History Alive and Well

This young lass had a hand in the word dairy associated with our state.

An English shoemaker who met his death trying to rescue his hat

A lovely bronze amongst the granite

This gentleman was a slave who's journey brought  him here through the underground railway all the way from Kentucky

This unusual tombstone represented those who were cut down at their prime

A union soldier who was lucky enough to return home one last time

Alot of history and time

A moment of thought for one of the ringling brothers of circus fame.

Cemetary architecture



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A  young swiss immigrant who met her end in a train accident in Chicago

 I had the privilege of attending a delightful event put on by our local  historical society.  A bit of history coming to life before my eyes. The town I live in has a lot of history and colorful characters to say the least and that is why I love it so:)  We have so much nature,history,and interesting architecture and very unique things to do.  A town where the people who live here supports every event with a thriving downtown.  Home to the Ringling and Gollmar circus,a land of glacier magic and beautiful natural phenomena you will see nowhere else and of course home to the most exotic cranes you will ever see.  Well, back to the day at hand.  The day was perfect ,skys blue and clear just the right amount of breeze and temperature just right.  Enter the very ancient cemetery containing beautiful art on the headstones along with a lot of life history from a colorful past.  Everyone here has a story to tell and tell it they will.  So here is a tour through just a few of the lives of characters that have made their mark forever.... 

Old Souls Alive and Well

Monsieur Julliard grandfather to Ringling and Gollmar children of circus fame

Artistry among the stones

Lady in Blue

An English Shoemaker

A young lass who helped this state become famous for dairy

A lovely bronze relief sculpture

A lively young Swiss that died young in a tragic train accident in Chicago

This New Jersey native came here to build those rare covered bridges so long ago

Lady in white ,a doctor's wife that  was surprised by a bear on a cold winters night

A Ringling brother in repose thinking about his circus past

A solitary Union soldier who made it home to rest peacefully

A former slave who came with the underground railroad via Kentucky for a new life.

Up close bronze relief

Floral chapeau butter queen involved with the local creamery here that still stands today

I have the privilege of living in a town with an interesting and colorful past.  Which is why I love it.  So much to see and experience on a daily basis.  Never a dull moment that's for sure. LOL   I live in a place that has a famous theatre a world renowned circus  rare cranes,old trains,rookeries and other wildlife areas tranquil lakes and nature trails galore and of course a very cute and active downtown.  What I really love is the events that happen here.  Really more people should make a circle on their calendar for next year to make a stop along their summer or winter travels. Seriously ,you are missing so much if you don"t  check out what we have to offer in this small corner of the world.  I think I learn something new every day and then some.  Yesterday I attended an event that was so wonderful I must share it.  The local historical society has put together an event that has brought our old cemetery to life.  A great time to share with old and young alike.  All in all I really learned alot about this little old town and have a even greater appreciation for the struggles of all the people who have come before us and the mark they made on our future.  I say thank you,thank you and letting us believe that anything is possible. 

Bicycles and Beyonder....





My little red  riding companion ready to go for the day

Arriving at our destination bench paraphernalia in tow

The beginning of a new project yet again!



A brilliant green and red against a beautiful vintage backdrop



A local gallery leaves chalk to bring out the Picasso in all of us:)

Today was a great day! Started that way and ended the same.  Can a girl ask for anything more?  Maybe not so I think I will just go with it so I can tuck it away in my memories for another day.  First of all the weather was perfect and the sun was shining upon us.  The sun has been a rare visitor here so far this summer.  I started with a breezy ride on my bike heading downtown.  Exercise is always good prior to a happy breakfast of eggs and cheesy hashbrowns and sausage oh yeah and some oj.  Hey, it"s Sunday and the best day for a breakfast out.  So, I say to myself why not? No guilt here.  Remember I rode my lovely bicycle sooooooooo I did work up an appetite.  Once myself and my breakfast companion were full we decided to relax.  What better way than to take our knitting and head for a park bench and shoot the breeze and actually get a few projects done.   Hey was there and ready to relax.  Got in a few sites and pics while I was there and thought I might share a bit here.  I also had an outing with another friend for later in the day at the nearby cemetery very interesting indeed.  More on that later....I am apologizing ahead of time for my bad video so sorry....Next time I wlll show more

Fireflies and summer travels

This guy is hard to capture on film ,I could not resist the pic so here it is

I saw mom and babe as I drove by had to stop

They are so cute don"t you think

Getting braver by the minute

Across the way  a bird of some kind enjoying the view

Summer is here when the sandhill cranes arrive for the season

Yes, how about a bit of color here my first peony now alas gone until next season

Just a wonderful old barn with great patina.

Here is more of that great old barn love the old red color and the steeples on the top

I really would love this in my new studio it captures the spirit I would like

Okay so I "ve been quite busy and have failed to post anything of late.  I am working on many things at the present time,but know that I will post my tutorials soon.  Just finishing a few projects so I can get moving on everything else I need to do.  Oh,summer time it makes you want to be outside as much as possible enjoy my garden and just currently loving the fab weather we are having.  Can it be we have a real summer on our hands????  I  am really working hard on making my much neglected backyard a place I might want to spend a bit of time.  Last night I was witness to true summer delight the lightening bugs:)   There were so many that it appeared as if Christmas time was upon us with a  fab display of twinkling white lights.  Thought you might like to see a few things I have seen along my travels of late.  Actually I am trying to buy some time here,but I am sure all of you know what that is like so I need not go on.....I am also currently designing a studio to work in and need ideas although I know what I like.  I do want to make it fun and useful at the same time and have a place I can create and dream up new designs and projects as I go.  Can"t wait!!!!  See you soon and yes I will have something to show for it all.  In the mean time thank you all for your patience it is much appreciated.