2014 ~ JoUrNaL


09.21.2014 - It's been a cozy, quiet work day.  I've sat at my desk, watching squirrels run amuck across the patio, digging in my potted plants.  The leaves are beginning to turn and the wind is beginning to blow.  Feels like Autumn has already arrived.




04.19.2014

Today, I took a road trip with the witty and talented photographer Steven Merkel.  It was planned after a conversation two weeks ago when he told me about a tourist attraction I had to see for myself.  So at 5am, we began the three hour drive north, venturing into Wisconsin and arriving at

The House on the Rock.
 
 
 


Up until a couple weeks ago, I knew nothing about this unique and surprising construction.  And it took hours to peek around all the nooks and corridors as well as trek up & over floor-after-floor.

I began searching the internet for more information about the original owner, Alex Jordan, and his vision for what is standing today.

I also found some fun facts on Wikipedia (located to the right ---->)

I myself likened the innovative architecture and grand collections on display to a modern style Willy Wonka kingdom.

I would definitely return in warmer weather when the generous Japanese garden reaches full bloom.  
 

  • The House on the Rock also appears in the novel American Gods by Neil Gaiman. In the novel, the house is a portal into the mind of the Gods. In one of the rooms is the world's largest carousel, and the main characters ride the carousel's creatures and get transported into the mind of the "All-Father" a.k.a. Odin.

  • The 10,000 Maniacs music video for "More Than This" was shot at The House on the Rock in 1997.

  • The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, a 2011 children's adventure novel by Dan Gutman, features a climactic final confrontation in the Infinity Room.
 
 
 


Strange creatures met us in the parking lot amid turnip sculptured flower displays

 
 
 








 On the way out of the garden we discovered a timid Screech Owl that had taken up residence there

 
 
 

 
 

 
 


My tummy reached a point where I did not want to walk any further out in the infinity room.  Your sense of balance can feel there are no supports below.

 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 



I would need a much wider lens to capture the magnificence of the legendary carousel.

And even then, photos do not do it justice.
  


 
 
 


03.22.2014 - Busy working on my review of the Superior Donuts production.. check the front page :)

02.28.2014 - What a year so far.  My apologies to those of you who have expected a regular update - yes, I know I've been slacking.  But in truth, I am constantly working.  I have a day job as well as all of the other side projects I have my feet in.  I have been writing, printing cards, and editing photo shoots.

And lately, I have been focusing on "branding".  The thing is, I've had a difficult time defining my brand - as I am a photographer, a writer, a designer, and a dreamer.

WRITER:  I write material that is directed toward children as well as material that deals with mature situations and being human.

PHOTOGRAPHER:  I photograph environments as well as the many beauties of people.

DESIGNER:  I work on clients' advertisements as well as my own greeting card line.

DREAMER:  I imagine reaching my goals as well as helping others to reach theirs.

So hang in there with me!  I am learning more and more about myself, this world, and this life.  That is why I decided on the new hashtag #projectingmyvoicethroughart - as I sense that it sums up my output of talent.

Feel free to send me your thoughts, prod me to update my journal, or use the new hashtag to describe your own artistic endeavors on Twitter!  Wishing you all a little peace and creativity in your lives! :)