This photo is from May of 2022.
Mineral King is closed to the public this year. The Silver City Resort will not be accessible. Cabin folks are strongly discouraged from going up the hill.
NOTHING can stop Trail Guy and I from going up the hill to our cabin.
This poses a question: is it wrong to post photos of and chit-chat about a place that people aren’t allowed to go?
I don’t know how to handle this.
In addition, I seem to have accidentally retired. Actually, I don’t want to be retired, so let’s say I am on a sabbatical. I think this means a paid break for the purposes of learning new skills or doing research. However, I don’t earn if I am not working, and I am not researching anything, so “sabbatical” might also be the wrong description. I simply don’t have work right now, an odd situation that I have never encountered in all my years of self-employment as a Central California artist.
I need time to think, and I welcome your thoughts on this odd situation. Meanwhile, I will be pressing pause on my blog for an undetermined amount of time as I examine what might and might not be the appropriate method of blogging about this current phase of life as your Central California artist (and Mineral King reporter).
10 Comments
How above joining us for 1st Saturday some time? You could even be the Featured Artist one month. Think about it!
Nikki, those open studios just don’t fit with my summer life or with the configuration of my tiny building up those steps. But thank you!!
Although I completely agree with you reasoning, I will greatly miss my daily dose of your wonderful wit and wisdom!
Tracy, just call me any time!
Sigh. A big sigh, for I will miss your thoughtful daily blogs, Jana. But I understand. The day came for me to do the same years ago, and I’ve never regretted going on to other interests and pursuits. In fact, it opened up more, interesting opportunities. Relax a bit! Enjoy life as it comes each day. I’m sure art-filled days will be a part of them!
Louise, I am truly enjoying the freedom of no deadlines. And I do have an idea for a new series of blog posts. Thank you for the encouragement!
“Paint Night” pop up events at businesses have been very popular up here in Oregon. $55 for a 2-3 hour painting experience, per person. Artists selects a scene, people pay online to reserve a Canvas and materials, artist demonstrates simplified steps, learners follow along. Last 30 minutes to visit and let paint dry before taking a group photo and going home. Tracy Scott in Atascadero sponsors these too. Downside is that you’d probably have to drive down the hill, but 15 -20 people paying to have fun playing with paint, priceless. ? This was a fun activity that my grown daughter and I enjoyed together. We painted aspens. You know where I was imagining as I painted. It was a positive and bonding experience that was low-commitment for the learner/dabbler. Businesses sponsor it for employee team building, Bunco groups and civic organizations, Bday parties…grandparent/grandchild joint activity; just lots of fun options. I could see a small tabletop display of Botkin beauties for sale at the venue too. I will miss your blog and your fun voice in my “mailbox.” The MK pics are ALWAYS appreciated whether we can get there or not. Take care, Jana and Mike, from the Deisman crew of #29,
Mari (Deisman) Ibbs
Mari, that is an interesting concept! I will give it some thought.
I just spent quite a few days up the hill thinking, and I have an idea for a new series of blog posts. So, as always, more will be revealed in the fullness of time.
That’s a hard choice to make. On the one hand, you don’t want to encourage people to venture up that dangerous road in any way; on the other hand, how can you not write about a place that is so precious to you?
Sometimes one goes through a temporary break to retire, rest, reflect, relax, ruminate, repose, and contemplate (sorry, I couldn’t think of another word beginning with R).
As the King of Siam said, “Is a puzzlement!”
P.S. Are you open for commissions?
Sharon, I am thinking about a new topic for blogging. (All the time up the hill was good for thinking.)
ALWAYS open for commissions!
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