Treasure Hunting on Backroads

IMG_1166, a photo by AnnieElf on Flickr.

I spotted this shrine last week and finally got back out there today. Usually a simple cross and simple adornments mark the spot at a roadside shrine but lately I've been finding many that are much more elaborate. There was nothing to identify who the unfortunate one was who was killed here but this memorial is truly extra special. Like the shrine I found HERE,  this one was surrounded by a garden.  The family literally planted roses and set rocks out the define the area.  

This was also a Christmas shopping day and Bella Viva Orchards is a good option.  If you like sending dried fruits, check out their website.  This small local business is located in Hughson and gathers all of their fruits and nuts from local producers.  We are so lucky to live in an agricultural community.  The fresh produce options are endless.

And finally, what says Fall/Winter better than a Pomegranate tree arrayed in its full red glory?

Another glimpse at yesterday's shrine

 

I had a request for a photo montage of the roadside shrine.  So yesterday you may have seen the blended collage.  Today here is a more traditional collage.

Backroads 2 - Postcards from Paradise - literally

On the way to the Newman Festival, we drove passed a large roadside shrine.

Me:  Oh. Look!  A Shrine.  I have to get a picture of that.

Marie:  It's on private property.

Me:  The gate is open.  It's visible from the road.  It's an invitation to enter.

Marie:  Okay.  I'm turning around.

Me:  (Happy and excited)

Marie:  They will tell us to leave. 

Me:  Only if they see us and don't want us here.  Anyway, they left the gate open.

Marie:  (Parks)

Me:  (Taking pictures)

This shrine had been around for a while.  The meditation garden is mature.  The posters and pictures are faded.  I think the shrine was in memory of a girl child.  All the little gifts left there were Disney princesses, a pair a white pre-grown up shoes, and  little girlie figurine.  Oddly, there was nothing sad about it.  Someone, or someones, had taken a lot of time to remember this little girl and keep her alive to the world. 

After driving by this spot countless times, I have to ask myself why I had never seen it before.  I guess the easy answer is, I had my nose in a book.  I always read when I'm in a car.  Don drives.  I read.  But today there wasn't a book in sight and this time - I didn't miss it.

Time Slows

I was at my old workplace at school yesterday involved in cataloging work in the music library. Ninety minutes into cataloging, my phone rang and it's Krista needing an emergency pick up of Tanner since she is short on time getting back to work. It's so nice just leaving and not having to request permission to leave work. Time continues to slow for me and my choices are mine to enjoy.

My quiet day today is filled with sunshine after two days of on and off rain. After finishing up the first little window shrine, I've started two more projects.  The cross (thank you, Don) will be covered in broken jewelry, shells, etc. The window shrine was given a coat of white paint and is being stained with inks from the Nick Bantock collection. I don't know yet what it will be filled with after setting in the wallpaper background, but I'm sure inspiration will present itself.

A Wee Project

A few Saturdays back, I visited Placerville and browsed in the thrift shops.  While there, I found a couple of small, unfinished wood shrines; they insisted I take them home and give them some TLC.  I'm glad I bought both of them because now that I have finished this pastel effort, I want to try it again in brilliant jewel tones.

I started collecting Frozen Charlottes and porcelain bisque dolls decades ago.  These four were just the right mood and colors to set in here. 

I still have to finish off the paint with some high gloss polyurethane and highlight the edges a bit to create some depth.  But other than that, it's all finished.