Author: cometsgirl

I’m about to take my seat in another chair in the air. And not just any seat.  This will be my 400th flying trip. You can more than double that to say I’ve had over 800 take-offs and landings.  This is a real milestone for me. As one of my sons pointed out, since August 1985 when I found the courage to fly again, I have averaged twelve flights a year– one a month for almost 34 years.  Clearly I got over my aversion to flying.

I’m headed to Houston to be part of the preparation for Beth to move once again. Having been flooded twice in two years – 2016 and 2017, and now embarking on a new job near downtown Houston, she is moving for the ninth time.  That’s a lot of packing and unpacking, much of which I have been a part. The bonus with this upcoming move is a moving company will do all the packing an unpacking.  YES!

I can’t imagine having to move that often in the space of three years. I have seldom moved, taking root for long periods of time. I imagine there is another move in the what I hope is the far future, but that’s not something to think about at this time.

In Proverbs 24:3-4 we hear, By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

Beth’s home of 20 years (less the 2 years flooded to other lodging) fits this description.  I am certain her new home will do so as well.

Mary Chapin Carpenter sings,

Moving is unsettling. Truly. All the stuff gathered and acquired since the previous move seems to end up being an awful lot of stuff when it comes time to pack it up and move. It’s a good time to see what one can do without, and then leave it behind for someone else for whom it can belong.

I understand that’s going to be part of my job while in Houston.  Helping determine what does not need to go. Helping see that something does not need to go. Making sure that which does not need to go, does, in fact, not go. Oh boy.

There’s a good story that grew out of the first flood. Beth’s prayer chair, which had come from my home when I moved, was lost to the flood. On one of my visits to Houston, we set out to find a new prayer chair.  Walking into the furniture store, Beth said “all I know is I don’t want leather”. We split up and covered the vast showroom floor.  When we met up she said she had found THE chair. I couldn’t wait to see. And guess what, it was leather. A beautiful chair that encased the sitter just so, and clearly could be a place of prayer. Eventually the chair was purchased and lived up to the possibility of being a prayer chair.  I can’t wait to see it settled in its new area of prayer.

All this to say, in a way, I am homeward bound.  Traveling mercies.

As I mentioned previously, the initial reason for this trip was an art exhibit at the Dallas Art Museum.

I’m just so intrigued with the story of Ida O’Keeffe. And of the story of the O’Keeffe sisters, Georgia and Ida. About what could have been, and what was.

It seems Ida may have been as talented a painter as Georgia.

Georgia O’Keeffe had a show every year in New York. Her husband, the photographer and gallery owner, Alfred Stieglitz, made this possible. “No other female American artist in the 1920s and ’30s enjoyed this kind of opportunity to have their work presented, including O’Keeffe’s talented younger sister, Ida.” While Stieglitz was keen on his sister-in-law and her art, sibling rivalry impacted Ida’s artistic future. There was only room for one painter in the family.

It didn’t help that Stieglitz had a “roving eye, and sent some ‘racy letters'” to Ida. Relations between the sisters became strained, and when support for Ida’s work waned and being unable to support herself, she was unable to continue her work.

One wonders what she, and the rest of us lost.

I wrote those words before I entered the museum. Here is what I experienced:

The O’Keeffe exhibit did not disappoint. Rather, it exceeded my expectations.

Generally when I visit a museum exhibit I don’t spend a lot of time reading every last written note that accompanies the exhibit.

Like the text that sets the tone and explains the story behind the exhibit. Like the description accompanying each piece framed and hung.

This time was different. I devoured the words.

The introduction as we entered the exhibit told about the special sister relationship Georgia had with her three sisters, especially with Ida. A short film showed the sisters in happy times.

It went on to portray how the relationship changed. Georgia’s patron, and husband took an interest in Ida. And Ida had an exhibit of her own. It was then that Georgia declared “one artist in a family was enough”.

Although Ida never enjoyed the fame and recognition of her older sister, she did have an accomplished life as nurse, teacher, author and even as artist.

There were a number of similarities in the paintings by Ida and Georgia, which I found fascinating.

Ida. Sea Shells.

Georgia. Shell No. 2

Ida. Mushroom.

Georgia. Abstraction.

One can only imagine how the world would have been enriched by Ida O’Keeffe’s art. However, I believe the world was enriched by her art that does exist, her nursing, her teaching, and the myriad of other ways she touched the lives around her. And by those of us now being introduced to her. My son and daughter-in-law enjoyed this introduction to Ida as much as I did.

Outside the museum is a public park and during the lunch hour food trucks offer all kinds of delicious food. We enjoyed dining in the sun.

This rather impromptu trip gave me great joy. I traveled on a plane where my son was the pilot, I had time with my granddaughter and my grandson. I took in this marvelous art exhibit.

I am ending this day with a slog home, however. Due to severe storms in Atlanta earlier today, I’m delayed about two hours. It will be tomorrow by the time I arrive back home. Sometimes travel “happens”.

Traveling mercies.

It worked!

Walking up to my gate, there he was! Holding a bag of my favorite candy. He was 1st off the plane because he said “my work was done”.

Actually some “work” remained. I was to be escorted on first, after he first took my bag onboard and stowed it.

Such treatment!

We stopped off at Mark’s office, I mean the cockpit, before I found my real seat.

I really received the royal treatment. EARLY boarding escorted by the Captain.

Just before takeoff, I heard Mark welcoming everyone onboard. Along with a shout-out to his mom. Lots of passengers clapped and I called out “that’s my boy”!

Atlanta.

Dallas.

Arrived.

As I said, I have longed for the time I’d fly on Southwest with Mark as my pilot. That day came today. Such Joy. And such pride.

I’m on my way once again. While the impetus for this trip is an art exhibit in Dallas, the real joy will be spending time with my older son and my daughter-in-law. Possibly my granddaughter as well.

I recently read an article about Ida O’Keeffe. She was the younger sister of the much better known Georgia O’Keeffe. Having not been supported by either her sister, or by someone who would take it upon themselves to showcase her work, Ida did not have the success Georgia did. However, that’s not to say she didn’t possess artistic talent. In fact she did. An exhibit of 30 of her works is on display at the Dallas Museum of Art.

The image above, Variation on a Lighthouse Theme II is by Ida O’Keeffe.

While I never really need an excuse to visit my son, the opportunity to attend this exhibit, inspired me to make the trip.

I think it’s interesting to consider what influences in our lives “make or not-make” us. Ida did not have a relationship with an individual who could showcase, spotlight, her work. as her sister, Georgia, enjoyed. How much difference do you suppose that made in their lives?  I’d venture say quite a bit.

In this particular sister relationship, the more “positioned” sister reacted to the praise her younger sister was receiving, and ordered her to quit painting.  When Ida refused, she found herself cut off from support and supporters and eventually turned to a career in nursing and teaching. She even founded the art department at the University of North Carolina and worked on technical drawings of aircraft during World War II.

The article that inspired me to journey to this exhibit asks us to consider the ways we might define a successful life. The author states “…yes, Georgia achieved lasting fame in her chosen field. But Ida reminds us of the importance of complicated lives – lived deeply and well – lived on their own terms”.          Below, Creation.

I live a pretty complicated life. And somewhat on my own terms. In a good way. My “complicated” life has kept me energized and engaged. I admit at times it can be an effort to juggle all the pieces, but I’d rather be faced with juggling than not.

But I digress. While I’m so looking forward to this museum trip, there’s another facet of this particular travel experience that literally lights me up. If all goes the way it’s scheduled to go, I will be chauffeured from Atlanta to Dallas by my son. I’m flying Southwest Airlines and he is scheduled to be the Captain on this flight! I have longed to fly with him. Today may be the day I do just that.

It’s a complicated proposition. I’ll leave home around 5am for the 2-3 hour slog to Atlanta. He’ll fly to Atlanta from wherever he has spent the night. We have to trust that Southwest will not reroute him as a pilot on a different route. This often happens. We shall see if all the complications align and I’ll be standing in the gate area when his plane pulls up and he gets off the plane looking for me.

Stay tuned.

Traveling mercies.

Today is my half-birthday. When I was growing up we celebrated half-birthdays. I’ve not known of anyone other than my family who did this. It’s obviously an obscure event.

There was celebration everywhere I looked this day. In the sky…

at Zendo Coffee – a heart in my cappuccino – best friend cuppa sharing.

And… Celebration of The Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s Episcopal church.

Now airborne with this send-off view.

Now BUMPING my way through the skies descending into Atlanta.

A most excellent day. Well, with the exception of turbulence.

Traveling mercies.

This turned out to be an anything-can-happen day. Also a u-turn day.

First stop was Coffee Apothecary for cuppas and to say goodbye to our friends Lydia and Pablo. We were gifted with fresh-roasted coffee beans as we departed. Their business has taken off and it was so good to see their hard work pay off.

Originally we had planned to drive to the wildlife refuge, Bosque de Apache. It’s 90 miles south of Albuquerque, our destination for the night.

As we drove south from Taos, we passed the Rio Grange Gorge Visitor Center. We immediately noticed the American flag was flying – which meant the federal employees at this location had returned to work. A quick u-turn to the center so we could walk in and welcome them back! They were delighted with our gesture. We had some good conversation too.

It was at this point we decided to skip Bosque de Apache, and take the road from the center along the Rio Grande River west. It’s a favorite drive of mine, and the drive was beautiful.

At the bridge we net a young woman walking nearby. She was from California and had traveled to the area to celebrate her birthday. She was delightful. She asked if the road continued to the highway – it does. She then mentioned she was headed to a local winery. Vivac.

We parted ways, returned to the highway and headed south. Some 15 miles later we passed Vivac Winery. We decided it would be fun to pay it forward and buy a bottle of wine for her. We made a u-turn back to the winery.

The woman tending the business was delighted with our plan. We made arrangements, left a note, and continued south.

Awhile later we decided we should detour to Abiquiu, home of Georgia O’Keeffe. One of my most favorite places is just north of Abiquiu. Off we went.

That’s her home. You can see it from the highway if you know where to look.

Here’s my favorite place. Overlooking the River Chama.

Returning to our road south, we decided to take a more scenic route to Albuquerque than the way ahead, so we u-turned to Los Alamos, Jemez Springs, and Bernillilo. We were treated to high mountain vistas beyond description.

We continued on through Jemez Springs.

Then to Bernillilo for dinner at The Range.

Eventually we arrived at Hotel Andaluz, Albuquerque!

A simply amazing day made more amazing because of u-turns.

So I got my hair cut yesterday.

I should have done this before I began travel. I just had “too few minutes” to do so.

Showing up in a part of the country with no humidity, in need of a haircut, was a recipe for a rather unkempt look.

I purchased a new ear cuff from a Native American artisan selling her wares on the Santa Fe Plaza. I love the cuff, but it’s clear there is a need for hair shaping.

A community helped me look sharp once again.

Abby, our ceramic artist friend, volunteered to see if her stylist might have an opening. Surprisingly she did.

I met Marie later that day.

When we arrived she was finishing with a customer. Immediately drawn into conversation, we found we had other communities in common.

Conversation with Marie was rich. I’m so glad she came into my life for a time.

And then I was transformed.

Having dinner later in the day, we ran into the other customer and had brief reunion of conversation and hair talk. It was nice to have a moment of recognition with a stranger who is a stranger no longer.

As I write this, I am seated in community at the Coffee Apothecary. We met Lydia and Pablo about three years ago. They had just opened their coffee shop and we became friendly right away. Reunion each year is great fun.

Surrounded by community in a community were I find myself just once a year. A blessing for sure.

Any kind of mammal crossing sign – with the exception of cows – gets my attention. I immediately see a promise. A promise that I will be treated to an out of the ordinary mammal viewing.

I move into a heightened state of watchfulness. I’m certain whatever is crossing will come into view shortly.

More often than not, there is no viewing. And then accompanying disappointment.

Then another promise appears.

And hope floats once again.

I’m certain, just around the corner…

There.. do you see something moving?

Where? Right over there….

This time my expectation is met. What about next time?

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews. 11:1.

Unlike previous days, today began in urgent mode. Company’s coming.

Abby, our favorite ceramic artist, was coming for breakfast and reunion. We’ve known Abby for many years and she’s always part of the journey here. It’s because of Abby that we have this casa for our lodging.

We met her during the years we lodged in an earthship.

I had to scurry to dress and get on the road. Priorities. Today’s New York Times, cappuccino, and firestarter logs. We ran out of kindling yesterday, and a welcoming fire is important.

Gathered around the fire, we feasted on a meal of food and conversation. Both were sustaining and life enriching.

Living for a time in this space, among and in the midst of art and furnishings, brings back the life of Georgia who created this casa. She died a few years ago and I miss her presence when I’m here. She was a force in the arts community in Taos. She had a passion for fairness and justice.

Her art studio was open for us to experiment. It was joyous to be artful for a time.

All this to say I enjoyed a cup of friendship with both Abby and Georgia today.

I began this day with orange juice and Mary Oliver.

Oliver wrote, Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed.  

I am often aware of being blessed. Certainly I’m aware of being blessed when I’m standing in surroundings that shout “Blessed!”

Oliver’s words suggest to me that I am blessed often – wherever I stand. I just don’t make note of it.

Yet, it is huge. Think about it. There is no need to seek out being blessed. I already am. We all are. Right where we stand.