Lost Love Found

In the last five years, I’ve rediscovered an old flame, a lost love from my youth; comic books. I rarely write or talk about them, even with other comic book readers. In most instances, I felt more comfortable to discuss good food, liberal politics, home repairs and why kids need playhouses. My hesitancy to exchange information or views on comics was largely based on a lack of foundation of the basics. I felt I didn’t know enough about them to render an opinion.

After a while and thanks to some understanding, supportive and course correcting friends I feel confident to list my favorite comics titles from the previous year. Some are listed because of compelling art, others for superior narratives. A small few are included because of the almost magical happenstance when there is a nexus of the two. In no particular order to the casual reader, here are my favorite comics read and enjoyed in 2010.

• The Invincible Iron Man
• The 6^th Gun
• Osborn
• Daytripper
• Sif
• Uncanny X-Men: The Heroic Age
• How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
• Drinking at the Movies
• Unknown Soldier
• Air
• Sweet Tooth
• Freak Angels
• Mercury
• Thor
• S.H.I.E.L.D.
• S.W.O.R.D.
• Doc Savage
• Chew
• Last Days of American Crime

Although many of the above titles came to a close, were one-shots or collections, I trust more than a few of these will remain on the list for 2011.

Outdoor Destination Wish List: 2010

The Outdoor places I want to visit, hike, see or just experience by the end of 2010. No particular order ~

(This post has been edited with follow-up notations)

· Yosemite NP: Half Dome and Glacier Point (Sentinel Dome)
It is here I want to once again feel a waterfall push the air across the Mist Trail before dawn. The ache in my legs and lungs brushed aside as I contemplate the power not seen; only heard as we climb ever higher.
(Didn't make it to Yosemite in 2010. Aiming now for 2011.)

· Zion NP: Walk the full length of The Narrows
At this point, I think I’ve walked all of the trails in the canyon, even a portion of the Narrows but only near the Temple of Shinawava. It is upstream I wish to see and bare witness to the beauty wrought over millennia. Those who have touched the canyon walls there are few indeed.
(Done and in spectacular fashion.)

· Valley of Fire, NV: Check it out from top to bottom
A new place to explore, perhaps with friends who live in the Vegas area. It looks absolutely fabulous from the photos.
(Moved to 2011 list.)

· Joshua Tree NP: It's all good
The closest NP to home, it is truly a special place in terms of beauty and personal history.
(Visited twice, enjoyed greatly.)

· Portland, OR: Gorge and/or Mt. Hood treks
The main draw is the extended family living there now. But to see so much green at every turn is a treat in itself.
(Done and listed again for 2011, 2012, 2013, etc.)

· Superstition Mtns, AZ: "The Wave"
Not so easy to find, almost a hidden slot canyon that is unlike any place on earth. I’ve only seen photos of the rocks as well as how to get there. Still, it might be a challenge to actually see it in cool weather.
(Very real possibility for 2011.)

· Prescott, AZ: Peavine Trail
I want to share this sweet walk with my sweetheart. For an “urban” trail, it gets NO better from a visual perspective.
(Done.)

· Saguaro NP, AZ:
Rather short trails, I think…but beautiful in so many ways. I want this for my birthday.
(Maybe 2011...not sure if this can fit into the current travel schedule.)

· Hidden Springs and The Grottos, Mecca Hills
Want to hike this as a backpack trip with my sis and my brother. We enjoyed this unique place as youngsters where it took hold of my imagination and never let go. I found some recent photos of it and the thrill of it all came rushing back.
(Visited twice in 2010. Very nice, indeed.)

· Anza Borrego Desert, CA:
I’ve only been a couple of times and enjoyed it…but I know there is much more to appreciate out there.
(Moved to Spring, 2011.)

· Daley Ranch – Entire Loop
I walked the entire thing solo this year. It took all day but I want to do it again, only a bit faster and with less pain the next day.
(Done and visited several times in 2010.)

More to come, I am sure.

Moving Day - Excuse my dust

I've moved a lot of old posts from Modern Artifacts that were more focused on writing, poetry and such to this blog today.

Trying to keep the other blog more focused on art, craft and maybe some instructions now and again. I've deleted some posts and kept some over there that I was just too lazy to move.

That being said, I'll try to keep this blog more werdz centric and the other more artsy-fartsy centric.

Sorry for any confusion and sorry if you find yourself re-reading any of this old junk.

Cheers.