Harvey Travel Arts

Brian and I saw similar signs to the one above at almost all the ruins we saw in New Mexico over Labor Day weekend.  They made me wonder how often rattlesnakes approach the area when humans are present.  We also saw mention of what to do when confronted by a large animal, such as a wildcat.  "Make yourself look larger" the warnings said.  How does one do this?  And do people actually remember the warnings if they are approached by a dangerous animal?Honestly, although I was aware of my surroundings the entire time, I was not worried.  I felt relatively safe staying on the trails with other people in the afternoon heat.  The rattlesnakes can have all the privacy they want, however. 

Brian and I spent Labor Day weekend traveling to New Mexico.  Leaving after work on Friday, we stopped in Amarillo overnight and continued on the next day to visit some of the Salinas Pueblo Missions near Mountainair, New Mexico, just south of Albuquerque.  There were three, the first one we visited is known today as Gran Quivira.  The ruins themselves date to the 17th century when the Spanish brought Catholicism to the Native Americans in the area.  Famine, attacks from outside tribes, and disease contributed to the desertion of these missions, but little details remain to fill in the complete history.

On our trip to South Dakota, Brian and I drove through a wildlife refuge and found these guys by the side of the road.  We had been driving for quite a while, and had seen prairie dogs and other small creatures, but were wondering if the buffalo would grace us with their presence.  Finally we turned a corner, and there they were!  A field dotted with them, all different ages, colors and sizes.  They aren't too cute, but they are fun to watch in their natural habitat.  

Hello readers!  I am very sorry it has been so long since I've updated my blog; however, I have been quite busy.  We did a road trip to Mount Rushmore, and thought that would be appropriate for an Independence Day getaway.  I have to admit, I was more impressed with the natural beauty of the surrounding hills, valleys, rocks and nature than I was the stone carving.  Oh trust me, it took a lot of talent and years of dedicated work for Borglum's team to do this.  I wouldn't know where to start.  But just how did that granite and rock get there to begin with?  Our Creator put it there.   Anyway, I have to say, Roosevelt was the one whose face wore the most genuine  expression.  What do you think?

In honor of our nation's upcoming Independence Day celebration, I give you Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of our Declaration of Independence.  The above photo is taken inside his monument in Washington DC.  Below is Jefferson's home, Monticello. It is said that the day before he died, Jefferson asked, "Is it the fourth yet?" He died hours later, on July 4, 1826, as did John Adams.

 It's hard to believe that almost a year has gone by since these pictures were taken.  My mother came for a visit in the fall of 2011, when Brian and I were still living in Germany (the second time around).  We took her to Rothenburg.  It's a small town, where Christmas seems to be a year-round event, but there is a lot of charm and history to be seen. These photos are of a bridge and some of the walls that are left to explore.  There isn't much left of them today, but they are fun to walk through and imagine different times in the city's history.  There are a lot of beautiful photo ops, too.  I recommend this little town if you're driving through Germany and want a quiet afternoon that is off the beaten path.

Sometimes I wish I could just jet to Paris for the day.  Really.  Brian and I have been quite a few times and have seen most of the touristy places we want to see. But to spend a day or two strolling the busy streets, enjoying baguettes, crepes with Nutella, and other tasty treats, visiting art that we can't get enough of: that would be a relaxing day.  It is also amusing to come across places like "Fajitas".  As a native Texan, I would not eat at a Mexican restaurant in Paris.  Most of my experiences with Mexican food in Europe have been weird.  Things like roast beef and carrots in fajitas. Broccoli.  The food is usually okay tasting, but not the flavors one expects. Then there's "Les Deux Magots" which makes the immature kid inside of me laugh.  This place actually has a history with former frequent patrons such as Picasso and Hemingway.  So what are you waiting for?  Just hop in your personal jet for a weekend in Paris...Oh, wait....    

I just think that living in a little village of winding steps, flat roofs, decks, hills and clear skies might be an adventure.  Imagine waking every morning, opening the shades to take in a sleepy little town where no one else was stirring, existing peacefully in that moment of calm, sipping your tea or whatever it is you prefer.  Listening to the ocean, watching the shopkeepers roll up their doors, opening stores, restaurants with pitchers of water, cafes with old men, their stories and reliving past memories.  Just a few more minutes of peace before a little chaos called a cruise ship comes in, soon the streets flocked with tourists wearing their hats, sunglasses, sandals, women in white cotton sundresses, men in shorts, t-shirts and leather flip-flops.  They'll stop by, pick up some jewelry, a few kitschy souvenirs, maybe something beautiful to be shipped back home. They'll tour the chapels, taste the wine, get some sun, enjoy a salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers and

 We came across several animals while touring the Greek Isles.  Mostly they seemed to be wild or free to explore and go wherever they wanted, without anyone bothering them.  The dog has a collar, so I presume he belonged to someone.  The cat, however, was one of many we saw roaming about.  If they had owners, the cats were certainly still in charge.  I particularly enjoyed the way this cat was turning toward a plant, as though looking for an insect or leaf to enjoy.

"Freedom Is Not Free" as shown on the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC.  Please remember those who have fought all wars this Memorial Day.  

On our cruise last summer, Brian and I visited Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games.  It is now where the Olympic torch is lit, in an unfortunately pagan ceremony.  When we walked around the area, I remember commenting to Brian that it is sad to see all of that time and energy spent building huge monuments to pagan idols when it could have been used to provide for the poor who were likely building such places.  Well, it is now that time of the Olympic season and the torch was lit just a few days ago.  These pictures, from our cruise, show the place where it was lit.  It was a pagan temple, and you can read about it in the below photo. What I would rather do, though, is talk about God: the Creator of the Universe and all that is in it.  He made our bodies capable of so much, as the athletes demonstrate during the games.  I like to watch the gymnasts, diving, track and swimming in particular, because of the fluid movement of the athletes' bodies.  How else could

Does anyone else need some inspiration today?  Sometimes I think back to our Greek cruise last summer and wish I could spend just ten minutes on Santorini or Mykonos with my face to the breezy, salty air and the fresh, beautiful scenery all around me.  These little chapels, of which I have posted several photos, inspire me.  The crisp, refreshing whitewash and the cheerfully colored trim and domes exude peace.  Walking into to the incense-filled chapels was, like I've said before, a different experience from the often heavy, overwhelming decor of the cathedrals in Europe. Homes, hotels, and businesses on these islands are similar in appearance. I just want to sit on a bench in a sundress, enjoying a glass of water or wine, and feel the sun on my face.  Just for ten minutes.

This photo makes me want to relax!  I love the ocean in the distance, the balconies of rooms that are sure to please, the blue sky, soft sand and a beautiful flower at the center of it all.  I absolutely enjoyed our recent Jamaican getaway for my birthday....I think instead of writing, I'll add some additional inspiration for relaxation here: There's a boat and some loungers for you to enjoy, and a tree winding many ways to offer shade....And just a little peek of the swimming pool on the bottom edge.  Whatever life is offering you at the moment that may have you stressed, enjoy a little relaxing moment here.

Brian and I recently went to Jamaica to celebrate my birthday.  We went to Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, just down the road from where we got married almost ten years ago.  In fact, it was just a short walk down the beach to our wedding location.  Sometimes when we return to such locations, I wish I could have left something there, a handwritten note or time capsule so that I could capture the feelings I had on a given day.  I suppose that is why I enjoy blogging so much; it allows me to relive moments and reflect on life.  Anyway, this peacock was one of about twenty on the property and they were so much fun!  They provided entertainment with their nosy calls (sounded like a cat meowing very loudly) and they followed the food around when dining.  But they didn't get in the way, and the males even showed off their feathers!

Hello Readers!  If you can handle one more post about my book, I'll get back to travel photos soon!  The only other updates I'll include will be the print and other editions and other books as they come available.  Other than that, I'll get back to my original focus for this blog.  I liked the original sunflower design, but it didn't connect as well with the plot for my book.  After thinking about it, I went back to my original idea which was to include a young, hopeful woman on the cover.  (Photo credit Anita Peppers.)  So, what do you think about my new cover?

Hi Readers, Yes, I am continuing with HarveyTravelArts... But for a couple more days you will see a few posts here and there about my new book.  Bear with me, because I have plenty more photos to share from our travels. However, if anyone is interested in my book, here is a link to my new writing blog. Rebekah Burton Writes

Hope for Joy Hello Readers!  Today I want to share something with you that has been a long time in the works. I first started writing Hope for Joy about ten years ago.  We were living in New Jersey at the time and I wanted to write a book inspired by the collective experiences of those around me.  Fast forward several years and I tried to find an agent for the book without much more than some encouraging words.  Getting commercially (or traditionally) published in today's world is tough!  I did publish a couple of short stories along the way, but the book wound up in "the drawer".  Fast forward a few years later to present day, and publishing is changing.  Independent publishing (or without an agent) has been made easier thanks to eBooks.  I've just uploaded to Amazon for Kindle, and I'm just getting started.  Soon I will have a paperback copy available for those who still prefer the old-fashioned way of reading.  I also plan to publish in other major elect

Matthew 27:50-53 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.   51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;   52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,   53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. These particular verses describe something not usually discussed in churches during Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) services.  In all the pageants, sermons and praises I've come across on the subject of Christ's resurrection, I can't recall a discussion on the saints that arose "and appeared unto many."  It is difficult to imagine what this must have been like, and I also wonder which saints actually arose at this point. There is very little detail here and yet it was mentioned in the Bible.  I don't have any answers on this topic mys

These are some of the thirteen geese that are always in the courtyard at La Seu Cathedral in Barcelona.  I don't remember learning why they were there when we toured, but according to what I've read online:  the thirteen geese represent the thirteen years of young Santa Eulalia who was persecuted because of her faith.  I am not a Catholic, but she is supposed to be the "patron saint" of Barcelona.  It's a sad but interesting bit of history, and the geese definitely make the Cathedral unique from all of the other historic churches one can visit in Europe.

This is a view of Barcelona that not everyone gets to see.  We were, in effect, dangling above the city in a small glass pod.  It really is fun to ride in these little cars, and we've been in them before at other locations.  Once you get past the "there's nothing between me and the ground but a couple of cables," you're able to relax and enjoy a bird's eye view.  I thought it was fun to see the shadows of the trees as well as the shadow of the bubble that Brian and I were in.  How about it?  Have you or would you get in one of these pods and go "gliding" across the way?

More from the bus in Barcelona this past Thanksgiving.  I know I've been a little lax in updating the blog lately, but I thank you for your patience!  I have plenty of fun photos to share, it is just that I'm getting used to my new routine and am spending time on a new-old project.  I'll share with you all when it is ready, but for now, just sit back with a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy the scenery!

This is the Atomium in Brussels, Belgium.  Cute, isn't it?  Brian and I went a year or so ago.  It was originally built for the 1958 Expo World's Fair.  Each of those metal balls are actual rooms and there are several stairs and an elevator inside to get around with.  Because Brian and I like weird architecture, we thought it would be fun to explore this place.  Unfortunately, so did lots of other tourists.  There was a fairly long, slow line to get in and it was rather crowded.  Not to mention, the people working there were not very friendly that day.  The bubbles were filled with tourists and we only got to see a small part.  If I sound like I'm complaining, I probably am.  I am human.  I distinctly remember that day and how we almost let the crowds and rudeness steal our joy of seeing this really cool, funky place.  What is stealing your joy today?  Don't let the little things get you down.  God wants us to give thanks in all circumstances, and I am thankful for ou

I'm so excited!  Brian and I went to Barcelona over Thanksgiving.  It was our last major trip while living in Germany (the second time around) and we had a blast that long weekend.  At the same time, our focus was elsewhere; so much so that we didn't upload the photos until today:  February 11th!  I tried looking for them before; even while still in Germany.  Brian said that he thought he had loaded them, but I just wasn't finding them.  I looked for them again last week when I remembered that we didn't have the photos and we finally relocated the memory card they were on and here a couple of of them are, just to get you started.  There was a lot of crazy and fun architecture in that city!  So in honor of that, here's the view of something quirky from the bus we were on.  

I was flipping through photos of our trip to Dover Castle and came across some that give a little bit of perspective to the type of fortified location it had.  Dover is known for its cliffs (the White Cliffs of Dover) and thus gives it a bit of strategic advantage during a battle.  Looking down one can see that there is a built up area of defense in the top photo.  The castle buildings themselves are surrounded by built up areas, too.  I don't think I'd want to climb up to an area and see the below tower peeking down on me.  I probably wouldn't have made it this far in the first place.   Reflecting on this makes me think about the defenses we put up as people.  Emotional defenses, and sometimes physical defenses.  We don't want others to get too close, or we've been hurt in some way and feel we need protection.  Oftentimes this will manifest itself as a distance (i.e. not sharing what's really going on in our lives) or simply not being available to answer a

Just a month before moving, Brian and I took the ferry from Calais, France to Dover, England.  We were on the road to another destination when we saw this gem by the side of the road and decided to pull off and see what it was.  Above is a church that is typical of the area; old, likely Anglican, with a cemetery attached.  Although we couldn't go inside the church, we were able to walk the grounds.  Just next door is the Canterbury Castle, a stone ruin structure that was fun to climb around and imagine its history.  There were some markers that told a little, and for a moment my mind was lost in an imagination-filled "memory" of the place.  Just like many other historic spots, I drift off into another time and wonder what life was like.  There is just something fun about discovering places along the road, off the beaten path.  

Brian and I visited Dover Castle (England) just weeks before we moved back to the US from Germany.  This was one of our last stops, and it is certainly bittersweet to know that it will be a while before we visit again.  I *wish* I had known how much history was there; my cousin that visited earlier in the summer would have certainly liked to see everything in Dover.  The entire day can be spent at the Castle!  Anyway, the first photo I want to share with you on the subject of Dover is this World War I era poster:  "Rally Round the Flag--We Must Have More Men." British (and American) women's roles in WWI were largely limited to nursing.   Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps,  First Aid Nursing Yeomanry and  Voluntary Aid Detachment were three such ways that a British woman could serve as a nurse.  Don't worry, ladies; we had our own posters on both sides of the pond.  I don't have any of my own photos to share with you, but if you search for them online

Yesterday was exciting! Brian and I received our "unaccompanied baggage" or express shipment of household goods. What this means is that a quick, small shipment of around 500 pounds arrived. We had most of our kitchen supplies in this shipment, as well as the large computer (hooray!) and small television, and a few miscellaneous items. Now we just have to wait on the household goods shipment, you know, all of our furniture and stuff! So you are probably wondering what we are doing with such an old fashioned kitchen, no? This isn't my kitchen; mine looks like most other everyday regular kitchens.  Okay, in the excitement of everything, I have been going through photography files looking for something to print large format, frame and donate to a local fundraiser auction. Certainly not pictures of an old residence in the Loire Valley of France, but I saw that and had to make the connection to the arrival of our household goods. Yep, people used to have to cook in thes

Right now Brian and I are waiting....waiting on our unaccompanied baggage, waiting on our household goods, and waiting on my car to arrive. It's all part of the moving process and we've been fairly patient so far, with a few moments of frustration. I'm also waiting on God's direction for what I am to do next. I'm in the process of job searching but also planning to return to volunteer work, as well. We're also waiting to get into a routine, and I know that having our things and my being settled will help with that. So, that leaves you, readers, with waiting for more photos to be posted. Trust me, there will be plenty...just have to be patient and wait!