Artsy

Do you consider yourself to be an "artsy" person? My text string with friends recently devolved in to talk about art. One of my friends plans to take online drawing lessons. How cool is that? I must admit, the texting chatter had initially started with a rundown of our ailments - including hand arthritis! But it evolved to art talk. That's how our strings go. They are such therapy for me, especially in this isolated time.  

These texts are with my friends from childhood. At one point I lamented about how our conversations have evolved through the years! Starting with toys and playing, to boys, school ("Mrs. Harter was mean today!"), and makeup - onto relationships and then kids for some of us. We talk about lots of things nowadays like weather, family, the state of the world, and health.  Don't forget pets! It's nice that they share their furbaby pics with me.  

This week it was fun to be on a message string about hobbies that feed our creative selves. As friends of 40, 50, and for a couple even 60 years, we know each others' family trees. We talked about where in our family trees those art genes may have come from. I've got some serious art genes. Please note: I don't really know if there are "art" genes. Maybe it's nature plus nurture. I do know that some of us enjoy things that others don't. It's it grand that we're not all the same? 

 

My grandfather, Wallace Orville Bullock (we called him Bubba) was the first generation artist that I know about. As an older man, Bubba took up oil painting as a hobby. He and a friend, Louis Reinig, traveled to Omaha for art classes. I am fortunate to have one of the first paintings he did - plus two others. He was a prolific painter as his children and grandchildren all ended up with one or more of his lovely works. He painted landscapes. I remember him using pictures in magazines as models/inspiration. A whole room in their home at 909 Poplar in Atlantic served as his painting spot. It was filled with easels, canvasses and paint.  

One of Bubba's later works

Bubba's daughter, my Aunt Marty is very artsy and creative. She's collected art from around the world as she traveled with my Uncle Bill and served as a docent at the Denver Art Museum for years. Her sis, my Aunt Jeanie is a talented cross-stitcher and I remember her sewing too. 

Aunt Jeanie, Bubba, Momo with Charlie the dog

                                                                                                   Dad with Marty and Jean

I don't remember Dad (Marty and Jean's older brother) displayed any artsy talents. I fondly recall that during my folks' Florida years, he helped collect shells to spray and personalize with sharpies for each of Jud and Amy's classmates. He certainly was a snazzy dresser. And he was funny and had a way with words - crafting them into things still say today. For example, I just saw Pontiac (car) the other day and I caught myself chanting Pontiaciaciac. Why? Because that's what Dad would say. That makes me smile. 

Dad with his girls

Of my siblings, sister Cindy was identified early as the artistic one. You can bet she lorded her artsiness over me, one of little patience (and skill) for coloring and drawing. Later she majored in art education at Drake, and I benefitted from some of the projects she completed - jewelry and clay pots. Cindy still has a great sense of style that I admire - she got the gift. 

Amy did this award winning watercolor in high school

In our own family, Amy self-identified as an artist at an early age. She cranked out drawings on recycled computer paper from Paul's office from the time she could hold a marker. Amy loved creating books - she'd illustrate and I'd fill in the text. Her creativity throughout childhood was amazing. When others made posters for the science fair, she "created" one with fonts, backgrounds, and colors. It was her destiny to become some type of artist in life. Amy's fluorishing graphic design business keeps growing and changing as she adds skills. Jud has the talent of absorbing information in spongelike fashion - you want him on your trivia team. 

When my homie friends and I were texting about artistic talents, we agreed that even though some of us are not as talented when it comes to drawing or painting - that doesn't mean we shouldn't try! And, we know that everyone has talents - some are just more subtle. The nice thing is when you reach a certain age you finally have time to nurture your creative side - flower arranging, wood-working, photography, cooking, music, sewing, painting, writing, and many more that I haven't even considered. 

Or you can calm your soul by completing jigsaw puzzles while listening to books. Have a great Thanksgiving dear readers. It may not be the one you had hoped and planned for, but there is much to be thankful for. Stay safe and healthy! 

Heading South and then North

After visiting our friend Chris Watson, we went south from Scottsdale to visit more people we love who live in Arizona - some permanently and others as snowbirds. My Aunt Jean and Uncle Bruce (affectionately known as Bean and Juice to those of us in the family who follow the Dave Bullock method of using nicknames for all) moved to Green Valley, AZ (GV), south of Tucson sixteen years ago.

Sunny AZ photo with Al and Sharon in their yard

I can't believe it's been that long since they decided to leave the Denver area, their longtime home. They decided the city was getting a bit too big. The city and suburbs population was just over 500,000 in the 1960's - and grew to 1.5 million by 2000. Today, it's close to 3 million! We have many Denver/CO relatives including our baby girl Amy and husband Corey. So we get there a couple times a year. We're sad they aren't around there anymore - but have to admit, at this time of year, their home in GV was sure a warm place to visit.

As a bonus, our longtime Creston friends, Allan and Sharon Higgins are spending a couple months in GV this winter. On our way to Jean and Bruce's, we stopped at their temporary home- a small house with a great view of the mountain range. They showed us around the area and we went to lunch - no Italian this time. I had a great tamale! Fun catching up with Al and Sharon - we've missed them!

Wisdom Cafe with Jean and Bruce

That afternoon, we arrived at Jean and Bruce's home in the Quail Creek, a housing area that has lots of amenities including a golf course and a cool community building where people can do all sorts of things like pottery, woodworking (Paul drooled at the tools), glass, quilting and more. We had not seen Bruce and Jean since Amy and Corey's wedding.

Aunt Jean and her sister Aunt Marty, who lives in Denver. are my dad's sisters. They've always been close relatives - much loved and familiar as they traveled to Atlantic to see my grandparents and us throughout my childhood. And we'd visit Denver. I can't stress enough how important it is to me to spend "quality" time with friends and family, swapping stories and hugs.

On Saturday we drove south to the small artsy, shopping town called Tubac. We dined at the Wisdom Cafe - for the best Mexican Food of our trip. Plus a margarita! It was fun shopping with J&B who even knew some of the vendors in Tubac. That night we dined at their club - something small as we were all still full from lunch. It was a hopping place!

Bruce was very helpful when we planned our route home - introducing Paul to neighbor Jimmy, a Kansas University fan from the western part of that state. Jimmy told Paul about the Fairfield Inn at Tucumcari, NM. Bruce and Jean seem to know all the best stops and roads to take - especially if you're going to Denver.

We stayed in NM that night and made it all the way home on Day 2, beating a storm the was coming into Wichita and Oklahoma City. It was a long drive. Home was a welcome sight! As Dorothy says, "There's no place like home"

Beautiful sunrise leaving Arizona

This store looked cool! I love Neon.

It was Sunday night - so we couldn't get our kicks - on Route 66

The rest of the story

The rest of the wedding weekend was pretty fun too. Paul and I took off Wednesday afternoon. I have to admit, it was hard to concentrate at work that morning.

We arrived at Amy and Corey's new apartment in Denver before 10 a.m. It was looking pretty good, considering they were hosting a variety of groomsmen! Cool complex with a pool and grilling area.

Jud and Kara's flight arrived that morning and we collected to pick them up at Denver's Union Station downtown. They took the light rail in. Amy and her bestie Megan, Jud, Kara, Paul and I lunched at a burger joint with frosty beers that reminded me of my dad who loved icy cold Old Milwaukee. Then the girls got our nails done while the guys checked into the hotel. Meanwhile, Corey was coming back from his bachelor party in Winter Park. #notmuchsleep

That night, the meeting of the parents finally happened. We met Shirl and Jeff Park for a drink at the hotel. I'd seen lots of photos since I put together the slide show, so I felt I already knew them. We discovered we are four people so proud of our great kids. It was a mutual admiration meeting. haha. They were off to meet with family for a late supper.

We headed to "our place", Euclid Hall. It's a restaurant in downtown that has a strange menu, but we tend to gather there. Amy and Corey had time for a quick drink before they were off for supper with the Parks. I was a happy mom with my kids. Later, more family began to trickle into town - Betsy's family and then Cindy. It was a fun first night.

Friday Paul and I walked to a little restaurant called Syrup near the hotel. The hostess noticed our ISU Cyclone gear and asked if we were graduates. She is a Cyclone too! We're everywhere. The boys were off with the Kohans guys to Broncos Training Camp. They had a great time. Of course, Paul loves the Packers the best, and Jud loves America's Team - Cowboys.

Later that morning, my Aunties, Martha and Jean - along with my sisters hosted a shower for Amy at Marty's place, Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial. It was a gorgeous day and the was event complete with cousins and bridesmaids. Aunt Marty told the story of her Great Aunties (I think they were Aldrichs - their Grandma Lulu's sisters) who would collect at Bullock's Store in Atlantic. They would hold court there and the Bullock kids - Dad, Marty and Jean would be expected to stop by and "kiss the ring" of each of them.

Rachelle, Amy, Julia with James

Bride with Great Aunties Jean and Marty 

Bridey with aunties and momma

Kara and Cindy

Bride with cousins Jordan and Leslie

The best part was - no games! And the food was really good. Amy and Corey will be stocked with kitchen gadgets for a long time! After the shower, I barely had time to change into my next dress. Yes, it was a new record for me - three dresses in one weekend. The rehearsal was at the hotel, followed by the dinner at a downtown restaurant called Ignite, near the Rockies Ballpark.  

The rehearsal dinner was on a rooftop. It was nice out - with a bit of a threat of a rain.

rooftop rehearsal dinner

Saturday morning, we had a Goldsmith breakfast at the hotel. Amy stayed at the hotel that night - and she knew she wouldn't have much time to talk to people at the reception. It was a perfect time to visit  with her aunts, uncles, and cousins who traveled to Denver for the event. In the meantime, Corey was hosting 6 or 7 wedding party members at their apartment. 

Paul and sibs at wedding

Next, it was onto girl time - covered in my last blog. It's Friday today - one week later. Wish I could do it all over again! 

Big Birthday

My Aunt Jean celebrates her 80th birthday this week. She said it's hard for her to believe she's attained that advanced age. As someone approaching age 60 (in less than 2 years!) I totally get it. Inside my head I'm still 45ish...in the mirror? Ugh, not so much.

A file photo I had on hand - from a few years ago Jean and Bruce

Anyway - hats off and party horn honks for a great aunt who has had a positive impact not only on my life and my sister's lives, but lots of peoples'. Jean was a teacher in the Cherry Creek School district in Denver for  many years - Third Grade. A popular teacher, no doubt. One claim to fame was that she taught one of John Elway's kids, when he was the Broncos quarterback. Big stuff! We loved hearing stories about parent teacher conferences.

I was always jealous of my Denver cousins because they got to see Jeanie and her husband Bruce more often than we Iowa cousins. Luckily, we had the grandparents, so there were lots of visits to Iowa. I have fond memories of Jeanie and me driving around Atlantic with in my grandpa's VW bug.

My sister Cindy credits Jeanie and Bruce for helping her see beyond high school when times  were tough one year. Mom sent her out to Denver to visit them when she wasn't making the best choices. She had a good time, and got her head on right and knew she could handle high school - there was much to life than that. Smart move by our Mom to ship her to Denver to Auntie Jean!

Bruce and Jean stopped at our house in West Des Moines the last time they came back for Jean's AHS class reunion. I hope to see them again soon. Love them!

Aunt Jeanie visits

We love visitors! A few months ago my Aunt Jean - Dad's baby sis, told me that it was the year for her class reunion in Atlantic. After the class reunion - they planned to visit us in West DSM. Yay! We love visitors. And we love my aunties (and uncles too).

It was a busy week for me. I'd flown to Reno for a mini vacation with my girl friends Paul and Julia Sunday through Wednesday. That was fun!

Followed by a couple days of work. Friday afternoon I visited the chiro.

Remember when my right should froze up two years ago? (officially Adhesive Encapsulitis) That eventually led me have the darn thing "manipulated" by a surgeon while I was blessedly unconscious. Followed by painful physical therapy. I knew what the should pain was this time - and am trying to get ahead of the freeze. (insert gritted teeth).

Before the game we tracked down our niece Barb

Saturday, after a nice time tailgating and a fun first quarter of football, we underwent a painful football game. The chiropractor might have been more fun. It could be a long season for the Cyclones. Good thing we love 'em!

We had a nice quiet Saturday night at home. I baked a cheesecake and we watched a couple football games. I was in bed before 10 p.m.

The next day Jean and Bruce arrived just after lunch. I'd seen them in May at my Uncle Bill Lamm's funeral in Denver, but it had been a while since Paul had seen them. He enjoys hanging out with them as much as I do.  I wish we lived closer to each other so we could see them more. We took on a tour around town a bit - to show off the new digs.

Standing on our home county on a map of the state - in Governor's Plaza

A beer at the Hub

That night we grilled fillets, ate some fab Iowa tomatoes Jean brought - a gift from Kay Harris Wickman. Conversation was plenty. We told stories about my parents and grandparents. And laughed. There's nothing like family. She's known me my whole life.

This morning Paul whipped up a grand breakfast and they were on their way - as they have many other places to go and people to see. I'm glad they stopped to see us. Safe journeys!

See the fam resemblance? Yep, we're Bullocks.

Was there

any better feeling than waking up on a snowy school day, and having Mom tell us "go back to sleep, no school today." Yes!

Tomorrow is like that for me - except for the go back to bed part. I will need to get up, but will work at home (Joan's home anyway). I'm really lucky I can do that. I've got a magic fob (it looks like a keychain, but has a button to push that reveals a code I need to enter) that allows me to get into the Citrix program which opens up the DNR files for me remotely.

It's as if I have a golden ticket - ala Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Remember that movie? My Aunt Jean, a third grade teacher for 30 years in ritzy Cherry Creek near Denver, gave me that book when I was in, well third grade. I took it to school and the teacher read it to the class. I is one of my favorite childhood books - I loved the illustrations.

Charlie finds the golden ticket in his candy bar. The chocolate sounded so delicious. The descriptions of the other characters - Charlies poor family - complete with 4 grandparents in one bed. The other kids who found golden tickets - Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Mike the TV kid, hmm am I missing anyone? And who could forget the oompa loompas and their curious ditties?

Amy and I went to see the new version of the movie with Johnny Depp. But I must say I prefer Gene Wilder. Hope you stay warm and dry tomorrow!