.... off to Paris....

This may sound like a random idea... but I've packed my bags and headed to Paris with Laure Ferlita and her "Imaginary Trip to Paris" class. I've never been to France so far, and with no real travel opportunity on the horizon, I just had to jump at this opportunity. Through this imaginary adventure I hope to learn more about painting, and also learn some interesting things about Paris -- for some future day when I can make a real visit there.

For our journey now, we're given several assignments each week to be done in our own trip journal. So far I've had fun creating 3 journal pages. It is so fun to see everyone's individual interpretations of the assignments, and we're all sharing feedback on our journal pages. My travel partners are quite creative. I'm having a great time...

But, I did want to leave a little information behind... so you would know that when my blog gets a bit quiet -- I must be out exploring Paris!!

Summertime Strawberries

This was a summer of strawberries .... my son Sean was home from school ... and now he has gone back to school....  

Family Camping Trip - McArthur Burney Falls State Park

In August we were fortunate to get away camping as a family (minus the oldest son) for 5 nights. We went to one of our favorite spots -- McArthur Burney Falls State Park. It is located between two inactive volcanoes, Lassen and Shasta, in Northern California. We had quite a bit of packing to do before we could embark on our adventure -- gathering up all of our camp supplies and 40+ year old tent trailer before heading off on our long 6 or 7 hour drive from home. 

The main attraction in the park is a beautiful waterfall that flows year round, originating underground. At one time Theodore Roosevelt even remarked that it was one of the wonders of the world. The park also contains Lake Britton which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. I appreciate the basic facilities with flush toilets and showers (50cents for 5 minutes)!! Many times during the week I found myself reflecting on prior camping trips to the park for my own family, and when I was growing up many years ago. Burney Falls is a special place. 

Waterfall tidbits:   The water originates from an underground stream emerging 900 yards upstream from the falls. The height of the falls is 129 ft., and the depth of the pool at the base is 22 ft. Its amazing to think that about 100 million gallons of water flow over the falls each day!!

We did lots of hiking and scouting for other waterfalls in the area. It was a relaxing week -- Oh.... if summer vacation could only come more frequently and stay longer!! 

Fortunately I came home with a large collection of digital photos that I can enjoy, as well as use as inspiration for future journal pages .... as time allows...