I mentioned a while ago that I was invited to redesign New Jersey's license plate, along with 49 others who were invited to redesign their own states' license plates using AMB's gorgeous solids (grown and made in the U.S.) It's been fun to see what the other participants have done - and now it's my turn.
I had a lot of fun redesigning NJ's boring straw-colored license plate with the black letters. Ugly, yes, but when the state tried to improve it with a pretty blue plate and straw letters, it was so low contrast that it was difficult to read. So back to the straw and black one. I understand that new ones won't even have raised letters -- just printed ones. Cheaper. Uglier. Bah!
NJ used to be known for its truck farms; where I grew up, there were farms all around. There was a dairy farm in town where we went for ice cream -- and it is still there, although I'm not sure about the cows. Applegate Farm had wonderful ice cream and my father would always let me get a double dip cone. What a treat!
Where my kids grew up, there were farms in town. All of these are housing developments now and the last working farm in my county was sold last year.
But there are still farms in other parts of the state, and this state is famous for one particular food, which is still being grown - in farms, in gardens, and on patios. And you can find Jersey Fresh produce in farmers' markets all over the place. So I've changed the tag line and brightened up the license plate with something delicious!
Many people who drive through this state from north to south see the industrial landscape, which many think is ugly. I think it is beautiful; I love the grit.
and this view when I take the train into NY.
If you're going to Atlantic City, you can drive through NJ's treasured, unspoiled Pine Barrens (where our governor wants to run an oil pipeline). ARGH.
The landmark Tick Tock Diner has been around forever and I pass it frequently on route 3.
We stopped watching the program because it became too violent for our taste, so we never saw the final episode that took place in Holsten's ice cream parlor. That was the place to go after the movies, for an ice cream soda or sundae. I spent many evenings there as a teenager; Marty and I used to go there for ice cream once in a while and I passed by it last night on the way to the Greek restaurant down the street. It's just a regular place with a soda fountain, great hot fudge sundaes, good chocolates -- and it hasn't changed in 60 years.
Please leave a comment and tell me what comes to mind when you think of New Jersey! I'll randomly draw a number later this week, based on how many comments there are and you could be the lucky winner! Besides, I'd love to hear your take on my home state!
203 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 203 of 203Jersey girl here, for life! Born in Morris County, raised in Sussex. As a kid growing up I essentially lived in the woods in our development. There was so much farmland up in Sussex, to this day I love the smell of farms.
I'm currently living in Michigan with my boyfriend of 6 years. He's originally from here and it's MUCH cheaper. I miss my home state and my family though and hope to move back soon to buy a house of our own! I can't imagine having kids and not letting them grow up where I did.
Jersey will always hold a special place in my heart and it will ALWAYS give me butterflies <3
Oh, AND I MISS MY TAYLOR HAM. Hehe!
I just came across this wonderful 50 States Tour and would love to eventually make a quilt using all the blocks. Is there a pattern for your state available? I was only in NJ once several years ago going through on a Quilt Tour. We didn't get to see the "sites" but have fond memories of it's beautiful inland scenery. I'm sure there are many other beautiful places to visit as evidenced by your great pictures. Hopefully someday I'll have an opportunity to visit.
Rosemary
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