This is not a positive posting so to avoid depression close this immediately. We had a major set back last week. Because only 4 1/2 feet of the rock were exposed and we needed at least 7 feet deep. I called in Burt Cox again, the blaster, he, David, Lane and I had a meeting with him and told him what we would like removed some right by the head and then some of the mountain that was protruding out to far to be able to see the monument very well from below. We figured we'd have him do it too as long as we had him there. He explained how he'd use a light charge and pop off the close areas and a bigger one for the other parts. Not sure how it all happened exactly but he blew everything up. David and Lane were very apprehensive about having him back because all his blasts up too that point had been too big but that was when they were searching for a needle in a hay stack but now that he had direction and therefore  thought he would be more careful now. However there are a few things to consider.  Burt said that the cause of the rock splitting was a natural fracture that ran down the center of the rock and there for releasing the dirt on the side released the pressure holding it together and caused the split. David was on the ranch when it happened and he said the blast was enormous not just a little pop. You can see this by how huge the rocks are in the picture. He had also drilled directly into the rock in order to pop off the right corner to help us get the round of her head and did use a lighter charge for that. You can see the black powder marks on the  rock in the picture. This too may have been just enough force to crack the rocks natural fracture. Grandpa and Ralph went up and inspected and they felt it had been a natural fracture and whatever the cause forced the rock to break through it. Grandpa felt however that it may have actually been a blessing because if it didn't break right then it may have done it down the road while we were working on it and someone could have been seriously hurt or worse. Grandpa didn't feel it was entirely Burts fault.
     So here we are back to square one. Grandpa says we've learned a lesson. If we are able to find another suitable rock we need to immediately drill several holes directly into it and epoxy rebar 10 to 12 feet into the mountain to secure it before we start.
     So the big question right now is...Is the rock in these parts suitable for a monument of this size. It seems that all of them have several natural fractures? Do we put the time and expense into locating another rock and hope that it will hold together enough or do we try another route? Should we create a man made made rock? You've seen them...around swimming pools and around Disneyland.
     Grandpa would like to still try and locate a natural stone. I would too but if this begins to prove to be unfeasible the later may be our next best option. Any thoughts?

All these rocks were part of the rock wall that David had exposed with the Excavator. All you can see is the top of the monument... the rest it buried beneath all the rubble. This had been a level bench. 

Well I can definately say that if I were to give these first few weeks a label it would be "Trial and Error". That rock is as hard as a.... um.. rock? We have drilled and drilled and drilled.  We have broken 3 bits already. But we were granted a tender mercy when the Dexpan did indeed produce cracks!!! The stuff worked! So for now we're just drilling holes throughout the day, filling them with the demolition compound before we leave, coming back the next morning and if the rock isn't already laying on the ground we're knocking it off and repeating. There's several layers of rock to work through before we can start to see any facial features begin to appear.  Like I've said before...She's in there. We just have to unveil her. I can see that the pose I chose to put her in is going to be much more of a challenge for a novice as myself. Putting her straight forward might have been simpler but I'm hoping the end result will be worth it. When I finish each day I drop in and report to Grandpa. I just really need to work through these outer layers more quickly so real progress can be seen. Not because I need the project to pass quickly but I just want Grandpa to see her begin to form.


WE HAVE CRACKS!  We have had rocks fall that would have literally taken days to chip out by hand.

Another broken drill bit!  This has got to stop.  Lanes Dad told me that when they get hot they get brittle.  And with the rock so hard they definately get very very hot.  So maybe the trick is to get 4 or 5 and trade them out after each hole to allow them to cool before forcing them to penetrate again.  Any ideas?

Grandma has aquires a few markings of measurements. And a strap holding her in place so we don't risk her falling forward when we stand her up.

          It's official!!! We have finally begun. Wade and I started Monday morning... First thing we did was hook up a Time Lapse Camera that hopefully, if we read the instructions right and programmed it correctly, should take a picture every 24 hours for the next year.  And then we stood, stared and scratched our heads. Finally we looked at each other shrugged and said well let's just start and see where we go from here. For the last 3 days we have been using the Rotary Hammers and have just drilled holes, lots and lots of holes.  I have some stuff ordered that will be here by Friday (hopefully). The stuff is called Dexpan. It is a compound that you mix and pour into the holes and if it goes according to planned, it will expand and break the rock out for us (hopefully right where we want and not were we don't) saving us ALOT of drilling and chipping out. If it doesn't work then we will have to resort to honey combing the rock really close together and then chipping out with a jack hammer.
          Grandpa decided he wanted to build the dirt up against the rock and so we could work from the  ground. He felt this would be more productive so we're trying it out. I wanted to establish the nose and face shape first so David built the dirt up to about even with the mouth and we're going from there. I'll post a pic when there's visible progress happening.

 I'm so lucky to be working with Wade this summer. He will be a senior this year. So i know this is a golden time.  Oh and something we're super happy about...we are in full shade clear until 11! What a blessing!

It has been sometime since we last posted but much has transpired since then. David has worked relentlessly in the pursuit of finding a perfect rock. I knew it was up there we just needed to find it. Because of the area, which covers all the valley not just the ranch, all the rock lies in layers. Therefore, there are several cracks that run vertically, horizontally, angled, you name it, throughout all the limestone cliffs in the area. With the sculpture having so many protruding features, we have to be very careful. We are trying to avoid a situation where we have been working on the sculpture for quite some time and then the nose slides off or the chin or the entire face.

Recently during our search a little miracle occurred that I'm anxious to share with you. A few months ago, Grandpa and I decided on where we felt the perfect place for the monument should be. So David and the driller proceeded to drill and chip away at the stones there. Only to find unsuitable material. Then about a week ago, the guy who grandpa has had up there drilling showed up unannounced when no one was around and proceeded to drill and chip away and in doing so discovered what we feel is finally suitable material. The interesting part is that when David showed up and saw it he asked the guy why he had decide to drill there, due to the fact that it was about 30 to 40 ft further south from where we had been searching. The guy said, "I just followed the paint line your sister had laid out for me."  However, I had not been up there painting lines, neither had David, nor Grandpa or Ralph, who is a hand of grandpas that has been helping David from time to time. It can only be explained as a tender mercy! We have no idea where the painted line came from!

So that brings us to today....David had an appointment this morning and so for the first ever I found myself alone at the monument.  The day was gorgeous! If only it could be like that through out the entire project but unfortunately it won't! But as I sat there, with the breeze blowing lightly, it was so peaceful, almost sacred. What a special place this will be for this monument. As I gazed over the rock I could see her in it. I placed my hand on the stone and an overwhelming feeling came over me. Not just with the monumental (no pun intended :) task at hand but with the spirit of this project. She's already there...this stone was meant for her...we just need to unveil that precious face lying beneath the surface.

When David and Ralph finally arrived we took measurements and figured out were the nose will go. We've decided to start there. There is one horizontal crack that runs through our canvas but it lands about 17 feet from the top and grandma's chin will hit at 16 feet so we'll barely miss it.(another tender mercy) So it will run through her neck but we think that will work out OK. David is just going to clear some more stone from the south side of her face. And all the rubble you see lying at the base of it and it will be go man go. So so close! Can't wait to get going.

Grandpa is so anxious! When Grandpa and David were trying to talk me into doing this project one of my biggest concerns was time.  I am first and foremost a mother and knew my family and their needs need to be my first priority, but David assured me that Grandpa had said he didn't care if it took me 4 years to complete he just wanted me to take charge of this project. But last week David informed me that Grandpa had told him he estimates we are about 15% behind schedule....WHAT!!?? I told David, "Wait don't I have 4 years if needed?" (although I never intended on taking that long) David laughed and said, "You know Grandpa. You were already behind schedule when you agreed to take on the project." So funny! Sure love that man! This project is all he's thinking about these days! We will definitely be keeping you all posted. And please continue to keep us in your prayers...BECAUSE IT'S WORKING! Love you.

Great news!
The Equipment is running and progress IS being made at last! Your prayers worked! Thank you. David is clearing a road and platform for the lift.

Dear Family and Friends;

I am posting today to inform you that we have been experiencing some delays due to mechanical problems with the equipment that is being used to prepare the area for the project.

The stone must be prepped and the area needs to have a firm foundation created so the lift can be put safely in place. Grandpas first priority he has stressed repeatedly and that is safety. The project can and will not begin until the area is deemed completely safe. "If someone was to get hurt, it will take all the fun out of it," he says.

So for 2 reasons I am posting today. First to update you on the delays and second to ask for your prayers. You see this project means so so much to Grandpa. David says he talks about it all the time. It is always on his mind.  It is something that brings him a little excitement in his sorrow. Grandpa is 88 and really wants to see this project underway and hopefully even completed.  Please remember to ask Heavenly Father to bless the equipment to work properly so that the project may begin.

And when the project begins, as much as I hate to beg for myself but I myself am simply not enough for the task at hand and will require MUCH divine help. So every now and then please pray for all those working on the project. First and foremost with safety, for Grandpa, and second for abilities beyond our own.

I love you all very much.

Love, Heidi

Creating a Model

First things first I had to come up with a clay model to go off of while we sculpt into the Limestone.  I really struggled with this.  The first little model I had done for the Sculptor from Italy had gone so smoothly.  He had referred to it as beginners luck!  I think he was right.  I just needed and wanted it to be perfect.  It had to be perfect! I had to have something that not only looked like Grandma, but it had to capture her essence as well.  It had to sparkle like she did.  I also wanted it to not only be her likeness but artistic as well.

Dilemma #1- To smile or not to smile.  Jason, the Sculptor, and my painting teacher from Provo, Jon McNaughton, had told me that if Grandma had a large smile she would look too cheesy.  The sculpture will look like she's posing for a photograph and it won't FEEL natural.  Problem is that as I tried to tone down Grandma's smile I just could not capture her.  Even if all her features were correct it was void of all her charm.  So I finally settled on the fact that she had to have HER smile.  Grandma was seldom caught with out a smile and the most important thing was to capture Grandma in her true essence.  So I settled on having her in a more natural and artistic pose.

Dilemma #2 - What age should she be?  How do I please everyone?  Some felt she should be young, some middle age and some aging.  I struggled with this the most.  A young Grandma would not be recognized by her Great Grandchildren.  So Middle aged seemed to be the most logical age.  I made a few small models to work on some of Grandma's middle age features and then began the large model....no good....pushed it in and tried again....still just didn't feel right.  I prayed and tried again and again, pushing the clay in and reforming.  After much prayer and trial and error I decided maybe she isn't suppose to be middle age, so I began to study the pictures of her youth, a young wife and mother.  I once again molded the tin foil center to mold the clay around. I began to feel more influence from the spirit than I had previously and as I molded each feature I began to find Grandma and then it hit me.  This is the age her spirit is now!  This is the face that we will all see again someday...and with that thought, I was pretty sure I saw Grandma's eye twinkle.

Lane snapped a pic of me on attempt #1

A small model I did to try and figure out her aging features.

One of many Errors. Wasn't working. Pushed it in and tried again.

          This and the next 2 views is our winner. This model is 30' from the tip of hair to chest.  One inch for every foot.

This last weekend I took the model to Grandpa to get the OK.  IT PASSED!  Grandpa teared up and said looking at her at that age made him want to get down on one knee and propose.  We are SO anxious to get working on this project.  We conquered this obstacle and now on the the next!

The Story Behind the Project

"My Dad is an out of the box thinker," Aunt Dianne stated. We were all gathered around a table at a little diner in my families home town of Moapa Valley, scarcely a dot on the Nevada map. The Sculptor, who had come all the way from Italy to look at Grandpa's Purposed Project, was surrounded by anxious individuals, eager to hear the details and plans he had to fulfill the project. "That is a good thing," replied the Sculptor, "It is because of people like that that amazing projects become reality."

I listened to the conversation intently, still trying to wrap my head around the events that had transpired in just the last 2 weeks....

"Heidi! You made it!  Does Grandpa know? He's really wanted to talk to you."  I looked at my Aunt Vivian who had just welcomed my family and I as we entered the Church Cultural hall for our annual Lewis Family Christmas Party.  I was trying to take in what she was saying and at the same time observing the table, which usually was heaping with delicious Pot Luck dishes, sitting nearly empty.  "When did this party start?"  I asked her. "Five O'clock" she answered.  I sighed in frustration and looked at the bags of 60 homemade rolls I had been assigned to bring clenched in my sons hand.  I was an hour late and everyone had already eaten.  "I'm sorry" I said discouraged.  She smiled, "It's alright, but has Grandpa seen you? He's been asking for you all evening."  Now she had my full attention.  "Grandpa is asking for me?" I admit I was a little surprised and curious.  When you're one of 45 grand children, being singled out wasn't something that happened too often.  I ventured into the room a little further only to be caught by another family member echoing the same announcement that Grandpa had something he needed to discuss with me.  I scanned the room for Grandpa and spotted him seated on the front row of the Christmas Talent Program that was taking place in front of the room.  My heart ached a little at the sight of him.  To see him sitting without Grandma at his side seemed so wrong. What a hole she had left.  But on the other hand I was so excited to see him. Not only because I was curious why he was asking for me but because of the Christmas gift  I was holding in my hand, neatly and lovingly wrapped to give to him.

                                        .................

Three months earlier my dear, sweet Grandmother, Lou Jeanne Lewis had passed away.  At her funeral, as I held my Grandpa, he was so frail. Caring for her as she declined had taken such a tole on him.  At 88 it had worn on him physically, mentally and most of all emotionally, but he did it so lovingly because to him, caring for her had been a great privilege. As she slowly declined Grandpa had taken care of even her most personal needs.

I looked into his eyes and words cannot begin to express the sorrow and pain they held. "Will you paint her for me?" he had asked me with trembling lips.

                                 ..................

I had completed the painting now and had it wrapped for Christmas.  I was pleased with how it had turned out and was anxious but so so nervous for him to see it.  The program ended and I slipped into the seat next to Grandpa.  I gently placed a hand on his arm and he turned to see who it was.  His face lit up, "Oh Heidi you made it! I have so wanted to talk to you." He suddenly looked very serious as he went on, "I have something of Great importance I want to discuss with you." "OK?" My curiosity was peaking at this point as Grandpa continued,  "I have decided I want to do something special as a memorial for Grandma," tears sprang to his eyes.  I looked at my Uncle Bob who was sitting close by, his eyes were also wet so of course tears began to well up in mine as well. "Therefore, I have hired a Sculptor from Italy to come and Sculpt a Bust of Lou Jeanne into a cliff on our Ranch and I would like to hire you to be his assistant."  I momentarily went numb trying to absorb the information that had just been laid upon me.  Once again I looked at my Uncle who could see my shocked expression.  He smiled and gave a slight nod that I had heard correctly.  "I need you to help him capture her." Grandpa went on to say,  "The Sculptor has studied several pictures of Grandma and has sculpted a small clay model but it just is not right. I need you to help him CAPTURE her."

Still numb and at a loss for words I remembered the painting still clenched in my hand. "Grandpa," I said nervously, "I have the painting you asked me to do.  You don't need to open it here, you can do it when you get home." He gently took the package from my hands and with shaking hands asked, "May I open it now?" I was so anxious for him to see it and so nervous at the same time.  I took a deep breath and nodded.  He laid the package across his lap and ever so gently slipped off the ribbon and then its wrapping.  As the paper slipped from her face his tears flowed freely down his cheeks. Seventy two years she had been his sweetheart and her absence had left a gaping hole that no one could ever fill.  He once again looked at me, " You captured her perfectly. This is what a need on the mountain", he choked on his words then added, "So what do you think? Will you help with the project?"  I was completely overcome with mixed emotions, self doubt, unsurity and worry as I thought about by busy life and the fact that I had NEVER sculpted anything in my life except for maybe a small clay bowl for Mothers Day in Elementary school. But all I needed to do was help the sculpture CAPTURE Grandma. I could do that! So I swallowed my nerves and said "Of course I will Grandpa." I whispered, "It would be an honor."

So now, two weeks later, in the Muddy River Cafe, we eagerly listened to the Sculpture, Jason, go over the details of his plans with us.  Oh how excited he was.  This would be an amazing experience and opportunity for him as well as all of us.  He was kind and personable, which was a relief to me. My cousin, Bonnie, had located him a few months earlier on line and after several weeks of plans and correspondence he was finally here to look things over and finalize plans.

By now, I had had a few weeks to wrap my head around what I would soon be taking part in. What a special experience this was all going to be and I was as anxious as everyone else to see this project through.

Since my visit with Grandpa, I had struggled to figure out how I was to assist this Sculptor in capturing Grandma.  He being a Master of his trade and I being a simple painter still new to mine.  He had already studied several pictures of Grandma at many different angles so for me to try and draw her for him wasn't going to help.  I could look over the small sculpture he'd done and try to describe what was wrong and what needed changed but I knew that other family members had already done that.  The only thing I could think of to do was to get my own box of sculpting clay and do my best to try and sculpt out her features for him.  So he could see an actual 3-D rendition of her and all her features.  But how embarrassing was that going to be!  However I didn't know what else to do so; insecure or not, and not wanting to let Grandpa down, I was going to attempt to create a sculpture to present to a Master.   I ordered the clay and set to work, and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. Something about it just felt so natural to me and within a few hours I had something that actually did resemble Grandma, or at least I knew I had a few key features right.

As I nervously presented it to Jason, he studied it over and politely took notes of the features I felt were correct.  My Aunt Dianne stood close by and said "Heidi you really did capture her." Grandpa stood from his chair and walked to where he could  more closely examine it.  He paused, turned to look at me with tears in his eyes and said "She looks just as she did the day we were riding my horse Daisy and I turned around to count her freckles and stole a kiss instead." At that he turned again to my sculpture, bent down, and gently kissed her lips.

We all parted our little meeting that day eager and ready to get to work.

                                      .................

Nearly a month had passed since our meeting with Jason when I received a call from my brother, David, who worked for Grandpa.  "We have a problem," he said, "Jason has sent Grandpa a new contract.  He said the project is going to be bigger and more involved then he had originally thought when he gave Grandpa his previous estimate." He paused letting that sink in,  "He sent his new estimates." He went on, "It is double what they had originally agreed on and he wants an open ended contract." My heart broke for Grandpa knowing what a blow this had to be for him. "Grandpa is so discouraged," he continued, "and feels uncomfortable with having an open ended contract.  He's been giving the whole project second thoughts."  I was shocked. Jason had never indicated that this might be the case when we met with him and the meeting had gone so well that this was completely unexpected.  However we understood his reasons.

"Heidi?" my brother went on, "Grandpa feels you are capable of doing the project and wants me to ask you if you will do it?"

                                     .................

Since this phone call I can't begin to tell you all the emotions I have experienced, MANY!!! But I will say it took them awhile to convince me that I could do this. My sweet husband of 23 years, Lane, has shook his head and worried and worried but in the end has given me his blessing and 100% support and with out that there is no possible way I could even attempt this project.  I AM NOT A SCULPTOR!!! And now I and my family are going to take on a 30' bust sculpture of my Grandmother, Lou Jeanne Lewis, into a cliff of solid Limestone.  I have no idea what I am exactly in for, other then it is going to be long and hard and I am certain will require allot of sweat and tears (I'm purposely leaving out the blood part. I must be optimistic!). But this much I do know I LOVE MY GRANDPARENTS and really want to make this happen for Grandpa. And also....I HAVE FAITH! With in each one of us lies great potential and it is never truly realized by always taking the easy road.  It is only by reaching beyond ourselves and our personal, "comfort zones", that we can do things that are greater then ourselves. It is at moments like these that God can help us understand just how much we are capable of when we include him in our lives and plans.  It is then that real growth can take place.  It is by seizing opportunities created by "Out of the Box" thinkers, like Grandpa, that we can expand our minds, vision and capabilities.  I believe that as I and my family take part in creating this Magnificent Memorial of our Magnificent Matriarch, God will be sculpting us.

 Paul and Lou Jeanne Lewis, sweethearts 72 years, married 68.

  

My Crew

A FEW OF MY CREW MEMBERS AT THE PROPOSED JOB SIGHT

THE PURPOSED LOCATION

 

THE VIEW BELOW