Making a Move

I’ve taken a bit of a blogging hiatus, maybe you’ve noticed. But I do have an excuse. I normally report on my travels and adventures, but the truth is, I haven’t gone anywhere recently! Instead, I’ve been MOVING. Yes, we finally sold our home in Moss Bluff and moved into the home in Lake Charles that we bought 6 MONTHS AGO!

So we’ve been unpacking boxes and trying to find places for clothes, furniture, dishes, you name it. It’s been a challenge, moving from 2300 or so square feet of home to 1700ish square feet. Where do we put everything! But we knew this going in. Downsizing. That's the whole point. How much space does a couple, with an occasional son or two visiting, need? In preparation for the move, we’d been purging closets and cupboards for months. Apparently, it wasn’t enough. So I continue to practice the 3 Gs -- Goodwill, garage sale, garbage.

It’s a good feeling, really, eliminating everything that we don’t really need, want, or use. We just don’t need that much STUFF! De-cluttering makes life simpler, easier, less stressful.

The last time we moved was seven years ago – from Pittsburgh to Moss Bluff. Odd that I can’t really recall how long it took for us to get comfortable in the new place; how long till the boxes were cleared from rooms and each nick nack had a home. We had boxes in our attic that had never been unpacked, and now they are sitting in our garage. No way are they going up into this attic! If we haven’t used something in the past seven years, we probably never will.

For now, I’m a bit preoccupied with picture placements, towel bar installations, kitchen and master bath remodeling, and finding Bob’s missing fingernail kit. But I hope to be back on the road exploring again soon.

When was the last time you moved and how long did it take you to settle in and get comfortable?

Greater Good on a Goat Farm

Near Meridian, Texas, on the eastern fringe of the Lone Star State’s hill country, lies a quiet peaceful ranch populated by Matt and Miriam Wallace and their college-age son and daughter, Matt’s parents, Steve the farmhand, random revolving-door visitors, several cats, a couple dogs, two horses, and a large herd of Boer goats. The farm has been in Matt’s family since the early 1800s.

One would never guess from its unassuming outward appearance, but Valley View Farm is headquarters for Greater Good Global Support Services, G3S2 for short. This non-profit organization serves those who serve. They provide help to those who help others – a mission to those on a mission. They are self-professed problem solvers. G3S2 provides resources in the areas of technology, legal and financial issues, health and medical concerns, communication and logistics, global situational awareness, and risk management. A lost passport in a foreign country. A safe haven for persecuted minorities in a warzone. A need for a very large-sized nursing bra. No problem is too great or too small for G3S2 to tackle. Sometimes the answer is that there is no answer, but that knowledge is invaluable to the person asking. To learn more about G3S2, check out their website here.

Also nearby lies a sleepy hamlet called Cranfills Gap. We ate dinner there at this charming down-to earth biker bar. It’s the closest restaurant.

Our son Eric will spend his summer as an intern for G3S2. His goal is to help the organization update or revamp their extensive computer system, answer the phones, and help out in any way he can. In his down time, I hope he gets outside, enjoys and relaxes in this pristine setting, deep in the heart of Texas.

This 1947 Ford pick-up truck still runs.

Memorial Day Weekend 2014

To my regular readers, I apologize for not keeping up with my blog as often as I usually do. I love to travel and explore and share my adventures with you. Presently, the primary "adventure" in my life revolves around real estate. We are in the middle of a slow-motion move from Moss Bluff to South Lake Charles. Between keeping the current home "show-ready" and working on getting the new home move-in ready, there's little time for leisure and entertainment.

Though we did see Journey and the Steve Miller Band last night in the Woodlands, Texas.

In honor of Memorial Day, I'm re-posting this one from 2012 about one of my favorite Lake Charles' traditions -- Avenue of the Flags.

Tribute to My Mom, Mother's Day 2014

This weekend we honor mothers. We celebrate our own mothers and grandmothers, being a mother (if we are one), and consider the children that have made us mothers.

I've been thinking about my Mom a lot lately. I just returned from a trip to Pennsylvania to visit with her and my family. Mom has Alzheimers. The disease has progressed rapidly over the past three or four years since her initial diagnosis. She's been living in a nursing home dedicated specifically to patients with dementia since January of this year. She's still as beautiful as ever.

Mom and her three girls; me, Sue, and Lisa.

Of course I was eager to see her -- I miss her tremendously -- but I was also apprehensive. Would she remember me? Would she know my name? Would she introduce me as her daughter? I didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, the answer to all those questions was Yes. While I'm incredibly heartbroken to see her there and know that that is where she has to be now, my visit with her was better than I imagined. She was thrilled to see me, especially on my first visit. Once, when I first got there and I looked for her, she saw me first and called, "Angie, Angie!" Words cannot describe the emotion that just hearing her say my name invoked.

This photo was taken last October, three months before she was admitted to the nursing home. Me, Mom, and my sister Lisa.

And this one a mere year ago when she and Lisa came to Louisiana for Eric's high school graduation.

It's overwhelming to me to realize how much things can change in the span of only one year.

This is Mom as a teenager.

And on her 70th birthday, just three years ago. Love you, Mom!

On the other end of the Mother's Day spectrum, our Eric comes home from college this weekend, just in time to spend the day with me. Andrew returns next weekend.

Wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day! How will you celebrate?

Sue Zimmerman -- Southwest Louisiana Watercolorist

As all my regular readers know, I love the lake area arts scene. One of my favorite local artists is watercolorist Sue Zimmerman. 

Sue and her friend and photographer Corene Soileau (pronounced swallow, for my non-Louisiana readers) currently have a collaborative show at the Art Associates Gallery inside the Central School Arts and Humanities Center, 809 Kirby St. Zimmerman chose several of Soileau's photos and painted corresponding pieces inspired by the photos. If you haven't yet seen the show, hurry to Central School! Tomorrow is the last day of the display. A closing reception is open to the public Friday May 2 from 5-8 PM. 

I contacted Zimmerman with a few questions and she graciously replied.


Me: How did you get started as a professional artist?

Sue: I've been painting in watercolor about 30 years. I started with a weekly painting class for about 10 years, then began an intense self study in watercolor. It was then that I began exhibiting and selling my artwork.


Me: What was the impetus for the current show?

Sue: Corene and I have been friends for about 25 years. We were always sharing creative ideas in her area of photography and in my painting . . . always in fun. For several years I've wanted to have a joint exhibit with her, but only recently was able to make it come about. To successfully integrate the two mediums there had to be a thread of connectivity. Since she had several great photos already, I chose my favorites and used each one as an inspiration for a new painting. Taking each photo, I created a new painting using either one of my own reference photos or finding new subject matter to express a similar feeling or tell a similar story. Some of the paired artwork was from the same moment in time when traveling together . . . we were both struck by the same sight. Our group of friends have traveled quite a bit, but our Montana trip produced a great amount of shared images, probably because it was a relaxing trip with no agenda.


Me: Do you have a favorite painting in the show?

Sue: My favorite painting, "Where the Shoe Hits the Pavement," was inspired by Corene's photo, "Hoofin' It." I loved her humorous, creative eye. With that photo in mind I took a few pics while in New Orleans of the carriage mules. This painting is what evolved . . . so not my usual subject but a great design!!

Me: What's next on your to do list?

Sue: I don't have a major project planned now, but I have several paintings planned. This collaboration has inspired me to get out of the box more and paint with inspiration rather than just a pretty picture.

Me: Thank you, Sue! Whatever you have planned, your fans look forward to it!

A Self-Professed Tree-Hugger

Happy Earth Day! I’ve been a nature lover since I was a young child. That love may have stemmed from summers spent on my grandparents’ farm or countless camping trips with my parents. Nowhere am I more content and at peace than in the quiet of deep woods, surrounded by stately trees and bird song, with dappled sunlight filtering through a verdant canopy, and the scent of soil or pine filling my senses.

Naturally, I’m environmentally-conscious. I recycle and try to be aware of my energy consumption footprint. (Though I do admit to a fondness for long hot showers.) When I was an adolescent/young teenager, I wanted to grow up and be an ecologist or a forest ranger, so I could lead campers on nature hikes. When I was 15, I had my first summer job – I worked for the Youth Conservation Corps at Camp Cherry Tree in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest. I was in my glory, building and maintaining hiking trails, releasing ducks into a nature reserve, damming up a stream to help beavers (why they needed help, I have no idea).

At age16, a misguided orthopedic surgeon told me I’d never be able to do that kind of work because it might be strenuous and I have a crooked spine.

How many of us abandon our first love because of someone else’s opinion?

April 22 was designated Earth Day in 1970. But I like to think that every day is Earth Day to the Master Creator. At no time do I feel closer to God than when I’m outdoors in His beautiful world. Yes, I know, He’s everywhere, but I feel closer to Him outside. And that’s where I most love to worship Him. Some of my favorite Bible verses tell us how all of nature praises the Maker.

Psalm 96:11-12  Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the Lord.

The Bible also tells us that we are to be the caretakers of the earth. As stewards, we are to protect the world and all the creatures that live here.

Genesis 1:26  Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

In my personal interpretation, “rule over” does not mean abuse and deplete, but rather responsibly tend to and/or use for food and resources.

I’m reminded of one of my favorite childhood TV commercials, a popular public service announcement from 1977 featuring Woodsy Owl. “Give a hoot, don’t pollute!” You can watch it here.

I don’t understand people who litter. Do they have such little regard? Have they no pride in their planet? I’m not above picking it up when I see it and I have the litter hotline in my phone. I dare anyone driving in front of me to toss a McDonald’s wrapper.

I wish Earth Day was a bit more of an event here. Sure, a few schoolchildren may plant a tree or two. But I want to celebrate! Why is there no festival or something?

How did you celebrate Earth Day?

Washington, Louisiana

Somehow I imagine every state in the country has a town named Washington. Geography buffs, is this true? Pennsylvania has one. And so does Louisiana.

We had heard about Washington, La., because it is a mecca for antiques enthusiasts. Today was a perfect day for Bob and I to visit.

Love this old water tower.

We learned today that Washington is the third oldest town in the state, founded in 1720, after Natchitoches and New Orleans. Our time was somewhat limited, so we focused our trip on the old "schoolhouse."

Dozens of antiques dealers sell their wares from inside the school and vendors spill out all over the school yard. We experienced serious sensory overload and couldn't begin to see everything. But we had fun looking!

There's a small cafe on the premises. We ate the best chopped BBQ beef sandwich and red beans and rice. Apparently it is a tradition to write graffiti on the walls there. So Bob left our mark, for posterity.

Where's your favorite place to go antiquing?