A Sneak Peak

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I want to give a sneak peak of the holiday beads I've been working on. I've experimented with all sorts of designs--candy canes, Santa hats, stockings, snowmen, holly leaves, and bells. The candy canes and snowmen are definitely the most challenging. The snowmen because I want to make them in one single piece instead of 3 separate round beads. Then, I add a scarf and "coal" eyes and buttons. These like to bake in and spread out too much and make the snowman look creepy. So, I have to make sure not to heat them directly while I'm adding the finishing touches. Finally, I put the carrot nose on and have to be careful that it too doesn't spread out. Here are some slightly creepy ones:

Tomorrow is the American Leadership Academy's holiday craft fair in Spanish Fork. I'm excited! My sister Elizabeth is helping out and I hope to have a fun, busy day.

Where Were They Going (without ever knowing the way)

On the Nevada side of the Virgin River Gorge, going northbound on I-15, is a sight that has intrigued me for years. Looking tiny in comparison to the mountains that loom behind, a half-finished house clings to the desert landscape. I look forward to passing it each time I travel this route (a couple times a year). Who built that house? Why did they stop? How long has it been there?

I imagine it would have taken someone quite brave to build a home so far from a city, next to the immense gorge. It's miles from a city, solitary, yet completely exposed to the tens of thousands of travelers along the interstate. If you look at close-up, you'll notice that there's an old car parked out back. That's been there as long as I can remember as well.

I wish I knew the history of this place. Searches online have been fruitless. But, the not knowing allows for greater mystery and I'm free to imagine all sorts of possibilities. Did the owner run out of money? Did they pass away suddenly? Was there a problem with running water and electric that far? Was it the result of a love affair that ended in disillusionment? Every time I see this home I recall the chorus to Fastball's The Way:

Anyone could see
The road that they walk on is paved in gold
And it's always summer, they'll never get cold
They'll never get hungry
They'll never get old and gray
You can see their shadows
Wandering off somewhere
They won't make it home
But they really don't care
They wanted the highway
They're happy there today