Mississippi River (MUD)

So, why do I have a logo of the band AC/DC on my post? Weird, I know. But, the purpose in Jeremy Hanks visiting Missouri was not, contrary to popular belief, just to collect more dirt for me! Oh, HELL no!

He went there to completely and totally have his mind blown away by his favorite band, none other than AC/DC. They were in concert and while he was there getting what I am sure is unrepairable hearing loss, he snaked me dirt not only from the St. Louis Arch as previously posted but the Mississippi River as well.

The bag it came in was neatly wrapped. It was actually in 2 bags. So, suffice to say, it still contained a lot of moisture from the river.

Yes, it looked just like MUD! And not the kind of Mississippi Mud you would enjoy eating at a restaurant! *Note to self, prepare delicious dessert for family tonight. The mud has been in my possession for over a week and has yet to dry out. But, like all good, wet, dirt samples, I have no doubt that eventually it will. Here's to Jeremy and all his travels.

Jer,

I will assume that the band inspired you with this song to get my latest dirt sample. ENJOY!

The St. Louis Arch

The St. Louis Arch is our nation's tallest man made monument standing over 630 feet tall. It was built to commemorate the westward growth of the United States between 1803 and 1890. So much information can be found about the arch by visiting the web site http://www.gatewayarch.com/. Jeremy Hanks gave me this sample along with dirt from the Mississippi River. He also pointed out that the sample was dug up from the closest point to the Arch as was possible. Jeremy does a lot of traveling to say the least, and you can read about his adventures at his blog site, http://www.jeremyhanks.com/. Check back later to read about the Mississippi Mud he collected as well. You will not want to miss this!

2 of My Favorite Angels

A late Christmas gift, an early Mother's day gift, a Congratulations on no longer being sick and going back to work gift...I don't know, pick a reason, but my extended "family" from Alabama could not have picked a better time to send me a little sample of dirt from where they spent their Christmas this year. Joplin, Missouri. This is Beau Brooks and his grandma Donna Boyd. Beau was one of many players that we were a host family to. Donna and I became email buddies when I was lay ed up and in bed for a month during December. She was so great about emailing me each morning. Donna also commented on my blog quite some time ago and told me about her sand collection from Destin, Florida. This sample from Joplin, Missouri arrived along with a beautiful hand thrown bowl. I included a picture of it because of it's "organic" nature. The potter who created it is from Alabama.

Her name is Tena Payne and her web site is http://www.earthbornpottery.net/ She describes her pottery style as "randomness under control with a subdued sophistication." I just love the fact that she has taken different earth elements, mixed them together in the right ratio and placed it in the fire. All I know, is it turned out beautiful! I can say without hesitation, my "family from Bama", they could be the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of being associated with.