SooZeQues Arroyo Junkers and Other Resurrections: September 2010

My art is an infectious need for me, sometimes a burden but most often a blessing.

This blog is about me and my obsessions, my loves, my need to create and my need of JUNK. I'm addicted to thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets and all roads leading off the beaten track to discover that perfect piece of junk. I recycle old license plates, old shovels, wheelbarrows, saw blades and anything else that's funky using my hand held plasma cutter. I love working with steel, sculpting, photography, watercolor painting, stained glass, and turning everyday utilitarian objects into art. Junked cars ~ I will always veer off the path to search out the beautiful wrecked Arroyo JunKers throughout Arizona, New Mexico and anywhere else the road may lead. When I'm not searching for those JunKers

I ~ RESURRECT ~ STEEL

www.SooZeQueDesigns.Shutterfly.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Friendship Resurrected

As Much as Life Changes.... it Remains the Same.

Back in May I spent some time wondering thru the back roads of my childhood. The house that my grandparents & great-grandparents built and the house that I grew up in was still there. It's a beautiful old adobe with hand carved doors and beams that my grandfather carved. I have not been in that house for over 47 years. I was lucky enough to go inside since my Mom knew the artist that now lives there.

Me my brother and our loyal watch dog Hondo in front of that door. I did ask if she'd sell me the door, but she wouldn't. How wonderful it would be to have that in my house.

It was wonderful growing up there and having 3 generations together. Every morning I'd awake to the smell of fresh baked pies my "Nana" would make for a local restaurant. We had a bountiful orchard that supplied an abundance of fresh fruit. Sadly, it is no longer there.

I was stunned to see the same floor still there. They don't make linoleum like they used to. Definitely more worn, but in tact. The cupboards still the same, the concrete sink in the laundry room that I used to get bathed in ~ still there. It took me back to a time that was joyous and carefree ... my childhood. Growing up in the country, riding my horse, swimming in the river, playing with my best friend... Jeannette. The Good Ole' Days

As I left the house and drove down the road to see where my bestfriend lived I discovered her mother still lived in the same house. Of course, I went to the door to say Hi and she remember me like it was yesterday. She gave me Jeannettes' phone and after I got home I contacted her. We hadn't spoke in over 47 years, but it didn't matter.... we were best friends. After catching up and promising to get together on my next trip and before saying goodbye, she said "you know for 47 years when I go to visit my Moms, I take the exit before her house to drive by your old house and I always think of you".

How great was that!

Here we are at a Halloween Costume Party.

I'm the "China" Girl