Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Song of the day:
It is only a paper moon
Sailin' over a cardboard sea
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Hanging over a muslin tree
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Without your love it's a honky-tonk parade
Without your love it's a melody played in a penny arcade
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
Just as phony as it can be
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
-"It's only a Paper Moon", Nat King Cole
That day in history (Sept 20th):
In 1519, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan set out from Spain on a voyage to find a western passage to the Spice Islands in Indonesia. (Magellan was killed enroute, but one of his ships eventually circled the world.) The discovery of the Spice Islands re-invigorated the trade routes for that time, with the exotic flavors of a new land, to say nothing of the Spice Girls or the Spice Channel.
The Spice Channel, of course, being the route to and from the Spice Islands. Where the Spice Girls were.
Ok, this is going nowhere. I am beating on the dusty bleached bones of what used to be a prehistoric horse. Which, so many millions of years ago, were actually no bigger than dogs! I have nowhere else to go with this.
In 1870, Italian troops took control of the Papal States, leading to the unification of Italy.
Horses the size of dogs! Imagine! Those commercials where a monkey is riding a dog? He could be riding a real horse instead!
In 1873, panic swept the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in the wake of railroad bond defaults and bank failures. Course, it probably wouldn't as mean as much back then to say that you were hung like a horse, since, well....
In 1881, Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st president of the United States, succeeding the assassinated James A. Garfield.
In 1947, former New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia died. And yet, millions of people are in and out of La Guardia every day. Even in death, he's still a little slutty.
Actually, that's really disturbing. Until you realize that La guardia is an airport. And it's only me that had to make it so unsettling. Which says alot about me, I guess.
In 1958, civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. was seriously wounded during an appearance at a New York City department store when an apparently deranged woman stabbed him in the chest.
In 1962, black student James Meredith was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Gov. Ross R. Barnett. (Meredith was later admitted.)
In 1973, in their so-called "battle of the sexes," tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, at the Houston Astrodome. Something tells me the word "straight" doesn't get associated with Billie Jean King all that often. Or other female tennis players, for that matter. But why, oh why, only the ugly ones?
Back in the early 90's, during the height of my puberty, I had a thing for Jennifer Capriati.
And she's even wearing a ballcap. Reminder: Women comfortable in ballcaps instantly increase hot-ness points.
In 1973, singer-songwriter Jim Croce died in a plane crash near Natchitoches, La.; he was 30.
You don't tug on the pilot's control stick.
You don't spit into the mechanic's lunch.
You don't poke your fingers in the spokes,
and you don't mess around with the parachutes.
In 1980, "Spectacular Bid," ridden by Bill Shoemaker, ran as the only entry in the Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park in New York after three potential challengers dropped out in horse racing's first walkover since 1949.
This Day in history: (Sept 21)
In 1792, the French National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy.
In 1897, the New York Sun ran its famous editorial that declared, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." As Hamlet said to Horatio, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
In 1937, "The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien, was first published.
In 1949, the People's Republic of China was proclaimed by its Communist leaders.
In 1964, Malta gained independence from Britain.
In 1970, "NFL Monday Night Football" made its debut on ABC TV as the Cleveland Browns defeated the visiting New York Jets, 31-21.
In 1973, the U.S. Senate confirmed Henry Kissinger to be Secretary of State.
In 1981, the Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the Supreme Court.
In 1989, Hurricane Hugo, packing winds of up to 135 mph, crashed into Charleston, S.C.
That day's Birthdays:
Basketball Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach is 88.
None of you care. Here's a red-head instead.
Actress Sophia Loren is 71.
One of my favorite pictures...
Rock singers Matthew Nelson and Gunnar Nelson are 38.
Tell me something....if they "can't live without your love and affection", what in the hell is keeping them alive? Who is the fool who is providing the "love and affection" that sustains their life and vitality?
The very best of Nelson. Ugh... My stomach feels as though it's full of curdled milk.
Rock musician Rick Woolstenhulme (Lifehouse) is 26. He's hanging by a moment. I'm beyond that now. Which is why some people say I am hung. At least that's why I think they say it.
When you hang a man, you better look at 'im!
This Days birthdays:
Actor Larry Hagman is 74.
Poet-songwriter Leonard Cohen is 71.
Author Stephen King is 58.
Actor-comedian Bill Murray is 55.
Movie producer-writer Ethan Coen is 48.
Actor-comedian Dave Coulier is 46.
Best known for his work on "Full House", but also fairly well known for being the target of a rather vicious song by Alannis Morrisette. Allegedly.
Actor David James Elliott is 45.
Never heard of him before. But he seems to have fat fingers. I'm just making an observation.
Apparently he's on JAG, which I never have watched and yet I know one of his co-stars.
Catherine Bell.
Actress Cheryl Hines is 40.
Country singer Faith Hill is 38.
Actor Luke Wilson is 34.
Word of the day:
Vivacious adj.
Full of animation and spirit; lively
Sometimes pictures show better than a verbal description...
Shakespeare quote of the day:
"Love comforteth like sunshine after rain"
Venus and Adonis
Day 3
We arose early on the morning of Day 3 determined that we would make it to Spokane, WA by the time we stopped again for the night. To do so would mean crossing a large majority of Montana, shooting through the small but northern part of Idaho, and making it partway into Washington. It would mean less stops for the kids, and some frayed nerves, most likely. Mountain passes, laborous uphill climbs, tricky downhill treks, a summer temperature, and a not-too-trustworthy trailer loaded down with personal effects that were rapidly declining in sentimental value all weighed as tough assignments for our sturdy vehicle. To say nothing of the weight of crushed cheerios it must have held between the seat cushions.
The children, however, felt no weight whatsoever upon their shoulders, as they dove into the generous free continental breakfast supplied by the hotel. Anna declared her love for cinnamon rolls, though she only ate half of it. Bailey indulged in a bowl of fruit, along with her requisite "peanut jelly", which would be peanut butter and jelly toast, without the peanut butter, since she is allergic to peanuts. With full tummys, they were prepared to face the harsh road ahead. Ginger and I? We were braced for whatever the road might hold.
We needn't be concerned, though. Whatever sort of challenges the future had in store for us that day, we were capable of doing no wrong! There would be no task that we could not accomplish, no job that we could not handle, no issue so complex that it would be unsolveable. For we had stayed at a Holdiy Inn Express last night!
Finding a cure for cancer? Psssh. Cake.
Reducing the cost of gas and oil worldwide? Don't you have anything that would require me to break a sweat?
Finally finding answers to the age old question of whether or not the female orgasm is fact or fiction? I'll answer that one for you right now. If it doesn't exist, why the hell are there lesbians?
I know when I'm not needed.
There wasn't any question I couldn't answer! Cold fusion would be mere child's play! time and space travel? I'll have it done by lunch! All because I stayed at a Holiday INnn Express. And what was I going to use with these phenomenal cosmic powers and insight?
Drive through the most rugged and expansive terrain in the northern 48 states as fast as my engine would allow, while 3 kids and a sister told me that they were bored.
While of no great signifigant contribution to the world society, it was still an equal accomplishment worthy of the great gift of temporary omnipotence. That's right. For 1 day, I would know what it is like to be God. But when you have my own particular collection of talents and skills, it is a sensation that no longer carries any sort of fascination, as it is a regular daily occurance. And twice on Sundays.
I am sorry to say that the trip to Spokane carried few highlights of which to expound on. I remember thinking to myself, and maybe even stating aloud that you often hear from other people and on TV and in movies how beautiful Montana is. And many times when you hear that, you think that it's over-rated. That whomever is spouting the Montana propoganda must be carrying on and on about something that simply can't be as good as what they describe. Once you see it for yourself, though, you realize that MOntana is everything that it was said it was. Montana lives up to the hype, and there is truth in advertizing. It is amazing and majestic in nature,with scenery unparralleled anywhere else in the United States that I have seen. It is not for everyone, but for those that prefer a more solitary life away from the bustle of a metropolis, it can be heaven. It is also not for people who think that just because it isn't near a big city that it is an easy life. Instead, a life amongst the rolling hills of Big Sky Country requires sacrifice and hard grueling work. It's better to just drive paat it and appreciate it's beauty.
But there is a steady decline of appreciation as we journey westward. Slowly but steadily, I stop seeing the beauty of this land, and start to realize tht it is the monster that simply must be killed and left behind. Only, Montana is so huge that it simply doesn't end. At ALL! After a certain amount of time, you find that you are gritting your teeth, in every effort to push the car tha much quicker through this damned state.
Of the few highlights from Day 3:
-They have a city in MOntana that you may have heard of. Butte, Montana. I simply couldn't resist the temptation. I looked at my sister, danced, and said "I like bbig BUTTEs and I cannot lie! You otha bruthas can't deny..."
- I believe in Billings and in Butte they both ahve a giant concrete M on the side of a mountain. I have no idea what it is for, other than to remind you that yes, you are still in Montana. The locals denied any real knowledge for it, and after a time, I simply didn't care to know any longer.
-It's one of the bigger skies that I have seen. And I've seen a few. But it's a pretty big sky they have.
We did finally reach Spokane though, around 11pm or so. After quickly checking into a hotel, we crashed for the night. Having made it there, we were able to set ourselves up for a much more leisurely drive to Vancouver-home-the following day, leaving plenty of time for the kids to swim and play the next morning.
Movie Quote of the time period since the last time I did A Movie Quote of the day:
Admiral Greer: Excuse me, Jack, tell me one thing in life that is absolutely for certain.
Jack Ryan: A daughter's love.
-Patriot Games
Birthday day!
It is my Bailey's Birthday today. As such I am wasting much too much time typing this, instad of spending it with her. Since this is not finished, I will come back and finish it later. IN the meantime, you will be able to see the unfinished parts, and if you come back later, hopefully they will be finished. But not until she has gone to bed. So maybe check back tomorrow.
Critical study of a picture:
Probably the best place to start on this is the background, for it sets the stage for so much more in the foreground. In the very far back you can see the mist, as it rolls into the bay from the Pacific ocean. The fog rolls from behind towards the viewer, permeating the other levels of the picture, veiling and unveiling differnee aspects throughout. There are items both seen and unseen, and those that can only be carefully made out through intense scrutiny. But beyond that, it holds a mystical aspect ath cannot be ignored. For while we know that it is created by the wash of the ocean, it could also very well disguise or hide a doorway to Heaven, or some mythical land. It adds a haze or an aura to the scene, which softly haunts the hills, and helps draw attention to the main focus, by gently softening the edges. The grey ghost of the Pacific encapsulates the central part of the picture, only slightly blurring the dark rocks, the trees, and the green plantlife throughout. And yet the presence is not so much that it oppresses the mood, but rather refreshes the spirit in a solemn, quiet, and subtle fashion.
Moving a little more forward, yet still remaining in the background, we have the trees immediately behind us, which stretch the picture vertically, and draw the viewers eyes up and away from the central focus, so that the entire picture is appreciated, particularly the details. But what is amazing is how well this is accomplished, as though the trees themselves were grown for this purpose. The trees ahve no branches that reach across until they are above our heads, and then they weave a tangled web of interconnection and complex patterns that further surround the central themes. They cradle those within. In fact, on the right side of the picture you see a small branch reach out to restory, as though to gently lay a soft frond upon her shoulder. "I am here, and so long as I am, you are safe".
The tree on the left behind Anna has it's own shawl of damp green leaves and moss, which it uses to hide it's nakedness behind. It extends it's branches behind her and above her on the right to catch, to to carry her, should she fall back. Above her, it reaches accross to other trees to provide a covering from the overcast skies above, like a mother who places her hands atop a baby's head in the rain. Not all of the rain will be stopped, but some will...and it will stop what rain it can from falling upon them.
Even more interesting about this tree is that you'll notice that there is no branches on the left side of it until it goes beyond Anna's height, which would only draw your eyes away from the core, while your eyes followed it's course. the same could be said about the tree on the right, for the most part. there isn't a major branch that extends out away from the center until it has gone beyond the group in the middle.
Though taken in August, the ground immediately arround us is vibrant and alive with plant life, at its peak of life. It's (to use the word of the day) vivacious green presence provides a nice contrast to the more primary colors found on the family in the center.
But this is my absoulute favorite part, which is the presence and appearance of the children in the picture. All of the other pieces spoken of to this point have been excellent parts of a greater whole, contributing to the overall beauty found at this critical point.
I'll start right in the middle, and work my way around. In the absolute center of the picture is Bailey. Her face conjures up memories of angels and saints from Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. It is a face that will inspire countless sonnets and symphonies within my heart that will never see the light of day, for words or music could nver re-capture the spirit found in the original. Her eyes a sea of blue that swallow a daddy's strength, and I am found entwirled like string around her finger. Her face is clean and pure like fine porcelain, yet soft as a smooth fleece blanket. Her smile is one not seen since Mona LIsa. You're not entirely sure she is smiling, except for the slight upturn onthe left corner of her mouth. Her hair, wetted down by the weather, spins down in front of her, and it becomes all that much easier to see the angel within. Particularly how a free strand hangs in front of her eye. Were it a painting, it would be one of several masterstrokes found here.
As a father, this next part is more personal for me. She stands poised to burst forth. She is cocked and ready for action. This looks to be a moment right before a great release of excitement and joy.Her hands ae loosely clenched to nothing, and she is ready to...quite frankly use me as a launching pad for some gallop across the field. And this is the very best part for me. There is no fear in her eyes. There is just this bundle of energy that is confident in it's direction and in it's action. My arms encircle her, but do not restrict her. She can easily break my hold whenever she wants, and is free to return too the protective arms of her daddy. She feels my presence behind and all around her, as I hope she does all of her life, no matter how big or how old she may get.
Anna is on the left. Her own blue eyes glimmer underneath her hood, shining like brilliant gems peaking out from the sand and surf on a beach. So dazzlingly brilliant in color, you cannot help but notice them. Her head is slightly cocked to the side towards me, and a smile that somehow both conveys sweet innocense and a slight impishness. Or perhaps it's only seen through my own eyes. Her face is more shadowed than Bailey's because of her hood, but it also holds those same cherub-ic qualities, reminiscent of the finest of Renesaince artists. Her golden hair spindles down in tight curls, and I can't help but think of the old fable of Rumplestiltskin. her stance is passive, and she holds a single simple flower in her hands showing the yin of her nature...a sweet little girl capable of amazing compassion and care. The Yang is her fireball spiritedness, which lights the fires found in her eyes and feeds her constant smiles and giggly nature.
Restory's eyes glow in their own haunting way from the shadows of her hood. They are soft, yet piercing; focused, yet tender. Her hair spills out of her jacket, cascading down in loose swirls of a bright copper and brass. Like her sisters, her smile is subtle and as I look at it, I find that it soothes my heart. The branch above my head seems to point her out: "Here! Here is where to look! Even the mound far off behind her rolls to fall in line with her hood and draws your attention to her silent approving stare. I see contentment myself, though I might mis-interpret it.
The picture was not altered in any fashion. But I see it as a beautiful work of art that displays the inner-most virtues of those young girls. It has all of the elements one might find of a classic painting. BUt it's only through one person's eyes. Perhaps others interpret it differnetly. Feel free to give your own thoughts on the picture.
"Why God made Little Girls"
God made the world with its towering trees,
majestic mountains and restless seas,
then paused and said, "It needs one more thing -
someone to laugh and dance and sing,
to walk in the woods and gather flowers,
to commune with nature in quiet hours.
So God made little girls
with laughing eyes and bouncing curls,
with joyful hearts and infectious smiles,
enchanting ways and feminine wiles,
and when He'd completed the task He'd begun,
He was pleased and proud of the job He'd done.
For the world when seen through a litle girl's eyes,
greatly resembles Paradise.
-Author Unknown
It is only a paper moon
Sailin' over a cardboard sea
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Hanging over a muslin tree
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Without your love it's a honky-tonk parade
Without your love it's a melody played in a penny arcade
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
Just as phony as it can be
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
-"It's only a Paper Moon", Nat King Cole
That day in history (Sept 20th):
In 1519, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan set out from Spain on a voyage to find a western passage to the Spice Islands in Indonesia. (Magellan was killed enroute, but one of his ships eventually circled the world.) The discovery of the Spice Islands re-invigorated the trade routes for that time, with the exotic flavors of a new land, to say nothing of the Spice Girls or the Spice Channel.
The Spice Channel, of course, being the route to and from the Spice Islands. Where the Spice Girls were.
Ok, this is going nowhere. I am beating on the dusty bleached bones of what used to be a prehistoric horse. Which, so many millions of years ago, were actually no bigger than dogs! I have nowhere else to go with this.
In 1870, Italian troops took control of the Papal States, leading to the unification of Italy.
Horses the size of dogs! Imagine! Those commercials where a monkey is riding a dog? He could be riding a real horse instead!
In 1873, panic swept the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in the wake of railroad bond defaults and bank failures. Course, it probably wouldn't as mean as much back then to say that you were hung like a horse, since, well....
In 1881, Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st president of the United States, succeeding the assassinated James A. Garfield.
In 1947, former New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia died. And yet, millions of people are in and out of La Guardia every day. Even in death, he's still a little slutty.
Actually, that's really disturbing. Until you realize that La guardia is an airport. And it's only me that had to make it so unsettling. Which says alot about me, I guess.
In 1958, civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. was seriously wounded during an appearance at a New York City department store when an apparently deranged woman stabbed him in the chest.
In 1962, black student James Meredith was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Gov. Ross R. Barnett. (Meredith was later admitted.)
In 1973, in their so-called "battle of the sexes," tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, at the Houston Astrodome. Something tells me the word "straight" doesn't get associated with Billie Jean King all that often. Or other female tennis players, for that matter. But why, oh why, only the ugly ones?
Back in the early 90's, during the height of my puberty, I had a thing for Jennifer Capriati.
And she's even wearing a ballcap. Reminder: Women comfortable in ballcaps instantly increase hot-ness points.
In 1973, singer-songwriter Jim Croce died in a plane crash near Natchitoches, La.; he was 30.
You don't tug on the pilot's control stick.
You don't spit into the mechanic's lunch.
You don't poke your fingers in the spokes,
and you don't mess around with the parachutes.
In 1980, "Spectacular Bid," ridden by Bill Shoemaker, ran as the only entry in the Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park in New York after three potential challengers dropped out in horse racing's first walkover since 1949.
This Day in history: (Sept 21)
In 1792, the French National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy.
In 1897, the New York Sun ran its famous editorial that declared, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." As Hamlet said to Horatio, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
In 1937, "The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien, was first published.
In 1949, the People's Republic of China was proclaimed by its Communist leaders.
In 1964, Malta gained independence from Britain.
In 1970, "NFL Monday Night Football" made its debut on ABC TV as the Cleveland Browns defeated the visiting New York Jets, 31-21.
In 1973, the U.S. Senate confirmed Henry Kissinger to be Secretary of State.
In 1981, the Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the Supreme Court.
In 1989, Hurricane Hugo, packing winds of up to 135 mph, crashed into Charleston, S.C.
That day's Birthdays:
Basketball Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach is 88.
None of you care. Here's a red-head instead.
Actress Sophia Loren is 71.
One of my favorite pictures...
Rock singers Matthew Nelson and Gunnar Nelson are 38.
Tell me something....if they "can't live without your love and affection", what in the hell is keeping them alive? Who is the fool who is providing the "love and affection" that sustains their life and vitality?
The very best of Nelson. Ugh... My stomach feels as though it's full of curdled milk.
Rock musician Rick Woolstenhulme (Lifehouse) is 26. He's hanging by a moment. I'm beyond that now. Which is why some people say I am hung. At least that's why I think they say it.
When you hang a man, you better look at 'im!
This Days birthdays:
Actor Larry Hagman is 74.
Poet-songwriter Leonard Cohen is 71.
Author Stephen King is 58.
Actor-comedian Bill Murray is 55.
Movie producer-writer Ethan Coen is 48.
Actor-comedian Dave Coulier is 46.
Best known for his work on "Full House", but also fairly well known for being the target of a rather vicious song by Alannis Morrisette. Allegedly.
Actor David James Elliott is 45.
Never heard of him before. But he seems to have fat fingers. I'm just making an observation.
Apparently he's on JAG, which I never have watched and yet I know one of his co-stars.
Catherine Bell.
Actress Cheryl Hines is 40.
Country singer Faith Hill is 38.
Actor Luke Wilson is 34.
Word of the day:
Vivacious adj.
Full of animation and spirit; lively
Sometimes pictures show better than a verbal description...
Shakespeare quote of the day:
"Love comforteth like sunshine after rain"
Venus and Adonis
Day 3
We arose early on the morning of Day 3 determined that we would make it to Spokane, WA by the time we stopped again for the night. To do so would mean crossing a large majority of Montana, shooting through the small but northern part of Idaho, and making it partway into Washington. It would mean less stops for the kids, and some frayed nerves, most likely. Mountain passes, laborous uphill climbs, tricky downhill treks, a summer temperature, and a not-too-trustworthy trailer loaded down with personal effects that were rapidly declining in sentimental value all weighed as tough assignments for our sturdy vehicle. To say nothing of the weight of crushed cheerios it must have held between the seat cushions.
The children, however, felt no weight whatsoever upon their shoulders, as they dove into the generous free continental breakfast supplied by the hotel. Anna declared her love for cinnamon rolls, though she only ate half of it. Bailey indulged in a bowl of fruit, along with her requisite "peanut jelly", which would be peanut butter and jelly toast, without the peanut butter, since she is allergic to peanuts. With full tummys, they were prepared to face the harsh road ahead. Ginger and I? We were braced for whatever the road might hold.
We needn't be concerned, though. Whatever sort of challenges the future had in store for us that day, we were capable of doing no wrong! There would be no task that we could not accomplish, no job that we could not handle, no issue so complex that it would be unsolveable. For we had stayed at a Holdiy Inn Express last night!
Finding a cure for cancer? Psssh. Cake.
Reducing the cost of gas and oil worldwide? Don't you have anything that would require me to break a sweat?
Finally finding answers to the age old question of whether or not the female orgasm is fact or fiction? I'll answer that one for you right now. If it doesn't exist, why the hell are there lesbians?
I know when I'm not needed.
There wasn't any question I couldn't answer! Cold fusion would be mere child's play! time and space travel? I'll have it done by lunch! All because I stayed at a Holiday INnn Express. And what was I going to use with these phenomenal cosmic powers and insight?
Drive through the most rugged and expansive terrain in the northern 48 states as fast as my engine would allow, while 3 kids and a sister told me that they were bored.
While of no great signifigant contribution to the world society, it was still an equal accomplishment worthy of the great gift of temporary omnipotence. That's right. For 1 day, I would know what it is like to be God. But when you have my own particular collection of talents and skills, it is a sensation that no longer carries any sort of fascination, as it is a regular daily occurance. And twice on Sundays.
I am sorry to say that the trip to Spokane carried few highlights of which to expound on. I remember thinking to myself, and maybe even stating aloud that you often hear from other people and on TV and in movies how beautiful Montana is. And many times when you hear that, you think that it's over-rated. That whomever is spouting the Montana propoganda must be carrying on and on about something that simply can't be as good as what they describe. Once you see it for yourself, though, you realize that MOntana is everything that it was said it was. Montana lives up to the hype, and there is truth in advertizing. It is amazing and majestic in nature,with scenery unparralleled anywhere else in the United States that I have seen. It is not for everyone, but for those that prefer a more solitary life away from the bustle of a metropolis, it can be heaven. It is also not for people who think that just because it isn't near a big city that it is an easy life. Instead, a life amongst the rolling hills of Big Sky Country requires sacrifice and hard grueling work. It's better to just drive paat it and appreciate it's beauty.
But there is a steady decline of appreciation as we journey westward. Slowly but steadily, I stop seeing the beauty of this land, and start to realize tht it is the monster that simply must be killed and left behind. Only, Montana is so huge that it simply doesn't end. At ALL! After a certain amount of time, you find that you are gritting your teeth, in every effort to push the car tha much quicker through this damned state.
Of the few highlights from Day 3:
-They have a city in MOntana that you may have heard of. Butte, Montana. I simply couldn't resist the temptation. I looked at my sister, danced, and said "I like bbig BUTTEs and I cannot lie! You otha bruthas can't deny..."
- I believe in Billings and in Butte they both ahve a giant concrete M on the side of a mountain. I have no idea what it is for, other than to remind you that yes, you are still in Montana. The locals denied any real knowledge for it, and after a time, I simply didn't care to know any longer.
-It's one of the bigger skies that I have seen. And I've seen a few. But it's a pretty big sky they have.
We did finally reach Spokane though, around 11pm or so. After quickly checking into a hotel, we crashed for the night. Having made it there, we were able to set ourselves up for a much more leisurely drive to Vancouver-home-the following day, leaving plenty of time for the kids to swim and play the next morning.
Movie Quote of the time period since the last time I did A Movie Quote of the day:
Admiral Greer: Excuse me, Jack, tell me one thing in life that is absolutely for certain.
Jack Ryan: A daughter's love.
-Patriot Games
Birthday day!
It is my Bailey's Birthday today. As such I am wasting much too much time typing this, instad of spending it with her. Since this is not finished, I will come back and finish it later. IN the meantime, you will be able to see the unfinished parts, and if you come back later, hopefully they will be finished. But not until she has gone to bed. So maybe check back tomorrow.
Critical study of a picture:
Probably the best place to start on this is the background, for it sets the stage for so much more in the foreground. In the very far back you can see the mist, as it rolls into the bay from the Pacific ocean. The fog rolls from behind towards the viewer, permeating the other levels of the picture, veiling and unveiling differnee aspects throughout. There are items both seen and unseen, and those that can only be carefully made out through intense scrutiny. But beyond that, it holds a mystical aspect ath cannot be ignored. For while we know that it is created by the wash of the ocean, it could also very well disguise or hide a doorway to Heaven, or some mythical land. It adds a haze or an aura to the scene, which softly haunts the hills, and helps draw attention to the main focus, by gently softening the edges. The grey ghost of the Pacific encapsulates the central part of the picture, only slightly blurring the dark rocks, the trees, and the green plantlife throughout. And yet the presence is not so much that it oppresses the mood, but rather refreshes the spirit in a solemn, quiet, and subtle fashion.
Moving a little more forward, yet still remaining in the background, we have the trees immediately behind us, which stretch the picture vertically, and draw the viewers eyes up and away from the central focus, so that the entire picture is appreciated, particularly the details. But what is amazing is how well this is accomplished, as though the trees themselves were grown for this purpose. The trees ahve no branches that reach across until they are above our heads, and then they weave a tangled web of interconnection and complex patterns that further surround the central themes. They cradle those within. In fact, on the right side of the picture you see a small branch reach out to restory, as though to gently lay a soft frond upon her shoulder. "I am here, and so long as I am, you are safe".
The tree on the left behind Anna has it's own shawl of damp green leaves and moss, which it uses to hide it's nakedness behind. It extends it's branches behind her and above her on the right to catch, to to carry her, should she fall back. Above her, it reaches accross to other trees to provide a covering from the overcast skies above, like a mother who places her hands atop a baby's head in the rain. Not all of the rain will be stopped, but some will...and it will stop what rain it can from falling upon them.
Even more interesting about this tree is that you'll notice that there is no branches on the left side of it until it goes beyond Anna's height, which would only draw your eyes away from the core, while your eyes followed it's course. the same could be said about the tree on the right, for the most part. there isn't a major branch that extends out away from the center until it has gone beyond the group in the middle.
Though taken in August, the ground immediately arround us is vibrant and alive with plant life, at its peak of life. It's (to use the word of the day) vivacious green presence provides a nice contrast to the more primary colors found on the family in the center.
But this is my absoulute favorite part, which is the presence and appearance of the children in the picture. All of the other pieces spoken of to this point have been excellent parts of a greater whole, contributing to the overall beauty found at this critical point.
I'll start right in the middle, and work my way around. In the absolute center of the picture is Bailey. Her face conjures up memories of angels and saints from Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. It is a face that will inspire countless sonnets and symphonies within my heart that will never see the light of day, for words or music could nver re-capture the spirit found in the original. Her eyes a sea of blue that swallow a daddy's strength, and I am found entwirled like string around her finger. Her face is clean and pure like fine porcelain, yet soft as a smooth fleece blanket. Her smile is one not seen since Mona LIsa. You're not entirely sure she is smiling, except for the slight upturn onthe left corner of her mouth. Her hair, wetted down by the weather, spins down in front of her, and it becomes all that much easier to see the angel within. Particularly how a free strand hangs in front of her eye. Were it a painting, it would be one of several masterstrokes found here.
As a father, this next part is more personal for me. She stands poised to burst forth. She is cocked and ready for action. This looks to be a moment right before a great release of excitement and joy.Her hands ae loosely clenched to nothing, and she is ready to...quite frankly use me as a launching pad for some gallop across the field. And this is the very best part for me. There is no fear in her eyes. There is just this bundle of energy that is confident in it's direction and in it's action. My arms encircle her, but do not restrict her. She can easily break my hold whenever she wants, and is free to return too the protective arms of her daddy. She feels my presence behind and all around her, as I hope she does all of her life, no matter how big or how old she may get.
Anna is on the left. Her own blue eyes glimmer underneath her hood, shining like brilliant gems peaking out from the sand and surf on a beach. So dazzlingly brilliant in color, you cannot help but notice them. Her head is slightly cocked to the side towards me, and a smile that somehow both conveys sweet innocense and a slight impishness. Or perhaps it's only seen through my own eyes. Her face is more shadowed than Bailey's because of her hood, but it also holds those same cherub-ic qualities, reminiscent of the finest of Renesaince artists. Her golden hair spindles down in tight curls, and I can't help but think of the old fable of Rumplestiltskin. her stance is passive, and she holds a single simple flower in her hands showing the yin of her nature...a sweet little girl capable of amazing compassion and care. The Yang is her fireball spiritedness, which lights the fires found in her eyes and feeds her constant smiles and giggly nature.
Restory's eyes glow in their own haunting way from the shadows of her hood. They are soft, yet piercing; focused, yet tender. Her hair spills out of her jacket, cascading down in loose swirls of a bright copper and brass. Like her sisters, her smile is subtle and as I look at it, I find that it soothes my heart. The branch above my head seems to point her out: "Here! Here is where to look! Even the mound far off behind her rolls to fall in line with her hood and draws your attention to her silent approving stare. I see contentment myself, though I might mis-interpret it.
The picture was not altered in any fashion. But I see it as a beautiful work of art that displays the inner-most virtues of those young girls. It has all of the elements one might find of a classic painting. BUt it's only through one person's eyes. Perhaps others interpret it differnetly. Feel free to give your own thoughts on the picture.
"Why God made Little Girls"
God made the world with its towering trees,
majestic mountains and restless seas,
then paused and said, "It needs one more thing -
someone to laugh and dance and sing,
to walk in the woods and gather flowers,
to commune with nature in quiet hours.
So God made little girls
with laughing eyes and bouncing curls,
with joyful hearts and infectious smiles,
enchanting ways and feminine wiles,
and when He'd completed the task He'd begun,
He was pleased and proud of the job He'd done.
For the world when seen through a litle girl's eyes,
greatly resembles Paradise.
-Author Unknown
Comments:
Post a Comment
