A Transient Hike

     With Spring finally clawing its way back I have written a new article about hiking.  This time it is about a hike up the Treman Park gourge in Ithaca, New York.  I will often write about nature since I love to hike, but I always try to talk about what it is to Worship God through viewing what he has created.  Notice, it is not worshiping the creation but the Creator.  He is still the center of it all.  It is just how I chose to do it.  John Muir, the man who convinced the US Government to start the National Park movement to preserve wild places,  put it best when he said.  “No synonym for God is so perfect as Beauty. Whether as seen carving the lines of the mountains with glaciers, or gathering matter into stars, or planning the movements of water, or gardening - still all is Beauty!”  On a mountain side gazing out on Gods creations and sometimes signing is how I most love to worship.  So here is the latest article.

     Ever since living in Puerto Rico the second time I have had a love for hiking. Having developed that passion, now, where ever we've lived I seek out new places to hike. But, ever since living in the state of Colorado hiking has become a means of worship. I do it for the chance to sit down at the end and marvel at and praise God for His creation. Now, as this winter has finally let go its grip for this season I'm anxious to get out and worship God again through His work. While I think about this I'm reminded of one place I have hiked that holds a special place in my heart ever since the first time I hiked it, Treman Falls in Ithaca New York.
      It is a state park in my home town. Over the years I can remember going there in the summers to swim. But, this one time I decided to see what else the park had to offer. It was during the summer of my parents fiftieth anniversary and we had a family reunion. One day my father offered to take my wife and I and several nieces to go swimming. The water was too cold for me so I went for what I thought was a short hike. Treman is a gorge that goes up that mountain for about two miles. There were two trails, the hard one and the harder one. With camera in hand, but not knowing, I took the harder one.

          Like many state parks in New York the trail was well maintained and paved in some places. So there was no problem hiking it. Well, except that it was steep at parts, and very hot and humid. At the very start was a wall of stairs. It took only a few minutes to double over in exhaustion. The humidity made me feel like I was breathing soup. Every pour on me opened up and I was soaked. To continue, I had to keep telling myself,”ten more steps.” A half hour later I got past the hardest part of the climb.

 
      Most of the trail was in the shade and from that point on it was generally a level walk. From time to time I stopped to take pictures and at one point I waded out to splash some water on my face to cool off. Yet, this part of the hike took me about two hours. So when I arrived at the first bridge across the creek, two thirds of the way up, I stopped to rest. My legs were shaky and the humidity dragged on my shoulders. I wanted to keep going, but my father would be worried, waiting at the bottom, and I was tired. So I decided to give up and go back down.
      While I rested a couple came down from the top of the trail and stopped at the bridge too. They saw me taking some photos and struck up a conversation. For several minutes we talked pleasantries then I said that I had to go back down. They mentioned that the top was not far away and they offered me a ride back down. So, a few minutes climb, or almost an hour or more walking down on tired legs, it wasn't hard to choose. As we headed up I stayed close to them or they to me. At that point it was hard to tell. However, the reward was just a few minutes away.

      The gorge soared up three or four times with each bend in the trail. Each had a set of stairs to climb, but they also had ever growing waterfalls. Finally, at the last turn I beheld a five story cascade of water. It was beautiful, and, it required one final push up the stairs to a stone bridge over the falls. I took a deep breath and prayed “God help me,” and forged ahead. When I got to the top I stopped in the middle of the bridge and looked out. The view from there made my heart skip a beat. In one direction it was like looking down a grand forested mountain, the thunder of the plunging water filling the air. In the other was a small canyon of moss covered rock with trees towering over it. Looking on that canyon reminded me of those opulent Gothic cathedrals reaching high into the heavens. Here though, was a cathedral built by Gods hand. My spot on that bridge being the altar. His presence filled me there and I was overwhelmed with peace, my pain and exhaustion forgotten.

   From there the couple drove me back to the bottom. I found my father there, agitated but relieved. They were waiting on me to leave. After one quick plunge into the cold water to cool off we left. As we drove home I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. “So we do not loose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

      Not far from the end of my hike I wanted to give up. Throw in the towel, as they say. But, just as I made my move to turn back, God reminded me of my goal and offered me what I needed to reach it. When I did, He overwhelmed me with His blessings.
      There will always be those obstacles to overcome in or lives. But, as the famous evangelist George Muller once said, “Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.” Just as Peter did when he kept his eyes on Christ, he was able to walk on water. But, when he looked away he fell into it. So, keep your gaze on Him and when life gets hard, He will be faithful to pull you through.

Easter has gone Banannas

     So I have had another article published this month and again it is in spanish.  So for those of you who follow me I have posted the article here in english.  I used an image that will resonate with the readers in the tropic region who would be reading this.  Yet, the imagery is what I think of at this time of year.  Here it is.


      When I think back to the images that come to mind at this time of year I'm surprised by some and not by others. Being the son of an officer I can still feel the malaise and frustration of getting up so early for sunrise service. If my sisters or I said “do we have to go,” dad would busy himself with getting ready and mom would give us that look that got us out of bed.
Still, for me being an artist, certain images do come to mind. As a young teenager in New Jersey I was struck by the crocuses blooming through the snow. Or in Colorado, watching the sun rise in the mountains. But, the strangest image I recall was a banana tree.
      My parents return appointment to Puerto Rico was as the corp officers to the Ponce Corp. our home was on the same property as the corp. Next to the front porch of the house we had some large plants, including one banana tree. It fascinated me. During the rainy season I would sit under its' broad leaves. It was like sitting under an umbrella. For such a small tree, though, it took a lot of care. To keep it healthy we had to constantly remove the “suckers.” Off shoots of the main tree. If we didn't, most of the trees' energy would go into feeding them and it wouldn't produce fruit. When it bloomed we'd let the next sucker grow but kept pruning the rest. Once the fruit was harvested we waited a few days then cut down the tree altogether. If left to stand the tree would rot. The new sucker would grow up to replace the old tree.
      But, why my association with Easter? It was for two reasons. First of all, we all know of Christ talking about bearing fruit. This tree was labor intensive, since those suckers kept popping up all the time. If allowed to go wild we'd have a tangle of trees, but no fruit. Its' energy would be wasted. However, more importantly, for the tree to reach its' full potential it had to die. That stuck in my head ever since I learned that.
So too did Christ. God wanted us to inherit eternal life, but we could never do it. Our sin sapped us of our ability to reach him. A sacrifice was needed. One with no blemish(suckers) and that was Christ. But, for us to have the gift of eternal life He had to die(be cut down). That constant cycle of the banana tree, for me, serves to remind me of the lengths that God went to, to save me. His resurrection was my salvation. But, his death is what I am reminded of all the time. It humbles me before Him. It is why I created this image below.
As an artist I've seen most of the artwork done on the subject of Easter. Because of my preference for the crucifixion I've seen all the famous paintings about it. Some years ago a thought came to me. That being, “I've seen paintings of Christ carrying the cross, on it and being taken off it, but never one of Him being raised on it.” So, as a gift to honor His sacrifice, I started to create the piece you see here. It took three months of research before I put pen to paper.
      There were several points I worked into it to convey the importance of His death. First of all the details. How did they raise the cross, being nailed instead of tied, what did the Romans wear and what were their ranks. All this I did, first, to show the pain they put him through. More so then normal. The Romans I show are all in different ranks to point out that Christ died for everyone. The pose was of the U.S. Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima to point out that he died for everyone from that point on throughout all of history. Christ is in all black to show that He took on the sins of all mankind. He calls out in pain, the only time he voices it. Though, not in physical pain, but the pain of God turning away and the clouds . Hence, the title “Eloi!” Still, in all this there is a halo on Him. Christ is still God. He was without sin, but He took it on to sacrifice it. All so that we could be called sons and daughters of God should we confess our sins and accept Christ. Altogether, the piece reminds us that God is in “everything.” From the smallest detail to the overall message.
      As we know, when every detail of His prophesied death was met He stated that he was thirsty. Taking a drink of vinegar from the offered sponge He died(Matt 19: 28-30). His death was but the first step in our salvation. And, yes, His resurrection was the important. Yet, without that death, there would be no eternal life for us at all. So, I implore, celebrate the gift of life he gave us. But, never forget the price He paid.

Coat of Arms

     I have been a avivd follower of history in all its' trappings.  As an artist, heraldry really caught my attention.  A visual record of someones' history.  The rules and regulations behind it are vast and change from country to country.  During the middle ages it was the best way for an artist to make a living.  Some of the rules are the same, though, from place to place.  Like the simpler the coat, the older the family. 
   This one above is carved in stone and hanging above the entrance to "El Morro".  It is a wonderful piece and I'm amazed that the detail is still vivid after a century hanging there.  What with the humidity, mold, and rain.  Yeah, I am still on a kick for Puerto Rico. 

El Morro

A few weeks ago I was sitting there with my wife Juli, trying to describe the Spanish colonial fort "El Morro" in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  it took a bit, but it only got her confused more, LOL.   It is a very interesting place and for some a very hard place to imagine.  I did a quick sketch of it's most dominate feature and used in most of the ads for the island.  For me, I will never forget the place.  I can remember having a friend their during my second stay there that was in the coast guard.  Because of that he was able to get me into part of the fort that were off limits to the public.  Having talked to Juli about the place has made me feel nostalgic and I've decided that one day I must go back to visit again.  In that feeling of nostalgia I created these two quick sketch's.  I send these out to all my family and friends that have been there too.  In this cold winters' night look on these and feel warm.

Second Chances

So,  have had a Second article purchased and a third on the way.  So I am posting the second one here for every one to read.

From the moment I was sworn into the U.S. Army to the moment I was discharged was just over two years. Less than your average enlistment, four years. And a couple of decades less then I had planned since I wanted to make the military my career. I started at, “where do I sign,” and went to “what happened?” My entire career was set in stone for me and I charged full steam ahead. That is, right off a cliff. All these years later I understand that old saying,”If you want to see God laugh, tell Him your plans.”

I originally enlisted to become an artist for the Army. Yes, they have artists in the Army. It was difficult to get into the Art Corp, but I wanted to serve my country, and do it using the talents God had given me. It meant I could have retired in 2005 at the age of 43. With gusto, I looked forward to a few years of regimented life, then taking the rest of my life easy. That ideal, though, lasted a few short months.

All these years later I can look back at my mistakes and shake my head. Many of my habits got in the way, being head strong and lazy, and yes, I rushed into marriage. If you asked anyone in my old unit what had led to my discharge they would say it was that last point. My ex-wife and I did get into many fights and several times the military police had to step in. It happened enough times that my commander kicked me out.

For a short while I was bitter. Everything I had planned had been derailed. I blamed her, my commander and others, but never myself. My ex-wife and I separated and I moved to Texas to be near family. They gave me the support I needed at that time to get get my head together. That support, of course included getting involved in the church – and more importantly with God.

Over time He helped me understand that the crash of my career had been my own fault. The other factors in my fall were just symptoms of one thing. I had put myself ahead of God. My relationship with Him was,”Lord, I want,” not,”Lord, I am here, what is your will?” Once I realized that, I came to God and asked for forgiveness. As soon as I did He reminded me of my trashed record. Why He did, I could not understand. It was in the past. But, He did, so I prayed for a way to remove it.

When I was done I felt at ease. My life was His and somehow a part of my past would be wiped clean. What makes me laugh, now, is that the next day a friend of mine and I had plans to go to an air show. When we arrived there were military police directing traffic and performing crowd control. Both of us were prior service and noticed that their uniforms were a bit different. We asked one of them who they were. He said “Texas State Guard,” and directed us to their table inside the show. As we talked to the officer there it dawned on me that God knew I would be here.

Of course, that table was there for recruiting. So I took my time to learn everything about them. In turn I told him everything about my military record. By the end of an hour the unit commander said,”If I can get the Governor to sign off on the paperwork, would you be interested in enlisting?” I said yes, filled out what I had to, then shook hands and left to enjoy the show. Two weeks later he called back. My enlistment had been approved.

That next Saturday I was sworn in as a corporal. It was an instant promotion since I had been demoted to private when I left the Army. Over the next seven years I attended every course I could. I held positions as Commanders' aide, Personnel, Recruiting and Training Sergeant for that unit. In that time I advanced three ranks. Where ever I could help the Division I did. But, in the end, I gave it up to follow Gods' leading.

As I made that decision to leave I was happy. God had come back to the center of my life and He gave me my hearts desire at that time, just as it says He would in Mt 7:7. It was His will for me to be in the military, but not as I envisioned it. It did not become my career, but a facet of who I was. It is a part of my life that someday I believe He will use for His glory.

God knew that my love of country was a part of me, He made me after all. He wanted me to live and express it. But, I had to learn the “HE” was above that, as it says in Col. 1:18-23. Once I lined up correctly to Him the rest simply fell into place. Now, that isn't to say that everything I have asked for I have gotten. He knows me better then I know myself. Every good and wonderful thing for “MY” life He wishes to give. But, only if it is right for me and only if I am right with Him. Though all of this I have learned to be content with what He does or does not give me. He may still give me what I want, but is His timing, not mine. What they say in the Army fits well here. “Hurry up and wait.”

Scouting

     So - the Big 3 holidays are finally past and it is time to get back to normal life.  I pulled out my sketch book out and finished off several drawings that had sat dormant for a few months.  I am busy now with many art pieces and writing article too.  The above piece was only half way done on site since I had step in to help with some of the chores. 
     That weekend was a lot of fun.  It was the annual Trophy Challenge Camporee at the BSA camp Babcock-Hovey outside of Geneva, NY put on by our local council.  It is the biggest event of the year and there were over 2,000 people in attendance.  Our Troop, we had over 20 there.  I had not been camping in years and when I had gotten rid of most of my gear when I moved to NY.  So it was a scramble to get what I needed (everything).  But the event was typical camping fun ie: cold, rain and what not. 
     Now, I came home after that weekend and proceeded to have the worst cold I have had in a long time.  Still, I had so much fun.     

New Years resolution

So we all talk about doing a resolution for the new year.  I kind of gave up on that, but this year I have resolved that my illustration business must start building steam.  To that I add writing.  I already have one article bought and another waiting at the editors for approval and purchase.  I did get this portrait done (quickly-3 days) of someone I grew up knowing, Enrique Lalut.  He also contributes to the magazine that I do artwork for.  He had a very dark photo for his by line so they asked me to create a pen and ink for it.  I was surprised by how quickly the hand work came together.  So, one piece down before the first week is out and several more lined up.  Next month one of my regular gigs will be doing an article about me.  So when it comes out I will post it here.  In the mean time Happy new year everybody.