Well, I've done it. I joined the hordes, hit the tourist center of Gatlinburg head-on, and lived to tell the tale! One thing we refused to do, however, was attempt driving and parking, so we made good use of the local trolley system. At 50 cents a ride - or, even better $2.00 for an unlimited day pass - plus it runs straight to the hotel door - plus over 100 trolley stops through the city - there's really no better choice. Not to mention the pleasures of being able to see and talk to fellow tourists. It's hard not to strike up a conversation when you're piled into a small bench seat together, being slung around corners by an enthusiastic trolley driver!
I'm going to save details until I have the pictures to go with them, so for now let me just say that I truly have enjoyed this trip, on many levels. It's a beautiful place, and even if the tourism is still, for me, a bit overwhelming, I think I would return again. Indeed, plans are being made for this to become an annual Gatlinburg conference for the church. I hope it is so.
Farewell for now,
From Gatlinburg,
~Zahrah
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Travel Journal: Gatlinburg, Part 1
Point one about interstate travel - semi trucks are scary.
Point two about interstate travel - ever since I started driving, being a passenger seems odd.
Point three about interstate travel - driving, while more tiring, is quite enjoyable. And my GPS is a lifesaver - I love you, "Fred".
On the whole though, it was an un-eventful trip over. We drove through some simply gorgeous countryside - Ireland may be famous for the "Forty Shades of Green", but Tennessee runs a close second! I ended up driving a good part of the way, so didn't get as many pictures as I was hoping for, but I have some nice ones to share. Unfortunately, the camera connect cord did not make it with us (note to self for future: if it's something you need, double-check) so unless I find one to buy here, they'll have to wait until I get home.
By about 15 miles out, the tourist chaos was closing in, starting with stores prominently advertising "2 t-shirts for $10.00!!!" and gradually getting worse and worse as we entered Pigeon Forge. Never in my life have I seen such a mish-mash of bright neon signs, laden with explanation points. A few that stood out for me:
Honestly, about halfway through, I was fighting the urge to dive under the seat and begin meditation practices.
Between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you actually see a bit of *gasp* NATURE, via the Smoky Mountain National Park. It's a lovely few minutes, trees on one side, and a creek running down the other.
Gatlinburg itself seems much less commercial-touristy and more fun-touristy. The main street on the way in was incredibly busy though, and I was glad to get up to our hotel. It's on a mountain over looking Gatlinburg, with simply stunning views of surrounding mountains and the city.
Tomorrow, we're going exploring a bit, as we have the whole day free before the conference meeting at night. Driving and parking is difficult, so we're planning to use the trolleys as much as possible for around-town. I would like to drive over to Clingmans Dome, though at nearly an hour away, we'll probably end up staying around here.
That pretty much concludes my adventures for the day, so I'll just mention how much I truly enjoyed "attending church" in true face-to-face lesson form, rather than via tape, and how nice it was to finally meet my pastor in person.
Farewell for now.
From Gatlinburg,
~Zahrah
Point two about interstate travel - ever since I started driving, being a passenger seems odd.
Point three about interstate travel - driving, while more tiring, is quite enjoyable. And my GPS is a lifesaver - I love you, "Fred".
On the whole though, it was an un-eventful trip over. We drove through some simply gorgeous countryside - Ireland may be famous for the "Forty Shades of Green", but Tennessee runs a close second! I ended up driving a good part of the way, so didn't get as many pictures as I was hoping for, but I have some nice ones to share. Unfortunately, the camera connect cord did not make it with us (note to self for future: if it's something you need, double-check) so unless I find one to buy here, they'll have to wait until I get home.
By about 15 miles out, the tourist chaos was closing in, starting with stores prominently advertising "2 t-shirts for $10.00!!!" and gradually getting worse and worse as we entered Pigeon Forge. Never in my life have I seen such a mish-mash of bright neon signs, laden with explanation points. A few that stood out for me:
- #1 Importer of Indian Moccasins! (Isn't that a domestic product? You know, "Native Americans"??? Anyway...)
- National Champion Elvis!!! (okay...)
- Petting Zoo and Pony Rides - and Exotic Wedding Pictures. (...)
Honestly, about halfway through, I was fighting the urge to dive under the seat and begin meditation practices.
Between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you actually see a bit of *gasp* NATURE, via the Smoky Mountain National Park. It's a lovely few minutes, trees on one side, and a creek running down the other.
Gatlinburg itself seems much less commercial-touristy and more fun-touristy. The main street on the way in was incredibly busy though, and I was glad to get up to our hotel. It's on a mountain over looking Gatlinburg, with simply stunning views of surrounding mountains and the city.
Tomorrow, we're going exploring a bit, as we have the whole day free before the conference meeting at night. Driving and parking is difficult, so we're planning to use the trolleys as much as possible for around-town. I would like to drive over to Clingmans Dome, though at nearly an hour away, we'll probably end up staying around here.
That pretty much concludes my adventures for the day, so I'll just mention how much I truly enjoyed "attending church" in true face-to-face lesson form, rather than via tape, and how nice it was to finally meet my pastor in person.
Farewell for now.
From Gatlinburg,
~Zahrah
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Musings on Packing
Inevitably, if one is to travel, one must pack. I hate packing. Actually, what I hate is deciding just what I need and want to bring. Gathering a few days worth of outfits is hard, because I don't know what I'll want to wear - and then one must gather all the accessories for those outfits, or start over and pare it down to something more basic.
For this trip, for example, I need two "nice" outfits for the conferences at night. I also need three "normal" outfits for during the day. That's five outfits, for the course of a two-night trip. As I do try to travel light, this means that I have the challenge of finding only one or two pairs of shoes that will work for all the outfits I choose. Sometimes, I think it would be easier to build the outfit around the available shoes, honestly.
Then, I must consider all the other items that used during the course of the day. You don't realize how many items and products it takes just to take a shower and get ready for the day, until you have to find a place for them in a suitcase. A good deal of the basics - hair brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc, are in my makeup kit anyway, so that helps. But the shampoo, conditioner, face wash, shaving cream and razor, etc... It's incredible. Being a girl is hard work, you know?
The next part, I actually moderately enjoy. Finding a place to put everything is like doing a giant jigsaw puzzle - shoes in the bottom, bathing suit and pajamas tucked around them to keep it from getting scuffed. Pants next, since those are heavier, then shirts, with smaller things tucked in around the edges. All the bathing sort of things go into a plastic bag for leak protection, and slide into the end where it won't get squished.
And then the zipper won't close. So, I pull it all out, flip the shoes the other way, move the bag of toiletries to a different spot, fold clothes into smaller packages... When it's all in again, and finally zipped, I can breathe a sigh of relief, until I realize that I also packed my clothes to travel in tomorrow. While this accounts for the unexpected lack of room, it means that it has to be redone. Again. Sigh...
Once clothes and personal items are accounted for, the rest of the prep begins. GPS and back-up maps. Snacks for the car, to avoid over-priced fast food on the road. Camera. Extra batteries. Phone charger - and where did I put my iPod this time???
Finally though, it's all assembled, ready to load into the car. Final checks can wait until morning, there's always something to be added. The cats are nosing around the suitcases, sulking. They don't like it when "their humans" go away, and they feel certain that by sleeping on top of the packed suitcases, they can prevent us from doing so.
So, in conclusion, I'm packed, I'm ready, and I'm excited. The cats are mad. The next couple of posts will be a "travel journal", and I'll have pics up, probably when I return home. I hope you enjoy my trip as much as I plan to!
~Zahrah
For this trip, for example, I need two "nice" outfits for the conferences at night. I also need three "normal" outfits for during the day. That's five outfits, for the course of a two-night trip. As I do try to travel light, this means that I have the challenge of finding only one or two pairs of shoes that will work for all the outfits I choose. Sometimes, I think it would be easier to build the outfit around the available shoes, honestly.
Then, I must consider all the other items that used during the course of the day. You don't realize how many items and products it takes just to take a shower and get ready for the day, until you have to find a place for them in a suitcase. A good deal of the basics - hair brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc, are in my makeup kit anyway, so that helps. But the shampoo, conditioner, face wash, shaving cream and razor, etc... It's incredible. Being a girl is hard work, you know?
The next part, I actually moderately enjoy. Finding a place to put everything is like doing a giant jigsaw puzzle - shoes in the bottom, bathing suit and pajamas tucked around them to keep it from getting scuffed. Pants next, since those are heavier, then shirts, with smaller things tucked in around the edges. All the bathing sort of things go into a plastic bag for leak protection, and slide into the end where it won't get squished.
And then the zipper won't close. So, I pull it all out, flip the shoes the other way, move the bag of toiletries to a different spot, fold clothes into smaller packages... When it's all in again, and finally zipped, I can breathe a sigh of relief, until I realize that I also packed my clothes to travel in tomorrow. While this accounts for the unexpected lack of room, it means that it has to be redone. Again. Sigh...
Once clothes and personal items are accounted for, the rest of the prep begins. GPS and back-up maps. Snacks for the car, to avoid over-priced fast food on the road. Camera. Extra batteries. Phone charger - and where did I put my iPod this time???
Finally though, it's all assembled, ready to load into the car. Final checks can wait until morning, there's always something to be added. The cats are nosing around the suitcases, sulking. They don't like it when "their humans" go away, and they feel certain that by sleeping on top of the packed suitcases, they can prevent us from doing so.
So, in conclusion, I'm packed, I'm ready, and I'm excited. The cats are mad. The next couple of posts will be a "travel journal", and I'll have pics up, probably when I return home. I hope you enjoy my trip as much as I plan to!
~Zahrah
Monday, July 26, 2010
Random points about library life. (Long. You've been warned.)
It was a crazy day, down at the library. Not a bad day, just one of those strange times when the day becomes a cross-cut section of everything that library work consists of. In keeping with this theme, here is a totally random list. Most of these have happened today, though by no means for the first time.
I. What? Little Joey has to read "insert book title here" before school starts? School starts next week? He's known about this all summer? What do you know, that's only the tenth time I've heard that today. The book is on reserve. You're sixth on the list. Best case scenario, that's a three month wait. More like four, with the time for reserve processing and overdues factored in. May I suggest Amazon, and that next time Little Joey does his assignment on time instead of waiting for the last minute?
II. Yes. You have overdues. No, you can't check out. No, you can't use a computer. Yes, you have to pay your children's fines too. Sorry. It's policy. I like my job, and I want to keep it, so I have to follow policy. Bring your books back on time, and this won't be a problem.
III. Having said that, however, I do have a certain amount of lee-way to bend, stretch, twist, and darn near break rules for you if I really feel like it. If you ask nicely, I'll probably do it. If you act entitled, I probably won't. If you're being crabby about it, I definitely won't. Just saying - library workers like to be treated nicely too.
I. What? Little Joey has to read "insert book title here" before school starts? School starts next week? He's known about this all summer? What do you know, that's only the tenth time I've heard that today. The book is on reserve. You're sixth on the list. Best case scenario, that's a three month wait. More like four, with the time for reserve processing and overdues factored in. May I suggest Amazon, and that next time Little Joey does his assignment on time instead of waiting for the last minute?
II. Yes. You have overdues. No, you can't check out. No, you can't use a computer. Yes, you have to pay your children's fines too. Sorry. It's policy. I like my job, and I want to keep it, so I have to follow policy. Bring your books back on time, and this won't be a problem.
III. Having said that, however, I do have a certain amount of lee-way to bend, stretch, twist, and darn near break rules for you if I really feel like it. If you ask nicely, I'll probably do it. If you act entitled, I probably won't. If you're being crabby about it, I definitely won't. Just saying - library workers like to be treated nicely too.
Musings on Mornings
"The morning, which is the most memorable season of the day, is the awakening hour. Then there is least somnolence in us; and for an hour, at least, some part of us awakes which slumbers all the rest of the day and night." Henry David Thoreau
I resisted it for years, but I'm finally starting to turn into a morning person. I'm not a person who does well with being rushed, and for too long my mornings have been just that, a frantic "scramble out of bed and toss clothes on while brushing hair while feeding cat while losing hairbrush." While it gets me to work on time, it does little for my mood, or for the rest of the day.
By contrast, if I get up at, say, 6:00, I've got some time to drink coffee, play on the computer, and get awake and ready for the day to hit. Not to mention the pleasures of seeing the early-morning sun on the trees across the valley, listening to the birds waking up, and all those poetic sorts of things.
Plus, days are longer this way, which means I can get more done. Since there are certain things that must be done each day, and those always take roughly the same amount of time, waking earlier gives me the chance to get some of those knocked out of the way, leaving more time for things I actually enjoy.
Now, I'm not promising that I'll ever be one of those chipper people who bounds out of bed with a "YIPPEE, it's morning!!!". For me, that comes after giving the alarm clock a choice couple of words, working the coffee pot on autopilot, and yawning myself awake under a shower. I'm still a slow waker, which probably puts me out of the running as a true "morning person" - but at least it's happening earlier in the day now, which must count for something, yes?
~Zahrah
I resisted it for years, but I'm finally starting to turn into a morning person. I'm not a person who does well with being rushed, and for too long my mornings have been just that, a frantic "scramble out of bed and toss clothes on while brushing hair while feeding cat while losing hairbrush." While it gets me to work on time, it does little for my mood, or for the rest of the day.
By contrast, if I get up at, say, 6:00, I've got some time to drink coffee, play on the computer, and get awake and ready for the day to hit. Not to mention the pleasures of seeing the early-morning sun on the trees across the valley, listening to the birds waking up, and all those poetic sorts of things.
Plus, days are longer this way, which means I can get more done. Since there are certain things that must be done each day, and those always take roughly the same amount of time, waking earlier gives me the chance to get some of those knocked out of the way, leaving more time for things I actually enjoy.
Now, I'm not promising that I'll ever be one of those chipper people who bounds out of bed with a "YIPPEE, it's morning!!!". For me, that comes after giving the alarm clock a choice couple of words, working the coffee pot on autopilot, and yawning myself awake under a shower. I'm still a slow waker, which probably puts me out of the running as a true "morning person" - but at least it's happening earlier in the day now, which must count for something, yes?
~Zahrah
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Musings on: Drawing
"Do not fail, as you go on, to draw something every day, for no matter how little it is, it will be well worthwhile, and it will do you a world of good." ~ Cennini.
I've recently started to draw again. It's soothing, in a frustrating sort of way. I can be a perfectionist, I'm afraid, and drawing is one of those areas that really triggers it. A few years back, I went to some informal art classes over the summer, and while I learned very little about technique or materials, I did learn that it was okay to make mistakes. Which, when I'm erasing a line for the tenth time, is a very good thing to remember. For that matter, it's a good thing to remember anyway, not just when drawing.
I'd say that is also a part of the reason I draw with charcoal or graphite, rather than in colors or painting - I *can* take the eraser to the page and start over. Plus, the detail you can get is really pretty amazing. I've got a few sketches that I'll try to figure out a way to post here, at some point in the near future.
Another attraction to drawing - it's portable. It's easy to slip a sketchbook and pencil case in your bag, and there is always something around to use as a model, even if it's just a quick outline that you can work from later to make a more detailed drawing. Or, you can just sit and doodle little abstract drawings, which sometimes can be illuminating to what is going on in your mind at the time, if you're into analyzing things like that.
Anyway, I must sign off for now, and submit myself to that most sacred of female self-torture rituals: The Clothes Shopping Trip.
~Zahrah
I've recently started to draw again. It's soothing, in a frustrating sort of way. I can be a perfectionist, I'm afraid, and drawing is one of those areas that really triggers it. A few years back, I went to some informal art classes over the summer, and while I learned very little about technique or materials, I did learn that it was okay to make mistakes. Which, when I'm erasing a line for the tenth time, is a very good thing to remember. For that matter, it's a good thing to remember anyway, not just when drawing.
I'd say that is also a part of the reason I draw with charcoal or graphite, rather than in colors or painting - I *can* take the eraser to the page and start over. Plus, the detail you can get is really pretty amazing. I've got a few sketches that I'll try to figure out a way to post here, at some point in the near future.
Another attraction to drawing - it's portable. It's easy to slip a sketchbook and pencil case in your bag, and there is always something around to use as a model, even if it's just a quick outline that you can work from later to make a more detailed drawing. Or, you can just sit and doodle little abstract drawings, which sometimes can be illuminating to what is going on in your mind at the time, if you're into analyzing things like that.
Anyway, I must sign off for now, and submit myself to that most sacred of female self-torture rituals: The Clothes Shopping Trip.
~Zahrah
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Musings on: Travel verses Tourism
Traveler: one that travels, one that goes on a trip or journey
Tourist: one that makes a tour for pleasure or culture
Tourist trap: an establishment, or group of establishments, that has been created with the aim of attracting tourists and their money. Also known as Gatlinburg, TN.
Yes, I'm headed to Gatlinburg. On Wednesday, for a two-day church conference.
Honestly, I'm not sure about this. I love to travel. But, I don't like "tourist destinations." I like to see the place I'm going, not a bunch of outlet malls and cutesy restaurants.
However, it *is* in the Smoky Mountains, in the midst of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. This, for example, is my hotel:
Is that not gorgeous? I can't wait to sit out on the balcony with a book and just watch the mountains...
Anyway, back to tourist spots. Why, exactly, is there a need for an aquarium, a wax museum, and a Hollywood stars car museum, in a mountain area like Gatlinburg? What's wrong with appreciating the beauty and history of the mountains for what they are, without the commercial bling?
I don't want to have to stand in line to climb a mountain. There's a hundred more out there - just because someone has put an "attraction" on this particular one, doesn't mean that it is any more interesting than all the others. Why not take a hiking trail, and see a real piece of nature, without the fences and souvenir store? Does a plastic snake just like those in thousands of gift shops across the country make a better souvenir than a rock picked up out of the woods, with all the memories of the hike attached to it?
At 21, I may be too young to call for a return to "the olden days". But I see no reason why we can't pry the shiny game coupons away from the kids, moms out of the Coach outlet, dads away from the golf centers, and enjoy an area for what brought everything there in the first place.
My hope is - my mission is - to find the "real" area, beneath all that bling. Somewhere over there, I'm sure that there is a real community, with hopes and dreams and prayers beyond getting tickets into Ripley's. With restaurants that aren't perfect replicas of a log cabin, and the salads $12 each.
Even if it means I have to spend the entire time sitting up a tree with bug spray and a book. I hope I get wi-fi up there...
~Zahrah
Tourist: one that makes a tour for pleasure or culture
Tourist trap: an establishment, or group of establishments, that has been created with the aim of attracting tourists and their money. Also known as Gatlinburg, TN.
Yes, I'm headed to Gatlinburg. On Wednesday, for a two-day church conference.
Honestly, I'm not sure about this. I love to travel. But, I don't like "tourist destinations." I like to see the place I'm going, not a bunch of outlet malls and cutesy restaurants.
However, it *is* in the Smoky Mountains, in the midst of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. This, for example, is my hotel:
Is that not gorgeous? I can't wait to sit out on the balcony with a book and just watch the mountains...
Anyway, back to tourist spots. Why, exactly, is there a need for an aquarium, a wax museum, and a Hollywood stars car museum, in a mountain area like Gatlinburg? What's wrong with appreciating the beauty and history of the mountains for what they are, without the commercial bling?
I don't want to have to stand in line to climb a mountain. There's a hundred more out there - just because someone has put an "attraction" on this particular one, doesn't mean that it is any more interesting than all the others. Why not take a hiking trail, and see a real piece of nature, without the fences and souvenir store? Does a plastic snake just like those in thousands of gift shops across the country make a better souvenir than a rock picked up out of the woods, with all the memories of the hike attached to it?
At 21, I may be too young to call for a return to "the olden days". But I see no reason why we can't pry the shiny game coupons away from the kids, moms out of the Coach outlet, dads away from the golf centers, and enjoy an area for what brought everything there in the first place.
My hope is - my mission is - to find the "real" area, beneath all that bling. Somewhere over there, I'm sure that there is a real community, with hopes and dreams and prayers beyond getting tickets into Ripley's. With restaurants that aren't perfect replicas of a log cabin, and the salads $12 each.
Even if it means I have to spend the entire time sitting up a tree with bug spray and a book. I hope I get wi-fi up there...
~Zahrah
Friday, July 23, 2010
Musings on: College
You have taken your first step into a larger world...
Well, I finally took the plunge, gathered the documents, made a pot of coffee - and filled out thedevil-written form from hades FAFSA form. If you're not familar with this, be grateful. It asks for everything back to your parents first baby-sitting job in high school. And then, if you're really lucky like I am, it gets selected for verification, and you have to submit proof of everything.
But anyway, it's the first step towards, finally, enrolling in college. The next step comes Monday, with my first meeting with the Admissions people. Hopefully we can scrape up enough in scholarships and funding that I won't have to sell my first-born child to afford to attend! Which is good, since I'm not planning to have any. But anyway...
I've got to confess, I'm nervous as can be about this, but I'm also very excited. This school has been a part of my life for - well, almost forever. There are members of the faculty there who watched me grow up, and how many people can say that?
I've got to thank everyone (you know who you are) who has given me the love, support, and not-so-subtle shoves to finally get this done - and you're probably going to have to give me some more of those shoves to actually complete papers and assignments, at least until I get back into the swing of the academic world. It's been too long since high school!
I must sign off for now, since my lunch hour seems to have vanished already (seriously, why is an hours break so much shorter than an hour of work???). I shall return soon though, I've missed writing. :)
~Zahrah
Well, I finally took the plunge, gathered the documents, made a pot of coffee - and filled out the
But anyway, it's the first step towards, finally, enrolling in college. The next step comes Monday, with my first meeting with the Admissions people. Hopefully we can scrape up enough in scholarships and funding that I won't have to sell my first-born child to afford to attend! Which is good, since I'm not planning to have any. But anyway...
I've got to confess, I'm nervous as can be about this, but I'm also very excited. This school has been a part of my life for - well, almost forever. There are members of the faculty there who watched me grow up, and how many people can say that?
I've got to thank everyone (you know who you are) who has given me the love, support, and not-so-subtle shoves to finally get this done - and you're probably going to have to give me some more of those shoves to actually complete papers and assignments, at least until I get back into the swing of the academic world. It's been too long since high school!
I must sign off for now, since my lunch hour seems to have vanished already (seriously, why is an hours break so much shorter than an hour of work???). I shall return soon though, I've missed writing. :)
~Zahrah
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