THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CCXLII

Stinky is anxious for Periwinkle’s arrival. He’s certain this is going to be a “cracker jack” adventure. His Mom told him about a place they should visit, and after checking it out, Stinky totally agreed. It’s not long before Stinky hears the familiar whoosh from the teleportation tunnel, and Periwinkle comes tumbling out into his waiting paws. The two tabbies spend a few minutes whisker kissing and paw hugging before Stinky leads Periwinkle back into the tunnel.

Berglund Center for the Performing Arts Sculpture Installation

They arrive at their destination moments later. Periwinkle says “This looks interesting, but I don’t recognize it. Where are we?”

Stinky tells here they are at the Berglund Center for Performing Arts in downtown Roanoke.

“Are we going to see a concert or show?” asks Periwinkle.

“Nope, we are going to check out the sculptures placed around the lawn and in the quadrangle.”

Periwinkle starts looking around her, then turns to Stinky and gives him the stink eye. “You can’t fool me. I know why we are really here. You want to climb on all the sculptures, don’t you?”

Stinky gives her a sheepish look and replies, “Well, maybe just a few of them.”

“You are determined to either hurt yourself or get us in trouble. Stinky, you can be so exasperating!”

Before Periwinkle can say anything else, Stinky takes her paw and leads her to the first sculpture.

Winged Victory for Roanoke

 

 

“Hey, I recognize this. It was at the Elmwood Park Art Walk by the library. We visited there on January 18, 2022 on adventure number 118.” exclaims Periwinkle.

“Wow, you sure have a great memory, Periwinkle. They have a completely new installation there, which we can visit on another adventure,” Stinky tells her. Periwinkle knows that will be another day when Stinky can climb, but she doesn’t say anything. And they both climb up onto the “Winged Victory for Roanoke” (2021) by Charles Brouwer.

Sustain

After jumping down, they head to the next installation entitled, “Sustain,” also by Mr. Brouwer. Stinky tells Periwinkle that Charles Brouwer created all but one of the sculptures they will see, and that the installation is scheduled to remain in place through May, 2025.

 

 

Of course, Stinky climbs up to the top of the sculpture. Periwinkle does not join him nor does she say anything. When Stinky finally comes down they head to the next Brouwer sculpture.

Benediction

 

 

Periwinkle is pleased that Stinky remains on the ground with her. She reads the name of the sculpture out loud, “This one is called Benediction and it is from 2018.”

Charles Brouwer did not create the next sculpture they encounter. It’s the biggest one in the installation and the only one not made of wood. It seems to be the focal point.

In My Hands

 

 

While Periwinkle looks for a sign with information about the unique sculpture, Stinky scampers up to the platform and observes Periwinkle. When she turns around to show him where the sign is, Stinky isn’t there. Exasperated, she looks up to find him watching her. Periwinkle tells Stinky that she is not going to read the plaque to him and he better get his B-U-T-T  back on the ground immediately. Stinky does as he is told and checks out the sign.

 

 

Periwinkle grabs Stinky’s paw with the hope of keeping him on the ground as they return to viewing Charles Brouwer’s art.

Waiting for a Train of Thought (2018)

 

 

Before Stinky has the opportunity, Periwinkle hops up onto the lap of the sculpture. She sticks her tongue out at Stinky. He ignores her. When she gets down, they move to the next piece,

Long Walk Home (2018)

 

 

Periwinkle is relieved when Stinky decides to stay with her at the base of the unusual piece.

A Future and a Hope

They move on toward a fountain, which is surrounded by seven sculptures, including men, women and children. All are looking up at the sky and are entitled, “A Future of Hope.” Each has a separate installation number. The tabbies decide to share four of them.

 

Hallelujah

 

 

When Periwinkle sees the next sculpture, she knows that Stinky is going to be naughty. It’s as if Mr. Brouwer knew exactly what to construct to get Stinky’s attention. Editors Note: Charles Brouwer has created numerous art from ladders. This is one of the smaller pieces. To see others, click here.

Periwinkle decides to ignore him. He finally climbs down and they approach the final sculpture.

 

 

“Stinky, you have gone too far this time. How did you even get up there?”

“I jumped to the top of the trash can and then it was an easy leap to here. And I could have gotten on his head if I had wanted to,” replies Stinky.

Periwinkle rolls her eyes and tells him, “Oh, I am sure you could, but don’t you dare! As soon as I saw these statues, I knew you were going to be a problem. Now, please come down.”

Stinky does as he’s told but with no apology to Periwinkle.

“Now that you are down, what would you think about taking a dip in the fountain? I know kitties are not supposed to like getting in the water, but it is super hot out here,” laments Periwinkle.

A Dip in the Fountain

Stinky doesn’t reply but runs toward the fountain and does a cannonball from the side. Periwinkle is quite impressed but doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t want to encourage his reckless behavior. She steps off the edge of the fountain’s wall into the water and joins Stinky. They spend several minutes enjoying the very warm but refreshing water.

 

 

When the tabbies leave the fountain and shake off their furs, Stinky suggests they return to his house for a snack. Of course, Periwinkle is in agreement with that plan, and they head back to the teleportation tunnel.

Snack Time at Stinky’s

 

 

After the tabbies settle on the front porch, where there is a nice breeze, Stinky asks Periwinkle, “Do you know what anniversary is tomorrow?”

Periwinkle does not hesitate in replying, “Of course, I do. It is the third anniversary of the day you set out on your walkabout with no regard for your well-being or the feelings of others.”

Stinky blushes and whispers, “I’m sorry. I really didn’t know what I was doing, and then I got lost. Have you still not forgiven me?”

“I’ve forgiven you, but I have not forgotten how worried and sad everyone who knew and loved you felt, including me!”

“Well, I am truly thankful you didn’t give up on me and that I was found.”

Periwinkle gives Stinky a big hug and whispers, “Me too! Now, let’s not talk about it anymore and have our snack.”

When they have finished their snack, it is time for Periwinkle to return home. Stinky takes her paw and they walk to the tunnel where they spend several minutes whisker kissing and paw hugging. Stinky thanks Periwinkle for putting up with his antics. She gives him an extra kiss and enters the teleportation tunnel. With a wave and blown kiss, she is gone with a whoosh.

Stinky retires to the bedroom for a nap and dreams of Periwinkle.

Note: Charles Brouwer’s sculptures can be found as part of numerous installations along the east coast. Several websites exist where you can find information about the artist as well as photographs of his sculptures. You only need to search Google using his name.

Thanks for joining Periwinkle and Stinky on another adventure. They’ll be joining the happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. Click on the badge below to do the same.