The Ukazoo Journey-Snapshots and Memorabilia

The Ukazoo Journey-“Snapshots and Memorabilia”

First week of Ukazoo Art Exhibit

“Purple Haze, White Flower”

While unpacking, I was looking through the pictures I had taken during my journey to Ukazoo and turns out there were a few extra pictures I had taken and put aside.

All of my four stops in Maine during this journey, have been at Inn’s I have frequented in previous years and have become good friends with the hosts of these inns.

During my stop in Damariscotta Mills, Maine at the Mill Pond Inn, I was put to work.

The Mill Pond Inn visits have become rather unique, in that every time I have driven to Maine to stay there, I make sure I include my carpenters tool box in my packing list. Somehow, on my first visit to Mill Pond Inn several years ago, Billy had asked for a hand with a small project around the Inn and I assisted. Since then, it has become an ongoing ritual that when I get there, Billy always has a few projects lined up for the both us to work on.

From the helping with relocating a dishwasher to their outdoor bar, fixing a door, to working on putting together the stage for local bands playing at the annual Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration festival, I have enjoyed time spent being a part of these projects.

This past stop (Slide 33, “For You My Love, Flowers”), the project, Billy and I were working on, was getting some under-brush cleared out near the waters edge. Jack also lent a hand while his wife, Myrna, their three daughters and Brandy were in the town for lunch.

I worked my way behind a rather large dense bush and spotted several flowers that were not common to the area. I took this picture of one small flower with the close-up lens and then continued with the clearing out project. I had forgot about it till now.

Besides the unpacking from my journey, I also had to work with getting artwork ready for the Ukazoo Art Exhibit.

What was to be just one Two Month long Art Exhibit at Ukazoo Books, featuring new Oil paintings and Watercolors has changed in format to become Two separate Exhibits. In order to respond to requests of seeing Art images and the corresponding stories from the Journey on display, 16 selected images and the matching text were installed yesterday, February 16th at the Ukazoo Bookstore. Thank you Mac, for your help. These images/stories will be on display till March 14th.

The Second Exhibit will start on March 15th. I will change the Exhibit to display the new art work previously planned and have the Opening Reception. Hope to see you there, to either see anew, reconnect, or meet those for the first time.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please view:

FaceBook: Craig L Haupt – ‘Art page’, “Journey to Ukazoo Album” or

Blog: http://www.craiglhaupt.com – “Journey to Ukazoo”

See Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD 21204

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 37

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 37 “Hanging Up My Hat”

From Ocean City, Maryland to Baltimore/Ukazoo, I am only three hours away from completing my “Journey to Ukazoo” and as anxious as I am to get there, I opted to drive North towards Pennsylvania. Over the next few days I did one and two night layovers at a few B&B’s with day trips to museums and sightseeing.

A Thursday visit with a local artist group resulted in an extended stay at one Bed & Breakfast, when one of the artists pointed out an ‘almost touching the ground’ loose tailpipe on the van, that would need replacing.

This morning, after retrieving the van, I did my final packing of the trip. Said my goodbyes to the hosts of the last B&B I will stay in (at least for this journey) and headed home.

I must say I was a little apprehensive that, during my long absence, a rather large “we sell everything you could imagine at prices so low your eyes will pop out” store and accompanying thousand space parking lot, spouted up as my new neighbor.

As I made that last turn, whew!!! No big store, no airport installed, 18 hole golf course, or civic arena for the World Wrestling Federation. In fact, not any changes at all, almost as if I have never been away. Go figure.

I’m home!

I have been on the road for 36 weeks and what started out as a simple journey turned into an experience I will never forget.

Yet, in my excitement to begin my trip, there were some things I did happen to “forget”.

I forgot to put a stop on my mail. My mailbox was jammed solid, so full that the Post Office issued their own stop and taped a note on my mailbox to “bring a large box when you come”.

I forgot to send back my “by mail” movie, thus another note taped to the mailbox, “If you ever get tired of watching that movie, please send it back and we will send another one”. I forgot to take an “intended for a quick chill”, can of Root Beer out of the freezer. I now have the delightful task of chiseling out a root beer frosty from the freezer walls.

Before doing any unpacking, I paused for a moment, reflecting on the first picture I took to begin the journey, me “Steppin’ Out”. It seemed only appropriate to set up the camera to take a picture of me arriving home but there must be something in the air here at home because this picture encountered the same problems as the first one I took on June 3rd.

I still sport a beard and mustache and the hair, or I should say, again, “lack of hair”, is fairly accurate, albeit a touch more gray.

As I get settled back in and make ready for the Ukazoo Art Exhibit, I want to add a note.

Looking over the small mound of mail, I noticed several small boxes and large manila envelopes sporting return address labels from some of the places I stopped during the Journey to Ukazoo. So while the “Journey” has ended, I will, for the eight-week duration of the Ukazoo Art Exhibit, share some additional “snapshots and memorabilia” each Monday.

Thank you.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please view Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD 21204

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 36

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 36: “Raise You Two Clams”

After leaving Connecticut, rather than a more direct route to Ukazoo, I veered to the East and stopped in Ocean City, Maryland.

At week’s end, while sitting in a local tavern, enjoying the company with a few of the regulars I had met during my stay, we quelled our conversation to listen to an interview on the radio, hosted by a local DJ, DJ Batman.

DJ Batman plays music, lots of great music, but today, in-between tributes to two classic bands, he slotted a 15 minute interview with a local area college professor. The discussion centered around the professors in-progress Thesis about what Maryland Blue crabs actually do during the winter months.

Well, the six of us, already in a very loose “got some time on our hands” mood, called the radio station during the question and answer segment, to avail ourselves to the professors suggested underwater quest for answers. Keen as the offer sounded, the good professor did a back-track on his grand plan, admitting it was far too cold for him to do any diving and he was very much content to get his information off the internet.

Well, that wasn’t fair, with our curiosity now primed, we announced over the airwaves, without considering logistics of such a project, we would tackle this issue ourselves.

DJ Batman, intently listening to our call to action, seized the moment, and promptly put out an on-air request for donations of any equipment, supplies, or help we might need for our underwater endeavor. Filtering into the Radio Station, over the next several hours, were scuba diving outfits, lights, rope, a couple of tents to warm up in after the dive, hot chocolate, even a couple of donuts. One of our group, Gerard, wanted the kind with sprinkles on top.

With DJ Batman setting up an on-location remote, on a nearby pier, to provide listeners with live updates between songs, it was only natural that he started off the event by playing “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”.

The bay still iced up from a recent cold front, we had to cut a large entrance/exit hole. Of our group, Briggs and Cosmo volunteered to stay behind to keep the ice from reforming around the hole and work the guide-lines hooked to each of us. Gerard, Poole, Newman and I, donning wetsuits, air-tanks, facemasks, and my camera, also took some soft-glow flashlights, as to not startle the underwater residents.

At first, we only spotted a few small groups of crabs, some just relaxing, others conversing with a few fish on their way to school. As we proceeded onward, we noticed the crabs lifted an upward turned claw to their mouths.

Of more interest was a couple of crabs, sitting on rocks, reading books. One, a short story, entitled “Chicken Necks, Do You Really Need One.” and another, a novel, “Soft Times/A Hard Life ”. Again, as we continued on, each crab put a claw to their mouth.

The most intriguing sighting was near the end of our dive. As we looped back around for our return, we came upon a foursome of crabs playing poker. We paused, to watch the hand play out. I took this picture as the final bets were being made.

Newman, gave a slight hand signal, directing our attention to our left, where we noticed the one crab concealing an extra Ace. Noticing ours eyes shift, the other three crabs, always alert to picking up on a “Tell”, did a shuffle to the left and right to check out the nature of our interest.

Seeing the partially hidden Ace, their front claws shot upwards churning the water, becoming livid by the audacity that one would cheat. They banished him from the game. Retaining his forfeited clams, the three crabs offered them to us for our part in unintentionally solving how he was winning every hand. As they packed up their remaining clams, departing to find another player, they turned and each put a claw to their mouth.

We finally got it. Clearly a gesture asking us to maintain a silence about our witnessing the activities of crabs during the winter months, we nodded our agreement. Not a word!

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please see Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD 21204

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 35

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 35– Alna’s Quilt

Leaving Maine, I had called ahead to reserve a room at a recommended quaint Bed & Breakfast, just inside Connecticut, hosted by Andy and Jen Trapunto.

Checking in, an air of confusion swirled around the inn with Andy and Jen also tending to an onslaught of several unannounced groups of Andy’s relatives inquiring about accommodations for the week. The root of this commotion was Andy’s grandmother, Alna, who resided in an attached addition to the inn, and her upcoming 100th birthday festivities.

Earlier attempts, by Andy and Jen, to host a large family gathering to celebrate her birthday failed logistically by previous commitments and distance, so Andy arranged a small end-of-week gathering, for Alna’s birthday, with just his and Jen’s parents.

This state of confusion was initiated when a growing number of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. decided on a spur of the moment that Alna’s birthday was too big a deal to brush aside, but forgot to make Andy aware of their change of plans. With no advanced notice, there weren’t enough rooms available, and now Andy feverishly worked the phones finding extra rooms at nearby inns.

Over the next two days, all the family members gathered at Andy and Jen’s for several meetings to work out a new game plan for the party and with numerous introductions and “what do you think” discussions, I found myself drawn into their fold. The relatives, a composite of different ages, professions, and life styles, brought with them the friendships, the laughing, the reminiscing, as well as the bickering, and disagreements typical of all families. I felt at home.

With accommodations and coordination of the party worked through, the months-ago-idea of everyone chipping in to purchase just one “from the family” gift seemed a lost cause. With over 30 family members present, trying to decide on “one” gift, grew into an evening of escalating, sometimes tense, fruitless suggestions.

Off to the side, near where I sat, Cindy Lou, a 10 year old great-grand daughter, quietly raised her hand. Caught off guard by the cuteness of this polite gesture, everyone fell silent and turned her way.

Bringing to light that the blanket Alna uses for her frequent naps, around the inn, is old and tattered, her suggestion was simple, “We could make her a new one”. Everyone maintained their silence, pondering whether this was just outright silly or a brilliant idea. It was Andy who broke the silence. He sided with brilliance.

Jen quickly elaborated, that plenty of scrap material was on hand for a wonderful free-form patch-work quilt. Batting and whole-cloth’s for top and back are still stored in the attic from bygone quilting bee’s. Several members of the family have done quite a bit of sewing over the years and this would be an excellent opportunity for the younger members of the family to learn the art of quilting appliqué. We can all be involved, even if just contributing a stitch or two, you can still help by measuring, cutting, preparing meals, and general errands during the quilt’s construction.

One by one, everyone embraced the idea.

Over the next four days, while it was impossible to keep the making of the quilt a secret from Alna, the reason for the quilt certainly was. Even Alna’s few offers, between naps, to help sew on a few designs, added to the fullness of the project. It was completed just hours before the party.

After the cake and ice cream, it was only fitting that Cindy Lou carry the quilt over to Alna.

I took this picture after Alna sat in her favorite cushioned chair and they gently covered her with her new quilt.

Just before she drifted into her nap, she looked up, with tearful eyes, and to everyone gathered around, she said. “Thank you, I couldn’t have imagined a more wonderful gift, and every time I run my fingers over this quilt, I will feel this week of togetherness and the love of everyone in this family”.

She closed her eyes for a second then added “Oh, by the way, would someone stop in the room later and give me a nudge, I don’t want to miss my before-bedtime nip of Sherry”.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please see Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD 21204

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 34

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 34-”Canoe Ride”

Stopping in South Berwick, for the fourth of my four stops in Maine, I checked into the Academy Street Inn. Eyeing a sign-up Brochure in the parlor I penciled in my name for a three-day, middle of the week, camp-out/canoe excursion at a nearby lake, along with several other guests.

To compact the amount of vehicles used for the trip, I shared a ride with a couple and their two children, Ross and Ava. During the in-route conversation, I was informed that besides enjoying a camping adventure with the kids, they were also revisiting the place they first met 14 years ago. Ross, their son, was especially excited because he wanted to use his newly acquired rod & reel, originally owned by his great-grandfather, now handed down to him from his dad.

At the lake, I set up my tent near their site and we did a buddy thing with meals and chores.

Posted on several trees around the camp sites were the recreational do’s and don’ts. All the usual, lifejackets, no alcohol, etc. but down at the bottom in large bold letters:

WARNING!!

Lake is Home to

“Big Moe”

Very Large, Dangerous, Elusive Fish

Extremely Fond of Cheeseburgers

Do Not keep any in your boat

After, ironically, having cheeseburgers for lunch, I overheard Ross and his sister jokingly plotting to take a leftover cheeseburger on the canoe ride to try and catch “Big Moe”. Once cleanup was completed and the group prepared to take the canoes out, Dad took a well worn ukulele he had used to serenade Mom during their first date. Out on the lake, their canoe leisurely drifting, Dad was now lost in his singing, and Ross, with a surprised Ava peering over his shoulder, hooked up his fishing line with a cheeseburger he had secretly pocketed and cast it into the water.

Glancing over from my canoe, I saw Ross’s fishing line tug.

I quickly grabbed the camera and took this picture as the line pulled taut and up came “Big Moe”.

With Ross, struggling to hang on to the rod, Ava turned around and franticly started yelling to get dad and mom’s attention. The bow of the canoe started to tip up and out of the water as “Big Moe” kept pulling down on the line trying to free himself. Not wanting to lose his prized father-to-son fishing rod, Ross resisted his mom and dad’s pleas to release the rod & reel. As everyone started to slide down in a ‘Titanic’ moment, and the curved rocker at the stern inched below the water’s surface, Ross had no choice, he let the rod go. In that instant, “Big Moe” and the fishing rod disappeared beneath the surface and the canoe, tension released, arched forward and down, slapping the lakes surface with a jolt. Shaken and wet from the spray of water, miraculously, everyone remained in the canoe.

That evening, with the rest of the group turned in for the night, I heard two distinct noises while sitting on the pier watching the stars.

The first noise was Ross wandering out to the pier. Sad about losing his rod & reel, he couldn’t sleep. While we recounted the day’s adventure, the second noise occurred. In the water, a splashing sound. Directly in front of us, with hook, rod, and reel still attached, was “Big Moe”.

Big sorrowful eyes begged us to take the hook out. Having the longer reach, I carefully removed the hook. At the same time, Ross used a nearby pole to bring the rod close enough to the pier for him to retrieve. With that accomplished, “Big Moe” lowered himself slightly into the water and back up again to suggest a thank you. Then he remained, patiently waiting. It was Ross that figured it out.

Quickly running back to the campsite, he quietly got two leftover cheeseburgers from the cooler and returning, did a gentle toss of each to a very appreciative “Big Moe”.

Another thank-you dip and submerging, out of sight, “Big Moe” swam away.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please see Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 33

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 33-”For You My Love, Flowers”

THE INN:

Third stop in Maine. Checked into the Mill Pond Inn in Damariscotta Mills and as with past visits, I was glad to see hosts, Brandy and Billy.

THE FAMILY:

Arriving later in the day, with all the needed earmarked tour books, brochures, lists of family and friends recommendations, and recreational gear, both in and atop their van, was a family of five. The parents, Jack and Myrna, able to coordinate time off from their busy work schedules, were aglow with anticipation of a week spent entirely with their three daughters.

THE GIRLS:

Ages 8 to 12, the girls, wasting no time jumping out of the van, were a bundle of excitement raring to have the time of their lives. All three over talking each other to let us know their plans for the week-Playing, fishing, swimming, playing, boating, sightseeing, playing, biking, and eating lots of lobster. I asked if they mentioned playing.

Jack and Myrna, after checking in, as elated as the girls, started right in with the first suggested activity, a canoe ride. During the week, mom and dad were in constant motion, keeping pace with the girls, and if not directly involved, then sitting nearby to watch. The girls loved it all.

THE MOM:

For Myrna, getting a chance to spend extended time with the girls was heaven, as evenings and weekends back home only afforded short trips. These, intermingled with catching up on everyday chores and getting ready for the start of the next work/school week.

By the fifth day of keeping up with the wants and needs of three very active girls, mom, happily occupied as she was, started to display some wear.

THE DAD:

Jack, as enthusiastic of spending time with the family as Myrna, started out the week fully engaged but with each passing day, Jack inadvertently took up some guy stuff offers. A little golfing, an evening card game with Billy and me, he hadn’t noticed that Myrna never managed a break from the weeks activities with the girls.

It was day five, as Jack, Billy and I wandered in from an early evening fishing jaunt, that Jack spied Myrna sitting in the dining area, chin cupped in hands, looking worn-out after a full day with the girls.

THE FLOWERS:

Becoming acuity aware of his unintentional breaks, Jack motioned Brandy, Billy, and me into the other room. With hushed voice, asked if we would keep Myrna occupied and redirected, if any questions arose, while he took a short trip to town. Jack also asked if we would do a little Babysitting that evening. We could do both.

Hearing the van door close as Jack returned, Myrna, a touch concerned by his latest absence, slowly rose from her seat to greet his return. Jack stepped into the room with flowers in hand.

I took this picture as he gave Myrna a soft caress with the other hand and said, “For you my love, Flowers”. He proceeded to ask if she would go out on a date with him.

Myrna turned in our direction and she was informed that all was prearranged, reservations made, and we would entertain the girls.

A soft smile, a tear, a returned hug and a wait of just 20 minutes to freshen up was her response.

THE NEXT DAY:

Dad took the girls boating on Damariscotta Lake one last time before next morning’s departure, while Myrna relaxed on the back deck with Brandy and a few other guests.

THE NEXT, NEXT DAY:

Van packed, Jack at the steering wheel, and the girls waving goodbyes, Myrna laid the flowers in her lap as they made ready to head home. It was a good week, she said, a very good week.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please see Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 32

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 32-”Broken Penny Farthing”

Continuing with my second stop of four in Maine, I checked into the Hearthside Bed & Breakfast in the town of Bar Harbor on Mt. Desert Island. Besides working on a couple of small drawings, I plan on doing some biking at the adjoining Acadia National Park.

Within the park’s borders lies “The Carriage Roads”, a network of 51 miles of crushed stone roads divided into 12 interconnecting “Loops”. Catering to walking, biking, horseback riding, and horse drawn carriages, no motor vehicles are allowed on the roads.

As I was unloading my bike, two separate groups of bicyclists arrived and parked on each side of the street. One group, also checking into Hearthside Inn, began unloading their bikes, 11 restored late 19th century Penny Farthings. All the bikes sported 50 to 56 inch diameter front wheels and modified with brakes on the smaller rear wheels. Eugene, the unofficial leader, related, with most of the members, by profession, connected to law enforcement, we call ourselves “The Copper Pennies”.

The second small caravan of similar vehicles arrived at the B&B Inn across the street with numerous “regular” gear-driven Ten-speed bikes perched on racks. Appropriately, by decals on bumpers and windshields, they proclaimed themselves “The Gearheads”

I milled the perimeter as both groups converged, checking each others bikes. As compliments mixed with technical talk, biking stories, and touring the Carriage Roads, the friendly banter initiated a lighthearted wager in the form of a race.

Taking into account the pro’s and con’s of both styles of bikes, a handicap was agreed to. Looking over the map, the Gearheads, led by James, agreed to bike Loop 12 (11.1 Miles) and the connecting Loop 4 (8.6 Miles) would be biked by Eugene and the Copper Pennies. The start/finish would be the Deer Brook stone bridge, located on the connecting section, and in case the finish was close they would enlist a neutral party to declare the winner.

With that, both groups turned in my direction. I agreed.

The following day at the Carriage Roads, on a brisk sun-filled morning, both groups gathered, with the “Gears” facing North and the “Coppers” facing South at the North end of the Bridge. With my shout, they began.

An hour an a half later, it was the whoops and laughter of Eugene and James, out in front, approaching from opposite directions, that brought me to attention and I readied the camera to record the finish. Realizing it would indeed be a close finish, they shouted encouragement and urgings to those close behind, and picking up speed, bore down for the finish at the South end of the bridge.

Now, maybe, if the rabbit that scampered up onto the road’s edge across from me, had waited 30 seconds before deciding this side of the road was the “greener pasture”, harmony and a good natured resolution among bikers may have ruled the day.

My warning was, for the most part, useless, as were their brakes at the suddenness of the potential circumstances. Both Eugene and James, seeing the rabbit dart directly in front of their merging paths, veered, mistakenly into each other, with two other bikers close behind.

At five feet above the ground, an abrupt stop, launching the rider forward head first, called a “Header” is the most dangerous aspect of riding a Penny Farthing.

Taking this picture at impact, Eugene, instinctively, took his feet off the pedals, leaned back, and brought his legs and feet up over the handle bars, so he was pitched off the bike feet-first rather than head-first. An old written solution he had never had the occasion to use until today.

When the dust cleared, without a doubt, the most amazing thing was the lack of serious injury and of damage to the bikes other than Eugene’s Penny Farthing’s front wheel separating from the frame.

A safe unaware rabbit, several band-aids, needed replacement parts back at the Parking lot, an assurance that everyone received a photo of the crash, and an agreed upon “Tie” put everyone back in fine spirits.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please see Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 31

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 31-”On the Pier”

After an overnight stop to break up a 13 hour drive, I arrived at Belgrade Lakes, Maine.

Belgrade Lakes is located between two large lakes, Great Pond to the East and, connected by an inlet ending in a narrow spillway, Long Pond to the West. The village of Belgrade Lakes and Wings Hill Inn, the inn I checked into, face Long Pond.

During the morning of my first full day, with sketchbook in hand, I walked from the inn, to a small park on the banks of Long Pond next to the spillway. Opposite the spillway are a grouping of weekly rented cabins, each with their own weathered wood pier extending, like fingers, onto the lake. The cabin closest to the spillway was newly occupied by a family of six, two parents and their four children of various ages.

Relaxing to the gentle lapping of waves I couldn’t help but overhear the parents relaying directions, tips, and mounds of information to the kids regarding the art of fishing. On the pier with lines cast, it wasn’t long before the next to youngest screamed out in excitement that she had one hooked. With minimal parental assistance she reeled the fish in, unhooked it and dropped her catch into the holding bucket. Shortly, the two older boys saw their red and white bobs dip below the surface and following suit, unhooked fish went into the bucket. Over the next hour or so, the same three managed to catch at least one more fish apiece.

Lost in their success, however, was the youngest of the four had not entertained so much as a nibble.

As the long morning of fishing ended, mom and dad offered assurances to the youngest of possibly catching one tomorrow.

Returning each morning to the park over the following four days, I occasionally watched the parents and the three oldest continue to catch varying counts of fish, and each day the youngest was the only one to walk away empty handed. Dejection was evident but anger, crying, feet stamping, “not fair” never was an emotion I detected and each day he was just as willing to quietly try again.

At weeks end, I noticed the beginnings of packing so it was apparent today was the last day the youngest would get a chance to catch a fish.

Sitting at the park, I noticed an unusual scenario unfolding. With the older kids engaged in other activities, the parents of the youngest, as during the preceding days, set up the fishing gear, pole, worms, etc. As mom helped ready the hook for her son and offered words of encouragement as the line was cast in the water, dad quietly slipped away. Making his way to the park side, close to where I sat, using the reeds and cattails at water’s edge to conceal his presence, he sat and waited patiently, relating what I had already deducted. Giving his youngest son as much an opportunity to catch a fish on his own, he would tip the scales for a moment of success if needed.

As morning waned, sensing a need to finally intercede, “Dad” donned rented scuba gear, readied a fish he had in a water-filled container as his son’s final cast hit the water, and slowly, still out of slight, he eased into the water.

I took this picture as “Dad” made his way to the fishing line and was about to place the fish on the hook.

Completing his task, he gave the line a slight tug. Feeling the bob pull beneath the water, his son, all smiles, reeled in his first ever caught fish.

As mom and son, arm in arm, walked along the pier back to the lawn, he half turned in the parks direction, where dad, still concealed, was slowly climbing out of the water, and said “Thanks mom and (displaying a wink and raising his voice a notch) I don’t see him, but also thank you Dad”.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please see Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 30

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 30: “Strolling Lawn Vases”

With Passport in hand I crossed the Border into Canada. By Wednesday, I made my way to an Inn in Saguenay, Quebec. I was offered advice from a recent acquaintance to brush up on my French, qui, heureusement, je l’ai fait (which, fortunately, I have done so).

On Thursday a delightful group of fellow artists from the U.S. checked in and I was invited to join them for a day of art activities and an evening of pleasant conversations by the fireplace.

Yesterday, the day before I was to depart for Maine, I spotted an excellent mystery book in the B&B’s Library. With only one full day to read it, I resigned myself to the front porch to start and finish the story before my head hit the pillow later that night. Engaged in the “who-done-it”, I was periodically aware of a procession of activity in front of the inn. I did take one picture of Three Strolling Vases and noted the rest on an index card. And this is what I saw.

On my first completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

An alligator beside a Maple tree.

There he sat, with fork and knife, staring at me.

On my second completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

2 Running Shoes.

Searching left and right for a couple of feet before turning into a yard.

On my third completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

3 Strolling Vases.

Out for some shopping, and afterwards a well deserved drink.

On my fourth completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

4 Calling Cards.

Signaling they were roaming the area for a phone.

On my fifth completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

5 Spelling Bees’.

Looking to wheel and deal before buying a vowel.

On my sixth completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

6 Walking Sticks.

Discussing politicians, who sought their unwavering support.

On my seventh completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

7 Jumping Beans.

Even wearing heavy coats, they looked a little chilly.

On my eight completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

8 Smoking Jackets.

Reading posted warning signs of dangers ahead.

On my ninth completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

9 Butterflies flying.

Spreading out, they melted away into the sunset.

On my tenth completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

10 Leaping Lizards.

Ecstatic, over someone finally adopting a little Ann Arbor girl.

On my eleventh completed chapter, I just looked up to see,

11 Wandering Radio Waves.

Creating a soft breeze with their frequency.

On my twelfth and final chapter, I just looked up to see,

12 Mummers strumming.

Brilliantly in unison, practicing for an upcoming New Years Day Parade.

Today, as I leave to continue my journey to Ukazoo, I make sure I wish all a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful Holiday season. As for the Alligator, he was satisfied with the 1/2 a ham sandwich, potato salad, and chocolate chip cookies I shared with him.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please see Slide One for a brief synopsis.

Opening Art Reception, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store Towson, MD

Journey to Ukazoo-Slide 29

Posted by Craig L Haupt

Journey to Ukazoo

Slide 29: “Reflection”

Continuing my Journey to Ukazoo, I stayed in New York and made my way to a remote area near Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Park.

Usually a Bed & Breakfast is called a Bed & Breakfast but the one I found was Unity’s “Soft Comfort to Heavenly Dreams” & “Taste Bud Sensations”. Primarily known as a Self-awareness and natural foods retreat, the Inn’s decor was an array of candles, incense, beaded curtains, and lining the walls, artwork depicting every known deity. Within the context of the inn’s name I was greeted by the lady of the house and resident sculpture artist, “Morning Dove Among the Clouds”, and later at the ’community’ dinner I met Morning’s husband, “Marble Hitting the Forest Floor”. Marble, not only the inn’s chef, but spiritual guide to several of the meditation and yoga classes, informed me, everyone just calls him “Butch”.

While not engaging in the many classes and seminars offered, I found the quiet environment and extremely interesting hosts augmented my creative process and I accomplished more artwork than anticipated. Possibly the only low point during my stay came at the weekly evening campfire and Butch’s new recipe for s’mores . Tofu cubes, heated over a fire, topped with carob squares, and placed between two yam-crackers. After I tried the first one, I politely refused a second by a “Thank you, but n’mores”.

Towards the end of the week, busy checking in new arrivals, Morning asked if I would wander up to the Reflection pond and remind Butch it was time to start dinner preparations. Entering a beautiful topiary/sculpture garden I saw Butch, deep in thought, staring into a rectangle shaped pool of crystal clear water . Not wanting to interrupt, I sat opposite the pool and quietly waited.

After a half an hour and still no movement from Butch, I got out the camera and took this picture. Maybe it the click of the shutter, the chirp of a nearby bird, or a slight wind enhanced ripple in the water, but Butch suddenly looked up, a little startled but seemingly delighted by my presence. Sensing an opportunity for a fresh insightful opinion, he recounted a perplexing problem that was weighting heavily on his mind. After picking a flower for Morning, he inadvertently knocked a spherical limb off Morning’s newly created grouping of sculptures. “I’ve tried fixing it to no avail and then, resorted to pondering excuses and stories of how it happened-a strong wind, a lightning bolt, a rogue alligator swishing his tail. I don’t know what to do and have been here for hours trying to resolve my dilemma”.

“Any suggestions?”

The Truth, you’re always talking about seeking the truth, well, tell her the truth, was my suggestion.

Back at the inn, holding out the broken piece with a downward gaze, he told her, and his head lifted when she related she was well aware of the potential problem. She was working on a doweling system and would rework all the spherical limbs. She was glad Butch had let her know. Even gave him a big kiss on the cheek.

Butch turned and silently mouthed a thank you in my direction.

Speaking of truth, I then mentioned to Butch my thoughts on his s’mores. I like yams and I don’t mind tofu in certain dishes and I loved all the meals you prepared but I think your recipe for s’mores should be reconsidered. He laughed, and told me he had received quite a few anonymous notes in the suggestion box echoing my sentiments and later today he would be placing an order for marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Journey to Ukazoo” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please see Slide One for a brief synopsis.