Once everything is sketched in, the next step, for this type of whimsical mural,
is to "white shadow" everything, filling in sky from the ceiling down,
all around the main elements drawn in the day before.
It's time consuming, but facilitates the young, playful feeling we're after.
I connected the painted clothes line between tree branches, instead of poles, and then glued on and white-washed the clothes pins for hanging whatever the family chooses!
Also, since the hallway molding is painted black, continuing that into the laundry room
not only creates continuity, it also completes and finishes the scene,
lending something of a framed look.
All in all, this was a super fun project, and one I hope to repeat!
Then it was time to leave. After spending priceless time with family and friends,
I drove away and paused to gaze back on Eden
from Sideling Hill in Western Maryland.
Mile after mile of an undulating sea of green trees and pastures,
it always takes my breath away. It's ALWAYS difficult to leave.
However, having traveled this journey so often, and knowing a return trip will inevitably
follow, I focus on what's ahead.
The "I" states (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa) are peacefully pretty;
and green scenery tapers off gradually from state to state.
The only places I can't imagine living are--
in large sections of Idaho, Nebraska and Wyoming. I know, one person's hell
is another's heaven. But geez! In some sections,
not a single tree or hill can be seen from horizon to horizon.
Cheyenne, Wyoming assaults the senses with this:
Hurrying past it and closing my vents, I gaze ahead. Industry is far from evil, BUT,
seriously, can't something be done to mask this monstrosity?
Utah and Houston, TX--that goes for you, too!!
Windmills look more picturesque in the "I" states, but they make a
heck of a lot of sense in this area! Trains are fun to watch from a distance, too, especially in
and out of the formations of rock which replace greener mountains of the East.
Lincoln's statue has inspired me since I first saw it, over a decade ago.
This time the sun was setting as I gazed on those powerful features,
seeming to breath life into the rock edifice.
For awhile, all greenery seems to vanish before your eyes;
leaving one feeling stranded on a distant planet somewhere.
It's rather mesmerizing, but not "homey."
By the time I reach Echo, Utah, however, those amazing rocks are
highlighted with some shrubs and trees.
This time, I got out at a rest stop and took photos.
Continuing on I-80, forestation increases. Park City has an incomparable rugged beauty which I've never successfully photographed as I see it. There's no safe place to pull over, but, it's Gorgeous! Wasatch Mountain peaks, as seen here from the 215,
hold some of the most awe inspiring scenes in the USA.
When snow-capped, they're positively magical.
It's been almost 10 years since I got my place here,
and the neighborhood continues to greet me with both cozy
and sublime beauty.
Today, a friend asked, "In your perfect world, where would you live?"
I had to answer, I honestly do not know. In my perfect world,
travel would be less arduous and imposing.
I'd probably choose a home in a place like Maryland,
where everything is lush, lovely and beautiful.
I lived at the bottom of this lane when I was a child...
Maryland holds one spell bound all the way to her border.
I lived at the bottom of this lane when I was a child...
Maryland holds one spell bound all the way to her border.
But, I could drive for an hour or so, and be here, too.
It seems plausible, don't you think?
Just beyond the green of Maryland (or Seattle--even prettier!)
there are those amazing mountains.
More importantly, everyone I love would be just as easy to visit,
in the home where they've lived for decades.
