Dhanyavaad Doston - I had a great year with you all!

I typed a thank you in Hindi that I planned to read at the going away party but forgot it :( and I'm pretty sure it actually made no sense...as I shared it online to have it proofread and was told it didn't make sense (when I get back to the US I will share it anyways. Ok well, when I find my computer)

I wanted to thank you all for welcoming Jim and I into your community. It was really special to be a part of your family. I've heard missionaries, and less often but other travelers as well, talk about going somewhere and being welcomed into the culture.

I now have a better understanding of how special that really is. There is a difference between hanging out and getting to know people and really being a part of it all and I feel like you guys blessed us with the opportunity to really be a part of your lives and culture.

It's funny becuase after returning to Wyoming I was seriously considering grad school at Khala Bhavan. But when we realized it was a longer program than I had originally thought we decided against it. This past year, though in Wyoming (possibly the place on earth that is the least like India), I really was able to experience a mini-India and it was beautiful. I learned so much about food, culture, religion, languages, social norms, cricket, and fell even more in love with your culture and people.

I began by wanting to learn Hindi. I honestly belive my goals desires changed to simply being friends and sharing life which was so beautiful.

I will never forget my last year in Wyoming and the times that we shared. I love each and every one of you guys. 

See Dhanyavaad Doston Pt 2 which I talk about being homesick from Indian culture while in Brazil.http://feliciafollum.blogspot.com/2014/08/dhanyavaad-doston-saudades-pt-2.html?m=1

3 Countries in One Day: Day 3-6/7

We unintentionally ended up in Paraguay a few days ago. Which is kinda sad becuase of the ease of border crossing also equals the ease of human and drug trafficking...

Standing in Argentina looking at Brazil (rt.) and Paraguay(lft.). 

But I absolutely haf a blast in Argentina with a good friend and his family. And Paraguay was a wonderful experience as well...

What Makes Me Happy

Henna Design
Sold
Ink+Watercolor on Paper

As a part of my fellowship, I was asked to create a list of 10 things that make me happy…Here is my list of the first thirteen things that I thought of.

Having good conversations with people
Playing Legendary with my husband
Making art that I am happy with
Dancing
Playing cricket (or softball)
Snowboarding
Studying a language
Riding my bike
Hugs
Learning about a new culture
Teaching others
My grandma
Baby animals

This is a great journal prompt. What are the first thirteen things you can think of that make you happy?

My US-Brazil Connect Bio

 Felicia Follum is a watercolor artist who has a passion for using her art to work with people in culturally diverse environments. She currently teaches art, blogging, yoga, and very basic languages (Spanish, Hindi, and Sign Language) to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And teachers private art lessons with “at-risk” youth. She would like to eventually have her own studio space where she creates and sells artwork and offers various creativity-based classes. Felicia’s significant travel experiences include Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (in South Dakota), Haiti, Mexico, and India. She is excited to spend time in Brazil and see what creative work and lasting friendships will come out of the experience.

To learn more about US-Brazil Connect, check out their website

Ask Me Anything Monday: Sports

I have been getting some questions as a part the US-Brazil Connect program that I am in. I thought it would be fun to answer them in blog post form...so here goes. Enjoy my "Ask Me Anything Monday" series. Feel free to ask about my life, art, or creative inspiration.

Ohhh I absolutely love snowboarding and softball.
 
I have snowboarded since I was in 7th grade and skied for that. The town I went to elementary and middle school in was about 20 minutes from a ski resort. We had to take skiing in PE (Physical Education) as kids.

I have also played softball since I was young. Though once you are out of high school there are few opportunites to actually play fast pitch softball so the last year I have started to play cricket. It is a lot of fun and very challenging.

Cricket

In addition to snowboarding and softball/cricket, I love yoga and dance. I also like golf , riding bikes as well as hiking and backpacking.

Ask Me Anything Monday: Travel

I have been getting some questions as a part the US-Brazil Connect program that I am in. I thought it would be fun to answer them in blog post form...so here goes. Enjoy my "Ask Me Anything Monday" series. Feel free to ask about my life, art, or creative inspiration.

What places inside and outside of USA have you visited? 

Alright, Outside of the US I have been to Haiti, India and Mexico.

For inside the US I have created the map above.
I have been to 18 out of the 50 states. It looks like more since I have been to more of the larger one and fewer of the smaller states. 

Where I Come From...

There is no hiding that artists use the world around them to inspire and influence their work. Our environments shape us into who we are. 

To be honest, I am currently not sure how place is impacting my work but I am hopeful and expectant that one day I will be able to write a response to this post and explain exactly how (or least have a better understanding of how) place has played a role in my art and shaping who I have become.

This post will show you some of my favorite places from where I have lived and where I am currently living. 

In the future I will share a post about "Where I am Going" which will include our upcoming move, but for now, I will share some of what I find beautiful about Wyoming and South Dakota.

The Black Hills of South  Dakota

I lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota from the time I was born through high school. 

The Black Hills are absolutely awe-inspiring. 

Outlaw Ranch and AMR are my home

A late night camp fire complete with life stories and philosophy is one of my favorite things. It's part of why I call myself a Church Camp Lutheran, I suppose. 

Sunrise hike with several thunderstorms surrounding us

Just some clouds

Gravity biking with my best friend from high school.

 What is gravity biking? Take the pedals off of a BMX bike, replace with PBC pipe for your knees and put your feet on the pegs and you are ready.

Rapid City South Dakota

Rapid City is the town I went to high school in.

Art Alley is one of my favorite places in Rapid City

Artist painting 

Just a bit of the work 

The next place I will share about is the state that I am currently living in and call home.

Wyoming

You can begin with these incredible photos taken in the state of Wyoming.

Though Yellowstone is on the other side of the state, it is most certainly worth the drive.

Grand Prismatic Springs

Honey Bee Geyser, I think

Next I will share some places right outside of where we live.  The Snowy Range and Vedauwoo. Both are natural beauties, one is very unique and the other majestic. 

The Snowy Range Mountains

The Snowy's are one of our favorite places to go hiking and walk around. It is about a 20 minute drive West of Laramie. You can see some of our fun FB photos here.

Snowy Mountains

More Snowy's

Vedauwoo

Vedauwoo is locate about 20 minutes out of Laramie in the other direction. This place is a rock climbers dream come true.

Vedauwoo

More Vedauwoo

As you may have gathered, I love the outdoors (more summer photos here) and have been fortunate to grow up surrounded by some truly incredible places. Though my artwork is not predominately nature based, the influence it has had on me is present in much of my work. Being surrounded by creation has certainly helped develop my spiritual and social beliefs which do play a part in my art...but more on that and my art in other posts.