Memories Journal #22

Finally, I have a new memory to log in my Memories Journal. I'm still glowing from my vacation to Hawai'i last month, and the rainbows, turquoise waters, soft sand and iconic Diamond Head still bring me smiles. This island captures every color of the rainbow, which is why all the watercolors are sprawled out on display. Cannot wait to go back!

Memories Journal #21

During my Iceland trip, I took the opportunity to drive my daughter to Snæfellsness peninsula. This narrow strip of land is just northwest of Reykjavik. We left at about 7am to make the all day road trip to see places very few get to see. We continuously stopped to take in the remote and serene landscape. It was like being in another time and dimension I recall. On the northern side of the peninsula is Kirkjufell mountain, one of the most photographed mountain in Iceland. It has a dramatic shape, and was incredible to see up close. I had planned a long stop here with lunch, pictures, and just to be in the moment at such a beautiful place. I even brought my skechbook, but even that seemed like time wasted in just being in the presence of this mountain. I took many photos that day-March 29, 2017-another unforgettable day in fulfilling a dream come true.

Memories Journal #20-Best day of my life!

I will never forget March 27th, 2017. After a sleepless seven hour flight from Seattle to Reykjavik Iceland, I was about to begin my dream vacation I had for the past 27 years. Those who know me, know I have been intrigued by the beauty, culture, and forward thinking of Iceland. As a book crazy teenager that worked in the city library in 1989, I spent a lot of time researching this tiny country, along with The Netherlands and New Zealand. Iceland had the first female president, Iceland wasn't as cold as one would think, Iceland had Bjork!! The remoteness yet fierce independent mindset really grabbed my heart, and I told my 17 year old self someday I will get there.

March 27th, 2017 was the first day I woke up in this tiny magnificent country. I had planned this vacation with my oldest daughter for the past 9 months, and although I tried not to have an itinerary, I couldn't help but plan how I would cram all the sights I wanted to see in just six short days. Google Earth is one of my most visited websites, so I had ample opportunity to explore the areas I would visit. Number one on my list was South Iceland. 

Normally, March in Iceland is dreary and cold, but for whatever reason, we were blessed with clear and sunny skies. I couldn't help but think this was a gift from Odin and Frigg. The first stop was Seljalandsfoss (yes, that took me awhile to learn how to spell without looking it up!), and this beautiful waterfall can be seen for literally miles it is so tall. My wet cheeks hurt after spending about an hour here.

We also stopped at Skogafoss, a very wide and powerful waterfall not to be missed! I have the full daily blog here.

Our last stop in South Iceland was in a tiny town called Vik. It is a bit touristy because it is so quaint, and the little red and white church is iconic of this town which sits at the base of a few volcanoes. Black sand beaches, waterfalls, sunshine and smiles-can you get any better than that?

Memories Journal #19

Our family reunion in 2014 was such a good one, we decided to repeat it but with even more family. In August 2015, I rented a vacation home in Sunriver Oregon. This is a resort town that is popular for skiing in the winter, along with fishing, hiking and golf in warmer months. This time, we had more family come, plus my new Icelandic Sheepdog puppy Kaela who was just a few months old. There were a total of 11 people and 4 dogs! 

What I love about Sunriver is the serenity of the river and surroundings. Pathways follow the community so it is easy to just wander for hours.

Memories Journal #18

There is a little town on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula so quaint called Port Townsend. In 2014, my father came for a visit from North Carolina to spend time with my brother. I drove myself and my three children up to PT for an extra long weekend to have a mini family reunion. It was early spring and the winds were brisk. 2014 was a memorable year for our family because my 14 year old son had just moved in with us permanently. We spent our family time eating pizza, walking around town, strolling pebble beaches, and it was the first time in my life I saw a bald eagle. 

Memories Journal #17

Continuing on westward home from our 2012 cross country trip, we stopped in Wyoming. Our destination was Devil's Tower, but we were running low on funds and decided not to spend the cash on entering the park. Instead, we admired from afar while eating cold ice cream just outside of the pay booth. 

Probably the biggest regret I have on this trip is continuing on I-90 instead of detouring east to drive through Yellowstone. I had this vision that Montana was going to be more beautiful than Western Wyoming, but I was greatly disappointed until we reached the very northwest tip of Montana. Hopefully this journal will include a memory of Yellowstone and the Tetons in the future. 

Memories Journal #16

We drove home on a northern route when we left Reading. Driving through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois wasn't memorable, other than I appreciated the toll highways to move along quickly. Once we made our way into Wisconsin however, my attention was perked up. Grateful that we were traveling during summer and not a bitter winter, the flat farmlands were quite beautiful to me. 

Once we made our way into South Dakota, I was pleasantly surpised at how magnificent the summer prairies were. Yellow was everywhere, and it was unlike anything I had ever seen. Yes, flatter than I am used to, but the whole point of this trip was to see landscapes I had never experienced. 

We planned to stop in Wall SD because of the hype of the drug store. We toured that 'mall', and it was cute, but I couldn't really find the drug store but it's there. Our daughter had her photograph taken on the famous Jackalope, and my husband ate buffalo that night for dinner.

We ventured into the Badlands earlier that day, and again was surprised by a beauty I had no idea existed. The rock formations, colors and sunshine was a very happy place to be. An unforgettable area, I always tell others how surprised they will be with the beauty of this region.

Memories Journal #15

Our final destination in the 2012 road trip was Reading Pennsylvania. Anyone who knows anything about Reading would be curious to know why this was our final destination in such an epic trip. For my husband, it was a trip to his hometown and to see his family, but for me it was another opportunity to re-evaluate where I needed to be. Having been just laid off for the 2nd time in less than 3 years, I had began to wonder if it was time to relocate. Exploring the vastness of this country would give me a better prospective of whether or not I needed to try life somewhere different. Oregon is beautiful, but the Portland area was growing fast, housing was becoming expensive, jobs becoming competitive. Could I find a better place to make home? I had considered Berks County Pennsylvania.

Reading itself is not a small city, but it's not a prosperous one either. Poverty, drugs and crime are central to this old city, yet I couldn't help but see a lot of potential in it. The older row homes have so much hidden character, old churches dot the city, and then of all things a Pagoda sits on the top of the foothills.

We visited the Pagoda when it was closed, but I found it an interesting symbol of this depressing city. 

After spending a few days in Reading, I knew Pennsylvania wasn't where I wanted to call home. The visit had been good for my husband to reconnect with his family however, so I dedicate this post to him.

Memories Journal #14

One of the east coast destinations we stopped in the 2012 road trip was Washington DC. It was June, and the right coast was in the middle of an intense heat wave. Several gas stations we stopped out were out of power to pump gas. We were fortunate to find a working station on the way into DC.

We spent some time wanding around the Lincoln Memorial, we observed the Washington Memorial and walked around the WWII memorial. The Washington Memorial was closed because DC had been hit by a minor earthquake that damaged the memorial. It was still a sight to paint even years later.

Memories Journal #13

On the epic roadtrip of 2012, we stayed the second night in Oklahoma. I recall how thick the air felt, and a lot more bugs than I liked. It was nighttime when we finally stopped, but in the morning we traveled through the eastern part of the state on I40. I was very surprised to see rolling hills, farms, and colorful landscape in this part of Oklahoma. Being from a beautiful area of the U.S.A. (Oregon of course!), it was enlightening to see other parts of America that held their own unique beauty.

Memories Journal #12

In May 2012, I was laid off from a job I had for only 18 months. It was a devastating feeling, but the day after they let me go I realized it was a big relief. With the little bit of savings I had, I decided now was a good time for that mid-life crisis, and so my husband, 6 year old daughter and tiny dog jumped in our Subaru and we toured the United States for three weeks. The next few memory journals document this epic roadtrip.

On that first day, we drove straight for 14 hours with few breaks. From Oregon, we ended up just north of Zion National Park. America never ceases to amaze me with the beauty we hold in this land, and Zion did not disappoint. 

Memories Journal #8

In 2003, I tried doing a sales job that I ended up really hating. It did take me to some new places I would normally not travel too. One of those places was the Yakima Valley in Washington. I sold industrial brushes to agricultural industry, which meant trying to get that sale from companies or farmers that grew apples. One of the most difficult jobs that I have a great respect for. After two years of that job, I decided to be an accountant.

Memories Journal #9

After a difficult divorce in 2001, I took the plunge again into marital bliss. There was no fancy wedding, but on July 16, 2004 I married my husband (as of this blog now 13 years) in Newport, Oregon. You never know what you are going to get with the weather at the Oregon coast, but this day was flawless in sunshine. How beautiful I felt in a big white dress at the courthouse with my sunglasses on. One of the happiest days of my life.

Memories Journal #10 and #11

I am a west coast gal, and never thought about visiting a place like New York City. It seemed like a different country to me, and almost a little scary. I couldn't be more wrong! In 2010, my family and I flew back east for vacation. My husband and I stayed in a quaint hotel in Greenwich Village, and explored Manhattan on foot. Central Park was my favorite part of the city. 

This sketch is taken from an actual photo my husband took of the Flatiron building.

On that same trip, we visited New Jersey. Our destination was the beach in Pleasant Point, and spent the day on Jenkinson's Boardwalk. Even though it was very hot, it was another great memory made with my cheeks sore from smiling so much. This sketch was also taken from my own camera of the boardwalk.

Memories Journal #7

In 1999, I moved to Arizona thinking there would be a better life for me in the desert. I thought I would be tan all of the time, and never cold. Well, I stayed very pale and cold because being outside in 110 degrees was terrible. The air conditioning was constantly running, which is why I stayed cold. However, northern Arizona is absolutely stunning. I loved the red rock, the high altitude and cooler temperatures. A year after moving to Arizona, I moved back to Oregon as I was not cut out for all of that sunshine.

Memories Journal #6

Just 18, and a trip to San Francisco? Yes please! I spent a weekend in 1990 in San Fransciso exploring the entire city by foot. It was my first time over the Golden Gate Bridge. A memory of a lifetime!

Memories Journal #4

Southern Oregon is a place like no other. Golden hills, pear orchards, volcanic areas to the east, coastal mountains to the west, and the Rogue Valley is deep. I spent 8 years of my childhood here-from age 6 to 14, and feel like it is truly home. It does not have the rain fall that Portland does, and it can get hot. What is really unique about Southern Oregon is there are not one, but TWO table rocks very close by. I hiked one during a 6th grade field trip, and was amazed by the unique nature there. This sketch shows one of the table rocks. I truly love this area with my whole heart, and feel complete when I go back to visit.

Memories Journal #3

In October 1978, I was almost six years old, and with my 25 year old mother, she drove us from North Carolina cross country to Oregon. I recall spending days in that old car looking out the window, but don't remember much except one place-Texas. This is not one of my good memories. Our car had major trouble and we were stuck. I remember the fear I felt from my mom, and I didn't like the landscape of where we were. There were these ugly 'hammer machines' everywhere, and later I learned these were oil pumps. It was so vastly different from the trees and lushness of where we had come from. To this day, I still see Texas as a negative place. I have only been there once since, and that was on another cross country trip in 2012. No breakdowns then.

Memories Journal #2

Living in North Carolina in 1977, we lived near the beach. I would dig my own little pool in the wet sand, but couldn't figure out why the water would disappear when I poured the seawater from my bucket. When the waves came crashing in, I screamed in terror fearing that I would be swept away. Maybe I perished in a tsunami in a former life?

Memories Journal #1

My watercolor sketchbook collection won't stop growing. I just purchased another Bee Creative watercolor book now made with 100% cotton. This is far superior (IMHO) to the 25% cotton paper. It is an 8 X 8 book with 30 sheets, and feels very high quality for the price.

This new journal will focus on haikus that describe memories I have of various places traveled or lived in. Some of these memories aren't necessarily good ones, but definitely shaped me. Most of us are trying to forget those less than perfect memories that bring back pain, but as time goes on, we realize that pain made us better, stronger, or happier. 

#1 in my book takes place in 1975ish, living in rural North Carolina in an old single wide trailer with my mom, grandma and uncle who was just 10 years my senior. Money and space were tight, but I just remember having my family.