmoreland, it’s placed somewhere quiet, somewhere that you feel like you’re discovering it, and where you can quietly contemplate how the glass handles the light.

Interested in the Westmoreland? It is worth the trip. Read about it here.

Just Out For A Cruise

Last Fall, my western adventure pal and I were exiting the Yellowstone Visitors’ Center having successfully viewed Old Faithful and, interestingly, another nearby geyser that doesn’t erupt on a consistent schedule. We were hungry but the line at the cafe was a mile long and not moving thanks to a government shutdown. Luckily, we had snacks in the car because we always have snacks in the car. That’s just responsible adventuring, friends.

And look how healthy – almonds and an apple! Pay no attention to the M&Ms and Diet Coke.

Anyway, I heard Johnna gasp and looked up to see something that’s a cross between a truck, a camper, and a tank ready for battle. It’s a Mercedes truck of some kind with German plates.

The owners weren’t within sight but we figured anyone who puts their Instagram handle on the side of this particular not so average vehicle wouldn’t mind us walking up for a closer look.

However big it appears in the pictures, it is massively larger.

It looks like they’ve been everywhere and, if they haven’t been, it’s either on their list or just not worth seeing.

I like that they have a sense of humor. Haha. Turtle truck!

Part of me wonders what kind of mileage they get but part of me doesn’t want to know so we will just move on. I did visit their Instagram profile. Their pictures are great and their travels are wide and varied but the words are all in German.

I hope they are enjoying themselves.

I always think it is strange when someone visits this country and experiences more of it than most Americans would ever think to go see. Hopefully they met some nice people and saw some wondrous things, creating memories they can carry with them to wherever they are headed next.

Silent Sunday: Oglebay Mansion

Ghost Mural

I do enjoy seeing ghost murals and find that the alley side of an old building is often the best places for spotting them.

This one is in Bedford, PA just a few doors down from Rebellion Books, a bookshop that took a lot of my money in exchange for a wonderful book shopping experience.

Bedford is a neat little town filled with history, fun shops, and charm. I have nothing but fond memories of this place and only regret we didn’t have more time.

I am plotting a return someday because we only hit the highlights like this historic tavern and the big coffee pot. I want to see more of what’s hiding along the side streets and alleyways. After all, it’s usually off the beaten path where we find the real magic happens.

Come Out And Play?

I was headed out for work yesterday when I found this cute little toad waiting at the screen door to the porch. He seemed to be asking if I could come out and play.

I was in a rush but did pause a moment to say hello to my little visitor and to snap a photo. After having his photo made, he very politely moved aside so I could leave.

I have a number of toads and frogs in my yard on any given day and I especially enjoy hearing their chorus of trills, croaks, peeps and chirps. Never heard a toad before? You’re in for a treat. Click here to have a listen.

I know people who complain about the sounds of country creatures but I think they make life more special.

Making friends with the neighbors is always a good idea!

Stand Still

Stand still.

Take a deep breath.

And another.

Close your eyes and take another deep breath.

Feel your feet pressing into the ground.

Need to breathe again? Do it as much as you wish.

When you are calm and centered, you are stronger and more confident. You are better ready to face what’s ahead. And while nature has an amazing healing power, don’t think you should wait until you’re outdoors like here in the Hocking Hills State Park. Try it in your back yard or next your bed when you wake up

Ready?

Let’s go tackle the day. It’s Thursday, friends. You’ve got this.