My Most Favourite Building Ever....

I have loved The Chrysler Building from afar for many years...... and today I was able to get up close and personal! I was impressed with the beauty of this Art Deco masterpiece.

For Walter P. Chrysler, from the car manufacturer, building the tallest building in the world was a status symbol. The Chrysler Building was in a race with the Bank of Manhattan (now 40 Wall Street) for obtaining the title of tallest building in the world. It looked like the Bank of Manhattan would win the race, with an expected height of 282 meters (927ft) to around 230 meters for the Chrysler Building. But the spire of the Chrysler Building was constructed in secret inside the tower.

Just one week after the Bank of Manhattan had topped out, the spire of the Chrysler Building was put in place, making it 318 meters (1045ft) tall, thus beating the Bank of Manhattan as the tallest building in the world. It would not keep this title for long: one year later the Empire State Building was erected.

The Chrysler building is one of the last skyscrapers in the Art Deco style. The gargoyles depict Chrysler car ornaments and the spire is modeled on a radiator grille. Since it was restored in 1996 it glitters again like it must have in the 1930s.

And the building's Art Deco interior is even more magnificent than its exterior. The marble floors and many Art Deco patterns such as on the stylish elevator doors make the Chrysler Building one of New York's most beautiful office towers.

The artworks on the ceilings were originally painted on canvas by artist Edward Trumbull. The paintings are called, "Transport and Human Endeavor" and were cemented to the lobby ceiling. At the time of completion tis was the largest mural in the world and featured buildings, airplanes, and scenes from the Chrysler assembly line, as the Chrysler building itself.

My travel buddy Max liked the beautiful Christmas tree the best! Poor Yasemin was back in our apartment with a fever.

I can only imagine how fantastic it would be to go to work in this building everyday!

A Very Sad Day...

The time that I have both dreaded and blocked out has arrived. We are leaving.

I don't know exactly how it happened but it bloody hurt! Last Thursday morning I fell down a flight of stairs in a most undignified manner. My legs were cut, bruised and swollen. As I sat in the Nurse's office with ice bags on my legs I cried. All the emotion of having to pack up and say goodbye to my colleague's at two schools. The emotion of saying farewell to the sweet children I teach. Accepting that the special friendships we have made will most likely end due to the distance between America and Australia. I was in shock and this combined with all the pressure involved with leaving signalled the opening of the floodgates.

I was feeling very emotional and overwhelmed when I woke on Friday morning but also grateful not to have to go to work as I was home on workers compensation leave.

Then I heard the terrible news - that On December 14, 2012, a gunman killed twenty children and six adult staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the Sandy Hook village of Newtown, Connecticut, before committing suicide.

I sat and cried while watching the event unfold on television.  It has deeply upset me. As an elementary school teacher in the US with two young children, my heart aches for the parents of these children and the other innocent people who died. I watched desperate, panicked parents looking for their children, waiting outside for the news that their children were still alive. I watched as youngsters at the kindergarten-through-fourth-grade school exited the building with their eyes closed so that they wouldn’t see the bodies, blood and broken glass. I watched as little children the same ages as my own children,were escorted through a parking lot in a line, hands on each other’s shoulders.

I felt proud to be a teacher as I learnt of the brave and courageous decisions that saved the lives of many innocent children at Sandy Hooke.

I sat and watched President Obama deliver an emotional and powerful speech, and I continued to cry.

Throughout my year abroad I have regularly been asked about the differences between America and Australia.

I have one answer - GUNS!

I am thankful for Australia's gun laws. I have been shocked and am tired of hearing that Americans have the constitutional right to bear arms. I suggest these people read the Second Amendment to the constitution which says: ''A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.'' Gun owners always fail to mention the need for a well-regulated militia.

It feels like the world has gone crazy! I am stunned and appalled that so many in the US believe the solution to prevent mass shootings in schools is to simply arm teachers. Surely less guns and not more guns is obvious the answer!

When my children ask about this tragedy I am going to tell them that we are going home to Australia, to a country that cares more about their children then an individuals right to bear arms!

Trout Fishing on the South Platte River...

Our dear friend Susan generously organised for Garry and I to spend a day learning how to fly fish on the South Platte river in Colorado. This was an incredibly kind farewell gift because she also was minding Yasemin and Max so we could enjoy the day child free!

We left early on Sunday morning to meet our guide, Dave. We headed to the popular area know as Deckers. Deckers is an area situated along The South Platte River, considered s a Gold Medal Western trout river on the Eastern Slope of Colorado. The river is well known for its wild trophy population of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. As a result of the close proximity to Denver, the river sees thousands of fly fishing enthusiasts each year. With seven dams on the river, the South Platte is considered a tailwater fishery.

I knew it was going to be a great day when we spotted two Bald Eagles flying in the sky from the car. Dave has a number of favorite spots he favors and we went in search of one free from fellow anglers. When we found a suitable spot we started to layer up. It was not a warm day, and the previous night had dusted the area with fresh snow - the water was super cold! Thick wool socks, thermals covered by Marino wool clothing followed by fleeces which were then covered by waders and boots were hopefully going to keep us warm. Dave thoughtfully provided Garry and I with hand warmers - which he placed inside the fingerless I was wearing. These were fantastic!

We were fishing catch and release, which in my mind eased the pressure because we didn't need to catch our dinner. We started the day learning the finer points of casting, mending the line and striking. Garry and I were enjoying the beautiful landscape while working on practicing the basic fishing skills  and focusing on assisting the little white indicator to float down stream as naturally as possible. This was more difficult than it sounds and I was beginning to understand why Fly Fishing is recognized as a sport.

The water was freezing and it was not long before we couldn't feel our toes but we ignored the pain because we were truly having a great time. I actually was so busy concentrating on my technique that sometimes I forgot we were out to catch fish! Then all of a sudden Garry landed the first fish of the day - a lovely looking Brown Trout.

We continued on and we both had a number of bites but no more luck landing any fish. The best feeling was to get into the car and thaw my feet on our way to another fishing spot. This place was even more beautiful than the first! Susan was great with the kids and they had all kinds of fun playing in the snow on the riverbank.

Being the competitor that I am, I was determined to catch a fish because Garry did! Dave was great to have as he was always checking our techniques, changing the line weights and adjusting lures. While Dave was helping me Garry hooked a second Trout which he didn't land. I couldn't believe it - now I was more determined than ever  and then it happened! But it became the fish that got away story. I didn't release the line quickly enough and the line broke. The enormous trout jumped out of the water and swam away with my lure. Bummer!

Eventually my patience was rewarded and I landed a rainbow trout. It was a great moment as Susan, Yasemin and Max cheered from the rivers edge. The obligatory photo will appear asap when Dave emails it to me.

To be continued...........

Cisco and Glenwood Springs....

We woke today in the literally freezing weather. We lit the fire and packed up - it was so cold that the minute amount of water in the washing up tub actually turned into a sheet of ice in less than 15 minutes. It was bloody cold!

On our way out of the park our first stop was at the Ranger Station so that Max could collect his Junior Ranger Badge. Max has made a huge effort this year and earned a Junior Ranger badge in every National park we visited. This was the last badge that Max will be able to collect in America and he was still thrilled to earn it! He proudly pinned it to his chest and wore it with pride. I hope that one day both Max and Yasemin will be able to look back on our adventure this year with joy and will be reminded of our incredible journey each time they look at all the badges they collected.

Our next stop was at the ghost town called Cisco. Cisco was made famous in Thelma and Louise, so I figured it was worth a quick stop. But what a truly eerie place!

The following store is where the scene in the movie was shot. The man Susan Sarandon was talking with was a real resident of Cisco during the time of filming, but has since died. The store is not open but it clear that someone is living inside.

I was still in disbelief that Cisco actually has residents when we continued our drive home. Our next stop was at Glenwood Hot Springs. This was a fantastic way to break up the trip and soothe sore muscles from yesterdays big hikes. We arrived just as the sun was setting and throughly enjoyed our soak in the natural spring water.

The Fiery Furnace...

We had spent the last few days driving backwards and forwards past the area in Arches known as The Fiery Furnace and each time I was captivated by the amazing landscape.

We gamely set off on a Ranger Guided tour of The Fiery Furnace! I was slightly apprehensive because when I booked the tickets for this tour the Ranger was very clear that Everyone attending the tour should be aware of the demanding nature of this hike and properly equipped for current conditions. During the hike, participants must walk and climb on irregular and broken sandstone, along narrow ledges above drop-offs, and in loose sand. There are gaps which must be jumped and narrow places that you must squeeze into and pull yourself up and through. In some of these places, you must hold yourself off the ground by pushing against the sandstone walls with your hands and feet. Due to the maze-like nature of the terrain, all participants are committed to completing the hike once they enter the Fiery Furnace. She was particularly concerned about Max's age as five is the youngest they allow and even this age it is with hesitation.

Max was entranced with Ranger Mike from the start and became his shadow.

Walking through these formations was fabulous. At times the light was also perfect.

I am not sure what all the worry was about, because even though we experienced some tight squeezes and walked on some high ledges we all found the walk very non-threatening.

We were on the walk for roughly three and a half hours and at the end I was tired but the kids handled it really well. It was lovely sharing the walk with them and our dear friend, Susan.

 A great end to another perfect day - we returned to our campsite as the sun was starting to set. I'm not sure if its because this is was to be the last National Park we visit or  if its simply watching the colour on the rocks as the sun sets, but we all agreed that Arches is one of our most favorite places.

Student Show at John Fielder's Gallery...

When we arrived in Colorado, one of the very top items on my bucket list was to attend a photography workshop with an outstanding American  Landscape Photographer. After a few months I realised that John Fielder was photographer I wanted to most learn from. He is a legend in Colorado and famous throughout the US. From majestic sunrises over the Rockies to colorful Colorado wildflowers bordering alpine lakes, his photos portray Colorado in all its glory.

I had the pleasure of attending a workshop in Telluride in the fall and learnt so much. I truly believe my photography really jumped to the next level particularly in terms of composition, after the workshop.

I  recently submitted 3 of my images to a panel to be considered for entry in an upcoming exhibition in John Fielders gallery in Denver. He has been running a number of workshops each year for the past 18 years. The only criteria for the exhibition was that you had to have taken the photograph for entry  in one of Fielders workshops. This is the first exhibition of this kind and is to become an inaugural event in the gallery.

On the workshop I took literally thousands of photographs and I found it very difficult to narrow it down to three unedited images. I finally made the decision and was excited and nervous after the submission.  What a great end to the year to have the possibility of one of my images being selected and hung in the exhibition!

I am so happy and excited that my work was selected!

The following article was in the Denver Post;

Professional and amateur landscape photographers who have been participants in a John Fielder Photography Workshop in scenic locations ranging from Telluride to Kauai over the past 12 years are featured in an Inaugural Workshop Student Exhibition at Fielder’s gallery located at 833 Santa Fe Drive in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. The show opens on First Friday, December 7.

Eighteen photographers were selected from a call for entry that was juried by the staff of Fielder’s gallery, all of whom are photographers themselves. Featured in the show which runs from December 7, 2012 through January 26, 2013, are Evan Anderman, Jeanette Azar, Doyle Brewer, Mary Carley, Bo Cheatham, Chris Cillian, Johanna Clifford, Anne Cook, Jim Donlon, Bryan Kean, Cari Linden, Deb Olson, Robin Riddle, Brett Rodewald, Glenn Sackett, Frank Sueberling, Keith Wallin and Ron West. Each of the selected images have been matted and framed at the gallery and all are for sale with 100% of the proceeds going to the photographers.

An Artists Reception hosted by Fielder is scheduled for Saturday, January 19, from 2 to 5 p.m., when gallery guests can meet the photographers and find out what it’s like to take a workshop with Fielder. They may also vote for “Best in Show” in a People’s Choice contest which continues through the run of the exhibition.

The schedule of 2013 workshops where students can learn -- directly from Fielder -- how to take beautiful landscape photographs begins with winter photography in Steamboat Springs in March, and continues with whitewater rafting and camping on the Gunnison River in May, spring scenery in Summit County in June, wildflowers in Crested Butte in July and wraps up with fall colors in Telluride in October. An April workshop in Costa Rica is on the drawing board.

John Fielder’s Colorado gallery hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. For more information about the exhibition and the workshops, please call 303-744-7979 or visit www.JohnFielder.com



The following is my artwork that was selected.

I am proud, excited and nervous all rolled into one and can't wait for Friday nights exhibition opening that I will be sharing with friends and family.

Delicate Arch...

Our dear friend Susan had told us months ago that we should try and walk the Fiery Furnace hike inside Arches National Park. This is a very popular hike and you require a permit as the park limits this terrain to only 70 people per day. You are advised to attempt this hike with as guide as it is very easy to get lost. So the first thing we did when we entered the park three days ago was to stop at the Ranger Station and enquire about this hike - and a good thing we did because the first hike we could book was on our last day! Today was the day we had been looking forward to, but we were due to meet at 1pm in the afternoon, so we had time after breakfast to visit Delicate Arch - possibly the parks most famous site.

We set off for our 3 mile hike full of energy. At the beginning of the hike we passed The Wolfe Ranch. The Ranch was settled in the late 1800's by John Wesley Wolfe and his son. John moved west from Ohio looking for a drier climate, due to a nagging leg injury he received in the Civil War. John selected a tract of 100 acres of land along Salt Wash for its water and grassland - enough for a few cattle. The tiny cabin was tiny and sparse - how they survived in this harsh terrain I can't begin to imagine!

 The hike was all up hill though soft sand and over slick rock. I started to worry that such a big hike in the morning and possibly a four hour hike after lunch might be to much for the kids?

We knew when we started that the best pictures were taken at this location were shot in the afternoon. However, if we were going to see Delicate Arch it was now or never - so Yasemin and I practiced our sun start photography and drank up the beautiful view. Our photograph does not do any justice to the amazing view.

Our walk back to the car was all down hill and much faster than the way up! We took a minor detour and saw examples of Ute petroglyphs.  This petroglyph panel is believed to be comprised of historic Ute images since it shows people on horseback, and horses were adopted by the Utes only after they were introduced by the Spanish.

We arrived back at the car with an hour to return to camp, eat, rehydrate and meet at the Fiery Furnace hike!