Hosting Isabella {Day 2: Snowy Peaks}

Joseph carefully improves his rock monument at Table Mountain

Continued from Day 1: Windy Waterfront

Trusting a favorable weather forecast, we loaned Isabella a pair of hiking boots and ascended the Mount Baker Highway to its spectacular dead end at Artist Point, swarming with day visitors and the occasional renegade off leash hound.  Our day hike to the peak of Table Mountain just barely qualified as a 'hike' given that the round trip total totaled 1.6 miles.  But climbing the 420 feet to summit along the sheer cliffs at Joseph's pace did elevate our heart rates. 

Monumental collapse

"I was trying to creep her out!" Joseph admitted, confirming my suspicions as to what had inspired him to blurt, "I sure hope the volcano doesn't explode today!" as we paused on one of the switchbacks.  In fact, Isabella had not realized we were hiking on a volcano, but since Joseph so delicately brought it to her attention, we were able to share a bit of local geography knowledge with our Australian guest.

A final force

The actual explosions we witnessed were not volcanic, but rather the result of an attempted 'tall-as-me' tower construction project on the peak by Joseph.  Tempted by piles of rocks on Table Mountain, Joseph set to work balancing stacks and nearly reached his height.  But a slight builder's tremor caused the creation to come tumbling down with a forceful detonation, thoroughly impressing a group of 5th grade boys from Ferndale whose school group had just reached the peak. Several of them immediately set to work building their own towers amidst the rocky landing.

Joseph, Bridget, Isabella and a summit cloud concealing Mount Baker's peak

Our quick trek back down to the parking area offered a few final peeks at the almost visible tip of Mount Baker, but the pesky summit clouds kept the full stature of the mountain veiled.  We could hardly complain, though, as the clouds only added to the dramatic backdrop of our midday mountain adventure. 

Day 3 follows.

Joseph at 5,520 feet, Mount Shuksan beyond

Bridget and Joseph on Table Mountain

Joseph's first trip up Table Mountain (age 5 mos) ~ a sleepy passenger on Tim's back

me and the mountains plus clouds

The Art of Giving

During a top secret carving session, Peter snaps a self-portrait at my request.

Peter inherited an artistic gene from his paternal grandfather and his maternal grandmother, both exceptionally artistic and creative.  Peter's passion for art, manifest in his first attempts at drawing as a toddler, continues to this day in his carving, painting and creating.  As the recipient of one of Peter's recent masterpieces, I am in awe of his determination, motivation and creativity.

The artist at work

I knew Peter was up to something, and that his project was somehow connected to an image of our Blessed Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus.  I sensed that carving may be involved, by the noises emitting from his room when the "do not enter" sign was posted.  The bandaged finger was another clue pointing toward whittling in progress.

My hand-made gift from Peter

My handmade gift, given first thing on Christmas morning, holds a very special place in my heart.  Knowing that Peter created this lovely Madonna and Child statue from a block of wood, working for many hours to design, whittle, sand and paint it in time for Christmas, brings me great joy.  Peter asked that I have it blessed by a priest ~the final touch~ making it a truly holy, treasured gift from my son the Christian artist.


P.S. to those who may not understand Catholic teaching: 
I assure you I do not worship this statue of our Blessed Mother holding Christ.  Rather, I look upon this and other holy images for inspiration ~ just as we look fondly upon photos of our loved ones or cherish shared memories brought to mind by prints or keepsakes.