Wyoming Breezes

Chief Standing Bear by Benjamin Victor Eagle Bronze Foundry Lander, WY May 2019 It was a treat to see the Chief Standing Bear statue at the Eagle Bronze Foundry before it was transported to Washington D.C. and revealed in the National Statuary Hall in September. I didn't know the impact that this man had on the civil rights of all Native Americans until I returned home and did some research. Some information about Chief Standing Bear can be found here and  here

A Prosperous Past - A Bright Future by Gary Alsum Brighton, CO April 2018 another angle of A Prosperous Past - A Bright Future April 2018 So many fun details were included on this sculpture. I didn't notice the jet contrail until I was preparing this post, but I love how the boy's plane seems to be following the same path. The lunch box the farmer is carrying is like the one my brother used.

Last week I escaped the chaos at my house and found a peaceful scene under a Russian Olive tree in Lander. I first noticed the sculpture when I drove by on an errand and later decided to stop and take a photo from the driveway; however, God had other plans. As I approached the driveway, I saw a woman mowing the grass. On impulse, I asked permission to photograph the sculpture and commented on the beauty of the piece. As we visited about the sculpture, I learned that the woman was the artist and that her goal when creating the piece was to depict Mary in her later years. The three jars on Mary's right represent Christ's first miracle (turning water into wine at the wedding in Canaan), and the crown of thorns Mary clutches to her heart is from Christ's crucifixion. The piece gently pulls the observer into Mary's world and is simply stunning. Mary from Canaan to Calvary Sculpted by Beverly Paddleford I would have missed the opportunity to visit with t...

The most beautiful headstone I saw at Mount Hope Cemetery was not even engraved. I assume it will be carved after the individual dies. The marker, which stands at least twelve feet, is a true work of art in the new section of the cemetery. Eagles My pain and problems keep me chained And my troubled heart makes me weak I'll wait for You to comfort me And in You I know I'll find my strength I will soar on the wings of eagles I will learn to fly high above this world And I will soar on the wings of eagles I will learn to fly I will learn to fly high above this world I tremble with this heavy weight And I'm buried underneath my grief I'll run to You and not grow faint And I'll lay my burdens at Your feet ~ Third Day ~

I have lived in this area all of ten years of my life. Of course, the scenery is beautiful and the climate generally good, but the real reason I stay is because of the people. Here are a few reasons that I like this area so much: • Traffic (both directions) pulls over to the side of the road to let a funeral procession pass • Strangers smile and greet each other on the street, driving or walking • Drivers stop and allow pedestrians to cross the street even if they are not at a crosswalk • Drivers at a four-way stop wave for others to go first even if they have the right-of-way • American flags fly on Main Street on all holidays • Benefits and auctions are held to help people (young and old) with extreme health expenses It is a wonderful place to live because people truly do care about others. Do people in your community do the same things?

Without the base, Lander Lil is about 3 foot high. She is located in a green area near the Post Office and is surrounded by benches. Perhaps, the benches are for walkers who want to sit and rest awhile, or perhaps they are for Lil's fans who gather on February 2nd. Lil is a local celebrity because she forecasts the weather although some believe she is an impostor . Several years ago, Lil disappeared and a massive search took place. She was later found at the local dump, having been discarded by the thieves. She was scratched but suffered no permanent damage. Lil is a prairie dog and has the ability to forecast the arrival of spring. She may not be as renown as Phil in Punxsutawney, but Lil makes the news , too. Okay, so it is only one line at the end of the article, but press is press. Right? Unlike Phil who is caged and pampered, Lil is content to stand alone on the hillside in Lander. She gazes intently at the mountains and watches the traffic (Is there really such a thin...

Eagle Bronze foundry is located in Lander, and it produces some wonderful works. I wish that more of their finished products were displayed in the area. The Lander community commissioned a display, called Bronze Roundup, and currently it consists of four pieces: three steers and a cowboy astride a horse. This "roundup" is displayed at the south entry to Lander. All of the bronzes are full-size and are scattered down a hillside. In my opinion, the cowboy appears to be bored or in a contemplative state as the steers ramble down the hillside. I have never seen cowboys at a roundup act as nonchalant as he appears. The steers at a roundup have an agenda of their own that does not match that of the cowboy. Even the horse seems impatient with its rider and is stamping its leg as if to say, "Let's Go." The longhorn steers seem to be headed for greener pastures. The head steer has its head up and is focused on the trail ahead; the ...

A local community college has numerous pieces of art on campus - some created by professionals and some by students. Sacajawea Harry Jackson Sacajawea is the famed Indian guide that accompanied Lewis and Clark when they explored the West. Sacajawea died on the Wind River Indian Reservation which is also located in my area. Her grave is located near Fort Washakie, but many communities around the United States claim to also be her last resting place. Personally, I believe she returned to her family when the expedition was over and died in the Wind River Range. Note the bundle on her back which is a child on a cradle board. Sacajawea was also featured on the Sacajawea dollar that was first minted in 2000. A Street in Venice John Singer Sargent Several years ago, this painting seemed to have appeared overnight on the west side of the Peck Theater. I first noticed it on a dreary day and was immediately drawn to it. I am still amazed at the impact that it creates every time I se...