Thursday, July 31, 2014

" AMERICAN GOTHIC " A SURPRISE IN HEAVENLY IOWA!

How fun to take the road less traveled,
 
learn a bit more about history,
 
and experience something so Americana!
 
American Gothic
Source: pbs.org
 
That's me in front of the inside "mini version."

My niece, Tammy and her husband John.
Aren't they fabulous?!

Completed puzzle hanging on wall.

Costumes can be borrowed for photos.

"American Gothic" has been parodied for years!

Another parody. Green Acres is the place for me!
...The chores.
...The stores.
...Fresh air.
...Times Square

And look! Even the "Property Brothers" from HGTV!
(I apologize for the blurry photo!)

If it can be made.....it's made!

American Gothic, painted by Grant Wood, approx. 1930.

This is a beautiful site to visit and not that far off the beaten path. It was certainly worth the extra minutes. It has a modern museum and gift shop, photos are allowed, and the staff is very friendly...of course!

~~~

This afternoon is my book signing at Ed & Eva's gift shop. More news and photos tomorrow!




"I had to go to France to appreciate Iowa." -- Grant Wood

26 comments:

  1. Great pictures! Looks like a fun place to visit.

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    1. Hi Daisy! It really WAS lots of fun! So much history to learn and fun things to look at...and purchase in the gift shop, of course! :)

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  2. The original always looks so sad to me.

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    1. I agree! Those two people look mighty grumpy! (and it was very surprising to learn that they weren't husband and wife! I'll post more about that soon!)

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  3. Great pics! Though the one with you and the pitchfork is a little scary ;)

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    1. Hey Teri! WHAT? Me look scary?! They had all sizes of what they called "hay forks" to choose from and that one was the shortest! LOL

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  4. That American Gothic painting is severe. Maybe even bleak. The sour faces... though I know that smiling for photos just wasn't done back then. Maybe no one had teeth? Or most times their teeth were bad? Anyway, there is just something about two dour faces, with one of them holding a sharp pointy tool, that makes me want to back away slowly.

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    1. Hi Robin! I know what you mean! I'm so surprised it became such an iconic painting....but maybe that's why...because it WAS so weird!

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  5. That is such a fun idea. We think it is anyway. Have a tremendous Thursday.
    Best wishes Molly

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    1. Thanks, MTW! It really was fun and the first time in YEARS that when I was traveling, I stopped at a historic place along the way. (But, also The Ronald was not the driver!)

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  6. This is a great post. I love this painting!

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    1. Thanks, McGuffy! Glad you like my post AND the painting! :)

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  7. Good luck at the book signing!!! Knock them dead - and empty their wallets.

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    1. Thank you EC! I can't say I knocked them dead, but selling a few is sure better than none! :)

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  8. Wow! Who knew that place even existed? Not me!

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    1. I sure didn't know, either! I always assumed the entire painting was the artist's imagination at work!

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  9. Looks like one great stop along the way!!!

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    1. Hi Bookie! It really was! Such a fun, unique, surprising stop along the roads of Iowa!

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  10. I love this painting! It has become so iconic. When I taught 4th grade a few years back I had the kids pose in "the" pose, two by two. They loved it. Still today, about 7 years later, I will see one of them and ask them who painted American Gothic and they always get it right, probably because they do see it everywhere. In fact, when I first showed them the painting, one of them said, "Hey, those are the people from Newman's O's!" (Paul Newman's cookie brand.) Cute picture of you with the pitchfork!

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    1. Hey Randi! You were an awesome teacher!! What a neat idea for the kids and yes, they'll remember that forever! Funny about the Paul Newman connection, too! Thanks so much for stopping and commenting!

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  11. So glad you took a little time off to have some simple fun. Love the pictures.

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    1. Hi Myrna! Yes, it was tons of fun, and in fact my entire trip and stay at the hotel was!

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  12. Becky what a fun place to visit! That painting is a classic for sure but I must admit to enjoying the parodies a lot! Enjoy your book signing. I'm about to start your book on my Kindle! Can't wait to read it my friend.
    hugs,
    Linda

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    1. Hi Linda! I'm with you. I think the parodies are so much more fun! And, oooh, I'm anxious to hear from you after you've read my memoir! Hugs back at ya!

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  13. Looks like a fun destination. Love the pics!

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    1. Hi Mary! It was definitely a fun destination! Glad you like the pics, and thanks so much for stopping and commenting!!

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