Head Case

The Catskills have long been a haven for artists - from the majestic Hudson River School of Thomas Cole and Frederic Church to the artisans of Byrdcliffe, the oldest continuing arts colony in America. Surrounded by mountains, we are also surrounded by the visionary works of eccentric, eclectic and hugely talented artists. This thought-provoking sculpture sits in an open field across the road from Wambli World.

The flip side:

The artist, Pierre Riche, states that his "inspiration for creating art is to evoke awe and wonder in hope of awakening the divine within." Yes, I would say that's a possibility.

I'm glad I stopped to take a closer look at Possibility, because I may not have seen this impressive piece. I'm not sure if it's a work of Riche's - I found no signature.

Like all art, it's open to interpretation. My first impression was of Libra, the goddess of balance and truth. And what do you suppose the "caged" objects represent? The shiny silver shape is a star, but the other reminds me of a Seussian fish.

I don't know if I was trespassing - there were no signs - but all the same, I always get paranoid when I stroll off the path...I get the sense that someone is watching me from the shadows. This time it was true!

What I found just beyond these penetrating peepers took my breath away....but I'll save that for another post ;-)

Skullduggery!

A few years ago, while beachcombing on Cape Cod, I found a pair of large skeleton hands. They had five knobby finger bones, much longer than a human's (or any human I'd want to meet). They were pretty freaky. I wondered what strange beast possessed such formidable digits. My research pointed to a seal, or maybe a porpoise - possibly even a whale! I was amazed that a flipper would contain finger-like bones, but it makes sense.

Over the years I've acquired quite a collection of bones and skulls, many found while hiking these beautiful mountains in the Catskills. My dog is especially good at rooting them out. Here are a few - but my challenge to you, dear reader, is to help me identify them.

This first one is easy - a deer - but they're going to get a lot harder.

This one really stumps me.

Here's a view from the top. Rather aerodynamic, but I don't think it's a bird.

This one is teeny. A chipmunk, perhaps?

 and another view, showing some pretty impressive dental hygiene.

An unusual shape on this one, although if I knew what it was, I'm sure I wouldn't think it unusual at all.

Another view of the same skull. My, what a flat head you have!

This one has the teeth of a carnivore.
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Same skull - different angle

This one is rather beautiful in its symmetry.

...and from the side.

A bitty bird....but what kind?

Georgie O'Keefe once said, "Bones are as beautiful as anything I know. They seem to cut sharply to the center of something that is keenly alive." I agree.

Howl!

With snowy brightness and sparse vegetation, the winter landscape affords a greater opportunity to spot our animal friends. This pair of coyotes popped up in Phoenicia...

...um...perched in the window of a campground office. I wish I had seen them in their natural habitat (and a bit more animated) but hey, check out that deer in the snow....don't disturb him - he looks like he's ready to bolt!

White on white

This bus looks awfully lonely in its hibernation. When the temperature rises it will be full of passengers. Who are they and where are they going? (hint: not school, but schools may be found there)

The Stage is Set in Shandaken

Judging from the appearance of this country clapboard structure...

...would you expect to find this inside?

This is the set for Over the River and Through the Woods, the latest production staged by the Shandaken Theatrical Society. The STS is a community theater dedicated to producing high quality dramas, comedies and musicals. They also host movie nights, cabarets, holiday extravaganzas, local playwright festivals and theater workshops for all ages.  Oh, and their homemade snacks are sublime!

The actors are mostly local - some professional, others newbies. It's cool to bump into any one of them in town. I always get a little starstruck. The STS was founded in 1976. In 1998, they purchased this landmark building in the cozy hamlet of Phoenicia and turned it into a theater.  Renovations were done inside...

...and out. The box office is just darling!

...and from another angle.

I was curious about the building's history.
What does I.O.O.F. stand for?

Choose one:

1. International Office of Old Fishermen
2. Incorporated Orchestra of Oak Fiddles
3. Independent Order of Odd Fellows
4. Inspirational Organization of Organic Farmers

If you picked number 3 *dingdingding* you are correct! The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an altruistic fraternal organization that has been in existence since the 1700s. By 1896 it was the largest among all fraternal organizations (take that, Masons!) The I.O.O.F's mission is "to improve and elevate the character of mankind by imparting the principles of friendship, love and truth (as represented by the three links) and making the world a better place to live by aiding the community at large in every way possible." What better place for this wonderful theater to make its permanent home!

If you're ever in the area, come treat yourself to a theater experience that would rival any other...and it's a lot cheaper than Broadway! More info can be found here.