Beth, the bridge memories are so vividly drawn, and the way you return to them through art — on your own terms carries a quiet strength that I always associate with you.
There are so many times I start a painting and it isn’t until I’m almost finished with it, or done, that I realize it came from somewhere deep and emotional. Yes, we need bridges right now, but I also think there are some people destroying our country who should be run off a high bridge into very deep water surrounded by sharks.
Yes, this painting did come from somewhere deep within me. I completely agree that a number of people are destroying the country -- and we know who they are -- and they should pay a heavy price (deep water filled with sharks would be nice). There is no accountability in this nation.
My essay is very much about my conquering my fear of bridges by actually painting one, adding that we need bridges as a general metaphor of tolerance. However, ICE and our government have gone way beyond this, impinging on our civil rights and resorting to cold-blooded murder, followed by lies about what really happened. They are despicable.
The painting of the bridge is wonderful. I love the way it turned out. Unlike your drive across the lake, this bridge feels welcoming. And it comes at a time when the symbol of unity and bridging the divide is more important than ever.
On one of my hikes, there is short, wooden bridge that crosses a marsh. It's never felt particularly safe to me, but there's no way to walk around it, or get deeper into the forest, without carefully treading its well-measured wooden slats. It makes me think about bridges being thresholds to something new, something untried, something essential to our evolution.
Isn't it interesting how sometimes the things we fear actually bring us closer to what's important? Bridging the Divide tells the story of what began in fear and ended in a story of unity. My crossing the little bridge in the forest led me deeper into the trees, deeper into what I consider my place of worship.
Forever will I love your art and the stories that go with the art. Thank you, Beth.
I am so glad you are enjoying this painting. I think Lake Pontchartrain cured me of going over long bridges! I love when you say, "...bridges being thresholds to something new, something untried, something essential to our evolution." I believe you said it so accurately. Yes, bridges are powerful metaphors for so many ideas, such as unity by reaching out to others, as well as life transformations.
I love the small wooden bridge that you must walk over to get deeper on your hikes to the forest. I love that you find nature your "place of worship." This is so awesome. I've always admired your awe of and respect for nature. I am so glad you are recovering from surgery and walking at the pace you are most comfortable with.
I so appreciate your reader- and viewership. I am so happy that you are enjoying my art. Most of all, I am so happy that we found each other!.
I really enjoyed your story about driving on a scary bridge and still being traumatized years later. Early March will be the 20th anniversary of the last time I drove a motor vehicle because of a very serious accident on a local bridge. My SUV was struck, I flew chest first into the steering wheel breaking my sternum and a few ribs and then 3 of the air bags finally deployed, striking me again in the chest on my way backwards. I couldn't seem to stop my vehicle and I had no idea where I was as both of the front air bags completely blocked my vision. I know I was struck several times by other vehicles and I understand my SUV entered the oncoming traffic. My bridge did have guard rails but the only thought I had was the feeling that I would crash through them and fall into the freezing river below me. It many ways that might have been a kinder fate than what happened next. Instead my SUV crashed head on in the oncoming traffic with a young woman driving a small red car.I had chest injuries. The young woman died. The guilt consumed me and I have never gotten behind the wheel again. Even now I still have to close my eyes anytime I am traveling over a bridge. Any bridge. Your story brought back a lot of repressed memories of that March morning, 2 days before my daughter's 5th birthday.
Your painting of the bridge is wonderful. The ending of your story is hopeful with the scary bridge being transformed as a way of forming connections with people. Thank you for the happy ending..I really needed that today.
You are a wonderful writer and artist Beth. Please keep publishing your writing and your artwork. You never know who may be viewing it and comparing their life experiences to your own.
Oh my gosh, Sharon, how terrifying! I am so sorry this happened to you, that you were injured, and that the young woman died. So very tragic from all angles. I can understand the guilt you feel -- I would feel exactly the same way -- but truthfully the accident wasn't your fault. Someone struck you.
Still, I understand why you don't drive; you are traumatized by that incident. Such trauma runs deep, and is really difficult -- if not impossible -- to cope with. Like you, I hate going over any bridge, even seemingly easy, short ones.
I appreciate your kind words about my writing and creating art. I plan to continue publishing my work, so no worries, there.
I so appreciate your comment, Sharon, as well as your candor. Hang in there one day at a time.
I love your point about how painting the bridge helped you feel connected and how we can all find ways to bridge the divisions right now. Wonderful painting, too!
And I can’t imagine a bridge without guard rails? They are necessary to keep people safe!
Yes, painting the bridge really did help me cope a bit with the trauma I endured on that hellish causeway. Yes, the bridge truly is a metaphor for bridging, or reaching out, for unity among everyone rather than the chaotic strife we face today.
Thank you for your kind words about my paintings.
There might have been guard rails -- I don't remember, as I was too busy panicking -- but they were inadequate. I can't believe how dangerous that bridge was and is.
Great job on your painting! I like the combination of the oranges and teal together. I cannot believe that bridge! I would be terrified to drive on that!
Gosh, that is quite the story about your drive on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Yikes. I had no idea it was that long, and how was it possible that there were no side rails or shoulders? That would freak me out. I guess there are mountain roads without them, too, but driving over all that water for that far would scare me too.
I love your "Bridging the Divide" painting and the message of unity definitely comes through. I feel like I'm looking up at the bridge and it feels strong and massive. I say, feels, because it's a feeling I get, not just a look. If that makes sense.
What a gift you and your art are, even more so in this turbulent time.
Awww, Nancy, thank you so much! I am so very glad you enjoy Bridging the Divide. I hope, in my art, to evoke feelings, and it sounds like I did so!
That Lake Pontchartrain Causeway was terrifying for me. Now supposedly there are shoulders and rails, but I have no intention of fiinding out if that's true! Crazy bridge. Can you imagine how crossing it would be in turbulent weather?
I think your writing is a gift. Yes, times are turbulent, and I keep wishing all the strife would be over. Maybe someday....
Thank you, and I'm so glad you are enjoying my bridge painting. I was a bit tentative at first because I tend to shy away from many hardscape structures, but I took a chance, here!
Oooh, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge sounds really scary, as well, almost as long as my Lake Pontchartrain nemesis.
Hi Beth, I love your bridge painting. I am awestruck by the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, I never realized it was so long. The is a 7 mile causeway to get to Eastport, Maine, where I go most summers. We do need to bridge the gaps here and find unity. I agree.
Thank you for your kind words about my most recent painting. Yes, I really felt the symbolism of bridges throughout my working on this painting.
Ah yes, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is so scary; I have vowed never to cross it, again. The causeway to get to Eastport, Maine, sounds a bit scary as well.
Your bridge looks great, Beth. You've added a lot of definition to it and vibrant color. I have traveled over Lake Pontchartrain and I have to agree, it was kind of scary to me as well.
Greetings fellow Lake Pontchartrain traveler! I can't believe I traveled over this lane on what seems like a too-narrow, too-unsafe bridge! I would never venture there again. Totally freaky.
Thank you for your compliment on my bridge. I'm a sucker for color, so I like to use it generously!
Beth, the bridge memories are so vividly drawn, and the way you return to them through art — on your own terms carries a quiet strength that I always associate with you.
Oh, Marie, thank you so very much for your kind, supportive words. I always appreciate your perspective and am grateful for you.
There are so many times I start a painting and it isn’t until I’m almost finished with it, or done, that I realize it came from somewhere deep and emotional. Yes, we need bridges right now, but I also think there are some people destroying our country who should be run off a high bridge into very deep water surrounded by sharks.
Hi Alene,
Yes, this painting did come from somewhere deep within me. I completely agree that a number of people are destroying the country -- and we know who they are -- and they should pay a heavy price (deep water filled with sharks would be nice). There is no accountability in this nation.
My essay is very much about my conquering my fear of bridges by actually painting one, adding that we need bridges as a general metaphor of tolerance. However, ICE and our government have gone way beyond this, impinging on our civil rights and resorting to cold-blooded murder, followed by lies about what really happened. They are despicable.
The painting of the bridge is wonderful. I love the way it turned out. Unlike your drive across the lake, this bridge feels welcoming. And it comes at a time when the symbol of unity and bridging the divide is more important than ever.
On one of my hikes, there is short, wooden bridge that crosses a marsh. It's never felt particularly safe to me, but there's no way to walk around it, or get deeper into the forest, without carefully treading its well-measured wooden slats. It makes me think about bridges being thresholds to something new, something untried, something essential to our evolution.
Isn't it interesting how sometimes the things we fear actually bring us closer to what's important? Bridging the Divide tells the story of what began in fear and ended in a story of unity. My crossing the little bridge in the forest led me deeper into the trees, deeper into what I consider my place of worship.
Forever will I love your art and the stories that go with the art. Thank you, Beth.
Hi Stephanie,
I am so glad you are enjoying this painting. I think Lake Pontchartrain cured me of going over long bridges! I love when you say, "...bridges being thresholds to something new, something untried, something essential to our evolution." I believe you said it so accurately. Yes, bridges are powerful metaphors for so many ideas, such as unity by reaching out to others, as well as life transformations.
I love the small wooden bridge that you must walk over to get deeper on your hikes to the forest. I love that you find nature your "place of worship." This is so awesome. I've always admired your awe of and respect for nature. I am so glad you are recovering from surgery and walking at the pace you are most comfortable with.
I so appreciate your reader- and viewership. I am so happy that you are enjoying my art. Most of all, I am so happy that we found each other!.
With hugs. You’re a good artist friend to have on the journey.
I really enjoyed your story about driving on a scary bridge and still being traumatized years later. Early March will be the 20th anniversary of the last time I drove a motor vehicle because of a very serious accident on a local bridge. My SUV was struck, I flew chest first into the steering wheel breaking my sternum and a few ribs and then 3 of the air bags finally deployed, striking me again in the chest on my way backwards. I couldn't seem to stop my vehicle and I had no idea where I was as both of the front air bags completely blocked my vision. I know I was struck several times by other vehicles and I understand my SUV entered the oncoming traffic. My bridge did have guard rails but the only thought I had was the feeling that I would crash through them and fall into the freezing river below me. It many ways that might have been a kinder fate than what happened next. Instead my SUV crashed head on in the oncoming traffic with a young woman driving a small red car.I had chest injuries. The young woman died. The guilt consumed me and I have never gotten behind the wheel again. Even now I still have to close my eyes anytime I am traveling over a bridge. Any bridge. Your story brought back a lot of repressed memories of that March morning, 2 days before my daughter's 5th birthday.
Your painting of the bridge is wonderful. The ending of your story is hopeful with the scary bridge being transformed as a way of forming connections with people. Thank you for the happy ending..I really needed that today.
You are a wonderful writer and artist Beth. Please keep publishing your writing and your artwork. You never know who may be viewing it and comparing their life experiences to your own.
.
Oh my gosh, Sharon, how terrifying! I am so sorry this happened to you, that you were injured, and that the young woman died. So very tragic from all angles. I can understand the guilt you feel -- I would feel exactly the same way -- but truthfully the accident wasn't your fault. Someone struck you.
Still, I understand why you don't drive; you are traumatized by that incident. Such trauma runs deep, and is really difficult -- if not impossible -- to cope with. Like you, I hate going over any bridge, even seemingly easy, short ones.
I appreciate your kind words about my writing and creating art. I plan to continue publishing my work, so no worries, there.
I so appreciate your comment, Sharon, as well as your candor. Hang in there one day at a time.
I love your point about how painting the bridge helped you feel connected and how we can all find ways to bridge the divisions right now. Wonderful painting, too!
And I can’t imagine a bridge without guard rails? They are necessary to keep people safe!
Hi Susan,
Yes, painting the bridge really did help me cope a bit with the trauma I endured on that hellish causeway. Yes, the bridge truly is a metaphor for bridging, or reaching out, for unity among everyone rather than the chaotic strife we face today.
Thank you for your kind words about my paintings.
There might have been guard rails -- I don't remember, as I was too busy panicking -- but they were inadequate. I can't believe how dangerous that bridge was and is.
Great job on your painting! I like the combination of the oranges and teal together. I cannot believe that bridge! I would be terrified to drive on that!
Thank you so much, Pam! I really enjoyed working on this one.
I was terrified and can't believe I lived through that bridge. Never again will I even go on this structure!
Hi Beth,
Gosh, that is quite the story about your drive on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Yikes. I had no idea it was that long, and how was it possible that there were no side rails or shoulders? That would freak me out. I guess there are mountain roads without them, too, but driving over all that water for that far would scare me too.
I love your "Bridging the Divide" painting and the message of unity definitely comes through. I feel like I'm looking up at the bridge and it feels strong and massive. I say, feels, because it's a feeling I get, not just a look. If that makes sense.
What a gift you and your art are, even more so in this turbulent time.
Awww, Nancy, thank you so much! I am so very glad you enjoy Bridging the Divide. I hope, in my art, to evoke feelings, and it sounds like I did so!
That Lake Pontchartrain Causeway was terrifying for me. Now supposedly there are shoulders and rails, but I have no intention of fiinding out if that's true! Crazy bridge. Can you imagine how crossing it would be in turbulent weather?
I think your writing is a gift. Yes, times are turbulent, and I keep wishing all the strife would be over. Maybe someday....
Love how your bridge painting turned out. I wasn't happy driving the 23 mile bridge over the Chesapeake bay bridge either.
Hi Dee,
Thank you, and I'm so glad you are enjoying my bridge painting. I was a bit tentative at first because I tend to shy away from many hardscape structures, but I took a chance, here!
Oooh, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge sounds really scary, as well, almost as long as my Lake Pontchartrain nemesis.
Hi Beth, I love your bridge painting. I am awestruck by the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, I never realized it was so long. The is a 7 mile causeway to get to Eastport, Maine, where I go most summers. We do need to bridge the gaps here and find unity. I agree.
Hi Pamela,
Thank you for your kind words about my most recent painting. Yes, I really felt the symbolism of bridges throughout my working on this painting.
Ah yes, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is so scary; I have vowed never to cross it, again. The causeway to get to Eastport, Maine, sounds a bit scary as well.
Your bridge looks great, Beth. You've added a lot of definition to it and vibrant color. I have traveled over Lake Pontchartrain and I have to agree, it was kind of scary to me as well.
Hi Nancy,
Greetings fellow Lake Pontchartrain traveler! I can't believe I traveled over this lane on what seems like a too-narrow, too-unsafe bridge! I would never venture there again. Totally freaky.
Thank you for your compliment on my bridge. I'm a sucker for color, so I like to use it generously!