Journey in June - Part 2

                                                            410 State St., Dysart, Iowa

Memories from youth became my fuel as we continue this road-trip. I had miles and miles to recall events from my childhood as we drove from the middle of Missouri to Central Iowa. When I was a freshman in high school we moved to Iowa Fall, Iowa. Before that welcomed event, I had spent my entire young life in Dysart, Iowa, a small town, population 1100.

Following our Sedalia musical highlight, we traveled north through the hills of southern Iowa, crossed Interstate 80 and headed to Dysart. Mom told me repeatedly, “I would never live south of 80.” I smiled, never asking why.

Dad owned a Coast-to-Coast hardware store in Dysart. We ate lunch in the same building and as expected, it seemed so small to me. Two doors down was Wuest’s drug store where I could buy long ropes of black licorice and Katy Keene comic books. The storefront appeared the same, but closed up to any type of business. The new library is across the street, in the middle of this block-long downtown. I am proud of it being in such a prominent spot! 

The next check-in was the house that Dad built in the 1950s where we lived prior to our move. It’s for sale, $159,900! What a shock that would be for Mom and Dad. I checked Zillow to peek inside the house, discouraged by its presentation. Mention was made of vintage kitchen cupboards which means Dad’s skilled workmanship is still intact, but the glorious pink and turquoise kitchen has been redone.

410 State Street is now the address. We had PO boxes uptown where we procured our mail, no street address. One current unusual Dysart phenomenon was the presence of golf carts, on the streets, two parked in front of the restaurant, other carts transporting folks around town.

We visited the cemetery and my plot is waiting for my arrival. One Christmas I received a deed to the plot next to Mom and Dad, a very practical gift.  I’m planning to have my urn buried there with those wishes recently written in the will!

We then traveled north to Hubbard where a dairy farm listed on Harvest Hosts was expecting us. Harvest Hosts is an online system of various establishments where one can boondock, sometimes electricity hook-ups are available. Purchases are anticipated and we bought milk, ice cream and cheese. We came within five miles of Iowa Falls, but I had no desire to visit there this trip. 

(to be continued)

Journey in June - Part 1

                           Beginning of Our Journey in June                                             

Perhaps I have over-booked on this trip.  Perhaps we are covering too many miles.

"Heck no," I say. "We just have to pace ourselves....rest...don't plan so much each day."

My husband and I are journeying now, June 2025, to points far into the Northwest, including British Columbia. We have traveled in a recreational vehicle every summer to the Northwest where we each have family. We did not meet in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, but that is our destination annually. It is coincidental, both of us from CdA meeting in Palomas, Mexico. Another story, another blog.

As I type, we are in the fairly new fairgrounds rv park, Coeur d' Alene. Hubby is having breakfast with his son. I am reeeeeeee-laxing this cool morning as my daughter works half of the day. 

The journey to this point has been a bit stressful but we are able now to decompress. I have driven many miles. I choose to be the primary driver.

The trip began in Hunt, Tx. with Night #1 at Inks Lake State Park, a wonderful park where we have been several times. It was about an hour to my daughter's home near Austin where we had been invited to spend Memorial Day. The next morning we traveled to another favorite state park in Arkansas, Queen Wilhelmina. It is the second highest point in Arkansas, atop Rich Mountain. https://www.https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/queen-wilhelmina-state-park   A repeat visit for us, but we ate in the lodge for the first time this visit. It was a very delicious evening meal made special as the couple at the next table was extraordinarily generous. The waitress spoke after they left, "They paid for your meal." We must pay it forward soon, don't you think?

Day #3 already! We traverse Hwy 65 north to Sedalia, Missouri, birthplace of Scott Joplin. An annual ragtime festival is held on the last weekend of May with the best of the best performers on piano and various instruments.  https://www.scottjoplin.org/ragtime-festival-performers. As a pianist, I play ragtime music daily and am always motivated following my attendance at this festival. In addition to the amazing pianists, I found a favorite band, the Lovestruck Balladeers. Their CDs were sold out. Believe it or not, they have created a 78 rpm record, but alas, no record player in my possession. How nostalgic would that be!

Three days of pure ragtime on venues and stages throughout downtown Sedalia. Parking is easy, the crowds are minimal, ragtime enthusiasts are primarily older folks like us although it is always rewarding to hear a younger person tickle the ivories. We left with smiles and Joan saying, "I am going to the San Antonio ragtime meeting when we get back to Texas. This is definitely my delight!"

It's June 1st and we leave Sedalia saturated with good vibes and head north to Iowa where Joan was raised. The Missouri greens are lush out the truck windows towing our 22' Winnebago Micro Mini travel trailer.

Life is good at 70 miles per hour. 

(to be continued)

joanconnor 06/06/25

Bad Art

Bad Art

(penned to NaPoWriMo’s prompt Day 8 - 

write a Ekphrastic poem using link to Museum of Bad Art)

no need to travel to the Museum of Bad Art

i have created my own!

just step out to the patio and view hangings 

on the side of my home.

it’s a mere collection not a gallery

showing  to questionable applause

six originals available for viewing

in house artist proud because….

each painting reveals a memory

each painting represents trust

step by step following the teacher

while sipping dipping the brush

“no, not in the wine,” we laugh

and smile our way to create

the masterpiece of the moment

sipping dipping and learning 

           to appreciate….

the better art of Monet and Van Gogh

the hours true art requires

my masterpiece is definitely bad art

but only took two hours.

(the one top right was done 

a night out with Daughter Maureen)

years ago was our first attempt

to drink paint and follow along

the bonding far surpasses

the reality of artwork done wrong.

with Louise the bumblebee I created 

hers was proportionately done right

reminds me of a best friendship

Louise has passed into the “night.”

more memories from artwork

i cannot conjure up

have not done it for awhile 

but you can be assured 

there’ll be a space to hang my bad art

if given another chance

to create the very best memories 

with    just     one     glance.

Nature Journaling

I struggle to even sketch a leaf! 

When asked to draw a piece of observed nature, I cringe.

I have never enjoyed drawing.

I follow a successful artist using stick figures and am motivated.

When I try to emulate, I fall flat.

Why would I sign up for the above class, you ask?

😵‍💫

Because I would like to teach “Nature Journaling for Non Artists” at the senior center.

My only credential is that I am a master gardener recently certified.

Also, I am a writer. 

I am going to attempt to become a successful non artist/nature journalist.

🤗

I heard of this course through a blog I now follow. 

It was highly endorsed. 

Although I avoid zooming, I thought that this experience would be beneficial. 

The fact it occurs on Sunday afternoons appeals to me. 

🌺

So I am “in” and donating money weekly.

I will keep you posted regarding all progress.

And most importantly, I will attempt to incorporate what I learn into my weavings.

🥰

Tapestry Turmoil

Tapestry Turmoil and Solution Sought with Many Cliches!

What to do? 

What to say? 

I am discouraged and dismayed that this weaving project is not a success-in-the-making for me.

I am working with a mentor through American Tapestry Alliance on a project to weave a self-designed tapestry. 

I am “over my head”. 

I am “out of my comfort zone.”

What to do?

I want to weave as I go - - create as I weave - - and this is NOT the proper process for beautiful tapestry weavings. Perhaps it is the process for enjoying The Journey and not allow The Destination to control my experience.

For me, The Journey is prime consideration. 

My Saori loom is waiting for my next row, my next unplanned amusement, my next insertion of a twig or a ribbon. 

And so what shall I do?

My mentor is an award winning expert. I am a beginner, having to read and reread Rebecca Mezoff’s book to “meet and separate” my yarns, a basic technique.

“Honesty is the best policy.”

This is Truth and Wisdom. 

I shall be honest. I shall explain that I am ready simplify my loom

       simplify my weaving

             simplify my creativity energies

The Journey becomes my reason to weave.

Waking up in the middle of the night and looking at my ill-formed attempt on my Big Sister loom with a flashlight is not a positive. Lying in bed and wondering what flashy yarn I can weave with in the morning, what object I can attach, what one new technique I can incorporate…..that is my dream.

I am thinking of selling Big Sister to a weaver with different dreams…..

….to a weaver who will appreciate the extra heddles I ordered because I didn’t know what a heddle was.

….to a weaver who will not have lice every other row because she will know how thick a weft to use with her warp.

….to a weaver who will coddle Big Sister as her BFF and not as a “thorn” (you know that cliche).

It’s possible that I can still be a weaver.

The photo above is my current project. It is not what my amazing mentor is expecting. I don’t want to disappoint. I just want to weave freestyle and enjoy my mistakes. 

….and that’s my weave wrap-a-long today!

Coming Around!

Christmas came and went. It was wonderfully uneventful,  as was the New Year.  I have been nesting, going out to lunch a few time with Hubby and then flitting from one project to the next. 

With the purchase of a new Mac computer, I am set to enjoy a couple upcoming beadisciple classes, reconnecting with my poetry e-circle, pulling up weaving videos that are awaiting my perusal and maybe zoom once a month with Story Circle Network.

The saori loom has the beginnings of a weaving on it but I am removing my first efforts and reorganizing the warping threads. Yes, mistakes are acceptable in Saori, but it just looks too sloppy and taking out a few rows is no big deal.

Reading….. always reading…..”The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel is confirming my Christianity. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot is an upcoming read for the senior center book club. I am enjoying both books.

Weaving projects are numerous and I should be focusing on the tapestry, beginning a small sampler to teach myself a new technique and just practicing the process. Saori will always win my adoration, I am quite sure. It is a create as you go process, or rather, it can be!

The cold weather is coming. Birdbaths are freshened, food replenished and I have ordered a bird bath heater. Such joy Hubby and I experience having these wanted guests in our backyard. Best Dog Ava doesn’t bark, just watches and enjoys the company as we do. I never thought I’d be a birder, but then I never thought master gardening would be an accomplishment either.

And so 2025 begins, hopefully less worldly commitments so my chosen commitments at home can be accomplished. As the Lord leads……

And now for a “spiritual” sharing - 

                                            Q

Photo taken in November 2024, Blanco State Park.

 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

                                             Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Are you tracking Santa’s sleigh? The U.S. government is doing a great job implementing NORAD,  North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Santa’s on his way, the magic is in the air. But is it magic? With volunteer military men and women manning the tracking station, can we not all believe that it truly is an air-born event?

After all, the same technology and satellites are being used that this same agency implements to protect our skies. This radar system is called the North American Warning System.

So be warned. Santa is coming and his visit shall be brief. 

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa. Our government says ‘tis so.

"

Website Gift

                        Website Gift

I have been gifted a website. JC Harvey and his two beautiful children visited my bookmobile at the local farmer's market one Saturday. He then asked if I had a website. "No," I replied, "and it is doubtful that I ever will have the ability to create a website for this venture of giving away children's books."

JC offered to build me a website - totally free of charge!!!

It is wonderful, creative, thorough and accessible. 

I just plugged into my browser:

jamajoans.com

https://jamajoans.com

www.jamajoans.com 

All three addresses took me to my website.

I shall ask him which is the best address for me to use when advertising.

Check it out and let me know what you think. I am going to ask him to tweek a couple areas in 2025.

For now.....I am elated to be online with an explanation of what I do with JamaJoan's Bookmobile.

JC owns Harvey Web Solutions and can be reached at: 

JC.Harvey@HarveyWebSolutions.com

210-501-0063

And did I tell you his two very young children are ADORABLE?

Beware of Blessings

  
                                                          BEWARE OF BLESSINGS

tHIS IS TO BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE POSTS

NOT BECAUSE OF THE "HOW WE USE" BUT BECAUSE OF.....

"THE TRUE MEASURE!"

SURELY WE ARE TRULY BLESSED BY OUR DAILY BREAD, OUR SPIRITUALITY, OUR MATERIALISTIC GAINS AND OUR HUMAN CONNECTIONS

SURELY WE ARE TRULY BLESSED BY OUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE. THE SUN'S REFLECTION ON A BASKET OF PANSIES HANGING ON A DECORATED BACK PATIO

SURELY WE ARE TRULY BLESSED BY OUR HEALTH AND THE POSSIBILITIES OUR MEDICAL TEAMS OFFER US

SURELY WE ARE TRULY BLESSED BY THE CUP OF COFFEE WE PERK EACH MORNING

WE OFFER THANKSGIVING FOR OUR BLESSINGS BUT MORE IS REQUIRED OF US. MUCH MORE.

HOW DO WE USE OUR DAILY BREAD, OUR SPIRITUALITY, OUR MATERIALISTIC OVERFLOW AND OUR HUMAN CONNECTORS?

HOW DO WE USE THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE? OUR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS?

HOW DO WE USE OUR MEDICAL ADVANTAGES TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE WITH LESS ASSISTANCE?

HOW DO WE SHARE THAT CUP OF MOJO, THAT CUP OF FRIENDSHIP, THAT ABILITY WE EACH HAVE TO INVITE THOSE IN NEED OF FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE INTO OUR LIVES AND HOMES?

TODAY, LORD, ALLOW ME TO BECOME AWARE OF HOW I USE MY BLESSINGS.

Saori Weaving

I committed and bought a Saori loom. This Japanese form of weaving appeals to me with great intrigue. Yes, you  can make mistakes! As a matter of fact, sometimes mistakes are made purposefully. The loom is coming Monday - unassembled. Hubby will help the setting up! I have already moved the dining room table to give space for the loom in the middle of the house, by the back French doors, close to the outside spirits.

Why did this appeal to me? 

When attending the John C. Campbell folkschool beginning weaving class last summer my weavings were not like the others. I used no pattern but just designed as I went. I don't claim to have any great design talent but the journey was oh, so much fun! I created two wall hangings and still am enamored with the process, asking myself "Now, how did I do that?"

When a teacher asked if I knew about saori weaving I was very interested, but knew nothings. I googled and read, googled and read and then finally ordered the $70 book. It is the Saori bible. Then I thought and thought about the loom, the expense, the experience, the journey of becoming a Saori-inspired weaver. I cannot say I am a Saori weaver until I am trained properly, however that happens.

I shall continue with my tapestry studies with my wonderful ATA (American Tapestry Alliance) mentor.

I believe the demand for perfection with tapestry balances the free form spirit that surrounds Saori.

Can I do both? We shall see. 

Peace to all from the looms of love,

joan

List - Making Leap

                                                                   

                                                              Lists....lists....lists....

I make lists in the morning during my recliner quiet time.

Sometimes they are lists that can be checked off during the day.

Most of the time they are lists of what I like to do, what I intend to do, what I am committed to doing!

Today's list was very long and involved. I kept writing all my interests, my commitments, my likes and wanna-dos. Tomorrow I will read the list again and not check off anything. It is a list of what I desire to accomplish with the rest of my life....something like that!

                                                      I have been ignoring this blog. 

I haven't written about our new travel trailer. 

I haven't written about my weaving mentor and weekly assignments.

I haven't written about a wonderful opportunity to use my master gardener connection.

I haven't written about the bookmobile and its success acquiring marvelous new books for distribution.

I haven't written about a forthcoming wedding in the immediate family.

I haven't written about how my extrovert personality is becoming somewhat reclusive.

                                        Home beckons to me each morning. I shall write.

I shall write about the above and include snippets from my previous Maya Stein class.

I shall write about Story Circle Network and the poetry group that I need to revisit with monthly prompts and interactions. I miss that.

I shall write about Story Circle Network's group #7 that I joined and to which I have been silent.

I shall write about my weavings, my progress, my interests and my successes.

I shall write about my new Maya Stein class to which I just signed up.

I shall write.....today, tomorrow and often!

I'm back!