Springville Museum of Art & the Provo City library

I've long wanted to leave on this blog, a posting of two of my favorite places: The Springville Museum of Art and the Provo City library, both in Utah County of Utah. I knew nothing of either of them until our eldest daughter attended BYU and we began going to Provo on visits.
Provo Library at Academy Square is a beautiful restoration project of the origianal Brigham Young Academy. I'm told that near-by resident and well-known actor Robert Redford contributed largely to this project. Both inside as well as outside, the fine woodwork, brick, tiles, etc. & architecture are pleasing to the eye. In addition to being a first rate library, it hosts, on a regular basis, some of the most unique and interesting exhibits: calligraphy, small book making, art galleries, wood/gourd/bone carving etc.

I've been to many fine art museums, but my favorite is the small, yet impressive Springville Museum. Nicknamed "Art City", Springville is just south of Provo. Like my favorite little Danish Baltic Seaside town Dragor, just outside of Copenhagen, Springville too, is home to those of the artistic persuasion. I find it ironic that in so many of the places I have traveled, whether Copenhagen's "Amerika Port"; Ashville, North Carolina's walking tour of sculpture; Nauvoo's Relief Society Sculpture Garden, etc., Springville artist Dennis Smith is featured. Unlike any of his other work, the indoor portico/lobby of the Springville Musuem of Art features his whimsical metal work depicting air transportation. While it isn't my favorite (his "Christina" in Denmark has taken that designation), it does represent the warmth and unique feeling of this amazing small art museum. Icelanders and Danes settled in the area generations ago, as such, the Musuem's "Sunday Night Concerts" series sometimes reflect this heritage music.

I no longer have a reason to travel to Provo, so getting to the musuem won't happen like it once did. But, I've learned how to use it's website effectively. Doing so allows one to read about various paintings and artists.

This blog does not do justice to the rare and unique experience of actually being there in person, but I hope it sheds light on two of my favorite places. I hope my children and grandchildren, for whom this blog is mostly intended, will visit both of these places in the future knowing how much I loved being there.
Be well, do good...

St. George Marathon, Pomegranates & Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Memories

For the past 6 months I have been training for the St. George Marathon. Actually, 4 of us guys from here set out, but injuries prevented 2 of the 4 from going. I nearly made that 3 out of 4 when in early August I sustained Achilles Tendon injuries, so I had to back off the rigerous training I so needed just to be able to be healthy enough to race. It paid off. I'm glad I was able to go. My wife and I traveled to Albuquerque on our 27th Wedding Anniversary, awaking the next morning before our flight to Vegas to see a few of the 800+ hot air balloons at the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. When the kids were small we use to take them there. The early morning mass ascending balloons in waves, was cold, but fun. As the kids got older, they didn't care for the cold mornings, so I began going alone. On this recent brisk Albuquerque morning, we learned that our temperature back here at home in Colorado had been 15. So long yard and garden. As we drove to the Alb. Sunport, 2 or 3 large, brightly colored balloons and their camera crews loomed largely over Interstate 25. It was cool.
Arriving in Vegas, we rented a car and drove then to St. George, Utah. My first time there, I was amazed at the beauty. We met up with the other couple from home, and together drove the 26.2 miles north of St. George to where the race was to begin. The following morning, our wives drove us to a bus pick up, and by 5 a.m. we 2 mid-life crisis runners were en route to that very spot. At 38 degrees, it was cold and dark. Large bon fires by the score were set up to warm runners. At 6:45 all 6,500+ runners began. Thereafter, hour after hour, as the daylight lite the way and heat warmed the 26.2 mile course, I enjoyed the scenery and landscape of that beautiful area. I crossed the finish line with a time of 4 hours, 17 minutes, sore and tired. My best hope was to complete it in 4 hours, but I had set a goal of completing it before 4.5, so I attained my goal. Of all the races I have ran in my life, unquestionably, this was the most professionally executed. I can't begin to explain how they pay attention to details so that participants are insured a first rate quality race experience! The crowds are amazingly supportive, the aid stations are well manned and supplied with oranges& bananas, medications, hydration aids, etc.

After the race, we walked around a bit, and I saw another first: I merely asked out loud, "What kind of fruit is that?" as we passed a someone's yard. I was taken in by the unique texture, color, and shape of the leaves as much as the color of the fruit. I left the group briefly and hobbled into the yard, and recognized the fruit: pomegranates! I've been so taken by this unique discovery that since my return home, I'm researching and reading about this unique plant and it's origins. While some people might be impressed during this trip by Las Vegas, I was firstly, much more impressed with the red soil and rock of the St. George area, and 2ndly, by this amazing fruit tree.
The Saturday night Priesthood Session of our Church semi-annual conference was the evening after the run. Sore and somewhat crippled, my running buddy and I attended while our wives spent time shopping at Mormon Handicraft, Deseret Book, and JoAnn Fabrics. We met up with them afterwards and enjoyed time together for a much relaxed meal and conversation. It was a nice anniversary weekend. I'm still sore, hobbling even, but I'm glad I was able to meet this goal.
Be well, do good...