Sunday, January 22, 2017

Magic in Superior, Arizona

The epitome of Willkommen, her smile prompted me to answer her questions. I took my turn and learned she'd attended parochial schools where they'd pushed her toward the nunnery. Instead, she married. 

She became a designer and after retiring decided to pursue art. Her husband, jealous of her time, issued an ultimatum. They divorced and she retired to Superior, Arizona where she's enjoyed turning her home into a three-story art work, inside as well as out. The lady holding a star got her branded as a witch which, she says isn't really accurate. She's more of an alchemist and was a longtime member of the Carl Jung society. She's still "into" mythology.






The saying above the entrance, "Kiss the joy as it flies" is from a poem by the artist, William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827).




On Sundays, the day I was there, she staffs Sole to Soul Awakenings, a gallery that offers body work, essential oils shop...more info on Facebook. 

Below are two of Marilee's medicine bags, now mine. They come with an Apache Tear, a stone purported to heal grief, aid in grounding and protect/clear from negativity.



















































I also bought this book.










There were others whose pages formed the words LOVE and one had the word HOME with the O shaped like a heart. $50.00!!! Take note all yea who celebrate Valentine's.






Marilee offers workshops based on "The Artists' Way" and
tours of her house for $5.00. Call in advance to schedule. 602-291-0550

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Overland Journal - Gear Guide 2017

The latest issue is on the stands....of Barnes & Noble, that is. Other than a few "stores" they're the only place to buy it off the rack.





This is only the second Gear Guide Issue I've seen and I was pleased to, yet again, see how differently these folk do things.

There's a great article that begins like a review of a BMW F650GS. As you're reading along you may find yourself wondering about where a guy who would exclaim, "Great giddy ants....!" might be from. Checking the byline, I surmise "Lisa" is, perhaps, female. Come to find out, she and her husband have been overlanding on motorcycles for years and writing about it.  

On page 109, Southwest guide and photographer Jake Quinones describes the "build out" of his 2012 Jeep Rubicon. The image below was taken in 2014 when he stopped by my camp on the Taos steppe just south of the Colorado line. As you can see, I still had Eggbert then. The photo served as my blog banner for over a year. 





I especially like the line in the article titled: The Archeologist's Backpack (p. 89) where Mr. Bass, the owner of the rig, says about his "groover," "This has become the single most important piece of gear in the van besides the corkscrew." 

Take note, this magazine isn't for folks who open bottles with their teeth....even if they can.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Cochise Stronghold

There's a campground but there's no water so why go there? We found a spot where the road descends into a ravine and, as you come up the other side, you have to lean waaaaaayyy over in order to get around the gully the rains have cut. Nothing longer than a pickup gets in, or out, alive. Between the fierceness of the approach and the fact that it's a little off the beaten path means there's rarely more than two passersby in the course of a day. 




The flag helps hold the spot when we're away.






Smith enjoys summiting the oaks and having some decent rock(s) to hone her sabers on. Here she shows off her au-naturale camo ensemble. 


She was still a kitten at the time of our last visit. She'd grokked the need to do our best to live off the land so I was pleased when she strode into camp mit ein fine Trophy Vole. This time she brought down a full-sized mouse. Aye, it'll not be long afore we'll need buy nought but gin 'n' vermouth.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Arizona Game & Fish Mtngs on OHV Use of BLM Land

Message body

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Welcome Delay

There's something innately exciting about departures. I can recall standing on the deck of the U.S.S. Buckner in Bremerhaven waving to the crowds in 1962. 






Not yet ten years old, the thrill of travel -- we'd already moved 22 times -- was, once again, upon me!


I woke this morning bright & shiny. We, Smith and I, were gonna hit the road. The leaden-gray, Clevelandesque clouds did nothing to dampen my spirits. And when One El called to say she had a doctor's appointment at 2:30 and could I chauffeur her, I was delighted at the chance to spend more time with her.



One El with Bonsai, Double El's tortoiseshell furball, on her left. This year is our 30th anniversary. (Once a vibrant redhead, her hair turned blonde after chemo.)







UPDATE - 1-10-17 - Double El sent this great selfie.