Tuckered Out From Turkey Day Travelling

TheChristyBel Tuckered Out From the Turkey Day Traveling
Photo Credit to Marc Sweet
Found This Gem on His Phone - He Took It Before We Left Boulder to Head Back to Laramie
When He Picked Me Up From the Denver Airport

Stay Beautiful, Philly!

My Thanksgiving Break was too short, literally, too short. I was only able to indulge in a fraction of its beauty for about 36-hours. But it was worth it. Being able to spend time with my family, my home, my wonderful little state, and of course, my bed, was incredibly worth the short time I was able to get a taste of home. As I sit here in the airport waiting for my flight back to Denver, I was able to gaze at a wonderful sunrise. Philly, you are incredibly beautiful. Sure, the Tetons and the Wyoming landscape brings wonderful sunrises, but there will always be something more about Philly's sunrise that just makes me so incredibly happy! I cannot wait to see you again, Philly, in 19-days! Stay beautiful!

TheChristyBel

A Philly Sunrise Waiting for My Flight Back to the Forever West!

Delays, Delays, Delays

Oh, you know...just stuck in Denver right now, waiting for my flight to stop being delayed.

Philly, we're so close to seeing each other.

Don't lose hope!

There's no place like east coast home!

TheChristyBel

Ceramics II: Last Problem of the Semester - Composites

For the last problem of the semester, we were assigned to construct a composite piece. A composite piece is made of constructing pieces out of several thrown pieces or sections. A composite can also be called a sectional piece. We were asked to design 5-6 ideas that consisted of at least 4-thrown pieces. In the end, we would only construct one composite. The composite needed to be at least 15-inches in height.

I decided to continue my nature-theme in my art and decided to construct a tree out of an 3/4 altered form (where the cylinder closes at the top - resembling a cone), two bowls put together to resemble a globe/world/Earth, and to present the entire piece on a plate. This took two attempts to construct.

My first 'draft' did not come out well and resulted in a lop-sided globe! So, another 6-hours later, I threw more pieces and they came out a lot better when I started attaching them to each other. It's a good thing, Margaret says to throw more bowls that you need...insurance!

But after throwing the new pieces, I constructed the main profile in the studio: two bowls as the globe and the cone. I also extruded a bunch of clay rods to break apart and morph them into branches. I then decided to take the pieces home and assemble in the courtesy of a calm environment. This really meaning: I like to do art in PJs or just not wear pants at all! Haha.

Let me tell you, placing branches on the cone on top of the globe was really challenging. I had to use an assortment of chairs and household objects to help hold up all the branches while they dried onto the bigger clay body. I was literally sitting on the floor (with no pants on) and using my hair dryer to dry the branches so they can become more sturdy to hold on its own. After a night and all afternoon of drying, I finally grew the courage and faith to let the piece stand on its own...and it succeeded! The next test: drive it back to the ceramics studio...pray to the heavens above (right about now)!

 I carefully picked it up and placed it into one of my moving boxes. Drove about 2-miles an hour all the way to the studio, which is across town from my apartment. Slowly walked it through the doorway and into the studio. Challenge accepted. Second challenge: attach the bottom plate! That took me holding up the tree while my friend, Aaron, got on the floor and scraped and etched into the bottom for us to score and slip the two pieces together! Second Challenge Accepted! Third Challenge: Survive the night without anything holding it up! After wrapping it in a plastic drape cloth, I came back the next morning for class to see it had survived! I showed Margaret (our teacher), who was super pleased, and I added the last touch to the piece: the carving of the world on the globe part. It also was waxed with the cold wax resist to help with the drying of the branches. Now, it currently rests on the finished shelf ready to bisque-fired!

Cross your fingers it survives!
Don't worry, I'll keep ya posted!

TheChristyBel

A Doodle A Day: Days 1 & 2

Trying to do at least a Doodle A Day...

Brain Breaks!

Enjoy some art from CBel!

TheChristyBel

Brain Breaks = Art Breaks

Sometimes, you cannot just do work all the time. 

Sometimes, you just need to let your hands go free.

Let them take over a piece of paper.

Listen to some music. 

Add color. 

Don't think, just draw.

You'll like the outcome. I promise.

Go DRAW.

 TheChristyBel

A Delaware Turkey Countdown

Just wanted to give you all an update:

9 more days until the First State and I are reunited again!

Even though it will only be for a short, short, short period of time,

I am beyond excited to finally visit a place called home!

Even more excited for the following:

Bobbies

Sushi

The Foxfire Crew

The Burtons

My Family!

and of course...

....my bed.

This will be the longest week and a half...ever.

TheChristyBel

More Snow...

Woke Up to More Snow Blanketing My Car and Neighborhood
Looks Like I Will Not Be Driving Little Blue Today
PS. Thermometer Says 21.0 degrees, it 'warmed' up!
Hot Chocolate Anyone?!?

Glazed Altered Forms!

Just a Quick Update:

Behold, 5 of my 6 Altered Forms: Glazed! 

They came out pretty good! 

I'll have more photos and updates soon!

TheChristyBel

Cracks & Dihedrals

Dihedral Route

Thursday afternoon I dropped off Marc at the Denver International Airport so he could go to New York. Driving Little Blue in the winter is incredibly nerve-wrecking. Especially when you are driving a few hours and only have a short-window of time before the sun sets and the roads start getting icy and really slippery. And well with Little Blue and her infamous past and known to not have decent traction, I decided to stay and crash on a couch in Boulder with my new friends, Meg and Matt.

That evening, they both took me to the Boulder Rock Club. This place was incredibly happening. Sooooo many climbers in the gym. Back at the Delaware Rock Gym (DRG), I do not think if there was ever a time that there were more than 10-people in that gym at once...except for a birthday party or something.

But I got to try out a whole bunch of routes that ranged from 5.6-5.9. I think I am getting better and more comfortable every time I climb. Also, I challenged myself to my first dihedral and crack climbs! This was sooo fun and exciting. I wish Marc was there to see me attempt and accomplish them (almost).

Slowly Getting Up!

Matt said that I would do well with the dihedral route. Right before we got into the midst of climbing, we took an hour-yoga class to warm up for climbing. I missed yoga and most of my flexibility and balance came back to my body pretty quick. Matt stated that since I was pretty flexible and had really good balance, dihedrals would be perfect for me. The dihedral at the gym was solely balance and full body pressures against both walls, and so my dancer background would help me with this route. I did really well: took it slow, there was one part of the route that was pretty challenging, but I was able to shimmy, push, and mantle my way up to the top! Such an awesome accomplishment! I'm not going to lie, I can't wait to try it out on real rocks!

Then my next challenge: cracks. Meg is an awesome teacher as far as explaining out techniques I need to work on, as well as how to go about climbing cracks. Let me tell you, it's hard and painful. I cannot believe you can use your hands as fists and your feet as your equipment to help you excel up a vertical crack route...unbelievable! But I made it maybe 1/3 of the way up the route before my hands and body were getting pretty tired. I've got some homework. 

But overall, I was pretty proud of myself and really excited to continue working on these two types of climbing. I wish it was not snowing everywhere...I want to go try these outside!

TheChristyBel

Snowy Flat Irons!

Welcome to Winter...Again!

Woke up and there was frost all over my windows and my thermometer on my window said 'Lo.' So I went online and this is what The Weather Channel said it was outside.

Can you believe this?!?!? I am totally not ready for the extreme weather yet! It's also a good thing that I have heat in my apartment!

It just makes me remember the cold cabin of Cloudveil back at Teton Science Schools. And it made me wonder how Paige is doing (the current grad that is living in my old cabin)!

Stay Warm, everyone!

Welcome back to winter, ChristyBel! 

Year Three: Missing You Everyday

Not a day goes by that I do not think of Linda. Her determination to get things done, her welcoming personality and love for her staff at work, her strength to push forward (even during the most stressful, challenging, and saddening of times), her humor and her funny jokes (can we all remember that horse joke she would try to always tell us, but could never finish because she would just crack her self up!?!), her positivity and love for herself and for others, and so much more. 

I constantly get reminded of those moments and qualities she possessed. I am really glad that I brought out my Linda pin, t-shirt, and an assortment of photos here to Wyoming with me. Being constantly reminded of someone that taught you so much during a short period of time is a great quick inspiration and reminder for your own self awareness and a stroll down memory lane.

I cannot believe it has already been three years since Lady Linda has left us. It still boggles my mind I can pinpoint exactly where I was when I first heard about Linda being sick and where I was when I got the phone call to go to her side for one that one final visit. Still boggles my mind.

Today, Linda, we do not celebrate that it has been three years since your passing, but we celebrate all the wonderful gifts that you have shared with us and left for us that constantly keep you in our hearts. Even though I do that everyday, today of all days, I'll be thinking of you just a little bit more than usual. Missing you so much. Xo.

TheChristyBel

Climbing the Bee Hive in Vedauwoo

This afternoon, we decided to explore more of Vedauwoo. I have heard wonderful things about the Beehive Buttress near Happy Jack and the Lincoln Monument off the highway. So we choose to go check it out! In order to get there, you take Blair-Wallis Road from the Lincoln Monument towards the central area. From there you make a left onto 705J (note: it is unmarked and rough), and then another left onto 705JA until the road becomes too narrow to drive and it looks like you've hit a circle parking lot amongst the trees. After parking your car, you take a small trail or the ATV trail to the base of the rock wall.

This place was awesome. We had the whole crag to ourselves for the first hour of climbing. The routes are a huge variety of 5.6 to 5.11+, and most of the routes are sport climbs (routes with bolts up to the anchors, so you just clip your draws in as you lead climb up). But Marc and I both got to do three climbs each. The three routes we chose were to the far left of the wall, right next to each other. They all used the same anchor, which was at the base of a roof. I think they varied from 5.5, 5.6, and 5.10a! The first one was called Gypsie Fire (5.5), the next one was Rip Chords (5.6), and the last one was Walking the Board. Marc led all the routes as I belayed him from the ground. Note this is a great place to practice lead belaying (since I am still new to this activity, it was great to use these routes and practice how much slack and taught rope I need to give to the person I am belaying as they lead climb). But anyways, after Marc would lead up the route, secure the anchors, and would come back down, I would follow, collect the gear and then he would top rope belay me down. On our last route, Walking the board, I followed Marc up to the anchor to where we practiced rappelling again. This was definitely the highlight of my day: not only did I rappel down without hesitation, but I climbed my first 5.10a! Getting onto the rock was really challenging, but I also overcame climbing on an arete (a thin, knife-like, ridge of rock), which had little to no holds and a small crack to place the tips of my fingers in. Basically, I had to body shimmy my way up it to get to the anchor! Such a climbing accomplishment for this beginner!

TheChristyBel

Scrambling Up Vedauwoo

After class, Marc and I went for a hike to get a Vedauwoo sunset in. Below are some of the moments captured from our chilly and windy hike and scramble up from the Turtle Rock Trailhead. Enjoy. :)

TheChristyBel

PS. I saw my first moose here in Laramie today! Actually, two moose: a bull and a cow. When we scrambled to the top of a high boulder, we decided to sit and watch the sunset. While waiting for the sun to go down, we look down towards the parking lot and Vedauwoo campground roads, and this huge brown animal just starts emerging from the dense conifers, across the path, and into more conifers: behold a huge bull moose (with a nice rack of paddles too!) Shortly after, his cow followed his path and both were quickly lost to the dense trees just as how they appeared. Maybe this place does have some special qualities to it that make TheChristyBel more at 'home.'

Well, anything with moose will make me feel at home! 

Sorry for the side note - just had to share that moment of excitement!

CB

Trees Growing Out of Rocks?!?! Miracles!

Enjoying the Sunset and the Last of the Warm Rays!

Pano From the Top of Our Scramble

Resting, Relaxing.

Best Moment Captured on Film.
TheChristyBel Excited to Scramble and Knees Are Doing AWESOME!

Getting a Push on My Plan B - Art & Science Integration

My Satellite Image: I Think I Have Vegetated Mountains!

Using a Lens View Finder, I've Narrowed Down My Design

Advanced Topics in Pedagogy course has begun our Art and Science Integration unit. This unit is really fun. The Science Methods students (my class) will work in collaboration with the Art Methods students in an art project.  How perfect is this activity? Completely perfect for what I wanted to focus my Masters' Plan B on.

I'd like to thank Professor Dr. Kate Welsh for informing me of this course and connecting me with Dr. Andrea Burrows. Being able to work with her about letting me take this course and to also use this activity in conjunction with my Plan B is incredibly awesome! I'm already conducting research. So I feel I am definitely ahead of this whole Plan B thing! I'll get into my Plan B and that research later...

But back to Science and Art: today, we learned about the scope of this project: silk batik painting with a scientific focus. We were introduced to satellite imagery. We learned that satellite images are able to give us interesting perspectives of a landscape based on the reflected light off objects and the landscape. So for example, plants absorb red light and so that is the color you would see through a satellite image.

My Final Piece

We were given photos of satellite images that were taken of the geographic landscape. By choosing a satellite image and using a view-finder lens, we were to choose a specific area in the photograph to focus our silk batik painting on.

Then we were taught how to paint on silk! So cool! You first create a design plan and outline your images on the silk with this plastic resin. After it dries you are able to apply paint. You have to mix colors in order to make new ones (using the information you gained from your art methods' group members. Along with painting, you can use salt, vinegar, and alcohol to create different textures and designs in the paint.

What a fun project. Hopefully this can be a great addition to my Plan B!

TheChristyBel

Woah!

The Ceramics Saga: Problem #3 - Bowls

Well, my altered forms (Problem #2) have been glazed. Most are going to be fired in Oxidation, while I have one of them being fired in a Salt Fire atmosphere! Don't worry if you do not understand that lingo. You soon will when they come out and I have some photos to go along with my explanation.

Anyways, we were given our third problem (Problem #3) for the semester: bowls. Throwing bowls is really different from throwing cylinders, pots, vases, etc. So you do the same similar process of centering and making sure the clay body is in a nice round, ball 'quiet' blob in the middle of the wheel.
When you make your well to open the clay body, you do not go straight in at a vertical approach, but a more slanted approach. So when you look at your well it is more of a V than a U-shape that you use when you throw cylinders and vases.

Making the bowls are a lot less complicated than throwing vertical cylinders, cups, and vases. I actually enjoy throwing bowls more than everything else. For this problem, we are asked to make 4-bowls of three different sizes: small (1.5-2.5 lbs), medium (2.5-3.5 lbs), and large (3.5-4.5 lbs). I'm halfway done these bowls.

I have also adopted my trademark name into my artwork as well: 'thechristybel'. So, if you end up seeing that name in some art stores...it all started here, folks!

Also, we are being asked to complete 3/4 forms too: these are like altered forms with a choked neck at the top. As you can see, I have not completed those yet. Patience, young grasshopper!

More photos to come, everyone!
TheChristyBel

Downtown Laramie

Had some time before a meeting with one of my professors at her house. So, we took a brain-break walk to downtown Laramie and just walked around the shops and the railroad tracks. Marc took his camera to take some random photos to play around later with on his photo-editing software on the computer while I was in my meeting. Below is one of the silly moments captured and touched up by him while I was chatting away with Professor Kate Welsh!

Look at my lion's mane hair!?
Do you think I need a haircut?!

TheChristyBel

Photo Credit to Marc Sweet

My Altered Forms Have Been Bisque Fired

Just an update: my altered forms with intricate attachments survived the bisque fire! 

Here they are, ready to be glazed! 

However, I'm having an artist's block: I need some ideas on how to glaze them!

Taking suggestions! Comment away!

If I choose your idea: you may be getting a piece of art from theChristyBel! Just so you know! 

*Hint-Hint, Wink-Wink!*

TheChristyBel

Making Meatballs

Cooking Time!

Prepping Meatballs

Making Ketchup

Homemade Ketchup!

Done! Ready to Eat!

A Beautiful Day Before the Snow

Overlooking the Beautiful Views of Vedauwoo Over a Ledge

The forecast was calling for snow for Sunday evening into Monday. You know what that means: get your fill of the outdoors before winter recreation is upon us. So, Marc and I decided to have a little brain break on Sunday afternoon for about an hour. We travelled up to Vedauwoo for some scrambling and a mini hike. Let me tell you, I am in LOVE in with Vedauwoo, more than Happy Jack. So many rocks to scramble on, climb, some great hikes all-around, and just a fantastic, beautiful place on a beautiful day before the snow.

-TheChristyBel

Happy Halloween 2014!

Ceira & I at the Safe Treat

Friday evening I went and helped man a booth for the Safe Treat event held at the UW's Student Union. The Safe Treat event is where a whole bunch of clubs, organizations, and groups get together and hold a huge party event and Trick-Or-Treating opportunity for all the children of Laramie. I guess its a way, to 'safely' go around and collect candy instead of walking the dark streets for the Halloween candy-collecting traditions.

So I represented NSTA (National Science Teacher Association) with my science methods classmates. At our booth, we had a variety of science questions that children would pick a question, answer it, and be able to grab a piece of candy, or a few handfuls...

It was super fun. There were so many children and families. Literally, when I walked into the Union for my shift, I could not really walk through the place - so many kids, families, adults, and really crazy outfits.

A Kid Dressed as a Tornado! Genius!

This year the main popular costumes were: the two princesses from Frozen, Elsa & Ana (let me tell you, if I could take a shot of alcohol for every Frozen character I saw at Safe Treat, I would be drunk within the first 5-minutes), Minions from Despicable Me, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a variety of other costumes that I cannot remember. One was really cool: a kid dressed up in lots of tulle and stuffing, as a tornado!!! How cool is that!?!?

But yea, Safe Treat was pretty fun. Hanging with the Science Methods classmates has been really awesome and just a great community to be in and out of class with. After the Safe Treat event, we all went our separate ways for dinner and reconvened at one of our houses for our own Halloween celebrations. Below are photos from the night: starting out at Jake's house to adventuring down town at Born in a Barn & 3rd Street Bar. 

Oh, so this year, again, I made my costume. No it was not Zombie Lady Gaga, a Native American, a Buccaneer, a Peacock, or a Zombie Ballerina - but a Deer...a Doe-A-Deer! It was super easy! Just got a brown long-sleeve, brown spandex, an antler head-band, and lots of brown, white, and black makeup and well, 45-minutes later of putting the make-up on...and you have a deer! Super easy and low-budget!

Halloween Selfie While Playing Mexican Twister

Object of the Game: Start in a Toe-to-Toe Circle
Go Around the Circle Matching The Foot That Was Previously Touched to the Inside of the Person Next to You.
It's a Fun, Hilarious Game.

Ceira & Susan

Steph & Ceira
(My Phone Was Hijacked for Selfies)

Science Methods Fun & Love

My Costume: A Deer & My Lumberjack! haha.
Photo was Taken When Marc was Attempting to Save my Drink From Falling

Science Methods Love All Around

Group Selfie During a Hug

Ran Into My Neighbor Holli at 3rd Street Bar!
Best Almost Roomie Ever!

Adorbs.

Science Methods Kids Group Picture!

Happy Halloween! Totally Beats Last Year's Haunted Halloween Trail. At least we weren't in the snow and cold all night!

TheChristyBel