"ARROYO"

A dry channel through which water flows intermittently and irregularly. Kind of like this blog.

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

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Three Sisters & a WASP Tribute

Marguerite (Ty) Hughes Killen
Born ~ May 16,  1924
Died ~ Jan. 17, 2011

WASP:  Women Air Force Service Pilot

Ty, as I called her was my very best friends Mother.  She was a character and a hero in her time.  She was one of the first WASP's to fly in World War II. She attended civilian pilot training and received her commercial and flight instructor ratings on her 18th birthday and at 20 she graduated as a WASP.  As a teenager she spent most of her time at Fly Field in Yuma, AZ servicing planes and learning all about them.  She was flying planes when she was 15.  She later was a flight instructor and a teacher.

All records of the WASP were classified and sealed for 35 years, so their contributions to the war effort were little known and inaccessible to historians. In 1975, under the leadership of Col. Bruce Arnold, son of General Hap Arnold, the WASPs fought the "Battle of Congress" in Washington, D.C., to belatedly obtain recognition as veterans of World War II.

On July 1, 2009 President Barack Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal.


Ty and Shauna (my BFF) before the award ceremony

As a small tribute I created Three Flying Hearts one for each daughter with three roses that were Ty's favorite flower and also representing her three daughters.


Flyer's Prayer

When this life I'm in is done, And at the gates I stand,
My hope is that I answer all  his questions on command.

I doubt He'll ask me of my fame, Or all the things I knew,
Instead He'll ask of rainbows sent On rainy days I flew.

The hours logged, the status reached The ratings will not matter,
He'll ask me if I saw the rays
And did you see the twinkling eyes,
Of student pilots keen?

The way your heart jumped in your chest,  That special solo day -
Did you take time to thank the ones
Who fell along the way?

Remember how the runway lights Looked one night long ago
When you were lost and found your way, And how - you still don't know?

How fast, how far, how much, how high? He'll ask me not these things
But did I take the time to watch The moonbeams wash my wings?

And did you see the patchwork fields And mountains I did mold,
The mirrored lakes and velvet hills,
Of these did I behold?

The wind He flung along my wings, On final almost stalled,
And did I know it was His name,
That I so fearfully called?

And when the goals are reached at last, 
When all the flying's done,
I'll answer Him with no regret -
Indeed, I had some fun.

So when these things are asked of me, And I can reach no higher,
My prayer this day - His hand extends
To welcome home a Flyer.





by Patrick J. Phillips




7 comments:

Jerry Carlin said...

Wonder tribute, great wings you made for a special friend and I absolutely LOVE the poem!!!
on a side note, have you used gun blueing on your steel? I have just discovered this!

The Jane said...

Hi!
Thank you for sharing your memories of Ty. She sounds like a wonderful lady. I found your wonderful blog because after reading about Mrs. Killen on the Facebook page I follow, I Googled her and then came across your blog.

When I lived in New Mexico a few years ago, I was always fascinated by the "arroyo junkers" as well. But aside from that, I am completely amazed by your beautiful, beautiful art work. The shovels are amazing .... Well it's ALL amazing. Hopefully I can see some of your work in person the next time I head to Santa Fe to visit friends and family.

SooZeQue said...

Alice, pls enable your email address as I'm unable to respond to your post. Thanks, SooZeQue

Sloane said...

Wow, that was a great post. You are lucky to know such and inspiring woman! The pins you made for the ladies are beautiful.

soraya nulliah said...

Dear Sooze-Oh-what a wonderful story! There are brave women everywhere and how wonderful that they (finally) get the regognition they deserve. About time! And can I just say that I absolutely adore the hearts you made-they are just stunning...(and so very thoughtful)
I had a question that I think you may be able to answer. I have a table..untreated wood-that I want to use outdoors. It's under a covered area but some water may get to it in the rain...will it be okay? I don't mind if it weathers (would love that) but don't want it to rot. thanks if you can help. And I thought your bling comment was soooo funny! Yeah..it's quite a lot! Am going to change the caption now...whose bling is prettier?!!!xxx

B @ Sweet Limes said...

Those winged hearts are such a gorgeous token, they must be cherished by her girls. I love strong women like her who aren't about recognition but doing what they love and doing it the best ever.

hjn said...

I LOVE this story! Love the poem, Love the tribute,Love the artwork you created for this family, Love that she finally received the honor she deserves! LOVE it all!
Thank you for sharing this story! I also LOVE the photos of her! She looks so precious smiling with her daughter! What a blessing for you to have known her! A life well lived!
Have a beautiful day!
holli

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