Lopaka Lounge

Ray and I just returned from Prescott to see the unveiling of a mural.  Margaret Dewar, my first cousin once removed–whom I will just refer to as my cousin–was the assistant director and one of the the main artistic contributors.  She, along with project director and fellow contributing artist, R. E. Wall (R for short), unveiled the “Art For All” mural located at 109.5 South Granite Street (Northwest Corner of Parking Garage) in Prescott, AZ.

It is utterly amazing.

I’m not just saying that because Margaret is my relative.  It really is an important piece of work. The mural celebrates the Heritage Heroes of Prescott and emphasizes the power of art and self expression.

I whined in my last post because I was freaked out about what I thought was a large project at work that was visible to the entire county.  The scope of their project put me in my place.  This mural had a teeny-tiny budget and took two and a half years to create.  It was made possible by local artists, grants, museums, schools and businesses.  All people enlisted to help were referred to as Mural Mice. 

The mural project surveyed the community for ideas and people submitted pictures and letters.  Mural Mice spent months at the Sharlot Hall Museum Archives gathering information about the artists from Prescott to add to the mural.  R. and Margaret designed three murals for the community to choose from.  A free election was held for the public to vote, offer suggestions and give feedback.  On April 5th, 2006, the “Art for All” mural became the first community infused and democratically elected mural in Prescott history and on September 15th, 2007, the mural was officially dedicated.

Since I could not photograph the entire mural, here are some detail close-up shots:

Me and Maggie (with her mural mice ears on).

To be honest, when I first arrived in town, I really expected to see some cute little painting on a wall somewhere.  I was totally blown away not only by the mural but by the tremendous work that went on behind the scenes.  I’m fond of my cousin Maggie and the Mural Mice and I’m beaming with pride at their accomplishment.  Now if I could only get her to come visit Bisbee…

Some of the info in this post was taken from the dedication brochure. Click here to see the Prescott Downtown Mural Project site.

I woke up feeling sort of down yesterday.  It’s so funny because I ask myself  “What’s the matter with me? Why to I feel so out of whack?” Then I remember there is a lot going on right now in my life.

My mother is having knee replacement surgery today
My uncle has been given a few months to live
Ray’s aunt (who I am close to) had surgery to remove cancer this week - she’s been in hospital since February.
My dad has two types of cancer going on
I have a ginormous monumental project going on at work which will have an effect on the entire county in which I live so it better be perfect
My finances are a bit strained (for now)

I know some people may read this and say “Yeah, yeah, yeah everybody has problems.”  I understand that.  It just seems to have hit me hard over the past few days.  Not to mention there’s some other minor personal stuff that I don’t care to broadcast to the world.

Guess I just have to keep moving.  Just got back from a two-mile run.  That seems to help.  Off to the shower and then to work. 

Going to Prescott tonight to see my cousin’s kid’s (1st cousin once removed? Homer, help me out here.) mural.  Will return with lots of happy pictures!

My friend Lesley is a little bit creeped out by certain members of the critter family.  As noted on my previous post in the comment section, it’ll probably be a while before I can convince Ms. Crankypants (Lesley) to come West for a visit to Stolen Horseshoe. 

Lesley, this is for you…

I’m furry and cute!

This little guy was hanging outside the master bedroom patio when I got home from work today.  He was rather patient as I collected my camera and positioned myself for a good shot.  So patient that it made me wonder…am I becoming the photographer of the Middle of Nowhere?  Did Mr. Snake tell Mr. Tarantula,  “Great headshots at the Shu–he’ll put ya online.”

Some people may be a bit creeped out by this unassuming visitor.  I’m not.  Hell, I grew up right next to Tarantula Hill.  I think Mr. Tarantula is quite beautiful actually. 

Gives ya a sense of scale huh?

I so did not want to post a bit about the tarantula on the patio right after the snake in the front entryway but…that’s just how it is here at Stolen Horseshoe.  I just have to tell it like it is.
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This just in:
Minutes after posting my blog entry, I happened upon this sinister creature in the office by Ray’s desk. 

Not crazy about this guy.

Sucked it up with the vacuum cleaner. 

Maybe he just wanted a photo posted online…well, he got one alright.

So I’m home from my travels in Chicago.  I got in late on Sunday and went to bed.  Got up the next morning feeling groggy and went to work.  When I got home, I had a few drinks and made dinner.  Naturally being so weary, I fell asleep in front of the TV.  About a half hour later, I woke up and set off to the bedroom.  Most of the lights were off and the house was rather dark.  While making the routine front door lock check,  my bare foot came within direct contact with something kinda squiggly.

It was a snake.

Good thing I have high arches.  I stepped right on top of it.  Surprisingly, after noting that said snake had a relatively oval head and a thin tapered tail (READ: was not a rattler) I realized that I was in no real danger.  I do believe it was a glossy snake (Arizona elegans).  *I grabbed a pot and used it to escort Mr. Snake out to the front patio…

Come on out.

Yeah, that’s a shy snake.

Buh-bye!

Ssssssss…

Yes, the snake is totally annoyed.

The snake slithered around for me and my camera for a while like a photo shoot.  We finally looked into each other’s eyes and came to an agreement; I got to go back inside and Mr. Snake gets to stay outside.   I said goodbye, he flipped his tongue and faded into the courtyard. 

I’m off to bed now.  I know that half of my soon-to-be-visiting friends are going to call and cancel their trips after reading this. 

Really, it’s just a snake.

*I grew up in the hills of Conejo Valley, California and spent my childhood catching lizards and snakes for fun.  They don’t bother me unless they rattle.