A Thing of Beauty

Sterling and I spent a few days in Kanab this last week. Sterling worked on stables for his and his friends’ horses when they go to southern Utah to ride horses, and I visited with family and coworkers and hid away to stamp and quietly work.

The days were clear and crisp (a welcome sight compared to the smog they call an inversion in northern Utah), and each evening, Sterling and I snuggled together and watched a movie—a rare but wonderful occasion. Kanab is slower paced, and it was the perfect place to work and relax after a hectic few weeks.

One day while I was working away, Paul (Mom Heather’s husband) showed up at the door for a visit. Before I could welcome him in, he motioned for me to come with him for a ride in his 1950 Ford truck. Everyone in my family had been on a ride in Paul’s truck except me—it just never seemed to be a convenient time or there wasn’t enough room inside the cab. So when he invited me to join him, I jumped at the chance!

First, you must know that Paul’s hobby and passion is restoring older vehicles. He will tinker on an engine for months to get it just right, and when you pop the hood, it’s a beautiful sight!

Second, I love loud engines (listening to a Harley as it passes me on the freeway is a happy sound and makes my ears perk up), and I love speed (a fast boat or car makes me giggle). I grew up on a race track. My dad and his friends raced cars and motorcycles around the track while we slept among the roar of the engines.

Anyway, all I can say is that Paul’s truck (technically you’d call it a hot rod because restoring an older vehicle doesn’t usually give it the speed this truck has) is a beauty. I couldn’t stop talking about it. It’s obvious he loves what he does!

As we pulled out of the drive, Paul stomped on the pedal and we took off. Of course, I giggled! After the initial “rush,” he commented, “That was payback.”

Then he reminded me of a time years ago when I was driving him and my mom in Sterling’s new truck (a diesel with lots of power), and without notice, I stomped on the pedal and nearly scared them half to death (or at least caught their attention). Paul remembers me saying something like, “Don’t you just love the sound and power of that engine?”

I begged Paul for a photo so I could brag about him and his hot rod. I hope you’ll appreciate a thing of beauty like Paul’s Ford and smile the next time you step on the pedal of a powerful machine.

Well, Paul, you got me back, and I loved it!  

Comments

[Deborah]

Yes, I too love the power of a good truck. I had a brand new diesel 250 pickup awhile back and will always remember the power I felt when driving it. Maybe another time in the future. I have to admit I never would have guessed you with a powerful pick-up.
This is my first response to your blog, it's a truck thing. I just want you to know I love reading about your family and I am really ejoying, and am proud to have, my own business as a Stampin' UP! Thank you for the opportunity.

[Alisa Tilsner]

Bit of a hoon then? LOL (you might have to google it)

[Kim Mullin]

You and me both Shelli. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it until about a month or so ago, my friend's hubby was getting his race car out of the garage to take it to the races. He started that engine up and my stomach and heart did this funny thing. I I love race cars and the sound when their engine starts. They bring back lots of fun memories from when I was younger. That is why I love to hear all of your dad's stories. Thanks for sharing!

[Mary Sue Osborn]

Shelli, the truck is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience. We (my husband and I are the proud owners of a 1955 Bel Air Hardtop Chevrolet that we purchased in June of 1955, shortly after we married. It has been fully restored and yes, it was a fast car. My husband was a speed demon but he got in trouble for taking it to the streets of Denver. When I met him he did not have a divers license, his dad had taken his car (a 1950 Chevy convertible) and locked it away in his garage. We walked or rode the bus everywhere we went while we dated. He did eventfully get his keys and car back. We married in March of 1955 and purchased this beauty in June. We have four children and the two boys drove this car to school and enjoyed it. Because it was a large car the girls did not drive it. It was a fast car. On our way to church one Sunday morning my hustand answered a challenge from a Mercury and as he went to speed shift into second gear he broke the gear shift off. I had a baby on my lap and as I watched the gear shift land at my feet all I could say was his name and glare at him. Of course we had a slow go on to church. I am sure that John would enjoy seeing our car. His truck is a beauty.

[Sharon Bridwell]

Shelli, what a great story! I love when you share stories about all of your family members. I'm so glad you and Sterling had a chance to get away and relax for a few days after the week of leadership and regionals.

[Darrah]

Well this is certainly an unexpected side of you. With your father, I should have known, but I just hadn't put it together.
We have a car show here every year. Along with the sled dog races, it is one of the highlights of the year. They are sure beautiful, but I never get a ride. I envy you now.

[Cindy Major]

Wow, that truck is awesome! It looks brand-new - I'm impressed!

I wouldn't have guessed you liked engines and speed! That's the beauty of blogs - something new to learn every day!

Have a nice Monday!
Cindy

[Cynthia Elam]

I know exactly what you mean, Shelli! I love it, too. I love how you can "feel" it deep inside. My father and I had even talked about being a father/daughter race team when I was a teenager (many, many moons ago).

Thanks for sharing this little insight!

Hugs,
Cindy

[liz]

The truck is beautiful!! How fun you got to go for a ride!

[SHH]

Well, that is one Fine Ride! Add me to the list of those surprised by your liking the roar and speed of cars. :) Sometime can you share a list of some of the movies you watch? It seems you spend a lot of your rare free time relaxing w/ a video, which I also enjoy. My problem is I never know what to watch. There is so much trash out there & I would love some suggestions of what to rent.

[Michelle Tech]

Wow, I had no idea of this side of you! We have that in common then...my dad, husband, father-in-law, & brother-in-law are all gearheads! In fact, my 6-year-old son has his own 1941 Chevy from my grandpa to restore along with his daddy's 1948 Ford someday! We all grew in up Sturgis, SD (home of the Sturgis Rally and home to hundreds of thousands of Harley riders, myself at one time included, for 2 weeks every summer. I grew up at the short track, half mile, and hill climb motorcycle events at my dad's side, and I still frequent any racing events I can!

[Faith Gaspar]

Shelli... What a FUN part of your life to show!!! You Go Girl!!! I would never of guessed it.

[Ellen Barner]

Shelli - Thank you for sharing. I love old vehicles that go fast! What a treat to get to ride in an lovingly restored truck.

[Dania Welch]

Well it seems we learn a little more about you everyday Shelli! I would not have guessed that you liked the roar of the engine and had the need for speed. I look forward to learning more in the years to come. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

[sharon]

Ohhh we love a good Ford here in Camden, Australia. My dad is working on the restoration of a '66 Mustang......a beautiful car....but he'd love the truck. Must show him when he next ventures in to see what Stampin' I've got done LOL!!

[sharon]

............I have to add that I'm not as surprised as others at your love of all things fast......you have such a sparkle and twinkle in those eyes that it has to come from this kind of fun.....reckon there'd be some other things that might surprise everyone too LOL!! Go Shelli!!

[Terri Mongeonq]

I think that is a riot, Shelli! I remember hearing from someone (can't remember who...but a past AB member) that you have a lead foot. Don't worry...your secret is safe with us! :)
Great to see you in Phoenix! It was a spectacular Leadership!
Hugs,
Terri

[Amelia]

A baby bird automobile industry has foot marked in first light of 20 century Ford truck devotee will note the slight transform to models in 1950. Power comes from Ford's 226-cubic-inch flat head six rated at 95 horsepower. This example has a floor-mounted shifter, which was being phased out in favor of column shift. The ford has changed shape of vehicle from one era of time to another.http://www.macktruck.org

[Wilda]

This is a side of you that I absolutely love. I know all those feelings of racing & sounds of engines. Thanks for sharing that side of you. Love the truck!

[Carol Bush]

Shelli -
That Ford truck is truly beautiful! I will have to show it to my husband. We, ourselves are into classic cars and belong to a local car club. Our "baby" is a 1966 Mustang hard top with deluxe pony interior. We love it; did all the restoration ourselves as we were able. It has been in our family since 1976; belonged to my younger niece when she was in high school. She had a sentimental attachment and sold it to Gary and I in 1986 with the stipulation we take very good care of it, which we have. We'll never get rid of it!!

[Patsy Waggoner]

Shelli,

We have more than stamps in common. I too grew up at the race track as my father loved racing. We now live just a mile as the crow flies from the race track. In the summer on a race night my heart beats fast when I hear the cars roar.

Thanks for sharing this photo, it is a wonderful reminder of the truck I grew up in. My Dad had a 48 Ford that he drove up until his passing 4 years ago. Everyone in our town of 10,000 knew him by his truck. Even though the original 48 Ford was the green like Paul's, my Dad had it painted red with white accents in the mid 70's.

My brother, sister and I followed the hearse to the cemetery after my dad's funeral, it only seemed appropriate. Thanks so for sharing.

Patsy

[Lisa Starbuck]

What a beauty!!! Love the color. Your post made me smile.

[Genevra Higgs (australia)]

Love the truck Shelli, My husband also restores does up old car, We currently have a Silver 1966 Hr Holden (restored in shed) with a 350 chev in it, plus he is currently "hot rodding" a 1928 Ford Tudor", I too love the sound a feel of the V8 Motor, nothing gets me more pumped for a workshop than to be driven in it and listening to Old music as my children say.
Thanks for sharing
Genevra

[Genevra Higgs (australia)]

Love the truck Shelli, My husband also restores does up old car, We currently have a Silver 1966 Hr Holden (restored in shed) with a 350 chev in it, plus he is currently "hot rodding" a 1928 Ford Tudor", I too love the sound a feel of the V8 Motor, nothing gets me more pumped for a workshop than to be driven in it and listening to Old music as my children say.
Thanks for sharing
Genevra

[Susan Adams]

I just love this style of stamping! You also did a page with the Vintage Vogue set and Wheel, Where can I find it? I want to do it in my April worklshops.