Day 5 of the Lark

Up early to pack up. 

Cuppas to go as we walked around the Bentonville Saturday market on the square. 

Then on the road to Little Rock. The drive was just beautiful, the view primarily of lush green hardwood forests. As far as the eye could see. 

This Lark was filled with great adventures in experiencing art, in gastronomical opportunities to try new tastes, in trail trekking, in laughter that knew no bounds. 

I think sometimes we forget to be silly. The penguin company, the sour apple cotton candy, and the joy in true playtime with a best friend have filled me beyond measure. 

This was a birthday lark to celebrate my coming 73rd birthday. I was feeling age-weary when I began the trip. I return feeling ever so much younger than my years.  

Day 4 of the Lark

Another sunrise to start the day.  Time to walk the Crystal Bridges trails for a couple of hours. The unexpected cooler weather has been a blessing. 

A lolling time followed. This hotel is a museum in itself, and the art installations are fascinating. 

Returned to the museum for cuppa and a sweet -- sustenance for postcard writing. 

Later a tour about women in art, both as subjects and as artists. 

Back at the hotel for cuppas and penguin company. 

Then a fabulous dinner topped off with cotton candy. 

A last trip to Bucky Ball as an end to the wonder-filled day. 

Day 3 of the Lark

Arising at sunrise, it was a perfect time to walk parts of the museum trails. Surrounded by art, native landscaping and the forest, 5000 steps were easily achieved. 

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant,The Hive, was off-the-chart amazing. 

Then off to the museum for much of the day. 

Due to both restoration and installation, a few of the things I most wanted to see here are not available to view. While discouraging, it just means I need to return. 

The art I am experiencing is amazing. Evocative. Innovative. Extraordinary.

And the walking trails are beautifully laid out and oh, so enjoyable. Over 15,000 steps today. A new record. 

This afternoon the art was the art of a massage therapist. Ahhhhh. 

Filled with abundance this day. All wrapped up in slow-roasted pork tacos this night. 

P.S. 

Went to the hotel bar just now for a night-time cappuccino and ended up with sour apple cotton candy to enjoy with it. Abundance indeed. 

Day 2 of the Lark

Cappuccinos at Mama Carmen's coffee house started the day.  Inspired by a Guatamalan woman who has cared for hundreds of orphans by providing food and shelter over many years, the owners of this coffee shop are a source of business support to Carmen. 

After cuppas, it was time to walk labyrinths. Labyrinth walking is prayer rhythm for me. 

And by late afternoon I arrived at Crystal Bridges. At last. 

Dining was at Eleven, the amazing restaurant at the museum.  

The performance film, "A Measure of all Things" followed dinner. It had its premier at Sundance earlier this year. A combination of film, live music and narration, it was an interesting look at  Guinness World records. It was directed by acclaimed documentarian, Sam Green.

 The evening ended lying prone, gazing at the "Bucky Ball". 

This place is all- and more -  that I hoped it would be. 

Off on a Lark

There's a place I've wanted to journey to for the past few years.  It's not that easy to get to, so it remained a wish. Until now. 

Crystal Bridges Museum is a museum of American art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum, founded by Alice Walton, officially opened in November 2011.

A treasure of contemporary American art in an unbelievably beautiful locale, I'm here on a 73rd birthday lark. 

A short flight to Little Rock and a 3 hour drive across northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville was the destination for this first day of the lark. 

I encountered my past this day. Recollections and reminders of many summers of family boating trips in this state. And of a great road trip adventure years ago. 

It's good to be back.