farlands | traveling near and far

For the first time ever, Jeff and I took a train a primary part of our vacation transportation.  Sure, we've taken commuter trains on the east coast and the Bart in San Francisco, as well Milwaukee to Chicago.  I love the Metra in DC, and long ago I reveled in taking the Tube in London.  But a train trip, overnight, like the olden days?  Sign us up!  Actually, credit goes to my co-worker Michelle, who mentioned she had flown down for JazzFest in New Orleans, and taken the train back. "Back to where?"  I asked.  "To Chicago," she replied.  Hmm...that got me thinking.  After looking at logistics of either end of our plans, we decided to take the train down, out of Milwaukee, and then fly back one-way on different days - I had to be back earlier. So, waiting at the General Mitchell Airport Amtrak station, we had fun snapping pictures and waiting for the first leg into Chicago's Union Station. Fun with filters ...

Traveling down the Pig Trail from Northwest Arkansas to Little Rock is a scenic, winding way to get to the capital city.  Last year, I realized that Terra Studios, an institution of sorts in the area, was right on the way there (I had in my head that it was in a different spot entirely).  I think everyone in my family had been to the studios except for me.  On my first stop in 2014, I had John with me, and we had a blast checking out the unique, kitschy spot that is Terra Studios: Now, have you ever seen these creatures? Yes, it is one of the (trademarked) Bluebirds of Happiness, and  Terra Studios is where these simple blue-hued glass creatures got their start.  Honestly, I used to think they were kind of silly.  But, after visiting, I was tempted by their cheerful colors and simple form.  Now I have 1 regular bluebird on a bookshelf, a mini bluebird at work, and a green bluebird (oxymoron) for John, since green is his favorite color.  And...