The Great American Pin-Up Series: Mirage LbNA #37905 (ARCHIVED)
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Add Location| Owner: | Adoptable |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Feb 14, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Libertyville |
| County: | Lake |
| State: | Illinois |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Planted by: | Lock, Shock & Barrel  |
|---|---|
| Found by: | dakachebre |
| Last found: | Sep 21, 2010 |
| Status: | FFFFFFr |
| Last edited: | Feb 14, 2008 |
Letterbox Name: The Great American Pin-up Series: Mirage
Location: Lake County, IL
Distance: Approximately 2.7 miles
Once upon a time, there were eight lovely sisters. They were born in Lake County, Illinois, and were raised in an old farmhouse. They grew tall and strong and, though they loved the home in which they’d been raised, each knew that there would come a time when she would need to go out and find her place in the world.
Mirage was a glamorous and seductive woman, and the oldest of the eight sisters. She’d grown tired of the little farmhouse on Washington Street, and looked forward to the day when she would move on to the sort of life which she knew she was meant to lead. And one could certainly argue that she had good reason for thinking she was destined for great things. She was the sort of woman who would appear in a room and would immediately capture everyone’s attention. And yet, when she desired solitude, she could exit a room just as quickly, as though she were never there.
So on the day that Mirage left home, she planned to leave alone, and quickly. But just as she was packing her things, her younger sister Carina strode into the room, a backpack slung over her slender shoulder. “I’m going with you, Mirage,” she declared.
“Interesting thought,” replied Mirage. “But no, I’m going alone. You and I are destined for very different lives, Carina. We both know that. You’re the daredevil. I want parties, theatre, and high society.”
“True, I guess, but you’re headed east, aren’t you? Let’s at least travel together for as long as we can. We’ll almost certainly end up in different places, but it doesn’t mean we can’t start out together.”
Mirage considered this, and decided it would, indeed, be nice to have some company as she made her way east across Lake County. So she finished packing her bag, and followed Carina out the door. They began walking east on Washington Street, toward Milwaukee Avenue. From there, they would travel south toward Libertyville, where Mirage had some business to attend to.
“So what’s in Libertyville?” asked Carina, as if she’d read Mirage’s mind. Mirage stopped and glared suspiciously at Carina.
“I didn’t say anything about Libertyville. What makes you think I’m headed to Libertyville?”
“I heard you talking to someone on the phone last night about Old Rockland Road. I guess I figured you were heading that way.”
Mirage closed her eyes and sighed. She’d tried to be mysterious and secretive. And it was becoming increasingly clear that her best laid plans were going awry. “Dreamland. That’s where I’m going. I need to know where I came from.”
“But what does it matter? Why does it matter where you came from?”
“Because it could tell me a little more about where I’m going. The others seem to know, or at least they seem comfortable with not knowing. Genevieve wants to see a mountain, Ethel wants adventure, Evelyn has her books. I don’t know where to find what I’m looking for, and I think the answer may be waiting at Dreamland.”
They continued walking. After a few moments, Carina broke the silence. “What makes you happy?”
It was the simplest question, and perhaps the most complicated. Mirage seemed to consider the question, and kept walking. “Can I offer a thought?” asked Carina.
“Go ahead,” said Mirage, her eyes facing forward as they continued to walk.
“Drama. You love drama. You want to be the mysterious, dramatic figure about whom everyone simply has to know more. You’re intriguing and beautiful, and you want to be a part of a big, sweeping story. But you also want the luxury of being able to run off and be alone when you want to. It’s a tall order. And I hope you find the perfect place to make you happy.”
Mirage gave Carina a look that was just slightly kinder than a glare. “And what makes you think you know so much about me?”
“I’ve grown up watching you. And I’ve watched the way that people watch you. And I have sometimes wished that for myself. But I’ve also watched you when you’re alone. I know that, of all of us, you seem most in control. But I don’t think it’s about control. Sometimes, I think, it’s about letting go and being happy.”
They turned and started to walk south on Milwaukee Avenue. Mirage spent a long time thinking about what Carina had said, and said nothing in reply. But soon they came to a lovely lake on their left, and Carina gasped. “Mirage, I think that’s it,” said Carina. She smiled a broad smile at her older sister. “I think that’s my place.”
Mirage looked at her smiling sister and felt her eyes fill with tears. Perhaps, in that moment, she realized that she would miss her sisters, and the home they’d grown up in. Perhaps the truth of Carina’s words was sinking in. Mirage was overwhelmed by her thoughts and her emotions, and simply said “Good luck. I’ll miss you,” as she hugged Carina.
“Yeah, but I know you. You’ll be around. We’ll see one another again.” Carina held her sister for a moment, then bounced away, down toward the lake. She stopped to give her sister a final wave before running gracefully toward the water. And Mirage found herself alone, walking toward the place which she hoped would give her some answers.
When she finally arrived in Libertyville, she continued on Milwaukee Avenue toward Old Rockland Road, and Dreamland Comics. She knew only that she’d been created as a comic book heroine. She needed to learn more about her origins and her past, and what clues they might hold for her future.
And when she stepped inside, it was like being home. Carina had been right about the drama. She loved drama and theatrics, and big stories. And she found that she was, indeed, part of a big story full of glamour and adventure and unexpected twists. And she knew that she wanted to be close to this place, so that she could know how her own story would unfold. But she also knew that this place would not be her home.
Frustrated, she stepped outside the shop and closed her eyes. She felt a rush of wind, then once again did the trick which had been her special talent for as long as she could remember. She disappeared from the spot where she’d been standing and, in a moment, reappeared in a small thicket several miles north of Libertyville, staring at a lone oak tree. There, looking into a hole in the base of the tree, was her sister Ethel.
The two spoke briefly, and Mirage was not overly surprised to find that Ethel would choose a tree for a home. She’d always loved adventure. But Ethel had said something else. She’d hoped, quite sincerely, that Mirage would find the place that would make her happy. And while she’d spoken with disdain about the place her sister now called home, Mirage had to admit to herself that she envied her sister’s resolve, and the ease with which she’d found her place. It was becoming increasingly clear that her sisters were with her in her search, and that she was not alone. And this thought allowed her to smile, set aside her frustrations, and focus on finding what she desired. She said farewell to her sister, then faded, reappearing at the shop on Old Rockland Road.
She left the shop, and headed east on Old Rockland Road, eventually reaching St. Mary’s Road and turning southbound. She traveled onward, realizing that what she really wanted most was to be mysterious. She wanted to find the perfect hiding place. She wanted to find a home in a place that no one would suspect. And as she thought this, she noticed a thick forest on her left. The name of the place suggested that it might be just the sort of place where one could learn what she wanted to know.
So she entered the woods from the parking lot, heading left around the stone path and taking in the feeling of the woods around her. She crossed over a bridge and continued along the path as it curved to the right. As she neared a spot where the trail crossed a small road, she looked at a signpost. She chose to continue walking straight, across the asphalt, in the direction of the DPR Trail (South). As she continued along the path, she could see playground equipment on her left, and a wooden bench on her right. Still, she searched for that special place that felt like home.
She spotted a 3-foot stump to the left of the trail and continued walking another 15 paces. And then, to her left just off the path, she saw the tree.
She dropped to one knee and looked into the hole in the tree’s wide base. She knew she’d found it. It was the perfect tree. It was the mysterious hiding place from which she could easily return to the comic shop when she wanted. And best of all, it was the perfect ironic twist. Mirage, who had never really wanted anything to do with woods and water, had found a cozy hiding spot in a forest. And it wasn’t a damp, rotting log or a decaying, dead tree. The tree was beautiful and strong, and it would be the sort of stately home where a lady like Mirage belonged. It was the place where she could seek solitude when she was done embracing the dramatic, because no one would ever think to look for her in an oak forest. She gently tucked herself into the trunk of the old tree.
And before she closed her eyes to rest, she thought of Carina in her new home by the lake, and Ethel in her own oak tree, and wished a silent wish that each of her sisters would also find what they were looking for in the great wide world.
******************************************************
The Great American Pin-up series is, first and foremost, a celebration of the style, femininity, and fun of pin-up art over the years. While great care was taken to select images that would not offend, it’s worth noting that some letterboxers, including those traveling with younger children, might find the images to be “rated PG”. That said, we hope that you enjoy the images as much as we’ve enjoyed selecting and carving them.
Please note: The stamps are a bit large, and will require a 4”x 6” space for stamping. We also strongly recommend inking pens, to bring out the full detail of the stamps.
Location: Lake County, IL
Distance: Approximately 2.7 miles
Once upon a time, there were eight lovely sisters. They were born in Lake County, Illinois, and were raised in an old farmhouse. They grew tall and strong and, though they loved the home in which they’d been raised, each knew that there would come a time when she would need to go out and find her place in the world.
Mirage was a glamorous and seductive woman, and the oldest of the eight sisters. She’d grown tired of the little farmhouse on Washington Street, and looked forward to the day when she would move on to the sort of life which she knew she was meant to lead. And one could certainly argue that she had good reason for thinking she was destined for great things. She was the sort of woman who would appear in a room and would immediately capture everyone’s attention. And yet, when she desired solitude, she could exit a room just as quickly, as though she were never there.
So on the day that Mirage left home, she planned to leave alone, and quickly. But just as she was packing her things, her younger sister Carina strode into the room, a backpack slung over her slender shoulder. “I’m going with you, Mirage,” she declared.
“Interesting thought,” replied Mirage. “But no, I’m going alone. You and I are destined for very different lives, Carina. We both know that. You’re the daredevil. I want parties, theatre, and high society.”
“True, I guess, but you’re headed east, aren’t you? Let’s at least travel together for as long as we can. We’ll almost certainly end up in different places, but it doesn’t mean we can’t start out together.”
Mirage considered this, and decided it would, indeed, be nice to have some company as she made her way east across Lake County. So she finished packing her bag, and followed Carina out the door. They began walking east on Washington Street, toward Milwaukee Avenue. From there, they would travel south toward Libertyville, where Mirage had some business to attend to.
“So what’s in Libertyville?” asked Carina, as if she’d read Mirage’s mind. Mirage stopped and glared suspiciously at Carina.
“I didn’t say anything about Libertyville. What makes you think I’m headed to Libertyville?”
“I heard you talking to someone on the phone last night about Old Rockland Road. I guess I figured you were heading that way.”
Mirage closed her eyes and sighed. She’d tried to be mysterious and secretive. And it was becoming increasingly clear that her best laid plans were going awry. “Dreamland. That’s where I’m going. I need to know where I came from.”
“But what does it matter? Why does it matter where you came from?”
“Because it could tell me a little more about where I’m going. The others seem to know, or at least they seem comfortable with not knowing. Genevieve wants to see a mountain, Ethel wants adventure, Evelyn has her books. I don’t know where to find what I’m looking for, and I think the answer may be waiting at Dreamland.”
They continued walking. After a few moments, Carina broke the silence. “What makes you happy?”
It was the simplest question, and perhaps the most complicated. Mirage seemed to consider the question, and kept walking. “Can I offer a thought?” asked Carina.
“Go ahead,” said Mirage, her eyes facing forward as they continued to walk.
“Drama. You love drama. You want to be the mysterious, dramatic figure about whom everyone simply has to know more. You’re intriguing and beautiful, and you want to be a part of a big, sweeping story. But you also want the luxury of being able to run off and be alone when you want to. It’s a tall order. And I hope you find the perfect place to make you happy.”
Mirage gave Carina a look that was just slightly kinder than a glare. “And what makes you think you know so much about me?”
“I’ve grown up watching you. And I’ve watched the way that people watch you. And I have sometimes wished that for myself. But I’ve also watched you when you’re alone. I know that, of all of us, you seem most in control. But I don’t think it’s about control. Sometimes, I think, it’s about letting go and being happy.”
They turned and started to walk south on Milwaukee Avenue. Mirage spent a long time thinking about what Carina had said, and said nothing in reply. But soon they came to a lovely lake on their left, and Carina gasped. “Mirage, I think that’s it,” said Carina. She smiled a broad smile at her older sister. “I think that’s my place.”
Mirage looked at her smiling sister and felt her eyes fill with tears. Perhaps, in that moment, she realized that she would miss her sisters, and the home they’d grown up in. Perhaps the truth of Carina’s words was sinking in. Mirage was overwhelmed by her thoughts and her emotions, and simply said “Good luck. I’ll miss you,” as she hugged Carina.
“Yeah, but I know you. You’ll be around. We’ll see one another again.” Carina held her sister for a moment, then bounced away, down toward the lake. She stopped to give her sister a final wave before running gracefully toward the water. And Mirage found herself alone, walking toward the place which she hoped would give her some answers.
When she finally arrived in Libertyville, she continued on Milwaukee Avenue toward Old Rockland Road, and Dreamland Comics. She knew only that she’d been created as a comic book heroine. She needed to learn more about her origins and her past, and what clues they might hold for her future.
And when she stepped inside, it was like being home. Carina had been right about the drama. She loved drama and theatrics, and big stories. And she found that she was, indeed, part of a big story full of glamour and adventure and unexpected twists. And she knew that she wanted to be close to this place, so that she could know how her own story would unfold. But she also knew that this place would not be her home.
Frustrated, she stepped outside the shop and closed her eyes. She felt a rush of wind, then once again did the trick which had been her special talent for as long as she could remember. She disappeared from the spot where she’d been standing and, in a moment, reappeared in a small thicket several miles north of Libertyville, staring at a lone oak tree. There, looking into a hole in the base of the tree, was her sister Ethel.
The two spoke briefly, and Mirage was not overly surprised to find that Ethel would choose a tree for a home. She’d always loved adventure. But Ethel had said something else. She’d hoped, quite sincerely, that Mirage would find the place that would make her happy. And while she’d spoken with disdain about the place her sister now called home, Mirage had to admit to herself that she envied her sister’s resolve, and the ease with which she’d found her place. It was becoming increasingly clear that her sisters were with her in her search, and that she was not alone. And this thought allowed her to smile, set aside her frustrations, and focus on finding what she desired. She said farewell to her sister, then faded, reappearing at the shop on Old Rockland Road.
She left the shop, and headed east on Old Rockland Road, eventually reaching St. Mary’s Road and turning southbound. She traveled onward, realizing that what she really wanted most was to be mysterious. She wanted to find the perfect hiding place. She wanted to find a home in a place that no one would suspect. And as she thought this, she noticed a thick forest on her left. The name of the place suggested that it might be just the sort of place where one could learn what she wanted to know.
So she entered the woods from the parking lot, heading left around the stone path and taking in the feeling of the woods around her. She crossed over a bridge and continued along the path as it curved to the right. As she neared a spot where the trail crossed a small road, she looked at a signpost. She chose to continue walking straight, across the asphalt, in the direction of the DPR Trail (South). As she continued along the path, she could see playground equipment on her left, and a wooden bench on her right. Still, she searched for that special place that felt like home.
She spotted a 3-foot stump to the left of the trail and continued walking another 15 paces. And then, to her left just off the path, she saw the tree.
She dropped to one knee and looked into the hole in the tree’s wide base. She knew she’d found it. It was the perfect tree. It was the mysterious hiding place from which she could easily return to the comic shop when she wanted. And best of all, it was the perfect ironic twist. Mirage, who had never really wanted anything to do with woods and water, had found a cozy hiding spot in a forest. And it wasn’t a damp, rotting log or a decaying, dead tree. The tree was beautiful and strong, and it would be the sort of stately home where a lady like Mirage belonged. It was the place where she could seek solitude when she was done embracing the dramatic, because no one would ever think to look for her in an oak forest. She gently tucked herself into the trunk of the old tree.
And before she closed her eyes to rest, she thought of Carina in her new home by the lake, and Ethel in her own oak tree, and wished a silent wish that each of her sisters would also find what they were looking for in the great wide world.
******************************************************
The Great American Pin-up series is, first and foremost, a celebration of the style, femininity, and fun of pin-up art over the years. While great care was taken to select images that would not offend, it’s worth noting that some letterboxers, including those traveling with younger children, might find the images to be “rated PG”. That said, we hope that you enjoy the images as much as we’ve enjoyed selecting and carving them.
Please note: The stamps are a bit large, and will require a 4”x 6” space for stamping. We also strongly recommend inking pens, to bring out the full detail of the stamps.