Here we are at the Peets’. The whole second floor of the building behind is our studio for the week. (A place like no other.)
It occurs to me that it’s in the year that my father died, and my mother just before that, that I am called back to Wyoming.
I’ve mentioned that I have this heritage, if only through my parents having grown up here, meeting and marrying and moving away before I was born. But it was to Wyoming we returned for family reunions on the Moore side. It was then that I saw the bigness of the land, the bigness of the people I was related to, and the setting for all their stories. I was claimed by Wyoming as my true earthen soul.
California, I love you, and to you will be true, but there’s something deep here; I’ve sensed it for a long time, though my adulthood visits have been next to nil. Until now.
It started when an acquaintance of mine, Marty Peet, someone I only knew because she’d seen my story on TV some years back, contacted me for more copies of the video, then DVD, to share with friends.* Once, as time went by, she offhandedly asked, “When are you going to come to Wyoming and put on one of your workshops?” I answered just as offhandedly, “When are you going to invite me?”
And here we are, some six months later, in the middle of a workshop for her and seven others in Jackson Hole. That’s for two days. More, we are week-long guests of the Peets in private quarters on their 70-acre spread straddling the Hoback River. More yet, we have the use of her personal and spacious studio above husband Charlie’s workshop. We’re doing what we love to do on these trips, get to know a new place, and concentrate on making art.
The results of all this will be featured on a future Blank Canvas, the monthly art blog. For now it’s just an update on yet another example of the abundant hospitality we’ve received this trip, and the special meaning of this particular destination.
As the tourist brochure claims, it’s “Wyoming: Like no place on earth.” Certainly it’s so for me.
Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom. My roots are in your soil.
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*That was before I got permission to make it available right here on the website . . . see above under Videos.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
1:16 am
Recently I read «Travels with Charlie» by John Steinbeck. The book is a journal of a trip which he (and his dog) undertook in the Sixties and which took him through most of the States. All I remember about what he said about Wyoming is that it is just one beautiful place. Well, when I look at your photo, it certainly looks inviting. Have a wonderful time in the land of your forefathers!
6:14 am
Thanks Franziska, I read that book when it came out. I don’t remember the comment. I do remember our own travels in your Switzerland, and the same could be said.
8:08 am
I lived in Laramie for a year when I was 10 while my father taught at the U of Wyoming. So many memories….I took flute lessons and walked home from school for lunch, seeing real snowflakes for the first time. That same winter I skated on a frozen pond, My friend Lori and I rode our bikes everywhere, to the university campus and to that same pond, now thawed, and saw salamanders. I was also a Camp Fire Girl and remember wearing my white blouse with red scarf to school on our meeting days. And I remember ice sickles that were not vertical but hanging at about 45 degrees as the below zero wind blew them sideways (but I was a kid and didn’t really notice the cold). I have so many fantastic memories of Wyoming. Enjoy your time there and hello to Anne!
8:22 am
This picture of you and Anne is a keeper in many ways. So, happy for you to be there long enough to allow the Wyoming “vibe” to sink in. It is a very mellow vibe with widely spaced wave patterns. The older I get, the more I want to spend every hour outside in “The Great Cathedral.” Soak it all in, it will soothe your soul. Looking forward to seeing you upon your return.
Don’t forget our first home show on Sept. 27 and 28.
8:29 am
WOW! Yes, it is lovely…the pix is superb of you and Anne….our Mark was born in Laramie when we lived in Riverton….we always called him the Wyoming Kid…maybe that would be an appropriate name for you!
6:08 pm
This is 21 C American Gothic image. A master work I see
6:13 pm
A lovely glimpse into your feelings about the sense of ‘place’ you have in Wyoming…and an equally lovely picture of you both. I hope you have the time to stay for Sunday’s service at River Crossing with Pastor Mike.
May our Lord’s peace, grace and love continue to surround you.
9:47 pm
if you still sent Christmas cards, this could be it. so fab. but too cold in the winter. dad and mom were heartier folk.
1:45 pm
Hyatt
When I see the ongoing blessings poured out on you and Anne I see you both living out daily testimonies of Romans 8:28.
I loved this post. “As Deep cries out to deep” Psalm 42
Jim
8:37 pm
You two look very much at home there. Miss you both. Dave and I send our love. It is 23 years this next wknd that you two blessed us with your presence and help at our wedding.