Cali Trip Day 7 -Vichy Springs Spa, Ukiah

Our trip to the Redwoods was amazing and now it was time to trek back to Los Angeles. It was not going to be as fun filled or adventurous as we had no stops planned along the way. But just like life, plans change. I love the quote, if you want to see God’s sense of humor, make a plan.

As we were driving we stopped for an excellent road side coffee where I purchased my new favorite crochet winter hat. ($20 hand made- Love)

Zoe saw a billboard about a missing person from the area where we got the coffee and she google searched the mystery surrounding it. Another murder mystery. Zoe was well into the middle of her book reading to me every night before I went to sleep. Such a loving gesture that will live in my heart forever.

Another billboard that caught her eye, one of a retro photo of a man wearing a bikini bottom advertising a champagne spring. Well we of course had to detour and take a look at what the heck that was all about. As everyone knows, I love bubbles! Drinking them, blowing them, you name it. Why not soak in them?

We parked and walked around a bit but there were warning signs about having to pay to get in and private property, yadayada.
I was curious what was in here. Eventually a woman popped her head out and asked if we wanted help. She told us about these natural springs dating back to 1854. Gave us a pamphlet.

I thought this would be great for George’s arthritis. Zoe was wanting to give it a test run, but bathing suits were required. I didn’t bring one with me on this trip. The woman behind the desk offered that I borrow one. She brought out a laundry basket of swim suits, all promised to be sterilized and clean 🙂

You know how hard it is to shop for a swimming suit. I was sure there wasn’t going to be any that would cover me right- but I grabbed two to try on and I paid the $35.00 fee to stay two hours at the resort. It was cold and rainy. The springs were not “hot” and were located in a covered outdoor venue. Challenge excepted.

We got a cute map of the place, in case we got lost. There were also hiking trails we could utilize if desired.
On our way to the pool house to change we passed these adorable cabins.
The pool was classic old school style.
We walked over this bridge and landed in our first set of tubs.
Zoe was loving that Mark Twain sat his butt in one of them, I’m sure back then bathing suits weren’t required.
These were the outdoor uncovered ones.
Tubs looked so ancient. You pull the pole out of one end and the spring water just naturally comes in and fills the tub.

Amazingly one of the swim suits fit. Perfectly. Probably better than any I personally purchased before. Life. Ridiculous sometimes.
Zoe capturing the moment. I was worried about getting my phone wet. Old fashion thinking with their new technologies.

The first set of tubs was for mineral water that was great for your skin. We sat in them for awhile until we got cold. I wore my new hat the whole time to stay warm. Then we wandered out in the rain and sat in the hot tub for a bit. That was awesome. I didn’t want to get out.

We then walked around and asked a couple of ladies if they knew where the champagne tubs were and they steered us in the right direction. Zoe and I shared a room with two tubs. This one functioned the same way, where you pulled out the pole and then the water filled up, but the water didn’t drain. Instead it overflowed onto the floor to the floor drain. We both scrambled to get our clothing up.

We were told this is a natural spring where the bubbles adhere to your skin and work their magic on your blood vessels to increase the flow. It was wild. Watching them attach. Definitely clustered more on my legs than Zoe’s.
Dont you love my suit? 🙂

We were told there are only 3 of these world wide but did not fact check. One was here of course, one is in Vichy France but you need a prescription to soak, and the last one is in Madagascar. This one in CA was allowed to remain open during Covid helping those that needed it.

After walking out I felt 10 lbs lighter. I can’t explain it. Definitely something went on in there and it was such a great experience. Happy Zoe convinced me to go.

The drive back was misty and cold. But the trees still showed off their beauty as we drove by.

We decided to stop and stay in SLO- San Luis Obispo. We drove through this town on our way to the Redwoods, but didn’t stop because it seemed really busy. We couldn’t find parking, so decided to just keep moving along. Later Rhonda told us it was parent’s weekend and that is a college community. Makes sense now.

She then recommended some of her favorite dinner spots there and we google mapped our way for dinner.

We travelled through Oakland but it didn’t help with the traffic.
I did enjoy seeing the Oakland port.
I felt this traffic in this area was worse than any I encountered in LA.
The sun was starting to set. I was exhausted. Poor Zoe did most of the driving.
We ended up at this adorable Italian restaurant named Guiseppe’s. After 12 hours in the car, we were not looking quite proper but the server was kind and said everything is Caifornia casual.

After dinner we found our way to the Airbnb which was an adorable historically rehabbed carriage house named “Goddess meets Cowboy”. I loved it. Zoe read to me again and I passed out, not ready for the following morning when I would have to return to work.

I love how some people create the most perfectly charming places to stay for people like me. Airbnbs are so fun because the decor is purposeful and you can experience something you would never put in your own home, but yet enjoy for a night or two.
The next morning I woke up super early and took my computer outdoors to work while Zoe slept in.

Flat woods Trail- Clarksville, Indiana

Working remote has its perks. But it also has a tendency to keep me indoors at my desk more than I’d like. I mow the grass at George’s just as an excuse to get outside and exercise.

Saturday, I decided to go for a hike after having a productive morning. (booking my flight to Germany for January, buying ballet tickets for my girls Christmas gifts, ordering family holiday pjs, working a little freelance- its the little things to get crossed off your list that make you feel good sometimes)

I googled a trail within an hour drive and off I went and ended up in a recreational area in Indiana.

Found this on AllTrails of course. I still haven’t paid for the upgrade, even though it pops up so frequently I want to purchase just to stop saying no.”
I prefer loop trails whenever I can. This one was the perfect length for an afternoon hike.
Fall is here and temperatures are starting to drop. I put on the scarf Kang Kang gave me for Christmas last year and a flannel to stay warm. I struggled to find the right way to begin but eventually found a very well marked trail with an orange F showing where to go.
The trail head started along a disc golf course and there were a few people playing.
The trees were so tall and this trail was in the thick of it.
When I pulled up there were a lot of cars, but not a soul on the trail.
It routed along an open field and I stopped to admire the different levels of greenery against the super blue sky.
Eventually it opened up along a golf course. No one was playing. It felt so empty.
As I walked I fought fear. I’ve been super anxious lately. Any little thing can trigger me to tears or cause me to oddly internally shake with worry. Its not like me and I blame it on menopause. I recalled being on my first desert hike in West Texas alone and having an unfounded fear of rattlesnakes. I stopped then to touch a flower to rid of the fear. Here I laid my hand on a tree and asked for help.
The scenery was so nice. Peaceful. Fallen leaves path. I felt back in my element. Remembering how the lake house reflections brought me to the same security. How could I have lost that feeling so quickly settling back into the reality of life.
I spotted these beautiful mushrooms which looked like modern flowers along the base of the tree. That brought me back to the wonder I’d lost.
I started spotting the colors amongst the fallen leaves.
The trees crocked branches always remind me to keep going. Things may bend you out of place physically or emotionally but there can be further heights to reach by continuing.
Adore their endurance and lessons.
For some reason this felt like an art composition.
The feathery leaves created an inviting pathway.
Was proud of myself for getting out on my own as I continued on this walk and fought against fear of being followed or something bad happening. I never used to feel this way when alone. Heck, I slept in my van in parking lots and woods across the country alone and never once felt fear. Its a new emotion for me. I’m learning how to confront it.
Seriously how does this not ground you to what life is about and the creator behind the masterpiece?
Believe I was rounding the loop. On the opposite side of the field.
Appreciating the composition of colors and berries which reminded me of Debbie. Christmas in October.
Almost felt unreal like I was walking in a fairytale story.
And this photo reminded me of a painting. Ironically we had a team building work event and we spent two hours painting a fall foliage scene the day before.
My end result. Was fun.
Unexpectedly I ended up near a stream.
The trees were so comforting. This trail was really wonderful. I was a little sad there were not more people appreciating it.
The squirrel blended right into the fallen tree root, but you can see still see his tail.
On the drive back to La Grange, the clouds peaked my interest. So low. So perfect. Like they were out having a party across the sky.

FC Soccer and Reds Baseball- Summer Sports in Cincinnati

I was fortunate enough to get invited to an FC Cincinnati soccer game in their new stadium. I have never been to this Cincinnati’s club game before and my friend Angie has season tickets. She usually never goes herself, but tonight her husband was unable to attend so I got the lucky seat.

When we first walked in I was impressed. They were playing Tennessee.
Angie and I have been friends since college and it was great being able to catch up again! Its tough with kids and work to find an opportunity to sit alone for a few hours. I pity the people sitting behind us 🙂
Apparently this area of the stadium is where the fans get rowdy! Cheering loudly and setting off orange and blue smoke bombs. Could be fun to experience for a game.
This was our view.
Was unfortunate to see them lose in the shoot out. I am glad I watched Ted Lasso series so I somewhat understand this sport better.

That same weekend, I purchased Cincinnati Reds tickets for my daughters and I. We like to go once a year and this was our last opportunity before Zoe headed back to LA. I purchased in the nose bleed section, but in the end, it worked out as the shade hit our seats first.

The view from the stadium looking out at the Roebling Suspension Bridge and Ohio River.
A view from our seats. They were playing against Washington. We got to see Votto hit a home run which was fun. We googled him. He’s still playing at age 39!
Toward the bottom of the 7th we headed down to the main level and were able to view an inning from behind home base.
Another great memory in the books. Me and my girls!!!

After the game, although sweaty and exhausted, we headed to watch Mark play in a band at Weideman’s brewery. Jane, his wife, had texted me earlier in the week to let me know he was playing. I texted Allen who lives nearby and we all enjoyed a drink together out on the patio.

Such a fun way to end the weekend!

Picasso Exibit- Cincinnati Art Museum

The day after the ceremony, we planned to visit the Picasso Exhibit before Solaire and Charlie had to take off. After completing the clean up from the wedding, I was ready to get out of the house.

I forgot how close this museum is to where I live. And its free except for special exhibits. On my agenda to take advantage of this opportunity more. To get out of my house, from behind my remote computer work and live.

Our group heading in.
Nostalgic Pinocchio sculpture as you enter.

We headed straight back to the Picasso exhibit which was focused on the history of his landscapes. This year celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his death. The exhibit will be there until October.

I learned a lot looking at all the interpretations of his landscapes. It was interesting to see how he painted the views from where he lived and developed his artform with this subject matter. Looking at this French scene I would never have guessed it to be Picasso’s.
There was an interactive book you could remotely turn the pages of and see the landscape photo during the time period of when he painted vs his art renders.
The variety is what was so interesting to me. The colors, the styled interpretations throughout his life.
They also displayed some of his sculptures. Zoe was particularly fascinated with this one which changed faces as you moved around it.
It was fun to see which ones captured each person’s interest.
Each piece unique.
This was one of my favorites, something about the coloration and black doodling accents.
The architecture and colored walls the museum used to display Picasso’s work perfectly complimented the pieces in my opinion. I enjoyed walking through the archways and feeling the different energy.
Lost Charlie and George at one point. I think it wasn’t necessarily interesting to a 9 year old. We continued to wander through the halls to see what else this museum offered.
I loved the folk art rooms.
Have also always been a fan of sculpture.
This is made from glass.
This fun sketchy wall is in the hallway where you first walk in.

Being inspired by this visit, I asked to tag along with Zoe when she went for a run in Eden Park in the mornings. I started to walk the steps and am just now reminded to continue that habit now even though she is back in LA. It felt so good to get out!

Zoe and I went to the Museum’s Cafe for lunch her last day in town. This is the view from our table.
My salad was delicious and reasonably priced! I need to become a member here.
The bunny wall of course stole my heart.
I love his style.

After lunch Zoe wandered across the hallway from the cafe to a pottery exhibit. I anticipated it to be filled with the historic Rookwood Pottery famous in Cincinnati but instead it was featuring a modern ceramic artist- Roberto Lugo.

We watched a video of how he held classes in this room for two weeks and artists would paint some of the pottery pieces he created. They are now displayed on the shelves in the background.
His work though was so amazing! Hitting on modern culture with the painting creativity of a fine artist. I admired all of his pieces.
He painted vases focused on Cincinnati.
And legends like Kobe Bryant.
Years ago, when I used to trend shop Europe, I loved how their home decor would clash art. For example taking an intricate blue porcelain classic design and putting it on the same piece with a bold contemporary pattern. I feel like these cherubs capture the same feeling. Bright geometric patterns on a classic form. Love the mix.

Sedona and Namkis Wedding- July 22, A Day to Remember

The weekend following George’s opening was Sedona and Namki’s wedding. I heard about their engagement while in California visiting with Zoe in February, earlier this year. Sedona expressed wanting a very small court room ceremony with just Zoe as a witness. Although disappointed not to be invited, I also showed full support of her wishes. After all, we come from a long line of elopers in my family. My mom and dad, my mom’s parents, both of my sisters- I was actually the first to have a wedding- and also the only marriage that didn’t work out. (things that make you go hmmm)

Well things, as life, did not go according to plan. Once Ki’s parents heard, they fully supported but stressed the desire for a church wedding. Sedona agreed, because that’s what love is about- compromise. But the church ended up discovering asbestos two weeks prior to their set date and they scrambled to find a new venue.

Bob and Ron, our brilliant landscaping neighbors, agreed to allow us to host the ceremony in their backyard. Chad, another neighbor who is building the summer home in the shared space, also agreed to work his butt off to get the walls constructed so Sedona and Namki could say their vows in this setting. Such support we have always been surrounded by here. Blessed.

I took two days off work prior to the wedding day and Sedona had a perfect schedule for us to get all we needed accomplished.

Thursday we headed to Trader Joe’s to buy the champagne and flowers. We decided to do them ourselves and the price couldn’t be beat. As everyone knows in the Cincinnati area, the Trader Joe’s is right beside David’s Bridal. We jokingly decided to go in and see what they offered. Sedona already purchased online three dresses to pick from, but in our typical spontaneous style- we found the perfect dress!

Love this moment. I will cherish this memory forever of how much fun it was to find this together!
We took our flowers home in a generously gifted bucket of water. We randomly picked out any floral bunches we thought would look nice and blocked the store entry for a bit while doing so.
Once we got home, we opened up one bottle of champagne to celebrate and get to work.
For this special occasion, I pulled out my grandmother’s antique colored glasses that I have admired since I was a child and inherited but never used. Until now.
Sedona had envisioned small random glass vases with a natural wildflower look.
We stored them in my fridge which you can imagine was tight!
Friday Sedona headed to the salon and sat patiently for hours getting a specialty paint with a heart on her ring finger.

I picked up cakes from the Bonbonerie and afterwards we met for a fabulous mimosa brunch at The Pub where Ki joined us. Solaire, their sister, was flying in that evening. After picking her up, us four girls went out for an early evening to a private karaoke room at Tokyo Kitty. Sedona generously paid for our fun hours reuniting.

Outside the venue- capturing these three that I love so much!
It was a fun experience to have our own space to sing. Sedona and Solaire have amazing voices! I was hoping to participate more but most of the song choices I didn’t know. So I proudly sat back and enjoyed.

Saturday morning we woke up early. Started at 8 am, moving the flowers out, setting up the tables and getting everything into place. Just us gals and Ki. It was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. I am a terrible host. I never relax at my own party, but today was not about me and I was determined to make it the best it could be for Sedona.

The night before, Chad was finishing up touches on the summer home and had a great idea to paint one wall with chalkboard paint so everyone could leave their well wishes. He insisted on building a holder for the chalk to make it look professional. I took all my paint supplies down there and texted him at 9 am saying I was getting started with the first coat. He told me it needed to be washed and prepped and I explained I do not have time for that! So he got out of his pjs and set to work.

Zoe labored for a straight hour moving lumber and equipment out of the summer home to an unviewable location to help make it look presentable while he started with the painting. At about 11 am he informed me the lights I brought down would not work and I needed to drive him to Lowes to purchase new ones. Yep….three hours before the ceremony, I was at Lowes.

I completely am in debt to Chad for the work he put into the summer home which was absolutely amazing in the end. I helped him hang the lights and then he asked Charlie and I to rub chalk all over the painted wall and then rub it off with our hands. I was like, nope, I’m out. Still have to shower and get dressed.

George arrived around noon and unloaded a car full of food completely taking over our kitchen counters. He was in charge of the charcuterie boards but instead of preparing them in advance, set work in the kitchen for the next couple hours. My anxiety started kicking in. He seems to work best under pressure, I on the other hand do not.

I was happy Zoe and Solaire were calm and went with Sedona to their apartment to take some photos and pick up my handsome son in law.

The twins getting ready.
The candles and flowers turned out beautiful!
We set up a tent to offer some shade. The back patio venue at Bob and Ron’s is the best! We couldn’t have asked for a better day either. The humidity had dropped just for us 🙂
We expected 30 people between the two families. Nothing formal. Buffet style mixing the Korean and Guyanese cultures together. We ended up having WAY too much food and ate for weeks to come.
Chelsea again was busy making her amazing custom cookies.
The couple before the ceremony began. They didn’t want a photographer, but George took over with his creative eye snapping images which turned out better than any professional could have captured.
The view of the two families looking in watching the ceremony.
The vows.
And that perfect kiss captured.
The after glow of pure joy.
Solaire and Zoe were the signed witnesses. It’s official.
I love their natural smiles perfectly captured.
We carried down champagne glasses and popped the bottles after they were announced married.
Zoe gave a quick toast claiming her new brother.
I’m so glad I made the bouquet she held. But George setting up this photo, showing the Tiffany ring boxes and the custom made champagne glasses Zoe gifted- priceless.
My proud mama moment.
We decided we could be a sit com! The characters and let me tell ya, this day alone could make a great movie!
Our most gracious neighbors- Chad, Ron and Bob. We will forever be thankful.
We set out bubbles for the kids because that can never go wrong.
The new sisterhood.
Love their expressions with Sedona’s childhood lights strung up above.
Our new blended family.
And theirs. It was unfortunate that Ki’s parents were unable to attend as Ki’s sister (behind him) is pregnant and was heading back to South Korea the following week to have their third child. I cried while Face-Timing his parents, as I was so fortunate to have, in the end, been part of it all.
The chalkboard wall in action.
Reaching for a space to wish them well.
This photo taken at the end of the night. This summer house has a fresh start.
As the evening dwindled, I captured this quiet moment on our patio. I loved the kindness I saw from both of them that day and the pure joy on their faces as they started their new life together.

It was a day to remember. A daughter’s wedding. A day I could not have predicted. We all know how hard life can be and this was a precious moment in time offering hope and showing us a glimmer of how love wins. So happy for Sedona and Namki- Congrats on giving love a chance!

Serpent Mound- Ohio

My sister Trisha and her husband Tim were on a whirlwind family visit across the eastern portion of the USA. They have always wanted to go see “Serpert Mound” which dates back to 1000 AD or even further according to legends. I never heard of it.

It’s a gigantic earthen sculpture representing a serpent. It is said to align with the galaxy and is built directly beside where a crater hit. This place was the first privately funded archaeological preserves in the United States.

To get there we drove through Amish country and passed by at least 6 different horse and buggies. That lifestyle always is so strange in the midst of other civilization.
A paved walkway goes around the snake which unfortunately was a tad underwhelming since you couldn’t actually see the snake layout from ground view and the viewpoint structure had 15 code violations, so it was roped off from use.
I took a snap from google maps to see the body of the snake made from hills. There were also several ancient burial mounds in the area as well.
At the head of the snake, there were steps leading down to the view of the crater area below.
They had signs to keep off the grass’ but there was one woman with her barefeet sneaking some of its magical energy.
Just looked like small hills to me. It is cool though that even back before google or drones, someone was able to recognize the serpent shape and realize its historical meaning.
We hiked down a trail for a bit to get a view of the river below. I was distracted by the pretty wildflowers making their appearance.
I also noticed a young guy sitting in the woods meditating. Obviously supposed to be a spiritual place.
The clouds were rolling in and by the time we made it back to our car the drops started.

As we drove back toward Cincinnati, we google mapped our way to Mt. Caramel Brewing Company for a stop. After that we detoured to the 50 West Brewery, then onto Woodburn Brewery. Eventually making our way to Newport on the Levee for a late dinner and a city view.

A perfect ending to a very strange and uneventful, yet perfectly lost sort of day. It was great seeing my sister again and I love how she can roll with it and still find joy in the moments.

April Flowers

One thing that can help anyone get out of a funk is spring time. The flowers that re-appear and brighten the landscape everywhere you go while the weather is not yet unbearably hot. Its such a beautiful time of year and is a highlight of the changing of the season.

While walking back to my car from the Museum Center I noticed the cherry blossom trees were in bloom.
Its all about timing to capture their beauty.
Meanwhile at Spring Grove the tulips were in full force.
So beautiful seeing the colors blending.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to see a large tulip field in Amsterdam. Putting that on my bucket list.
These puffy flowers smelled so good.
I could sit under a dogwood for hours.
No clue what this was but the purple coloration was so pretty against the green.
I kept this snap shot as my new screen saver. The combination of warm colors is a masterpiece.
But its the God-given details in the petals that renews my trust in the Universe.

“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for a moment.” ― Georgia O’Keefe .

Cheesecakery-Madisonville,Ohio

On the weekend, Sedona and I made plans to check out a new coffee shop in Madisonville. This part of the city is trying to upgrade and what better way to do it than by building modern apartment housing for younger people and putting in an awesome coffee shop in the neighborhood.

We discovered there are several buildings along the block housing different parts of the Cheesecakery business. It was Sedona’s birthday that weekend, so we of course checked out the bakery.
This was an adorable place with tons of clever cheesecake cupcakes and sweets!
We purchased 4 different flavors to try and buckeyes to eat while we waited for our coffee.
I made Sedona pose- Life is Sweet – she’s about to turn 24!
The coffee shop started to pick up. We ordered a coffee tasting line up. Sort of like flights of beer, but with coffee varieties. I loved the idea! You place your order here, then go next door to sit down.
This shows it doesn’t take much to start something new. By the time we left many tables were filled.
The decor seemed to have an eclectic theme, which may be appropriate for the area.
Our coffee flights. Mine hot, hers cold. I tried lavender coffee when I was in Columbus,Indiana celebrating my twin’s 21 birthday. I remember thinking it was such a strange thing- now the flavors are common. Pistachio is one of my favorites, with lavender a close second.

Bricktionary Exhibit- Cincinnati Museum Center

George brought his daughter and her cousins up to Newport on the Levy for a few days of fun over their Spring Break. Knowing Charlie is into Lego with her dad, I told them about this exhibit which is the World Premier showcasing what’s possible with Lego. It has over 150 custom- built models.

I met them there during my lunch break. Not being into Lego at all as a kid didn’t matter. This was an art form that was amazing! They laid it out in A_B_C_ order teaching what can be imagined using things from the letters in the alphabet- hence the name of the exhibit.

A= Airport was phenomenal.
C= Crocodile was cool too. Looking at the way they used the coloration to capture the skin texture.
D= Dress. This reminded me of my fashion design days when students created outfits using non fabric items.
The Back To The Future car was so intricate.
Never really considered bricks as an art form.
The movie theatre with the IPad playing the Lego Movie was such a cute twist.
Believe this was part of a movie theme.
The kids were more fascinated by the island with the mermaid on it than the Sydney Opera House. I do love being around younger kid’s minds. How interesting to hear what their thoughts are. Refeshing.
There were stops along the way where you could build your own Lego and put it into the displays. You can see all the flowers the kids/visitors made to put out front of the F= Flower display.
This life sized Harley was too cool.
The details!
This caught my eye since I am working on a Fallout New Vegas statue version for my job. I don’t think otherwise I would’ve even understood this iconic sign.

Waking up this morning to the daily death toll of another mass shooting made me reflect on my job in the video game industry. The way they described the mall shooter just walking along and randomly shooting people for no reason. Feels more like a game that you feel no consequence of.

I can’t seem to get it out of my head as I type about the lighthearted creativity of this Lego art form which contradicts the destruction going on in America. Somber side note.

Space craft with all the kids creations below. When we came into the exhibit which is timed to keep the experience enjoyable, the lady out front was deconstructing and sorting all the past kids exhibits by color and putting into plastic jars. It made me smile as previously I’d watched George spend several hours doing the same at his house where an entire loft area is filled with Lego and cabinets with options. Every drawer has a color.
The perfect exit piece was of the Eiffel Tower. I love the history of this structure knowing people once thought it was an eyesore. A reminder that creators are meant to push perspective.

Built in 1889 for a World Fair-“Hundreds protested it, criticized it, campaigned against it, said it was a disgrace to architecture, and predicted it would be the ruination of Paris.”

Banksyland Pop Up Exhibit at The Cincinnati Banks

When social media alerted me to this Banksy exhibit I immediately signed up for tickets. Thankfully Sedona was available to come with me and we had a beautiful afternoon in downtown Cincinnati right after the ending of the Flying Pig Marathon.

It was an amazing day outside and was nice to see everyone in the city enjoying it after the race.

When you first walked in these quotes were displayed. There was music playing and the mood walking through was super casual. It wasn’t the best venue or layout but it was fun nonetheless.
Anyone that knows this artist knows about his background starting off illegally sneaking through the streets displaying his art and messages on city walls, streets, statues and signs. Nobody knew who he was but his political art was recognized everywhere.
I love the idea of fighting a war with flowers or glitter.
Banksy is anti war and anti consumerism. Seeing Jesus on the cross with shopping bags says it all about our celebration of Christmas and what nonsense it’s turned into.

The irony of the gift shop outside of this venue did not escape me. And yes I did spend $.

Worshipping the sale. There is a reason it goes against my grain to bargain shop or compare prices. I buy what I want.
The marketing schemes of Kohl’s and other retailers makes my stomach churn. I can’t stand the games and tricks to keep people believing they’ve scored a great deal, helping them feel good about their purchases. I, 100% of the time, feel I am ripped off. Karma’s a bitch. I can’t spend time worrying about spending a few extra dollars.
The military helicopters with a bow was one of Sedona’s favorites. I enjoyed seeing that anything was a medium for his art. Even scrap cardboard.
We read that Banksy went to Ukraine and did 10 pieces of art in their war torn city. I don’t understand war. How anyone could justify killing others for their cause.
Peace.
This was a wall of moving video art. I especially like the hunters with their spears aimed at the grocery carts.
Its the first time I’d seen this piece and wondered about its meaning.
My first impression was this child’s world was filled with sorrow and she was just now realizing there was better weather outside her umbrella. I could be totally misinterpreting and there wasn’t any write up to guide us to his thinking.

What do you get out of it?

Sedona snapped this photo of us with a video screen playing in the background of the apocalyptic theme park titled Dismaland.

I enjoyed seeing some of his artwork which stirred my thoughts and made me appreciate people that are brave enough to express their views to help create change.