First Wednesday Artwalk

Posted on October 5, 2011 by TheJessicaness

If it’s free, it’s me; that’s why we went the first time. We got to learn a little about the, history, architecture, hobbies, events, interests, and people, place we currently call home. Biking and foot traffic is not allowed over the many bridges into downtown and we aren’t familiar with the bus schedule so we park our car in the Downtown Garage on Clay and Adams that allows free parking on this night.

The center of the arts and crafts is at Hemming Plaza near the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) that is free on Artwalk night. They are constantly updating their exhibits and we were able to enjoy Project Atrium: Melanie Pullen along with other new artists portrayed in the upstairs galleries. From here, we can walk to churches, cafes, the main library, apartment offices, barber and cell phone shops, banks, and other venues displaying local art.

There are paintings, bead work, homemade earrings, pottery, theater, live music, costumes, monthly themes, zoo animal visits, authentic cuisine and samples of local bakeries, dancing, scraps to sculptures, recycled plastic and glass being reused,  t-shirts, buttons, guys playing cards and dominoes, trinket boxes, decorative bags, wire art, face painting, wooden toys, healthcare and fundraising booths, book signings, pets, beer and wine, and enough Downtown Ambassadors and police to make sure the event goes smoothly.

The first time we went we used the paper map handout and attempted to see what we could. We haven’t used the map since. I enjoy “getting lost” as we meander the few blocks between Hemming Plaza and The Landing. We find new businesses starting out and others that have begun to display art to attract more attention; it works. We have enjoyed speaking with the artists about their methods and motivation. There was a mom and wife, the spokeswoman for her kids clothing line and husband’s novel The Unsolved Murder of Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist.

Imagination Squared: A Community Response Project (902 boxes)

I used to under-appreciate art thinking, “well, even I can do that” and sometimes I still might. Seeing the art and hearing the artist describe their techniques and how much time it has taken them to create their project makes me appreciate art a lot more. Perhaps more now that I enjoy photography, writing, sometimes knitting, original paintings, wood and wire sculptures, other creative arts, and the fact that I know I can’t do what these artists do as I struggle to create myself. I enjoy supporting the arts in different media (when I can afford to) and give thanks to all the inspiration (other artists) out there that keep me thinking and enjoying other aspects of life.

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An Afternoon of Wandering

Posted on October 1, 2011 by TheJessicaness

working

We used to go to St Augustine frequently, the historic district. I love the small hometown feeling and the friendly businesses and colorful architecture. It seems that while I was in school we hadn’t found the time to visit, so this trip would be a special treat. The weather was a cool 68 degrees upon wakening and with a high of 80 we were guaranteed a crowded day in the city. Nothing like a hearty breakfast of one pancake, one egg, one sausage, 1/2 cup of grits, and a glass of orange juice to give us the energy to get going.

My Dad is going to Alaska next summer and I would like to believe that a miracle will happen where we can too. On our way to the historic district we stop at the Outlet Mall to compare prices on some harsh-weather clothing; it seems there are some places Caleb forgot to look up online as good money-saving places to shop. While we are near all the stores we will pick up a few needed things for the kitchen.

"Fire in the hole!"

We parked in our secret free-parking spot and made the short walk to picture-city. We weren’t the only ones that hadn’t been around in over a year and were amazed at all the new art shops and construction that had been completed and newly started. There was plenty of people watching to be had. We learned of the story behind a painting of the St Augustine lighthouse; the artist had taken a helicopter ride to capture the image. We saw original work (not for sale) by Dennis M Smith Jr  for his book Swamp Hattie.

There were pre-wedding photos and bridesmaids dresses that should’ve been longer. The free wax museum is now selling tickets. There is a new statue dedicated to the foot soldiers. We walked different streets full of new plants, bugs, shops, people, and the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. We saw beautiful and affordable art and then we saw price tags of $55,000 and more and all we could think about was how many places (Alaska, Australia, Colorado River, Hong Kong) we could see for that cost.

relaxing

We got to see art in the making, mason jars turned into wine glasses, and the train-friendly riders blowing their whistles while they wait to cross the street (I told the driver she had them ‘trained’). We saw more art, smelled some soaps, saw fish tanks in a gallery, and saw a Wells Fargo between a clothing boutique and a bakery. The historic district doesn’t allow all the fancy signs and billboards and doesn’t want fast food chains taking customers from the historic moment either, but I suppose big banks have enough of the consumers money to set up shop where they deem convenient.

We saw butterflies from around the world along with different size skulls of skunks, alligators, and horned creatures. There was a shop with squishy insoles for sale; perhaps if they weren’t $70 I’d have walked out with some. We had lunch at Barefoot Bill’s. Caleb ordered a bacon cheeseburger with an egg, green bell peppers, onions, lettuce, and ham on top. I’m not sure that’s everything but it was way better than the I’m-not-so-hungry, I’ll just get an appetizer of over greasy, soggy pickles to munch on with ranch dip.

shopping

To make up for the not-so-yummy lunch, we got ice cream for dessert. I got cookies ‘n cream in a cake cone and Caleb got peaches ‘n cream in a waffle cone. As we passed by the Taberna del Gallo we saw a pub crawl in progress. All the tour members got a group picture with the beer maids behind the bar. Just a peek into our favorite hot sauce place, The Pepper Palace, before deciding to call it a day.

We would arrive home to excited dogs, dirty dishes, and smelly sleeping bags. Walk and feed dogs, wash dishes, and off to the laundry mat for the first time in over five years to wash sleeping bags. There are washers for $6, $4.50, and $2.25. Ours fit in the medium. The dryer was 12 minutes for a dollar and it took us $2. The place is monitored 24 hours by camera but the guy that folds and irons leaves after 9:00pm. We were not short on entertainment. Caleb brought a book to read and I brought crosswords.

St Augustine's Finest

A minute later these two girls arrive with a two-year old in tow. The mom is too young to drink but is telling her friend about the argument that will ensue when she gets home to tell the boyfriend she is going out. The two-year old girl runs circles from inside to out and gets mom’s friend to put her in the washer. I suppose there is nothing wrong with a little fun, but being too busy with drama when your kid tells you they have to pee and then spanking them when they wet their pants – not my idea of good parenting.

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Caleb Ian Aldridge

Posted on September 29, 2011 by TheJessicaness

Terri, Caleb, Jessi, Robert, Kris

With Caleb’s input:

I understand some people find it troubling to write about themselves and my husband is one of those people. Caleb was born in Oroville, California at the Oroville County Hospital on the 24th of June 1985. His earliest memory is of his dad walking him to the daycare center of the local college that his dad was attending for gunsmithing. In preschool, there was an oval track on the playground with two blue big-wheel plastic tricycles and the others red, so the kids would race to the blue ones.

During nap time one day when Caleb couldn’t sleep his teacher let him take apart an old boom box that didn’t work; he had a screwdriver and everything. He took it apart and put it back together and it worked; his first time fixing anything. From here, his love for the mechanical arts would continue to grow. At the Parent-Teacher conference, or the “parents look at what your kid colored” meeting, the kids made peanut butter snacks for the parents and Caleb hid behind his mom while she was trying to be introduced to others.

Caleb - two years old

A few nights before the move to Big Timber, Montana where Caleb’s dad had found a new job, Caleb lay in bed scared that a clown doll on the other side of the room would eat him if he closed his eyes. His mom would throw it away, but Caleb rescued it since he liked the doll during the day. Soon he would be in the back seat, mashed between brother and sister, Kris and Jessi, while his parents, Terri and Robert, took turns sleeping in the passenger seat while the other one drove to get them to Montana non-stop.

Not quite to Big Timber, but tired, they would get a hotel room. For his fifth birthday, Caleb got to help mom with the cake and dropped egg shells into the batter. One day with both siblings in school and both parents at work he had called mom to ask what channel cartoons were on. Later that year mom would walk him to his first day of kindergarten at Big Timber Elementary School with 180 other children between ages 5-14, grades K-8. Montana is the 4th largest state in the U.S. but comparatively has a small population.

His parents eventually got different jobs and they would move around Big Timber a couple of times. He worked at Smash Hit Subs and during his off time hung out with Matt, Evan, and Kevin as they drove down dirt roads and explored the countryside together.

Caleb graduated high school in 2003 and joined the Navy in October that year. Some might think that he was following in his brother’s footsteps as they both became Enginemen, but Kris would be stationed in Japan on the USS Cowpens, for too long, while Caleb would get stationed on the USS Whidbey Island, where he would meet his future wife. He first met me in June 2005 and we began dating in Oct the same year. We would spend a lot of time together and avoid a bit of trouble, though as punishment once I was able to work with Caleb for two weeks.

Big Timber, MT

Soon his time was up on the Whidbey; time for another LSD (Dock Landing Ship). I wasn’t ready for a long distance relationship, but the ships were still in port and we were still living together, so far so good. Then came the decision-making days when I would decide to get out of the Navy to be with him; crazy, I know. I was separated from the Navy in Jan. 2007. We moved into our own place and then at points acquired temporary roommates. He deployed for his second time to visit Bahrain, Spain, and Dubai; he went on his first prior to us meeting. Upon his return in June, it’s almost like he never left.

We would get our first dog, Sparky, and enjoy our un-pottytrained decision especially at the local park throwing the ball down a hill for him and watching him run back so fast that even onlookers were amazed. We would buy our first car together, a silver 2007 Hyundai Elantra. Caleb would go on another deployment in March 2008, days after we marry, and return seven months later.  This time I had a job to keep me busy during the day and a dog to cuddle with at night. Now, it was time to meet the parents and his sister with a new baby as we had already met each others older brothers.

Caleb, Jessi, Dad

When we return to Virginia Beach we will move across town for the fourth time since we have been together; perhaps this stems from Caleb’s frequent moves as a child. My Mom will come to visit for Christmas and get a chance to meet Kris for moments as he is busy dating his future wife. Caleb will take a plane to Coronado, CA for school and I will drive cross-country to meet him for the road trip to his future job site, Harbor Ops at Mayport, FL where he will make first class (EN1, E-6).

Caleb will begin to love shore duty and the short hours, 7:00am-noon, that it brings; ship hours varied from 5:00am-10:00pm, but all military work comes with 24-hour shifts. He thinks about getting another job and then decides to go to school with me, somewhat literally. We take a night Biology class together, but unfortunately didn’t get randomly selected to be lab partners. We will move across town, get another dog, Piggy, and then try roommates again, before moving to our current residence sans another couple, great dane, and two cats.

Caleb and Sparky

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Developing Magic

Posted on September 18, 2011 by TheJessicaness

Dories on the Colorado River - Photo by John Wise

I started this blog with a little motivation from my Dad and my love of photography and writing; here I can combine the two. I love that I can write about where I’ve been and share it with others in hopes they too may enjoy the trip in a similar way. I last saw my Dad on my Spring Break from school in March. He wanted me to be able to read his super-rough-draft of a book while visiting but still be able to get out of the house.

In the process, we made a book together, in just one week; I was impressed. I tried reading his story from a reader’s point of view, but with school still fresh on the mind and all the common grammar mistakes found in the English language, it was hard not to stop and mention words or question the meaning of things. Then there was the getting lost in the descriptions and the emotions. The book is called Stay In The Magic and it felt like I was reading from long-time friends turned educators who had been on a spectacular journey of exploration that  overwhelmed them emotionally and spiritually.

Photo by John Wise

Every day was colored in a special way, just for their eyes. There was fresh food even after two weeks on the wet, wild, scenic river. There were life stories, poems, jokes, and song. At times there were helmets worn for safety and bailing the water out of the dory to keep it afloat while getting soaked to the bone in chilly water. There was hiking on steep cliffs using only the inches thick trail to maneuver on. All guests on this trip would poop in a bucket and then that bucket was tightly sealed and brought along in keeping with the, Leave No Trace, policy.

My Dad took this trip in October 2010 and was on the river for 18 days. When I went to see him in mid-March, I could have easily believed that he had returned from the trip that day, so strong was his enthusiasm. Here it is almost a year later and he is almost done editing the book. He has had about eight other pairs of eyes on it including mine as a first-time proofreader. I was more than intrigued but a little rushed the first time through. With the rereading of this past week, I have all the time I need, with this new version having seen almost 2,000 changes to grammar and explanations, along with many additions and deletions.

Photo by John Wise

I am still overcome with so much beauty and emotion expressed by my Dad who I’ve only recently had the chance to form a stronger bond with and kind of get to know. I have also benefited from reading some of what Jeffe Aronson had to write about the Canyon and its greatness that has held his interest and attachment to being a Grand Canyon boatman. My Dad wrote so much of his experiences from his mere 18 days on the Colorado. Jeffe was on his 117th trip when he helped guide my Dad through such an amazing experience, Jeffe tells of those experienced or newbies who after taking this rafting journey come to believe that the Colorado is the greatest river adventure in the world.

I am ready to read Day 15 and I feel like it has been months experienced in this Canyon; this is how much time it seems one would need to say that they have seen a tiny fraction of what the canyon has to offer at any given time of day in its varying seasons. My Dad’s motivation for a blog started out with a love of photography and a desire to write. I feel sometimes that the nature vs nurture ideal is stronger than some realize. As I come to know more of myself through exploring new regions of the mind, I learn more about my Dad than I think most people contemplate or wonder about.

Photo by John Wise

My Dad could have simply shared his handwritten scribbles and I would have been proud of him, but the determination and perseverance it has taken to write such word-beauty is astounding and makes me strive to experience this planet in such a manner and then have the decency to at least share a sliver of the joy I felt that many will never get the opportunity to do when bound by their inner demons and cultured reasons.

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Graduating with Honors

Posted on September 13, 2011 by TheJessicaness

About two years ago my husband got stationed at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, FL and seven years ago I didn’t have the money to afford college. As a navy wife with no job and volunteering to fill my time I woke up one morning and decided to use the money the government would give me for being married to go to school. I chose the nearest college and campus, Florida State College at Jacksonville – South Campus.

Colleges have about the same schedule as grade school, but I had never had to register. I was a day late for the fall and had some issues getting MyCAA, Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, to coöperate with the school schedule and a hard time accessing their website. I would get everything, mostly, figured out and paid for and would take five classes in the spring. Things were going great; I advanced through math quickly, advanced in my writing skills, and was riding my bike 10 miles a day.

Summer came and I didn’t want to lose momentum so I kept on going. I would continue to keep this attitude, even after Obama cut my allowance by $2,000 and forced me to find another way to finish the last two semesters. Less travel, less $8 cheese (8 oz), no savings, and a loan from Dad would have me on the road to success. I suffered through a 14-page paper, that was supposed to be a group project, but learned a lot and appreciate the challenge.

Most days I chose to remain face-deep in books ignoring temptations heavy knock to do anything else instead. I learned a lot from my classmates and obviously the professors. I had a night Biology class with Caleb and we learned about the different Australopithecus species. I worked hard and studied and stressed a lot sometimes. Most of the time I was proud of myself and other times I realize I just wasn’t grasping the information to the exact point that the professor was looking for (some are real picky, but so are future employers) and that I could still be proud of my perseverance.

I finished my AA Degree in Business Administration after 20 months. I could have finished sooner and I also could have taken summers off and still be going. I graduated with a 3.73 (honors) GPA; 0.02 points away from graduating with high honors. A minor disappointment but overall a major achievement and hopefully one of many stepping-stones I take to continue enriching my life. The graduating feeling didn’t set in until today when I received my diploma in the mail.

I have the opportunity to walk in cap-n-gown next May; of course I will do it for me, but I will also be able to watch Caleb walk when he graduates next year. All that time and money for a piece of paper, but that paper recognizes my hard-work and dedication and I would gladly do it again for all the extra learning opportunities it gave me; and for all the free books the library was constantly giving away. I have learned more than just about bugs, and Picasso, and grammar, and calculus, and how to please a professor; I have learned how to teach myself, how to navigate new programs, and how to stay interested in a life time of learning.

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