

Mail Art

The Honda Helix was given to us – free. After all the mechanical fixes, upholstery, bonded title (that was a long process), and paint job, she’s mine! My mechanic husband kept calling her “ugly” and I kept responding “She’s not a monster!” Then as a joke, “She’s a Gila Monster.” Well the joke, took root as an idea, then a concept, then a plan, and was finally implemented. She definitely is hand-painted by an artist, not a professional who paints vehicles, but I love her and am very happy with my new wheels.
Hester, the Gila Monster Honda Helix’s Adventures and Farewell
September 20, 2019: Hester is stolen.
September 26th, 2019: Hester is recovered. She’s been spray painted black and wrecked. The Thief is apprehended and detained for a day. He is released to await hearing in October.
October 2019: My husband, a fantastic mechanic, orders a 3-D printed body for Hester and repairs all the damaged parts. Thief blows off hearing. A warrant for his arrest is issued.
November 2019: My husband is in a tragic motorcycle accident from which he miraculously survives. I spend the next 6 weeks+ going to the hospital 1-3 times daily.
November 2019: Hester has problems. Fuel deprivation. The mechanic can’t see her until December.
January 2020: I finally get Hester back from the mechanic. She runs alright but not fully up. Thief is arrested again and detained this time. Hearing in March.
March 2020: Problems with Hester. Fuel deprivation. Back to the mechanic. Fuel problem fixed and she’s running strong. But!?! Now there’s a brake problem. I give up. Thief’s hearing moved to May because of the pandemic.
March 2020: There are too many reasons to give Hester up. I cry a little but after serious meditation, I realize it’s time to let her go. She is going to a man who sees her as a cultural icon, which she is.
Happy trails Hester. Long may you run!
“Mail Art” between me and my Cleveland pen pal.
Acoma Pueblo NM Holiday Cats Snow on the Rincon Mountains Golden Poppy
I stayed at this amazing B&B. It’s a Frank Lloyd Wright house and Linda, the proprietor is a fascinating host.
Heward House Bed & Breakfast, Holbrook Arizona
Sketch hike preparation for the Artist and Residence in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.