Monday, November 10, 2008

“Why are there trees I never walk under but large and melodious thoughts descend upon me?” (-Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road)

Finally, a computer connection again!

Yesterday, I left Reno and the distant snow-capped mountains I saw out my hotel window, to head for California, via the rugged landscape of Lake Tahoe.
What a glorious day, filled with majestic mountains and vast, pure waters.

I’d always wanted to see Tahoe, and once again I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have a job that allows me to see so much of the United States.


It was encouraging, also, to see people hastening out of cars, as eager as I was to savour the beautiful vistas along the way.

The past week left snow on some of the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range, but I was fortunate to have a clear day to spend taking it all in.


Some of the houses along the lake have stunning views from their back yards.


Saturday, there were numerous controlled burns along the road, which I suppose was fitting since I was coming back from a Society of American Foresters conference.

I saw a lone bird perched atop a tree, surveying the beautiful views as well.


“Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees and then names the streets after them.” (-Bill Vaughan)

9 comments:

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

oh wecome back Sue. I have missed you and your posts. This one is lovely. I was there when a teenager. We went to ski. Lovely painting and photos. Where abouts in CA are you going?
How come you were at a foresters conference?

A Brush with Color said...

Thanks, Cris. I appreciate it--good to have a computer connection again! I'll be all over California--this week northern schools, and next week the southern ones I can get to in a week. I went to the convention because I was asked to represent us at this event where we set up an Exhibit Hall and I spoke with prospective students.

Françoise said...

Yes, I wonder too. I thought you were doing something with college ed.

Our whole family is planning a 3-day reunion in the Truckee area this Christmas. Lots of playing the snow on the agenda. Not me. I plan on stoking the home fires and keeping the mulled wine flowing in between bouts of reading and drawing :-))

A Brush with Color said...

Ooooh--that would be me, Francoise! Sounds wonderfull! I am a recruiter for Duke's graduate School of the Environment, and I travel typically all over to colleges and universities, but sometimes they do ask me to attend other events--but still to educate folks about our school and talk to prospective students who might have an interest. I passed Tuckee! Lovely spot. Have fun when you go! It is beautiful there! I do think I'd be a nervous wreck if it was snowing while I drove there though!!

ParisBreakfasts said...

What a range of landscapes Sue.
Beautiful shots and lovely evocative watercolor too...
Welcome back.

willow said...

Glad you are connected again! Delightful watercolor and travel shots, too. I especially like the snow capped mountains pic. Wow!

A Brush with Color said...

Thanks, Carol and Willow! Good to be "back" among the living!

laureline said...

Glorious watercolor! It has something of a 1940s look about it---so clear and classic. I love to follow your adventures. You go places I 'd never go (my focuses are elsewhere), but when I see your photos and sketches, I want to be THERE!

A Brush with Color said...

Thanks, Laura--it DOES have a 40's look to it--you're right. Wonder why I did that!? LOL

I don't really think I'd have gone to many of the places I visit on my own either, but that's why I appreciate seeing these things with work--I'm always fascinated by what I see.