I Conquer a Mountain

I conquered Green Mountain! I can’t even remember how many years ago I first noticed that power line clearing and thought it looks like the chair lift on a ski slope…and I determined I must climb it. I am not an outdoorsy person or athletic. Not at all. But there is something about a clearly visible, steep path up a hill that is irresistible. It looks so easy (but I know it isn’t). 

Just barely getting started here. It didn't feel like it though.

Last week, I decided that it was finally time and I convinced my son to do it with me. Yesterday turned out to be the day, a beautiful spring day. Being that I am not a morning person, we didn't make the hike until the hottest part of the day. If it had been summertime my bleached bones would be up there now; I’m sure it would only take a matter of hours. Instead, there was some shade and, despite the temperature rising to 81°F, there was a decent breeze.

It is much more steep than it looks in photos.

It so happened that just before we headed out, new patch notes for Dota 2 were released. So, Daughter #1 also joined us in order to discuss this with her brother. It simply could not wait until he got home – and he brought his phone along to read the notes. “Bla, bla, bla….Ice Frog, bla, bla.” The kids are bilingual (gaming language) and I am not, so that’s what I heard of their conversation.

We parked in a church parking lot at the base of the mountain. (The mountains in Alabama are more like hills than mountains.) As best I can tell from topographical maps, we started at an elevation of 600 ft above sea level (Huntsville’s official elevation) and I climbed to about 1300 ft. I say “I” because the young people couldn’t hack it and barely made it half way up. Daughter #1 figured the top was about three more utility poles up from where I left her. 

I agreed, although I did remind her of Lewis and Clark’s disappointment in seeing another larger mountain range after crossing what they thought was their final mountain range during their trek west. After expending quite a bit more energy, I eventually made it to that third pole, only to see a small plateau and then another steep expanse. 

Ugh, it’s not the top.

I decided it was just too much and I would have to turn back. I actually sat on the ground to rest – I did say I am not an outdoorsy person. I had already been scared by a lizard and saw what I think was a little snake – or a long, creepy worm, along with a myriad of insects, so I had to be really exhausted to sit on the ground. 

The longer I rested the more I thought about going just a little further to see how bad it would be. I determined that if I did not conquer this hill now I would continue to think about it every time I drove by and all the effort I had put into the climb so far would be a waste. I valiantly continued on (yes “valiantly,” I am really a couch potato; this was not easy). 

I was still worried that when I got to what I now thought was the top I would find yet another slope to climb. However, I climbed the last steep portion and found myself…in someone’s yard! You can drive to that spot! I took a quick selfie and headed right back down because two big scary-looking dogs were coming my way from another house next door.

I made it!

That’s the Tennessee River in the background.

I made my way back down to the kids (falling once on some slippery tall grass) – the conquering hero! I was awesome. The kids said my face was very red (from the effort, not sunburn). Unfortunately, I may now need two knee replacements after the walk back down that hill!

It took almost 2 hrs to make it up and down that little blip on the map.

Along the route there were several areas with remains of some sort of water system:

Today I can still walk, so I conquered and I survived!

Folk Couture: Fashion and Folk Art

Fashion as art – I love it! “Folk Couture: Fashion and Folk Art” is at the Huntsville Museum of Art until June 26th. The exhibit came from the American Folk Art Museum in New York City where they invited thirteen fashion designers to make “wearable ensembles” based on artworks from the museum’s collection. The results are displayed alongside the art that inspired them.

Each set of artwork and clothing is accompanied by placards with all sorts of interesting information. For example, Gary Graham’s design for this untitled “futuristic indigo and white coatdress ensemble” was inspired by the early 19^th-century loom-woven Ann Carll Coverlet: Blazing Star and Snowballs. It is the earliest American coverlet that is named and dated in the border. It was made by Quakers in Long Island. Graham had his fabric woven on a Jacquard loom (just like the coverlet) at the Rhode Island School of Design. (You can even watch a video of the Jacquard loom at work.) In the design of the fabric he “played with scale to render the stars and snowballs as ‘farther away’ toward the top and ‘closer’ at the bottom” to give it an “upward trajectory, like a comet or spaceship.” I liked that the exhibit also includes some design sketches, material swatches, etc. to give more insight into the design process.

Ann Carll Coverlet: Blazing Star and Snowballs, 1810

Some more of my favorites from the exhibit:

Fabio Costa’s design was inspired by the “Sacred Heart of Jesus” sculpture (c. 1900) 

(behind the ensemble) and a whitework quilt.

Catherine Malandrino’s Handkerchief Dress was inspired by a decorative papercut.

Papercut: Odd Fellows Symbols, 1919

World- renowned Koos van den Akker constructed this gown of original fabric he designed and printed, which reproduces five artworks spanning three centuries from the Museum’s collection, including the Kimono Hanging below. “I paint with fabrics. That’s basically my inspiration.” He also commissioned a film student to document the creation, and you can watch the short video in the gallery. I didn’t get much out of that one though.

Kimono Hanging, 1988

The back of Koos van den Akker’s gorgeous gown, covered with clear sequins

This dress (laser-cut, flower-print patent leather over white Spandex power mesh) 

by threeASFOUR (a trio of designers from Lebanon, Israel, and Tajikistan) 

was inspired by a Quaker star quilt.

Friendship Star Quilt, 1844

Jean Yu's chiffon dress with accents made from straw broom bristles
was inspired by David Alvarez’s sculpture Porcupine, ca. 1981.

Bibhu Mohapatra’s design was inspired by a sailor’s book of tattoo patterns; 

“A result of solitude, the sailor’s imagination and longing for his love 

conjure a beauty from the sea.”

Tattoo Pattern Book, 1873-1910

Ronaldus Shamask’s kite-like creations were inspired by “the innocence of the 

craftsmanship in self-taught artist James Castle’s colored pencil drawing of a 

blue coat.” (A few of the designers ignored the “wearable ensemble” requirement.)

Untitled, early to mid-20^th century

There is another great-looking “fashion as art” exhibit currently at the Gordon Jewish Community Center in Nashville. It ends April 30th. I wish I had known about it when I was right nearby earlier this week. I don't think I'll make it up there again next week, but at least I can enjoy some photos.

Pints & Pixels: Where Everyone Knows Your Game

I made a quick stop at Pints& Pixels in downtown Huntsville during their opening night last week, after dropping off my son at the prom nearby. Mainly, I wanted to see the murals painted by several local artists, but I was also interested in seeing what this new bar/arcade has to offer. It was packed that night, but I was able to get a look around. It is located on the second floor of the historic Mason’s Furniture building. UG White Mercantile opened on the first floor in November, and you have to enter that store to access the elevator or stairs to Pints & Pixels.

On Clinton Street, downtown Huntsville

They have over 50 vintage arcade games and pinball machines. There is a restaurant area where Anaheim Chili serves appetizers, chili, burgers (including black bean), hot dogs, wings and more. There is also a rooftop patio.

Part of a large mural by Donald Walker 

The rooftop patio

More of Donald Walker’s mural

Christina Wegman’s mural

The bar

Gorgeous tin ceiling over the bar where they serve craft beers,

 including locals such as Blue Pants

Awesome tile!

My daughter asked if they have Pac-Man. Yes, they do and I also saw Ms. Pac-Man. They actually have more games than are currently on the floor; they will be rotating them to keep things interesting. They also have TVs that are “timewarped to 80’s music videos, movies and television programs.” I’ve got to take my kids here! (Note: they are closed on Mondays.)