Dismals Canyon, Alabama: My Haven Away From Home
I'm not a creature of habit for the most part. Most times, in my life, when I find I'm doing something that IS becoming a bit too monotonous, I have to do something to shake things up. But, lets be fair. Some habits are pretty cool.
What is a habit?
I define a habit as something that done more than three times. A tradition is done countless times.
Dismal's Canyon in my new tradition, although I have only visited it twice. However, it is a tradition that has become one because my mother has taken both of my children down in this canyon on hikes, treating both children as if this was her first adventure there.
I'm so lucky to have this very special private tradition for the children, my mother, and myself. When you look at these pictures, feel my memories and embrace nature.
What is Dismal's Canyon?
Dismal's Canyon Conservatory is "Intentionally private, Dismals Canyon - in keeping with its pristine surroundings - offers a quiet and unspoiled oasis in Alabama’s last secret hiding place. A secluded wilderness filled with natural phenomena tucked deep within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains."
It is also one of the many sad spots and stopping places along the trail of tears. Carvings can still be observed on the walls within the canyons and there's almost a haunting feeling as you pass within the water washed walls of history.
Belmont Soda Fountain: Small Town Flavor and Warmth
Tis a family past time of our to venture to the nether regions of the county to go to a small all-American town by the name of Belmont. In that small little town is a Main Street where there is a park, a coffee shop, a bakery, a general store and the Belmont Soda Fountain. The floors are pristine hardwoods with original hardware unique to the original drugstore that formerly took residence. The Belmont Soda Fountain is family owned and passes that same atmosphere onto it's local and faithful clientele. Recently, I had the opportunity to host one of my engagement shoots at this store. True to nature, they worked with me to accommodate the needs of my client letting us enter the store 30 minutes early and even making an amazing Belmont Soda Fountain Banana Split as a great prop for the experience.
I am sincerely thankful for the work that I do and the opportunity to work with creativity and business that foster creativity.
As many of you know, I am a huge supporter of buy local and support local. These businesses rely on vendors like us to make them reach far beyond their community.
It's a beautiful thing.
xox Ollie
www.facebook.com/belmontsodafountain
www.belmontsodafountain.com
Around the World in 8 Whole Hours
Once upon a time, I took a trip. The plan was to travel around the world and end up whenever my eyes opened.
That place ended up being Dodge City, Kansas...Wyatt Earp City. The year was 2012.
I doubt people dream of this place when their whisked away at night to dream land. But, this was it. This was the place of my dreams. The spot where my feet decided to plant for an hour or so. A place where the streets were paved with cobblestone, restaurants manned by the world, and abandoned beautiful buildings.
They were absolutely beautiful, the buildings, that is. They were red, blue, green and purple. ROY G. BIV must have fathered enumerable painters and muralists who chose the street names and colors. And, for a gal who liked the color red...oh red..oh how red abounded. I saw my life flash before me in a haze of understanding.
It made no sense...this town. It was literally in the middle of nowhere. It sat roughly 4 hours from Tulsa and 4 hours from the nearest city in Colorado (or maybe even the state line). There were shops and theaters and bars. The Italian restaurant was owned by a Hispanic Family. Yet, I saw no Mexican restaurants. The streets were all frontier. Cowboys lined door frames. Bulls grazed on leaves of stone. Auction blocks ran the town. Many streets had no names.
This was my kind of randomness. My town. It was me.
Maybe that's why I stopped randomly on my way to nowhere in my general tour around the world. Maybe I decided I needed a breath of fresh air. Ya..that was it. Fresh air.
Living Vicariously: The Travels of June Grayjoy/Prague
“I’m dying to tell someone about my trip!”
I wish I could say that as I was responsible for all the wonderful travels that grace the pages of Blue Arden photo. Unfortunately, I am not. However, I am blessed to have friends who travel the world who share their adventures with me and continue to inspire me. In the next few months, I will be visiting June to catch up on much needed friend time. Until then, she continues to send me appetizing pictures of her musings and misadventures (to entice me to move my ticket date up more).
Who is June?
June is my dearest (xoxo) friend I met while on one of many journeys around the US in my quest to learn everything about everything. June just so happens to be my artistic kindred spirit who is, too, in search of something great worth learning on this amazing Earth. She just so happens to be my one and only and first travel correspondent for Blue Arden ;)
Why Prague?
Why not?
What is there to see in Prague?
Lots and lots of frothy golden brew, the astronomical face clock (refer below to June pics), the art movement (contemporary art movement worth screaming for), medieval warrens and saints (actors dressed up as so of course), and much more. June, went to a symphony, museum, and toured one of the oldest cities in Europe!
This past weekend, June went to the beautiful and historic city of Prague (grrrr..shaking in my boots with jealousy). Follow her journey through these awesome pictures:
