The late day sun casts bare tree shadows on my home as I contemplate the work ahead for me. I have made a decision to move to Utah after long deliberation. Kentucky is a natural paradise that abounds with all types of fantastic wildlife. It has been a good place to nurture my interest in all things wild. Also, it is a treasure chest of folkways that I have attempted to record in part through images and a few words. I will miss this place as I am now in my fifth year of living here.
But, most of my family members are now living in the west, Utah and Oregon, and there are no more members in this part of the country. And, I have a great love of the west with its grandeur of mountains and varied landscapes. This will be an opportunity to explore cultures of ancients, wildlife, and folks. Hopefully it will open a multitude of new views for my layperson's photography.
Above are rocks that I have picked up along the many roads I have traveled in the U.S. over the past twenty-one years. I think there are only about five states that I have not visited. I consider these rock fragments -- my fetishes. I use the native American interpretation of fetishes -- being sacred objects for spiritual awakening and to communicate with supernatural powers providing protection, promote healing and ensure success in ventures.
Of course -- the runway ahead can be a really long one before I take off with my dog Sal. Sales of houses are slow and low. In the meantime I have plenty to do around the house and property -- trying to get it on the market in March.
I will continue with FOLKWAYS NOTEBOOK when I finally make it to Utah. I plan on bringing a whole new western palette to my blog.
But for now everything is as usual with my postings. No changes. Except for me feeling completely overwhelmed!
I do look forward to your new perspective with a life in Utah. Best wishes that everything comes together for a speedy move.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle -- it will surely be invigorating to investigate new surroundings -- barbara
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! I had no idea this was in the (possible) works. Moab? Or elsewhere in the state? What a playground you will have there. I love rocks, too, and that's what I collect when traveling. Rocks. I love that you see them as fetishes. That's perfect! How cool!
ReplyDeleteTeresa -- Several things had to come together before I committed myself to Utah. But recently the red light turned to green so now I just need to wait on the economy. I am looking at an area by Salt Lake City -- the Unitas mountains to be specific and within it-- Emigration canyon. I don't know if you lived in Moab but the summers are wickedly hot. But Moab is not terribly far from Salt Lake so one can run down and camp a few days and soak in all that it offers. Rocks hold such mystery. Nice to hear that you collect them too. Thanks for stopping by with your nice comments -- barbara
ReplyDeleteThat's a big move. Good luck with your house sale and moving to Utah. Sounds like a great adventure, and I'll be looking forward to your posts in future.
ReplyDeleteRose -- Nice to hear from you. Yes, it is a big move. I do think I can manage it as I am a seasoned mover and traveler. Anyway, I will be positive all the way through this move and that thinking should get me to Utah eventually. Don't you live in Oregon or is it Washington? Thanks for the good luck wish -- barbara
ReplyDeleteI live in Washington. :)
DeleteBig changes, I hope you will be wonderfully happy in your new home.
ReplyDeleteAuntea -- Thanks you for the nice thoughts. First I have to sell the house before I move. A step at a time -- barbara
ReplyDeleteUtah's gain will be Kentucky's loss. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the comment section no longer accepts my url
A major decision but with good reason -- and to another interesting place although I think you are curious and thoughtful enough to find almost any place interesting and to photograph it well and convey that interest to others.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, of course, these is much to do but I'll look forward to more Kentucky posts, and sometimes, for me, nostalgia trips.
Good luck and happiness in your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will find many things, places to photograph.
Grampy -- What a kind comment. I think Kentucky is a luscious and intriguing state. If not for family I would remain. I had no trouble receiving your comment nor visiting your blog today. Perhaps it has been fixed? Thanks barbara
ReplyDeleteJune -- I realize the value of being near family. It will require as much prep work as the actual physical moving part. I am sure you are familiar with that. I have been to Utah many times and there is loads of raw material there. My daughter, husband and granddaughter live there. It will be wonderful to be around my granddaughter. They grow so quickly. Thank you for the generous remarks -- I appreciate them. --- barbara
ReplyDeleteDiane -- I am looking forward to the "finds," that will be around every corner. I read on someone's blog, when I first started blogging, that all you have to do is open your eyes and there is something to photograph or write about. I do believe this. Thanks for the comment -- barbara
ReplyDeleteWell, this this a surprise. But I'll look forward to seeing Utah through your discerning eyes. Another beautiful header, by the way!
ReplyDeleteVicki -- It will be awhile before I move as I have to sell my house first. But I'm busy getting ready for the day when it does sell. Thanks for the nice comment on my header -- barbara
ReplyDeleteExciting! It seems like a lot of people I know (ourselves included) are experiencing a year of major transitions. How fun that you'll have all new places, natural and man-made, to explore - and new photo ops for us to enjoy! I know all too well how overwhelmed you must feel, but it does help to be an experienced veteran of moving. Wishing you much luck and fun new adventures!
ReplyDeleteLaloofah -- You are certainly a recent veteran of a house move. I remember you working on preparing your home to put on the market. I am going through this slowly and hopefully will have it on the market in March. Some things to do just cannot be hired out so this is what slows me down. Or is it I'm just a bit older then when I last moved? I always feel that change is good, no matter if it is a small change or a large one, keeps the energy flowing. -- Thanks for the kind comments. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteI remember that too, it doesn't feel like it was that long ago! It's a lot of work, but was worth it in the end for us and I'm hoping it will be for you as well. What I've seen of your home through your blog is so appealing, I have a feeling you'll be selling and moving on to Utah quickly. Change does keep the energy flowing. I love a sense of security, but hate it when life feels stagnant. You are sure embracing the spirit of the Year of the Dragon! :-)
ReplyDeleteI meant to mention your wonderful rocks - I think we discussed before that we share a rockhound nature!
Ah -- I do know this is the luckiest of the Chinese years. Perhaps that is what you mean -- I'll have luck this year and sell my house. If I could find a house/cottage like the one you live in now I would say the wait was worth the effort. My daughter is looking for a small rental home for Sal and I as she lives in SLC. That helps. Also, they have a mountain cabin I can live in if I need time to find a place once I get there. I'm excited about moving to Utah. Before I leave I want to collect more photos of certain subjects here in KY as I probably won't get back this way again. Appalachia is truly a unique place.
ReplyDeleteI have a cloth bag that I tuck in the cab of my truck that carries my rocks as I travel. Otherwise they become part of my artifacts about my home. Do you collect any certain type of rocks i.e. large, small, certain looks, just because you like them ---. I cannot scientifically identify only a few rocks.
Thanks for the warm words of encouragement -- barbara
Wow! That IS big news! How wonderful that you will be closer to family. I hope Utah is as wonderful for you as Bear Mountain has been.
ReplyDeleteNCmountainwoman -- Is was only after many months of weighing the facts that I made the decision to move to Utah. Kentucky is a marvelous state. But, family comes first. Folkways can be found everywhere. You made the jump from north to south and your life sounds ideal where you have planted yourself. Each place has something unique to offer. Thanks for the comment -- barbara
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara:
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move to Utah. It is one of the few states I have not been to, and I hear it is beautiful there. Let's stay in touch via our blogs. I can't wait to see some pictures from your new home. Take care.
Thomas -- I will be staying in touch -- planning on capturing the interesting folkways of Utah with the beautiful wildness that abounds. But, first have to sell this house and that is not easy in this economy.
DeleteThanks for the nice comment -- barbara