I was digging through some of my various boxes of old photos last night....(I am not at all organized when it comes to my photos!)....when I found these. I spent a couple of weeks in Iowa in September of 2008. I visited my brother and sister-in-law first in northern Iowa, and then my cousins in Greenfield. This is when I actually met Ray and his wife, Maria. (I had heard of him for years, and about his painting of The Rock, and other murals in the town.)
I'm the one on the right, in case you can't tell....the one having a very bad hair day and looking as if I'm wearing a maternity top!! Acckkk!! Believe me, if I had a better picture of myself with them, this one would not be posted on my blog!
Aren't they just the cutest couple? They look like they're 16 years old!! This was taken inside their newly opened studio.
This is what The Freedom Rock looked like in 2008. Every Memorial Day, Ray repaints it with different patriotic images and sayings...honoring the military, both past and present.
So, in little over a week, there will be new images, on both sides, and actually all around the rock. It really is impressive.
** Ray was interviewed on the Fox Channel yesterday morning, and you can watch the video on the Sorensen's blog. He was intervied via satellite from the TV station in Ames, Iowa. BUT, they left out the best part....that The Freedom Rock is right outside of Greenfield, Iowa!! It seemed to me as if they implied it's near Ames, which is about 100 miles away.
"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him". -- Abraham Lincoln
picture was great. The young man's work is a blessing. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose! Thanks! Hope you have a great day, too!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this rock - what a talent he has! So cool that you know him!
ReplyDeleteSmiles
What an adorable trio of wonderful people! :)
ReplyDeleteThey look like a wonderful couple. I'm sure they'll be together for the rest of their lives.
Wow - that rock is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteYou are adorable!
ReplyDeleteAnd the rock is amazing. I can't paint worth a darn on anything!
sandie
I've traveled through Iowa on many occasions and for some reason I feel like I've seen this rock before - nice work. I'll have to dig out the map and look for Greenfield. Cute picture of the three of you!
ReplyDeleteWOW Becky like they say "keep it all in the family" What a huge talent he has. Bet you had fun getting to know them and them you too!
ReplyDeleteAlready said, will say it again: way cool. And you look great!
ReplyDeleteBecky, this is really neat! You must be very proud of him. I love your picture too ... and it is a brave and selfless thing to post one that isn't your favorite for the sake of the story. But, I think you look great, and I like everything about your story.
ReplyDeleteThe Freedom Rock is really cool! Very talented fellow.
ReplyDeleteHi Julia! Thanks! Yes, I think since the rock is not in say....New York, or LA, or somewhere other than the Midwest...it's never been "noticed"...and I guess Ray hasn't been doing it for recognition. But, maybe our blogs will help! And Facebook! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteHi Janel. Awwww, thanks! But, an adorable "trio"?? Are you wearing your glasses?! I think they'll be together forever, too!
ReplyDeleteHello Together We Save! How nice of you to stop and leave a comment. How did you find me? Also, if you're interested in my book give-away, you have time to enter. Scroll down to find it! Thanks!
Hey Chatty! You must be another one NOT wearing her glasses! :) Thanks!
Hey Lynn, even if you've traveled through miles and miles of Iowa, I would be really surprised if you had seen this rock! It's on a little 2-lane highway, outside of Greenfield, which is a very small town! But if you have, I say "Yay!" And again..."cute picture"? You all must really be my friends, to overlook how bad I look!! Thanks!
Hi Mollye! Thanks! Yeah, they are truly nice people....best of the Midwest! :)
Awww, Lisa! You're too sweet! Thanks!
Hey Kathy! I just noticed you came from one of your other blogs. If it didn't have "Oregon" in it, I wouldn't have recognized you! You're too sweet, as well, but I sure appreciate it!
Thanks, Daisy!! Yes he is!!