Big Boy Locomotive

The brief visit of Big Boy locomotive to Kansas City was an opportunity that I could not resist. He arrived Sunday evening and was on display only today from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. What a pleasure to see young and old excited to get up close to see The Big Boy.

My Uncle George worked for the railroad, and I have a special place in my heart for trains. We heard the whistle blow and saw the steam bellowing as we approached the train tracks. I could feel my excitement as my pace increased. The weather was clearing with beautiful clouds scattered across the sky. Union Station had sunlight illuminating the gorgeous architecture that seemed to be orchestrated for our arrival.

I positioned myself to sketch, trying to remain stationary as crowds of people moved all around me. To my surprise a news crew approached me for an interview. They clipped a mic on me as I continued sketching. I’m not sure if they expected me to stop to talk, but I can draw and talk without any problem. And this evening I was briefly on the 6 o’clock news.

November

10 Gratitude (Journal) Prompts for November

Healthy Maven blog post for November 6.

1. Who/what made you smile today?

2. What is something you take for granted that you’re grateful for?

3. What is the best thing that happened this week?

4. What cheers you up when you have a rough day? How can you incorporate more of that in your life?

5. When I reflect on my friendships, what friendships are giving life that I’m so grateful for?

6. What do you love about yourself?

7. What friends or friendships am I grateful for and why?

8. What inspires me? Am I finding inspiration regularly or just going through life?

9. What are you grateful for this season? What are your favorite things about fall?

10. I am looking forward to…

I can easily see these as a prompt for a sketch!

I’m reworking for the fourth time, a gouache I painted in Dubuque in October. I’m not sure how many layers of gouache one panel can take, but I’m determined not to throw in the towel.