Interlude

The Ark Encounter

On a visit to see family in June, we were so close to The Ark Encounter that we just had to go check it out. What an experience it was! It truly lives up to the hype.

A fleet of shuttle buses (not little vans; these are full size buses) takes people from the parking lot to the entrance of the Ark plaza. You can't see the ark from the highway, or even the parking lot, and you're already on the bus when it comes into breathtaking view. You're seeing it for the first time a mile away and it's still massive! I wish I had gotten that shot, but couldn't because of being on the bus.

Once the bus drops you off, there is still quite a walk to the ark itself. On the way, you'll pass topiaries trimmed to resemble the animals walking two by two. The entire grounds is a park-like beauty.

When you finally get inside, you'll zig-zag up a wooden ramp to the first deck.

There is SO much to see inside. These are just a few artsy shots depicting how the Noah Family might have stored water, grain, food, and supplies.

Below, the distance from that point to the stern of the ark is 242' 9". The structure is built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. It's 510' long, 85' wide, 51' high.  Like I said, the thing is massive.

You'll see things you might never have considered, such as, where did they put the animals? How did they fit large animals inside? How did they feed them? What about animal waste? Where did the people sleep and what did they do with their time?

They showed how they might have created living quarters and work-rooms for themselves.

There are tons of exhibits on 3 decks explaining the whys, wherefores, and how-tos of Noah's story. I think the website explains it better than I can:

 
Deck 1 immerses guests in the size and scope of the biblical ark as visitors walk through a storage area and learn about animal kinds.

Deck 2 focuses on the pre-flood world, animal concerns, and an exploration of Noah and how God could have prepared him for his monumental task.

Deck 3 covers plausible living quarters for Noah and his family, flood geology, post-flood events, and a special Museum of the Bible exhibit.

One little room was a kind of pause in the exhibits of flood-life . It had a Disney-esque display over the door and I thought it might be a child's version of what the adults were experiencing.

Inside was a huge collection of children's books about Noah's Ark, cute little ceramic arks with adorable little animals smiling as they gather on the deck. All those things we've all seen in every Christian gift shop and book store. So cute, right?

Wrong. This display was to cause us to think about how the world subtly skews our belief in the Genesis accounting by depicting it like something out of a fairy tale. And if we think the first book of the Bible is a fantasy, why would we believe the rest of it?

I'll wrap up this post with just a couple parting artsy shots. I'm always looking for an interesting architectural composition. But the first one below, I have to credit my son. I saw him composing this shot and had to copy it. While being a proud mom of his creativity, I was still the photographer who thought, "darn! why didn't I see that?!" (btw, his was better)

I talk about the size and scope of the ark, with so much to see both inside and outdoors. People have asked if anyone can endure the walking. It's user friendly for people of all ages and capabilities. There are ramps to the decks or you can opt for an elevator. There's room for wheelchairs or strollers. There are lots of benches to rest a bit. There are fun things the kids will enjoy. You can take your time. The only thing I'm not sure about is getting from the bus to the ark itself. That was a bit of a walk and I didn't see any other way to get there.

I want to show a few other things from this trip in the next post. But, it's getting late and I still have to go to work in the morning! If you want to read more, check out the ark website here.

Lovely Sunday Afternoon

We had a perfect-weather afternoon to stroll through a local botanical garden. The sun was shining and the temperature was just right. 

I've been wanting to visit here for awhile now, but it's just too hot in the summer and our schedule often clashed with mild spring or fall days. This past Sunday was the day to do it!

I think tulips are my favorite flower. They come and go too quickly, though, and I almost missed them.

The garden has several themed areas and one section was geared towards the five senses. I was amused by this sign because I really can't smell (but that's another story).

 This was my favorite feature.

It's the centerpiece of the water garden, which also includes small waterfalls, fountains, water pools and sculptures.

Here's the cool surprise about it...

You can walk around the back and go inside. Image above is looking out the mouth.

A window at the top creates rainbows on the floor.

The park really is a peaceful feast for the senses.

Be creative with sound.

Close your eyes, rest, and listen to sounds around you.

There are neat metal sculptures ... 

and a special exhibit of Lego sculptures!

We really enjoyed our visit and plan to go back later in the year to see the colors of autumn show off.

Tulsa Botanical Garden. What a gem hidden in the beauty of the rolling Osage Hills. 

Foggy Woods

On a drive around the area where we grew up, I noticed the fog rising out of the woods. It was a gloomy winter day but this scene was so interesting. Of course I had my husband stop the car so I could grab a snapshot. He's so used to this. I shout "STOP" and quickly, but carefully, he pulls off the road. Or he'll say, "I can't stop, there's cars behind us!"

Fortunately, this is not a heavily traveled road. Anyway, I got my shot and in looking at it later, it was kinda blah. But it had potential! I just didn't know how to bring it out. I wasn't even sure what I "saw" but I know what I "felt" -  there was more to this scene and I needed to find it.

So, here I am over 10 years later and have learned a lot about Photoshop, Lightroom, and now some AI generative toys. I think I've jazzed up this photo to convey what I saw in my mind's eye, thankyouverymuch, Mr. Adobe.

By the way, when I began my entry into the world of image editing software, I was inspired by an artist I stumbled upon online who created gorgeous digital graphics. Her bio said she was a self-taught, 63 year old. At the time, I thought that was ancient! I was so impressed that an "old lady" could do such a thing. Now, (after an appropriate apology), I wish I could tell her what an important example she was to me. You are never, never too old to learn new things, to be creative, to stay engaged with life.

"Stay engaged with life." Kind of an ironic statement, considering that my latest tinkerings have dealt with ghostly apparitions, spooky fog, and gravestones. I don't think there's any subliminal reason for that. They just seem to lend themselves to these ethereal effects I like. Did you notice the spectral ladies in the pictures above? I couldn't decide on having one or two. I may have to go back and lighten them a bit if they're too hard to see.

Anyway, that's the story. Just a quick post for today.

Practicing Digital Art

I love editing photos and working with Photoshop brushes and effects. Been learning some new techniques lately. The first two images were shot at a cemetery in St. Clairsville, Ohio. (Check out the name on the second picture)

The next two images are from an old church in Reno, NV.

Just wanted to get these on the blog. Don't have any musings this evening.

Photoshop Experimenting

I'm sooooo far behind processing pictures and updating the blog! I have a ton of neat photos but I'd have to work every day for weeks to catch up. 

Well, ya gotta start somewhere. 

While on a drive around Gatlinburg, TN, we came up on a plane wreckage. Don't know the story behind it. Maybe it crashed there years ago, or maybe they just dragged this old thing here and left it.

Whatever the story, I thought it had potential for an interesting image. Seemed like something I might want to try out Photoshop's new Generative AI on!

So here's my first outing with creative AI, before and after. It has a way to go, but it was fun trying out!