Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Please follow the highlighted route and a bit of awesomeness


That's what Steve-o the garman says when we use him to guide us to destinations not yet travelled. Oh that life could be so simple. Please follow the highlighted route. Yes, I want a garman for life. Or maybe not. Maybe I actually like not having a pre-determined path. Maybe I like making twists and turns, taking off in direction that I didn't anticipate.

Anyways, we headed up to the mountains on Monday for a day trip, dogs in tow.  Steve-o the garman was not on. We were heading for Mount Mitchell State Park and we needed nothing of "please follow ...." we had the Innate Male Sense of Direction on hand to guide us. Well, enough said, really, as I'm sure most folks know that the innate male sense of direction is not, clearly not, infallible.

But all is well that ends well.



It's stunningly beautiful up in the mountains. The mountains feel so ancient. And they are, really. We were lucky enough to be able to get up there in the peak of fall colour. Blazing with oranges, reds, and yellows. Then at the top of Mount Mitchel you are in a spruce forest. The smell is incredible. I wish I could bottle it up and post the smell here on my blog. I love these mountains that roll away in ridges of smoky blues.

It was what I needed. The Blue Funk Fairy has been having an extended holiday in my studio. I tell her to go away, you are not welcome here. But she hasn't been listening. Until now. I think I needed to go away for a day. She apparently does not like not having company. I've actually been quite productive this week. There's a load of bronze pieces in the tumbler right now. There are even some new designs.


I feel some of my work changing. Not all of it. But being surrounded by so much beauty here has me wanting to try new things. Things that are more muted and earth bound. Look at that lichen up there. I can't remember what kind it is. But I find the ruffled edges and the grays and pale green breath taking. Another ancient thing, lichen have been living peacefully with the spruce on Mount Mitchell for millenium. See there really isn't room for you Blue Funk Fairy. There are too many other things competing for my attention.

In a bit of awesomeness, I got to meet Kelley on Sunday. She and her mother were on their way home to Atlanta from Chapel Hill. So it was just good luck that we could meet in Greensboro for coffee. I felt like I had known her forever. So much laughter so much fun. I hope will be able to laugh together again and soon. I wish I could meet all of you as well. So if you are ever in the Triad give me a shout. For that matter if you ever in the mountains give me a shout. Any excuse to get over there :-)

I started this blog post on Monday night and here it is Wednesday already. Where did the time go? I need Steve-o to highlight my route for me. So much is happening right now. My mum's taken a turn for the worse and it could be hours it could be days. Who knows? It's been nearly a year since her cancer returned with metastases in her liver, lungs, and everywhere. She's been very ill for months. I'm not entirely sure how to feel. Maybe numbness is a good thing.

So I think I will just meditate on the circle of life and ancient things.

10 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

You two are so dang cute! What a lot of fun that would be to meet up with a beady friend for coffee! I love the shots of the mountains. Reminds me of my once upon a time long long ago trip to the Rockies. It really is breathtaking!
I am thinking of you, Miss LeAnn and sending positive thoughts your way. Shoo! Be gone Blue Funk Fairy!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

windrock studio said...

Hey LeAnn, I'm so happy that y'all got to take a drive up into those gorgeous mountains ... what a perfect time of the year for it! And it sure sounds like you needed that little get away. I'm so sad to hear about your Mom ~ I'll be thinking of you both.

SueBeads said...

Great post, LeAnn - cool that you met Kelley! Great photos of the mountains!

Unknown said...

This time of year it's great to get in the car and just drive. I love the fall foliage! All my favorite colors!
Hopefully your little fairy will grant your wish and flit away.
You and your family will be in my thoughts. ((Hugs))

mairedodd said...

what a beautiful photo! you look so happy...
just fully ride the wave... and return to that which makes you whole...
it's funny you mention getting away.... when you work in your home, you feel (ok, i feel) like i should be working all of the time... and i do... i feel guilty when i am not... but getting out is good for the soul... thank you for that...
xo

sharon said...

I love seeing this beautiful photo of you two! I can almost smell those spruce from here LeAnn. I just wish I could hug you right now.....
sending prayers and goodness.

Kathy Van Kleeck said...

Oh, you were so close! The colors have been so beautiful this year. Glad you got to see the 'up-high' version. Next time we should arrange a rendezvous!

Not sure what it is about October and November ... always challenging months for me. Huge transitions always - cross country moves and lost loved ones seem to dominate my memory of these months. Then it always shifts, heading into quiet winter and introspection.

So, I'm right there with you ... your meditation theme sounds just right. Prayers for your mom.

l i g a - kvk
love, infinite grace, abundance

Patty said...

LeAnn, You are such a kind, giving person, and I'm glad you were able to get away for a spell to recharge your soul. I'll hold your mother in my thoughts... I will indeed give you a shout when I get back to that area. It sounds like a place I'd like very much.

Unknown said...

This was such a fun morning together and I was thrilled to be able to stumble into your neck of the woods for a cuppa together!

Izzy said...

Mt Mitchell is great. Haven't been since I was young so I definitely need to get back. I'm a mountain girl at heart (Asheville is my hometown) so as soon as I get into a higher elevation I feel peace. Soon the mountains will be calling to you and you'll want to go every weekend. Looking forward to meeting you this weekend!! =)