An Evening in Paris

Last week I spent an evening visiting Paris.  See?  There I am in the picture, standing outside a cute little bistro with outdoor seating and everything.

 And I got to see the Eiffel Tower, as well!  Isn't it beautiful?

Okay, so I wasn't really in France.  Last Saturday was Prom Night and I had the pleasure of chaperoning the event.  The decorations were wonderful and the 268 young people who attended had a great time.

Once the Prom was in full swing, I sat outside the "Bistro" here and watched the kids dance and visit (and kept an eye out for those whose formalwear was a bit too revealing.  I heard 17 students were asked to leave due to dress code violations).  I walked around now and then, but by sitting in between strolls I managed to get home without any blisters from 4 hours in heels.

The hors d'oeuvres were yummy.  There was a chocolate fountain with lots of bite-sized goodies to dunk in it, and there was also a variety of little French-type pastries, like cream puffs.

I thought this tray of tiny quiche-type desserts was adorable.  So colorful and fun, and tasty, too!

The banners, scepters, and crowns for the Prom King and Queen were displayed on the voting table.  Students voted by placing a colored marble in the glasses bearing the names of their choices for King and Queen.

Our principal, Eric Harmon, seemed relaxed before Prom began.  That's his wife, Kim, giving him bunny ears (or horns).  Kim is my friend as well as my classroom aide.  She's quite a jokester!

These three young ladies are students of mine who arrived early.  They told me they had a great time!

Another beautiful young lady.  Garet is one of the Laurels in our Young Women youth group at church.  Her date was on a bathroom break.

I thought this couple was cute.  They spent most of the evening seated here, deep in conversation.

At one point, a young lady on her way to the dance floor plopped these shoes down in front of me and asked, "Could you watch these for me, please?  Just for 5 seconds?"  She was gone for 15 minutes, of course!

Overall, the students were quite displeased with the disc jockey (I wasn't very impressed, either).  Nonetheless, they made the most of the evening.  At one point they got this conga line going and clearly had a blast!  Notice the balloons above the dance floor.  They were dropped after the Prom King and Queen were announced.

At the end of the night, the kids danced among the balloons (those they hadn't stomped), and most of them stayed right up until it ended at 11:30.  Kim and I agreed that the prettiest dress of the night was the white and aqua gown worn by the girl in the center of the photo above.  I love how modest it is, without sacrificing beauty and elegance.  Her date, Rusty (a good friend of my son Jacob), told me later that she made it herself!  I am impressed!

I came away from Paris with these souvenirs: a chocolate Eiffel Tower on a stick and an Eiffel Tower key chain.  Classy!  Yes, the napkin gives it away.  The Prom was actually held at the Hon-Dah resort on the nearby Apache revervation.  But the spirit there was definitely ooh-la-la!

Concerning Hobbits...

...and Dwarves...and Wizards...and Elves...

Ah, yes, the Elves.  My favorite beings in all of Middle Earth.  I love them so much, in fact, that I am writing a trilogy of my own featuring Tolkien's Elves.  I haven't had much time to devote to this writing project since I remarried, but someday I hope to plunge back in and finish.

When I was young, I used to illustrate my own stories, but that was many years ago.  I never seem to have time for the sketching that I used to enjoy so much.  However, two years ago I got the itch to create a drawing of Legolas, one of Tolkien's Elves who features prominently in my tale.

So I bought a sketch pad and charcoal pencil and set to work, wondering if I still had the ability to bring a drawing to life.  I worked on this sketch (below) for several weeks, but I think it came out pretty well.  It features a scene from the first chapter in the second book.

"Wet Legolas" by Mary Carter

Here's an excerpt from that scene:

Keeping one arm around me, Legolas struck out for the slanted bench of smooth stone I favored.  He settled himself on the deepest edge, so the water continued to swirl around his shoulders, and pulled me up alongside him.  Then he pushed the long, clinging strands of wet hair back from my face and studied me thoughtfully.

“You are troubled,” he observed quietly.

"Melethwen and Legolas" by Mary Carter

Emboldened by my success with the first sketch, I went on to do a second drawing (above) featuring Legolas with Melethwen, the Elvish heroine of the trilogy.  And yes, Melethwen is my alter-ego.  Perhaps you have wondered where the name of my blog came from?  Now you know!

I'm not nearly as pleased with this sketch as I was the first (their embrace seems too stiff to be natural), but I guess it's not bad for a first effort after decades of no practice.

"Legolas" by Amelia Snow

This final drawing is precious!  One of my Beehives found it when her family moved and she had to pack up her bedroom.  Knowing of my love for the Elves of Middle Earth, she presented it to me (and gave me permission to post it on my blog).  I was very touched by her gesture.  She says she drew it a long time ago.  She must have been pretty young at the time (she's only 13 now), so I am quite impressed by the quality of her work!  She is a kindred spirit, who not only draws but writes stories as well!

The Real Reason

Aha!  I knew the world wasn't going to end in December 2012.  Some silly people have been predicting death and destruction for this coming December simply because the ancient Mayan calendar ends then.  Well, I've discovered the true reason the Mayans ended their calendar in December 2012:

As a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's books and The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, I am beside myself with anticipation.  The Hobbit, which is the prequel to The Lord of the Rings, is being filmed and due to be released on December 14th.  Better yet, it is being produced and directed by Peter Jackson, who did such an awesome job of bringing Tolkien's work to life in the Rings movies.  He is the only filmmaker who has ever successfully captured Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth and her people.

The first official movie poster.

I love The Hobbit so much that I teach the novel in one of my English classes every year.  My students are excited to see the new film almost as much as I am!

Bilbo Baggins and thirteen Dwarves set out to have an adventure.

For the uninitiated, here is my synopsis of The Hobbit: 

Stalwart little hobbit Bilbo Baggins becomes a reluctant participant on an adventure orchestrated by venerable wizard Gandalf the Grey.  At the end of an expedition involving flesh-eating trolls, brutish Orcs (goblins), evil wolves known as wargs, giant talking eagles and spiders, a shape-shifting man-bear, and a treasure-stealing dragon, Bilbo returns to the tranquil town of Hobbiton in the Shire with two small chests of gold and silver and a wealth of experience.  During the course of his journey--which he documents in a book he entitles There and Back Again, a Hobbit's Holiday--Bilbo saves the day for his thirteen Dwarvish traveling companions on numerous occasions and becomes acquainted with several Elves, whom he loves and admires.  Of even more profound consequence, while seeking to escape from a nasty, murderous creature called Gollum, Bilbo finds a mysterious gold ring that renders him invisible, although neither he nor the wizard Gandalf are aware of the ring's dark significance in this chapter of the tale.

Gandalf the Grey

I believe the book is actually being made into two movies.  While it will be tough to wait for the second installment, I'm glad to know Jackson is going to take the time to do it up right.  There are too many good tales to be told and they must not be rushed!

Have a look at the official movie trailer below.  I am so excited!!

Sledding and Fishing

18 Feb 2012: Dylan (age 14) and his friend Marcus (age 16)

waiting in front of our church stake building.

Two hours ago I dropped my son Dylan off at the church to join the annual youth sledding activity.  Once a year the kids head up to "the old ski run," which I assume is near Sunrise Ski Resort on the nearby Apache reservation, and they spend about 6 hours sledding and snowboarding.  Dylan isn't much into sledding, but he's a gifted snowboarder.

Dylan is inside the backseat window of the black truck on the left.

I expected to be going along to help drive a car full of kids to their destination, but when I arrived I found 5 men ready and rarin' to go with 5 big trucks all warmed up and engines running.  Not another adult female in sight.

Dylan waits with two more friends, McKay and Spencer, to take off.

I asked them if their moms ever embarrass them the way I do Dylan.

They both replied very sarcastically, "Noooo, never."

Not too many female youth in sight either.  Below is a shot of the lone, brave 4 girls who joined the trip (with about 20 guys).

Three of my Beehives: Marissa, Julianne, and Amelia; and Melanie, a Mia Maid.

I didn't realize that there was no parking near the old ski run.  I was surprised to see three snowcats on trailers, ready to be hauled along with the youth.  When I asked Dylan about it, he replied, "Well, how did you think they get us all back in to the slopes?"  (I love how teens can't figure out why we adults aren't as smart as they are!)

A member of our bishopric, Brother Berges, prepares to haul kids and snowcats.

Grant Berges, first counselor in our ward bishopric, assured me that they had enough room for the kids, so I could go home, which I gladly did.  Yes, there are a few things I can use the extra time to take care of today, such as this week's shopping, but I particularly enjoy having a nice, quiet house to myself for a few hours now and then.

You see, my hubby is gone on his own grand adventure today.  He and Robert Holden are off boating and fishing at Roosevelt Lake for the day.  They actually left at 4:30 this morning.  Not being a morning person or a fisherman, I think that's nuts!  I did, however, rouse myself enough to kiss Ed good-bye.  He was really looking forward to this trip! 

I found this cool map online.  They were planning to fish the east end

where the Salt River feeds the lake, the area called "Schoolhouse."

Supposedly that's where the fish are really biting right now.

I think it's a 2-hour drive south-southwest to Roosevelt Lake, where the elevation is lower, the temperature is warmer, and the terrain is desert.  I've camped there a few times in the past when I was married to my first husband, Mark, another avid fisherman.  It's not my favorite lake.  I prefer mountain lakes, with trees and shade and cooler temperatures.   

An aerial view of the lake and Roosevelt Dam.

I learned some things while researching for this post today.  For instance, Roosevelt Lake is the oldest artificial reservoir in Arizona.  It was created when Roosevelt Dam was built, from 1904 to 1911.  When filled to capacity (it was 90% full in 2005, the fullest it has ever been thus far), the lake covers 21,500 acres, making it the largest lake that is wholly inside Arizona (not sharing shoreline with any other state). 

From the dam, the river winds on down to feed Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, and Saguaro Lake before it reaches the Phoenix area.  I have spent time at each of those lakes and tubed down various parts of the river, back when I was younger, fitter, and more daring.  It was at Canyon Lake that I was stung by a scorpion while night-fishing with Mark and a friend.  Gadzooks, what a memory! 

So here's hoping for a day filled with soaring jumps and daring flips (but no broken limbs) for my son, and a boat filled with big fish, relaxation, and good talk (but no heat stroke) for my husband and Robert!  I can't wait to hear about all of their adventures tonight!

...and How I Spent the Centennial

Arizona's big Centennial Celebration was held over the weekend in the Phoenix area.  Today, it was school as usual.  Or at least it started that way.  An unexpected snowstorm blew in a little after 6 a.m. (after the school buses were already on the road) and it got worse as the day wore on.

Finally, at 1:15 they announced that school was closing early and everyone should carefully drive home as soon as possible.  I packed up my stuff and headed out to the parking lot 2 hours earlier than usual.

As I was sweeping the heavy, wet snow off my car's windows, I heard a loud "ka-pow!" behind me.  I turned around to see that two trucks had collided on the highway that runs through town and past the school, not too far from where I stood.  I grabbed my camera and took the above shot while the two vehicles were still slowly sliding to a standstill on the icy road.  

Luckily, no one seemed to be hurt and the damage appeared to fall in the category of "fender-bender."  Because they were blocking one of the southbound lanes, it made a mess of traffic.  The police were just arriving as I drove away.  And, trust me, I drove very, very carefully all the way home.

An Arizona Century

The Grand Canyon

Exactly 100 years ago today, Arizona became the 48th state of the United States of America.  That's right, on Valentine's Day 1912. 

When I moved to Arizona almost 32 years ago, in March 1980, I was less than thrilled.  I loved my native state of California and I felt nothing could compare to it in beauty.  Arizona seemed so stark and barren, so inhospitable.

I only knew a small taste of Arizona at that time.  Over the years, I have come to know the contrasting forms of magnificence found throughout my adopted state, and that is what I celebrate today: the beauty of Arizona, our home.

Monument Valley

Havasu Falls

Organ Pipe National Monument

The red rock of Sedona

Lake Powell

The Petrified Forest

Oak Creek Canyon

The Painted Desert

Meteor Crater

A rainbow over the desert (with petroglyphs)

Montezuma Castle

Sunset over the desert

And, of course, my beloved White Mountains, our home.

Arizona is known as "The Grand Canyon State."  As you can see, she is that, and much, much more.

Out of the Box

This chalk drawing was done at Knotts Berry Farm in late 1973 or early 1974.

That's my former fiance Paul Gutierrez and me.  He was 22 and I was 19 at the time.

I heard he was killed in a car accident several years after we broke up.

You know how "they" say that you should throw out a box of stuff you haven't looked inside for 5 years or more?  I think that would be a big mistake.  Just look what I would have missed out on!

2 Apr 1977: This picture of my 22-year-old face was made from hundreds of little

typed letters, numbers, and symbols.  I got it during a Las Vegas trip with my best buddy, Peggi.

Back in September 2010, a few months after Ed and I got married, we had a big yard sale.  Besides selling a lot of duplicate furniture from our merged lives, we cleaned out the rafters of one of the sheds on our property and pulled down several boxes I hadn't seen in more than a decade.  What a blast from the past that was!

I made these two little pillows in 1970 or 1971. I had two little neighbor children

in Fresno, California--Murray Anne Border and Louis Apsey--draw pictures for me,

which I then embroidered onto the pillows.  Sure brings back memories!

Funny to think those two little kids are in their 40s now!

I found a lot of funky old clothes I used to wear in the 1980s.  Most of them I trashed, but I hung a few back in my closet because they had so many memories attached to them.  When I lose some weight and can fit in them again, I may model them and share them on my blog!

My old Seminary binder, circa 1968-1972.  The old worksheets inside

didn't trigger too many flashbacks, probably because in California

we had early morning Seminary (aka "Cemetery") at 6:30 a.m.

and I am NOT a morning person (aka "brain dead"). 

But it was fun seeing all the things I'd scribbled on the outside of the binder,

like "Carl + Mary" or "Mary loves Joe."  Oh, the memories--ouch!

So my recommendation is, go ahead, open that box and enjoy!

Beehives Are Beautiful!

18 Jan 2012: Beehives are beautiful!

Since July, I've had the pleasure of working with the 12- and 13-year-old girls in our church youth group.  They are called Beehives, and they are beautiful young ladies.

Two weeks ago, one of our Beehives--who has been taking Karate lessons for years--volunteered to teach some karate moves to the rest of the group.  Wow, did they have a great time.

It really came to life after the camera came out!  At their insistence, I took at least 50 shots of the girls as they showed off their best moves and worked hard to be caught on-camera with gravity-defying leaps.  They did an awesome job!

The High School Musical pose.

Oh, to have all that youthful energy again!

Timing Is Everything

The boys' bedroom-turned-den.  Well, almost.

I haven't played the piano in years.  Even when I did, I didn't sight-read very well.  I never took lessons, but I taught myself to play well enough that I memorized many songs and hymns.  Even Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.  I'm not sure I can play anything anymore, though, after  more than 22 years without a piano in my home.

Getting it onto the porch was a big job!

Over the years we were offered a couple of pianos, including the one I learned to play on in my teens.  There was never enough room in our tiny--I mean, cozy--little house, so I always had to say regretfully, "No, thanks."  My mother did give us an electric piano a few years before she passed away, and my children used it a lot, but for me it just didn't have the same beautiful sound and feel as a real piano.

Evan, Dylan, Derek, and Chris move it carefully through the kitchen.

And so I resigned myself to never owning a piano.  Until a few weeks ago, when my son-in-law Chris told me his sister was getting rid of the piano that originally belonged to his maternal grandmother, and asked me if we wanted it.  My first thought was the usual, "There's no room for it in my house."

Almost there!

Then I remembered: Jacob is on his mission in California, Sarah got married and moved out, and a month ago we began moving Dylan out of his bedroom and into Sarah's old room so we could turn his and Jacob's old bedroom into a den.  All of a sudden I have wall space!

So I said gratefully, "Yes, we'll take it!" Last Saturday Ed lined up a bunch of friends to help us move it in, right to the place I'd cleared for it.

28 Jan 2012: Our new piano in our soon-to-be den!

Chris's grandmother used to give piano lessons on this piano.

(The quilted bench cover was her creation.)  Then the piano was passed on

to Chris's mom, and then to Chris's younger sister Lori, and then, finally, to us!

Both the new den and Dylan's new bedroom are a mess as we've been making the exchange of furniture and other items.  The den needs a new paint job badly, and eventually we'll be looking to buy a couch, cheap.  I haven't had the energy or the time to tackle it all at once, but little by little I expect we'll have both rooms all done and organized by Spring Break.

As for the piano, no, my fingers simply don't work the way they used to.  It will take a lot of practice, if I can fit it into my schedule.  What is truly awesome is the fact that my husband plays the piano!  I didn't even know that fact about him until we'd been married for almost 2 months.  He took many years of piano lessons as a child and, although he's a bit rusty, he still sight-reads music very well.  He's looking forward to brushing up his skills.

And I'm looking forward to a home filled with beautiful music!