Saturday, April 19, 2008

More from Moab--

We had enough energy after the hike to drive up a canyon along the Colorado River to one of the three wineries near Moab. The drive is spectacular, with the canyon walls rising sharply from the riverbed. I have never tired of this view, no matter how many times I make this trip.



The winery sits on a bend in the river. There are hayfields nearby, a fantastic restaurant, and rooms and cabins. I can't think of a more beautiful setting in which to get away from it all. Here's the view from the balcony--



We also walked Moab downtown, browsing in all the shops. This dog seems to be doing a great job of guarding his master's little red convertible!



We also hiked up to a small waterfall up above Ken's Lake, south of Moab. Shannon wanted to climb into the pool, we convinced her that hiking back in wet shoes probably wouldn't be much fun!



The sunset that evening was lovely--



On our way home Monday morning, we detoured over to Dead Horse State Park. After driving for almost twenty miles through rather unremarkable sagebrush country, you come to this--





Look at all the layers in these rock formations--



I spent the last week trying to get back into the work mode. My brain is once again descending into creative mush, although I'll admit I've been preoccupied with something I don't normally do. Last Christmas, Shannon and I saw this puzzle on sale at JoAnn's- $3. The image was a cool one, a big sunflower.



So we started it after we got back from Moab. And it is now driving me crazy, I will see this one through to completion, AND glue and mount in on foam core. The picture itself is made up of hundreds of tiny pictures, and when you add the small size of the puzzle pieces, it is crazy-making!



Here's my progress thus far. I'm doing it in fits and spurts, grabbing time when I can. I've been working on this while listening to CNN- between politics, and the recent events in Texas, there hasn't been any lack of news. So maybe my creative juices just need some fallow time.



I am away from home all next week on business, so nothing much to post until I get back. I've got my sketchbook and colored pencils packed, just in case energy and inspiration should strike simultaneously!!


2 comments:

Gayle said...

I loved the "field trip" to Moab! That puzzle looks like one of the toughest I've ever seen.

Sandra said...

Glad you had a good visit but you're in so much trouble for coming to Moab and not calling me. Your dog/car photo was taken at my office doorstep, scold scold.
Big news: I'm now an AQS Certified quilt appraiser, first in central/southern Utah.
Sandra