It is done!
I have graduated! I graduated with my Associate of Arts Degree, with honors, on May 19th. The last semester kicked my butt with algebra, but that turned out to be the only B I got during all semesters…otherwise I got A’s. A lot of weekends of doing nothing but homework and studying, but it was worth it. Now, however, since school is over FOR GOOD we are going to hopefully get back to doing our small trips.
We did a few “stay-cation” type things around St. Louis the week following graduation.
I made beads at the Third Degree Glass Factory. I’d never done that before. It was so fun! I have a genetic hand-tremor, which was a significant hindrance in getting the beads made, but as usual I learned to work with it. The instructor was Max. He was not only knowledgeable about glasswork and a great teacher, but also very interesting to just sit and talk to while making the beads.
Stopped in the pick up some art supplies at Dick Blick’s after bead making (ran into my photo art teacher!) and then grabbed a quick bite and drinks at Three Kings Public House on Delmar.
We also hit the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, as well as the St. Louis Art Museum and it’s special exhibit Sunken Cities exhibit. The art museum’s special exhibits are free on Fridays, so be sure to check out their webpage to get tickets (it does cost a $3 service/handling charge).
School’s out for my grand-kiddos, too, so we headed over to the St. Louis Zoo with them on the hottest day of the year so far, I think! It was still a great day! The grizzly and polar bears were very active and playing, and we got to feed the stingrays as much as they would eat. For the four of us, joining the St. Louis Zoo was a money saver, as we’ll definitely be back there again this summer.
One of my favorite things to do is hit the African American Art Festival on Memorial Day weekend. The culture, the art, the colorful clothing, interesting décor, entertainment, and the FOOD! What a wonderful day that was. It was beautiful and peaceful and very family-oriented.
One thing I should mention is I was honored (AND FLOORED) to be chosen as the First Place winner in Photographer’s Forum’s Annual High School, College, and University student photography competition. I won a new Fuji (mirrorless) camera and lens system from this worldwide competition. I won with my image, See Me. I am so hooked on this camera! I basically have put my poor Nikon in the camera bag in the corner and the Fuji has been my partner for several weeks now. It takes amazingly crisp photos…the stabilization system is wonderful. The lenses are such great lenses…and since it’s mirrorless it is smaller and weighs a lot less than my Nikon camera and myriad of Nikon lenses.
Heading off to another adventure by train today! Story to follow later, so stay tuned.
Small Trips with Tim and Chris 