These feral herds have lived and thrived over the years, becoming a permanant fixture that makes up the island. Welcome to Chincoteague Island, located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It has been Pony Penning Week here and we are just rounding up the Ponies that just swam across the channel and parading them through town. Get in step and come along!
There is so much activity during Pony Penning Week and the days leading up to it. My nephews were visiting during the week of fun and wanted to get a birds eye view of it all. I was supposed to get this tree up for Tuesday, but, alas... it didn't happen. They were pretty high up and could see them swimming and got to watch the beginning of the pony parade. It was a hardship, but, we got to do almost everything. I skipped the blueberries as we got ours free in the forest. We have a sweet spot! Yesterday, here were a few things going on. The whole week pretty has the same events running plus some new ones. Most things are walkable or the trolley can bring you there.
They are rounded up once again and herded down Pony Swim Lane, then on to the main road headed towards the Fairgrounds. They take the long way home, so to speak, parading through the entire town amid the cheering and clapping. They seem to take this all in quite calmly, just like they do it every day. I never ceases to amaze me. Perhaps they sense there is no harm to be had?
The Daily Activity Log:
Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Drive
Misty of Chincoteague playing at the Island Theater, Admission is free 1pm
Free Magic Show, Island Theatre, 4074 Main Street, 7 PM
Chincoteague Fireman's Carnival: Carnival Grounds, 7-11PM
Music at the Dock: Free Concert on the Park! Robert Reed Waterfront Park 7:00 PM
Chincoteague Farmers & Artisans Market, Community Art Center, 6309 Church Street, 9am-1pm
Trolley Service is now $0.50 a ride. Last call at Carnival Grounds stop 11pm every night
Yesterday's post already told you that the once the ponies swim the channel, they rest for about 45 minutes. Then the Saltwater Cowboysround them back up and parade them down Main Street, to the carnival grounds. I am muddy and they are also wearing splattered coats of mud. It's okay, everyone is wearing a little bit of it. They have a nice crowd, cherring them on. I am hoping with the new strain of covid that is so very virulent that people that didn't feel well stayed away. I'll let you know next week, but, I can tell you already the numbers for the Eastern Shore were accumulating already.
Le sigh.
Can I use a parade as a walk, esecially as I followed it through town? I want to thank @Tattoodjay for hosting the #WednesdayWalk challenge! It is a challenge that allows you to share what you see as you walk through your day. Show me where you walked today, I want to see what you got to see and hear what you have to say. If you want to do the challenge, drop him a link on his #WednesdayWalk post here, so he can try to visit yours! Whatever your day looks like, it is worth a walk-through. You can't always have sunshine and rainbows, but, you can always have a #WednesdayWalk!
The Saltwater Cowboys keep the ponies in line, with many leading the parade and many along the sides, preventing a rogue pony from taking a private tour. It looks like they are having a laid back trail ride, but, I can assure you that I have watched one escape and have a whole herd of Saltwater Cowboys chasing one little pony. They get a days workout tending to the gang. For those who missed yesterdays post, below is what a Saltwater Cowboy is.
What is a Saltwater Cowboy? Saltwater Cowboys are firemen on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. They volunteer at the fire station, work in the community, and take care of the Chincoteague ponies. They are people who love their island community.
The Island Theatre is a small old-timey place that I adore. It has old art deco architecture. This is perfectly stylin for the atmosphere.If you ever get down this way, be sure to stop in!
The Island Theatre is a historic U.S. building located at 4074 Main Street, Chincoteague, Virginia. It still serves as an operational movie theater. Originally named The Island Theatre, The theatre was renamed Island Roxy from the 1980s until the name reverted back to the Island Theatre in 2013. Information on this seen here.
Address: Island Theater
4074 Main St, Chincoteague, VA 23336
Phone: (757) 336-6109
Who doesn't love a pony parade???
The island has such a perfect mix of small town and wilderness. These little two seated cars usd to be seen buzzing all over the islands. Bikes, Golf carts, all sorts of electric vehicles are used. Then of course, the old shoe leather express is pretty popular too. And the trolley!
Even in this beach environment, the Queen Annes Lace seems to thrive along the water> I was surprised the salt spray doesn't kill it.Comforting to know that even on a walk through town, there are flowers to be had. Flowers. Always. To color my world. #alwaysaflower
All I have are my words, armed in my mind, written in pen, stand by stand. Oh, yes. Still by hand. It has a different feel. Altered not by keys, backspace, and delete, I write, erase, tear it to pieces and start all over again. And again.
It’s my way. I walk out to the deep end of the page and dive right in.
At work or in play, I like to make the most out of my day. I love that JJ @tattoodjay has created this day for us to get out of our comfort zone and move it around. I hope you enjoyed taking a walkabout following the pony parade. And just like that, this show is over. Come back tomorrow and we'll do it again. Have a perfectly wonderful day!
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
#TeamUSA is a growing community of quality-content people from the United States or those living here. Check us out on Discord!
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓔𝓷𝓭
Congratulations @dswigle! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain and have been rewarded with new badge(s):
Your next target is to reach 61000 upvotes.
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOP
To support your work, I also upvoted your post!
Check out the last post from @hivebuzz:
Thanks for the notification @hivebuzz ! Much appreciated!
Thank you for the repost @pixresteemer! Much appreciated!
!LUV
@dswigle(1/5) gave you LUV. tools | wallet | discord | community | <><
HiveBuzz.me NFT for Peace
View or trade
BEER
.Hey @dswigle, here is a little bit of
BEER
from @pixresteemer for you. Enjoy it!Learn how to earn FREE BEER each day by staking your
BEER
.Thanks for the beer!
Looks like your nephews had a great time climbing the tree. All the moments were amazing. The horse scenes were very good.
My nephews had a great time! They climbed up on the tree and got a great view! That was such a smart thing to do! Oh, to be young and adventurous! :)
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow as always so beautiful shots for Wednesday walk blog. I'm not yet ready because of weather. Wish to go for it today in the afternoon. I love those images of horses I wish I could have a ride as its affordable in just 50 cents.
Dear mam, you look most beautiful in red. I loved your photo and no doubt that you are always beautiful. Have a nice Wednesday 💓💗💖💝
You have time. It is only 3 am in the US, so there is plenty of time to take your walk! It is 50 cents to ride the trolley, it is like a bus. The horses are free to ride.
Thank you! I like the red bathing suit. It is the one I wore this week.
Have a wonderful Wednesday too!
I'm sure you'll get lots of good impressions and memories to take home from there.
The parades and traditions will surely remind everyone who has been there to come back again. The attraction is very strong and really calls you to come back again.
If all places had their own unique traditions, then that would be great for everyone.
Have a nice and fun day Mr @dswigle
I have been going for a few years, so yes! I take home great memories! And pictures!
I hope you enjoyed reading it! It truly was a great time and this was the first time they have had it since the pandemic!
Have a great Wednesday!
That looks amazing wish i was there
!PIZZA
!PGM
BUY AND STAKE THE PGM TO SEND A LOT OF TOKENS!
The tokens that the command sends are: 0.1 PGM-0.1 LVL-2.5 BUDS-0.01 MOTA-0.05 DEC-15 SBT-1 STARBITS-[0.00000001 BTC (SWAP.BTC) only if you have 2500 PGM in stake or more ]
5000 PGM IN STAKE = 2x rewards!
Discord
Support the curation account @ pgm-curator with a delegation 10 HP - 50 HP - 100 HP - 500 HP - 1000 HP
Get potential votes from @ pgm-curator by paying in PGM, here is a guide
I'm a bot, if you want a hand ask @ zottone444
Thank you! I will check my balance!
If you like horses or nature, you would love it. It is an up close and personal experience that includes the whole town and those visiting.
Thanks for the Pizza and PGM!
PIZZA Holders sent $PIZZA tips in this post's comments:
@dadspardan(1/20) tipped @dswigle (x1)
Please vote for pizza.witness!
Thanks for the pizza!
One thing interesting to note is how the firemen/saltwater boys are so steadfast at making sure they add value to their community, worth recognizing and commendable.Its always nice to see societies who at all cost keep their values, traditions and culture in check at all times by conserving it and not letting go of it one bit .
It is a great little community and has kept its values for as long as it has been around. I admire places like that and it is amazing to see them work. Thanks for stopping by and reading my words.
I wish you a great day ahead!
I am telling one day I will experience this event, it must be amazing, and from your posts I know so much about it,
I love the term salt water Cowboys
Lets hope those not feeling well did stay away and that in a week you report all is well :)
Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk :), I truly enjoy exploring the world virtually each Wednesday seeing walks from all around the globe and feeling I am there and experiencing it all myself, such as I did in your post just now :)
Happy #WednesdayWalk! I hope you will come one day and you would do the event justice. I have never been able to get the shots I want, usually, I have too much company during the penning week. It's fine as I have the memories, but, one year, I may actually do it justice and only go for pictures! :)
I love the term Saltwater Cowboy! It sounds gritty and cool. :) Also, so very East Coast!
Yes. This has been a brutal week over there, but, hard to tell if that is just trending or if the big influx of people. We'll see. I cannot believe how virulent this one is. My sister has been sick for over a week now. :(
Thank you for creating and maintaining such a fun community!
when you go there your with family and friends and focusing on them and the events, and thats what you should focus on
yeah the numbers for this latest variant are quite scary, lets hope it calms down quickly
my pleasure to host the Walk :)
From your lips to God's ear. I hope so too. I am getting rather tired of the whole thing. :)
Thanks for stopping by, JJ! @tattoodjay
You are so busy yourself nowadays! We are breaking heat records again. Well, not breaking it, but, 97 again tomorrow.
Happiness is all l see. Thanks for this today, dear.
Thanks, Sam! It is a pretty joyful event! I hope you are having a great day!
Hey ya Denise! Always my pleasure to see your posts. I like the pony posts so much that I went back a ways and will probably have commentary that covers the last week.
I just love the whole idea. Mostly wild horses that are a well managed herd-and an auction that benefits the volunteer fire department. Just too cool on so many levels.
I looked at all your photos and videos of the horses, and note that there isn't a line back dun in the bunch. Some of the western herds are showing more and more line back duns that were once the predominant color. I'm sure that is a product of when and how they were originally introduced. I personally like the pirate theory though the shipwreck probably makes more sense.
Camp Chef makes GREAT stuff. My friend Bob Smith is pretty accomplished with his, and meals at his camp are always first rate. (He uses propane and travels in a 5th wheel toy hauler with a side by side AND a motorcycle).
I just got back from a month out-about half camping with my new trailer. Meal prep is sketchy at best in my world, I seem to find other stuff to do. I'd suggest you get a cot. I got really lucky and got THE right one first. It's 80 inches long, folds (relatively) small and is sturdy and comfy. Currently my best piece of camping gear :)
I had a step daughter that go into Kayak travelling when she lived in Seattle. She'd go to work in one a couple days a week. Color doesn't make much difference to me, service and usability does. But when all other things are equal, Red is the obvious answer.
So. Thanks for the ponies and the lovely posts. It actually happens that I occasionally take the road less traveled. Like Highway 50-the loneliest highway in the US. I rode it all this year :)
Hi, Tom! ❤️ @bigtom13 I love how you dive right into the post and your comments. Your thoughtful words aren't just words on a page, but, they are meaningful and always interesting. What I was struggling to say nicely was that they are always so genuine.
That aside, I hope you are doing well, having just come back to civilization. Gosh, isn't it the best to get away like that? I thought I saw a dun and went back through my other pictures. Close, but no cigar! There has not been actual proof that there is dun and I know to be true, it cannot/does not skip a generation. I looked it up and here is what it said:
Horses with primitive markings or countershading, but are not dun. This mutation is called non-dun1. Foals are also often born with dorsal stripes that disappear when the foal coat is shed and is presumably a type of camouflage. Dun may have existed early in the breed as there are a few accounts describing ponies as dun. However, dun is traditionally used to describe buckskins and the term is still used today in parts of Europe so these ponies were likely the modern descriptions of buckskin, not dun.
There is a book that was written on their markings and coloring, and they are still open to anyone that has proof of any dun, rabicano, pearl, champagne, or brindle. I look and photograph when I kayak/boat through their stomping grounds.
Unfortunately, my lens was small and the sun was way too bright and rainy... you know, all the typical weather for a hot, muggy day on the island. But, this isn't my first rodeo and I have come to expect it. Next time, I will be better prepared in the lens department.
Ha! I love the pirate theory myself, but, knowing how they grazed animals in New England tells me that they were money savers and they were grazing there to save the tax dollars. The horses could easily take a hike and start their own community over time. Isn't that what we would do if we were ponies?
Camp chefs are usually the best! Especially on roundups. They sure know how to cook! They are usually legendary in how they make meals. I have seen some tips on how to make proper hash browns and hello! I never knew you had to get all the starch out of them! Things mother never taught you.
I am so glad you like your new trailer and are getting good use out of it. I didn't get one like I thought I would. I bought one two months before Covid hit and the shady dealer resold it before delivery. Seriously. Everything was screwed up during covid and I got my money back, but, it was months and really, I would rather have had the trailer. Then, they went up and I am not paying twice the amount. That is just crazy. So, long story short, I don't have one, but, I think they will come crashing back down once things are a little more open. Kayaks are cool and I agree, the color isn't important, but, red? :) Hello, yes! :) How cool to kayak to work! You don't like hammocks? I have to agree, it got buggy and wore a mosquito mask so perhaps that is good advice. I am of the thought of less is best.
Did you ride Highway 50 all this year? I know I won't drive it as it can be long and lonely. Be careful out there, Tom!
Well, your comment surely put a smile on my face. Good seeing you always.
Your content has been voted as a part of Encouragement program. Keep up the good work!
Use Ecency daily to boost your growth on platform!
Support Ecency
Vote for new Proposal
Delegate HP and earn more
Thank you @ecency!
Wonderful to see more today Denise 😁 so much to do.
The horses are stunning 🤩
Ooo hope the ones feeling poorly didn’t go out. Let’s 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 It seems to be picking up everywhere again. Holiday season for sure.
Stunning captures especially the ones from up front of the pony. 🥰
Lovely to see the flowers so close to the water. They are cute… with all the little flowers.
Have a wonderful day today 👋🏻😊 enjoy your time there.
Yes, let's hope that those who felt badly didn't go out. This strain is pretty virulent, so the numbers will go up until people practice proper protocol again.
Well, it is winding down and the island will be back to normal, although normal is still busy until Labor Day in the US. First Monday in September. I love Queen Annes Lace. So frilly and old-fashioned, I use it in many bouquets and arrangements.
I hope you are feeling well and hope you are getting plenty of rest. xo
Such a shame… it is picking up again. Here in Spain everybody is pretending there is and was nothing. Can’t imagine why, as we had such harsh lockdowns etc. no idea if this new strain is here too.
Ok, back to their normal routine than. Here too, all is busy still till September. Than all eases down again.
Yes, I like that about them, old fashioned but still nice as a dried bouquet in the house or between other arrangements. They look always great 😊🥰
Bit better than the last days. Am resting as much as I can. Not really working now. Also a bit less on Hive, but I am around 😎😊
Thank you so much Denise @dswigle
Enjoy your day further 👋🏻🤗
I know, right? That is a darned shame! Spain has always diverted their eyes and yet, they were pretty aggressive on the lockdown, yes! I didn't get it. I am sure it is a new strain, that is what everyone is having and I have no doubt that is what you had. Strange that 4 people I know now have tested negative, and tested by the testing centers/doctor and came up positive. Some more than once. (I know I already told you)
Oh, yes. Business as usual until September. You can afford to rest more! :) You will be happy you took the opportunity!
Feel better! ❤️
It is indeed a shame. 😊
I don’t get Spain in many things… now with so many tourists here, they don’t care anymore. Official you don’t even have to stay home when you have it, you can go to work? And don’t have to tell 😳 That is just beyond my understanding. Luckily I “work” at home… hahaha but I don’t have to work so I’m off when needed.
It is indeed curious. What are their symptoms Denise?
I have no fever or any cough at all. First 3 days my throat was sore. My sinuses are completely blocked and it just streamed out the first days. No idea where it was coming from as it seemed much. Now that stopped and I can just blow my nose 🤧 I feel rough… but my immune system is weakened (for ever) so I respond differently to many things. I taste and smell everything.
Hubby is fine as always. No body is wearing masks, we still do. As I’m vulnerable.
Ok when we are in the middle of nowhere for a walk not, as there are no people. But every else we do.
Yes I can… and I sure will Denise. Need to be fit soon again. We have to leave this apartment end of the month 😳 end of contract. We could stay month to month… as agreed with the landlord. But he still has not fixed the a/c and isn’t willing to fix it. So we move… we go closer to work. So instead of a 1 hour 15 drive 3 times a week, hubby has only a 25 minute drive. The rents back there are also cheaper… we save around 400 a month including petrol and tolls. So it is worth moving in between, as it seems to still take some months before the big move. Work said it could still be 6 months. So searching for new rentals now… hopefully we can view some next week, when I’m better. 🤞🏻🤞🏻 Than I need to pack up boxes 📦 again 😎
Exciting times ahead @dswigle
Thank you so much 😊
!LUV
@littlebee4(1/3) gave you LUV. tools | wallet | discord | community | <><
HiveBuzz.me NFT for Peace
My one sister has a sore throat (pretty sore) coughing and headache. No fever. Ever. She also is tired and naps a lot.
She has been sick for over a week.
The other had fever, chills, sore throat, and not so much cough. Fever for almost a week.
I could go on and on, but, none of the symptoms were the same, and out of the six in my family that have gotten the new strain (nobody at my house!) two have had very few symptoms and two have had terrible symptoms and the other two are middle of the road. The tiredness and the headache are the biggest complaints, although the cough on one will not go away. The sore throat was terrible on one. LOL See? All different. 4 of them tested negative with home tests.
Oh, no! No air conditioning? He should have given you a discount! It sounds like it will be a good move to be closer while you are getting ready to restart life. Less hassle.
You need to take good care of yourself!! It seems slow to recover. People are weak for a bit, so baby yourself. ❤️
Good night, Jackie! @littlebee4
Thanks for the !LUV
@dswigle(1/5) gave you LUV. tools | wallet | discord | community | <><
HiveBuzz.me NFT for Peace
Wow, those symptoms are all so different Denise. Crazy…
I guess I have it too. So I won’t go out and about until all better and stay home, as I already did.
Here the doctors office have a waiting list to be seen. Very hard to get through. And it isn’t emergency to go quicker.
I (we both) have had all my vaccinations, but still feel bad / rough. I have it (something) now 8 days.
But due to my weakened immune system… everything always takes long. Like in the past, before the pandemic. A cold would mean hubby sneezes 3 times. And I’m down for 2 whole weeks.
I have to rest more… I guess. 😔
Yes, the landlord isn’t a nice person, he doesn’t fix anything. So end of contract… great time to get out.
We have 2 virtual viewing this evening. 2 houses… with gardens, one 18 minutes and the other 25 minutes drive from work. So that’s great. And we save about 500 euros on rent, tolls and diesel a month. We sure can use for our big move 😉
So I think one of them will be a much better place for us to get ready and organised. 🥰😎
Let’s 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 Cross some fingers.
Thank you so much Denise @dswigle I take care 🤗🤗🤗 of me.
Good morning 👋🏻☀️💃🏻
You are welcome! Thank you too 😉
How great is that?
You know I like your stories, the added prose, and the photography that comes from your perspective. How long ago did I start following you?
I love being able to see and virtually attend festivals around the world through our Hive friends!
Bravo!
I like that you are so supportive and always leave such kind and uplifting words. It is a very positive trait and makes me feel good every time I see you.
I am just trying to awkwardly say that you are a nice human, @zekepickleman
Interacting and chasing down cool places around the globe rocks!
Thank for stopping by!
I've been wanting to take my wife out blueberry picking for a while now, but we have just never gotten around to it. I don't think she enjoys them as much as I do and we just always seem to be busy with a million other things. Great photos, this seems to be a really awesome event!
It is a pretty cool annual event.
Blueberries can be a lot of work, especially if you don't LOVE them. Life is so busy for all of us. One more thing and it will push me over the top!
A high up shot from the tree would have been super cool but you still got amazing shots! The horses head shot is awesome , I just love their mane hair over their forehead.
What an awesome event Denise🐎🐎🐎
Haha! Yes!!! They are little devils so I wouldn't dare give them a camera! :0 I love the mane too and the Chincoteague Ponies have long manes and tails. Some have the odd short one, but, it is long and luxurious normally.
There was me thinking you would be climbing the tree...
Yes the manes are fantastic.
It all reminds me of horse racing in Spain when in summer they would race ponies on the beach in Sanlucar. Another village atmosphere and experience.
Oh, yes! That is amazing looking!!!
The tree had limbs on it to climb that didn't look like they would hold.
But, they did. :)
Trees are sturdier than we think 😂😁
I love horses and this looks wonderful. I guess you had a wonderful time.
Hopefully, Covid did not spread during the parade and those who had any symptoms stayed at home. Cases are on the increase here too, but people are not being so cautious lately. So let's hope for the best
Have a lovely day. Keep enjoying your time on the island. 🤗
People are ignorant when they go out sick. If you are hacking up a lung, please stay at home. A fever means you are probably sick. Stay home. I hope it didn't spread either. Cases are really ramping up quickly.
People are done with being cautious. They are ready to live again.
Thank you for visiting my post! ❣️ Have a wonderful evening!
I can understand the feeling of the need to live again. But as you said, people who go out sick are ignorant, and I will add selfish too. In their ignorance, they don't know what are the health conditions of the people whom they are exposing without caring when they go out sick.
You are very welcome, and good evening to you too 🤗
Thecword I was looking for! Selfish! Thank you! 😊
You are welcome :)😊
I have never seen so many horses in a picture. Here in Philippines we don't have much horses because we have a lot of carabaos and yes we can ride at them. I am just a new user here and your blog is my inspiration 👋
I am happy to hear that! Thank you!
Those boys certainly got the best seat in the house as far as view is concerned, although over time it might prove to be hard on the caboose.
The Salt Water Cowboys look like they mean business, so the horses I am sure know it is best to be on their best behavior.
I do hope since most of the fun events were outdoors that the chance of getting the coof is lessoned. I keep hearing that the rona was so 2021, don't worry about it, its over. Well fingers crossed. In the meantime, just don't breath in my direction lol.
Oh that is so cool. I always enjoy old time places like the Island Theatre best!
Seems from my experience, nothing can kill Queen Anne's Lace! 😀
It really was the best seat in the house! Their caboose never even noticed! Being young and all, they are darned resilient.
The Salt Water Cowboys have been around for a long time, although there are a lot of young ones too. I am so impressed with their work ethic and their willingness to pitch in and help. For free. Nobody pays them, but, you know what? In many ways, it is like helping your best friend with a project. They see all these people at the Fire Station. Anyway, I think it is pretty cool.
You and I hope it is lessened. Just in case, I won't breathe in your direction. You have already had it twice, I am sure you are resistant by now.
I love the old theaters. We have some here in town that is just like that. The old chairs are so comfortable!
Queen Anne will not go down without a fight!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Yes well regardless of your diagnosis, I have never had the coof that I know of and I plan to keep it that way. Of course you are much healthier than I, so you would sail right through it with nary a bump. I on the other hand, refrain from buying green bananas, so I must be more circumspect in my dealing with the general public. 😷 😀
You were nearly dead and would not get a covid test to confirm it. Twice... just because they don't call it by name doesn't mean you don't have it. That just means you didn't get tested.
I love all the photos and the story you are telling of the ponies.
LOVE the photo of they children in the tree. SO fun !
Also the Queen Anne's lace.....
My nephews had such a blast up in the tree. They have come for the last four years with the exclusion of covid. They are a blast, but one of them is a handful. :)
Queen Ann is so very loved by me. She is royalty, you know.
Hi, @jacey.boldart !