Travel – Page 3 – Karla's Cottage

We survived The City Museum and can’t wait to risk our lives there again

By Karla Nathan / February 16, 2023

My poor Rich has spent the last 3 1/2 months working in Ohio at a consulting job, with minimal visits home. He only has a couple weeks left and will finally be back with us soon.

We have always celebrated Valentine’s Day as a family holiday, with special memories for us and our boys. This year with Ryan gone and Adam so far away, and Rich working in Ohio, we sadly thought it might just go by without our typical festivities.

Rich had the weekend off, but not long enough to get home so Sugarwings and I met him in St Louis and we had an outing at the City Museum as a slightly early Valentine date, then went to The Hill (the historic Italian district) for a fancy night out.

We were not all together as a big group, and it wasn’t exactly on the 14th, but it helped, and was quite special.

The City Museum is crazy.

Completely, totally, beyond crazy.

See that iron slinky? It’s made for humans to climb through. For floor after floor.

And speaking of floors, there are pits every where. Most aren’t lit up, they are just black holes meant for kids to disappear into. Some come out around the corner, others lead to the basement. And there are dozens of them. The gift shop sells miner’s helmets for kids to wear to explore the tunnels.

Other crevices lead to slides, stairs, or to bubbles inside of an aquarium. You just don’t know where you will end up if you slip into one of these black holes.

It has to be one of the most imaginative, creative places a kid could have to play in, it is well done and just beautiful too. But I can’t believe it is safe.
I was so glad I had never been there when the grand fairies were tiny. My mind would've exploded trying to keep my eyes on them.

It was one of those rare times in life when you thank god you have a teenager.

It was funny to me that this area was gated off. What, kids are not allowed to play in the giant box fan? Why not, it seems safer than some of the other areas.

We didn’t even see a fraction of it, there are billions of nooks and crannies, a rusty, ten story slide with a rickety spiral staircase, and a whole sharp, pointy, rusty, sky high climbing grid outside as tall as the big building.

Everywhere you looked, there was something clever, funny, intriguing, or deadly.

It goes on for floor after floor with interactive spaces, play areas, and death traps. (Sooooo many tiny holes for kids to skitter away into) AND SO DANG COOL!

And an aquarium. And it’s a museum. Not just a twisted playground aimed to tease all phobias.

There were actual museum cases with artifacts surrounding one playground.

And genuine architectural elements everywhere. Not to mention murals and mosaics galore. And a bug/animal skeleton room with specimens behind glass. We spent a long time in the craft room making art too.

And in the art museum looking at displays.

There were tons of details about the old building it is in.

And odd details like walls made out of baking tins.

If I lived any closer, I’d have a season pass. There is no way to see it all in one day.

Daniel Island explorations during Jenn Hayslip’s Bridgerton Event

Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 31, 2022

While in SC at Daniel Island, my pal, Lori, and I got away for a little walk around the neighborhood.

The streets around Jenn’s home were charming while still being upscale and exclusive.

Everything was beautiful, yet felt like homes you could raise a family in.

The whimsical fall decor caught me eye.

Fun bats!

I am sure that any time of year is a great time to stroll around the island.

But to me, autumn seems just perfect.

Beachy Blessings

fairies, family, sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 28, 2022

My time in Siesta Key was way too short. It always is. But it seemed even more so since I had four days while my sissies stayed on for a full two weeks! After I got home, I could see all of their fun without me in photos on FB.

I could’ve used a couple more days there. Between arriving in the afternoon, getting food and supplies, then settling in, and then needing more supplies that we missed the next day, first days are typically hectic when staying at a condo.

Plus, with being gone ten days I was feeling the pressure of not getting any work done, so I brought supplies. In the first few days, I made four dozen Sugarplum Fairies.

I was a bit resentful that I had to work so hard on vacation, but I reminded myself that creating at a table over looking the Gulf, and taking breaks to go on the beach, while talking to my sissies as I worked did not suck.

Overall, I am blessed that my job consists of making pretty things. And making pretty things while at the beach makes me feel even more blessed.

Adding a sunset over the water to my day? It is hard to count that many blessings. They just keep racking up.

For a moment, I complained that I finished my work just in time to go home. Then I reminded myself that as a slightly, over reaching, workaholic, I probably would’ve just started another project.

I mean, hey, I still had supplies with me, didn’t I?

Some Precious North Carolina Time

family, sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 22, 2022

My recent trip was a buffet of travel. Visiting family in Charlotte/Asheville mountains/ scenic downtown Charleston and a dress up art event in Jenn’s spectacular home/ then sister beach time in Florida.

All I was missing was some snowy venues or desert time.

My boy treated me to breakfast at his favorite spot in Asheville to start off our visit and after dripping sweet potato gravy down my shirt, we had a full day of exploring thrift shops, riverbanks, and downtown.

He and I can both spend hours just looking at rocks by the water and that is just what we did.

I had hoped to visit one of the construction sites where he has been creatively doing his woodwork art installations, but time was short.

But then, any time I get one on one with my son is too short. It has possibly been years since we have had this kind of time together.

While in NC, I got to visit the latest family members to become Ashevillians. Our oldest grandfairy and her mama now live in the area. And I was there for Dewdrop’s first day at a new school after she and her mom moved across town.

She already met a new friend on the bus. That kid is such a social butterfly, I fully expected as much. But was still relieved to hear it.

While there, I decided that I definitely need more time in NC. Not only is the sand full of semi precious stones like garnets, mica, and quartz- the state is full of very precious family members.

And I found a boulder shaped like a throne.
I belong there!

A Blessings Angel fund raiser for Florida’s hurricane victims.

fairies, sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 17, 2022

My trip to Florida was short but so,so, very nice. We were in Siesta Key, our favorite city and were relieved to see so little sign of damage from the storm.

Many places weren’t so lucky. To help out, (in a small way, but every bit helps, right?) I decided to craft one of my sea shell fairies into this spectacular shell that I bought. Oh my, it’s so pretty! I had thought about using a shadow box, but when I saw this, I knew it would be the ideal home for my little Blessings Angel.

Here she is in her iridescent shell at the beach.

While still in Florida, I posted about her on FB. I am asking for bids to raise money for the official disaster relief fund set up by the state.

If you are interested in making an offer, please contact me at:

karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

I will announce the person with the highest donation Tuesday evening, send their donation to

https://www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/

and mail the Angel to them.

The Beauty at Bridgerton

friends, Lori's Class, Travel, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / October 14, 2022

I am home from a varied and jam packed full of fun trip.

And speaking of jam packed- you should have seen my luggage!

I started my journey flying to Asheville, then hiking with my baby boy, then off to Charleston in a rental car for Jenn Hayslip’s Bridgerton event. I had one bag filled with kits to teach a class.

Plus my normal supplies to take my pal, Lori Oles’ class, as well as a selection of items to sell, and even more supplies for projects to work on at the beach.

Siesta Key was the final flight of my trip, off to see my sissies.

My two, overly stuffed, giant pieces of luggage and equally bulging carryon had to include warm clothes for the mountains, dress up things for the art event, and beachy outfits. Along with kits, supplies, wares for the market, and little gifties.

All I can say is thank goodness that suitcases have wheels. Even if they don’t like thresholds and rolling onto elevators , those wheels made the juggling of all those bags possible.

Still, even with all that packing, I screwed up. I didn’t pack proper attire for the big party. I brought a dress, but it wasn’t fancy enough. So, the kind hostess, who also has multiple, amazing, to die for closets full of gorgeousness, had me try on her clothing until we found something that could work on a grandma attending a ball.

Jenn’s wardrobe is suitable for being the bell of the ball every day of her life and it was a joy to be invited to play in those closets! Here is what she wore. And the dress she loaned to Lori. Neither one of us packed right.

Everyone else brought their finest gowns! Oh my, the dresses were lovely.

Looked at this beauty! Wow!

Jenn’s adorable husband got it right and was a great sport while looking cute as can be.

Jennifer does not miss one detail when it comes to making every aspect of her events perfect.

So I felt bad about letting her down with my lack of fabulousness.

But that kind hearted lady was gracious and generous about finding a fix for my attire.

I felt very pampered instead of embarrassed by the way she handled my faux pas.

Everything about being in this luxurious home was pampering.

And beautiful.

Simply, delightfully, beautiful.

I could’ve just wandered around and gawked all day, the home was that pretty. Lori and I wanted to play a drinking game, where every time we heard someone say the word PRETTY, we would take a shot. But, since I am a very bad drinker and have never done a shot in my life, I’d have lost quickly. I’m more of a wine sipper.

Every city that I visited and all the people I saw, made for such a lovely adventure. I’ll leave you more pictures of Jenn’s perfectly detailed and pretty, pretty, pretty party for now, and will have more about the rest of my travels later.

Cheers!

Seashell fairies at Indian Rocks

fairies, Ryan, sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / June 7, 2022

I had a restful, and much needed vacation with my sisters at the beach.

Indian Rocks is not my favorite beach, mostly because of the lack of shells. But the ocean was beautiful, the sunsets were colorful, and the company was the best. Plus, I managed to find just enough shells to make two fairies.

And I am being very precise with my words telling you that, there honestly were not many shells.

I was pleased to be able to make one fairy and felt very lucky to have scrambled enough shells together for her, then told myself on the last day that I wanted to find a heart and create an Angel for my Ryan before I left. The wind was rough that day so I decided to walk into it for the first part of the stroll, knowing it’s always easier to return with the wind at your back, not in your face.

These bits and pieces came my way on that last, windy walk and I was able to construct this for Ryan, just as I’d hoped to. I sprinkled a few more of his ashes, listened to his song again, and told him that I love him.

But he knows that.

Here is the first sprite I made. Her hair looks like she was battling the wind as much as I was, doesn’t it?

I consider her more of a fairy, and the second one is an Angel. But I guess it is all in the eyes of who sees them and what they think of them.

That is, if anyone actually sees them. But that isn’t the point of making them.

The beach fairies are a blessing and a thank you to nature that I make for the pure pleasure of crafting them.

My sissies took me to another beach, where I also gathered some shells to bring home. I’m hoping to craft some shellfolk in epoxy with those, so will have some to share that aren’t just memories that wash away in the surf.

At the beach

family, Ryan, Travel

By Karla Nathan / June 4, 2022

Last week, I spent five days at Indian Rocks with my sisters. We had very pleasant, although a bit windy, weather.

And lots of time to sit on the edge of the water and let our toes wiggle into the disappearing sand that washes out with the waves.

My niece was also visiting with her family, so we had good company to hang with. I actually had someone there who liked getting in the surf, and at the same time that the temperature was ideal for swimming! The only trouble was that my head is still wonky from Sugar plowing into me, and I didn’t want to jostle my brain by getting flipped around too much while wave jumping.

So I mostly just waded out into about waist deep water and made the big girl choice of not body surfing back in.

Ugh. Being practical and safe sucks.

Indian Rocks is relaxing, which is what I needed. My Dr. told me that I should be resting, so that is what I did. Most of the time, I was sitting on the beach or the balcony wearing dark glasses and not reading.

By mid week, I actually was feeling better. I still avoided going out much, and stayed in when others went out to eat a few times.

Typically, I walk for hours when in Florida, but this time, it was pretty low key, with shorter strolls. On one trip up the shore, I came across this dead bonnet head shark, about 2’ long. That was something I’ve never seen before. He looked about the way I felt, after dealing with weeks of concussion discomfort, fog, and kind of an overall flatness. I simply have not been myself.

Still, I did get out to explore the area, it wasn’t all droopiness and exhaustion. We went antiquing and exploring a couple times too. The beach we stayed at had a serious lack of shells.

I mean, sadly so. I am always glad to find broken bits to use in my sea shell fairies, but dang, this place mostly had shapeless crumbs.

So my sisters took me to Passé Grille beach after I did some research on nearby beaches to hunt shells on. You really can’t tell from this photo, but behind me are piles and piles of shells, like snowdrifts. We went to the tip of the island, which was rocky and excellent for catching all the ones that washed up.

Another morning, we played tourist at the Don Cesar. We have stayed there before, but it’s pretty pricey, so this time we were visitors, not guests. And you know what? That works out pretty well. Honestly, the rooms there, while being elegant, are too small. Renting a spacious condo, driving to and spending time walking through the Pink Palace, strolling their beach, then having some ice cream is a better way to go for us.

We were there before it got hot, then did some antiquing after.

Shelling wasn’t great, but better than Indian Rocks, (which could be said about any beach because Indian Rocks is about as bad as it gets). I found enough to make a heart for Ryan.

It was the anniversary of his death.

I listened to his song and sprinkled a handful of ashes. I always take a little bag with me when I travel. I know, pretty weird, but Ryan was always such a good travel buddy. Funny, he hated, absolutely hated to travel, but when we made him go on family adventures he had the best attitude of anyone there and was helpful, thoughtful and fun to be with.

So I like to find a quiet spot, sprinkle some ash and tell him how much I’d have enjoyed having him with me.

Florida Friends

family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / May 29, 2022

As we always do, we had a good time on our Florida Sister Trip.

We tend to meet interesting friends along the way.

We are people who stop the car to make use of the delightful props the state of Florida provides for us.

And this spot in St Pete next door to an antique mall was full of opportunities to mingle with the local critters.

We also gravitate toward parking lot signage.

By the look on this mermaid’s face, I’m not sure if she enjoyed meeting us as much as we did meeting her.

The ice cream store mermaids at John’s Pass are always happy to have us visit, though.

But I think my favorite new buddy is the 20’ tall flamingo at the Tampa airport.

More fun from St Augustine and the Guncles

family, flowers, Food and Drink, Garden, guncles, Travel, wallpaper

By Karla Nathan / April 2, 2022

Our five week, meandering trip included 2 single and one four day visit to Guncleland, where the family pitched in and rebuilt some of the fencing. While guys were busy sawing and hammering, I took some time to clean up the pathways, reset stepping stones, and spread mulch.

They replaced two gates and one length of fence, then added a privacy fence for trash cans and storage.

After a dozen years or so, the garden stones had all sunken down under the earth. So I un-earthed them and reset the pathways along one side of the house and the garbage can storage area too.

Which is where I found these! I felt like an archeologist, digging up ancient ruins. Apparently, they had been on the ground there, and like the stones, had worked their way deep down under the dirt.

But I preferred to think of them as from an earlier inhabitant of the land.

Our evenings were spent relaxing in the Guncles’ unique home with all eight of our combine canine family having some cousin time.

Oh and eating! There was lots of eating! That’s what you do when you go to Jax and visit the Gunks. They feed you endless, yummy, seafood. I thanked them with a pie.

But it wasn’t all manual labor and big meals. Randy and I took a mini road trip down to St Augustine to meet up with my sister, Bobbie who was visiting elsewhere in the state.