pssst

Pablo Picasso and Jane Fonda - Two Great Minds That Make Sense Together

2012-01-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

"It takes a long time to become young" - Pablo Piccaso. . . . and a great presentation by J.F. :

And more food for thought, eat up!

"Everything you can imagine is real.” ― Pablo Picasso

Ditto What I Said

2012-01-10T12:05:00.001-08:00

Here is an post I wrote for my mountain bike blog but can be relatable to just about any activity we like to pursue.

The Good News

2012-01-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

The exciting part about all of the things you have not accomplished yet is that you still get to!

When You Lay Awake at Night Waiting for Your Child to Come Home (or WYLANWYCCH)

2012-01-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

I want a house where everyone is considerate of one another. I do not want a house of rules but of principles. How do you balance that with authority?
I want a house where the parent holds respect and therefore authority. I don't want a house of dictatorship but one with a respected authoritative presence. How do you balance that with yourself, your short-comings?

It's a balance and a hard one to strike (the idiom 'strike a balance' comes from weighing two things until the scales are equally balanced). It's a challenge and can get tedious. That's when you need a break . . . . I might need a break.

Philisophical Thought Experiment

2011-12-25T08:55:00.001-08:00

If you are clever and there is no one around to hear it, are you still being clever?

Why I'm Not in a Relationship

2011-12-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

He's a selfish, whining, negative loser and I'm a self-aggrandizing intolerant bitch. Let's call the whole thing off.
He's an unstable egomaniacal jerk and I'm a lonely poser of immaterial self-assuredness. Let's call the whole thing off.

Wonda WOman

2010-07-01T22:25:00.001-07:00

LIFESTYLE

Wonder Woman's 'urban-hip' makeover

DC Comics is bringing Wonder Woman into the 21st century. Will her sensible new look empower, or neuter, DC's only A-list heroine?

POSTED ON JULY 1, 2010, AT 1:30 PM

Does Wonder Woman's makeover do her justice? Photo: DC Comics

Best Opinion: Boston Herald, Kotaku, Wash. Post, Salon

"What woman only wears only one outfit for 60-plus years?" asks DC Comics writer J. Michael Straczynski who was tasked with giving the aging superhero Wonder Woman a new, darker back story to shake up sales — plus her first big wardrobe upgrade since 1941. Gone is the skimpily patriotic bustier-and-hot-pants look. In its place: A stripeless combo of "urban-hip" black leggings, low heels, and a dark blue jacket with "I mean business" sleeve-rolling. (See aslideshow of Wonder Woman through the years.) Comic aficionados are split on the sensible new look:

The revamp is a "super bummer": I know superhero makeovers always trigger a backlash, says Lauren Beckham Falcone in the Boston Herald, but come on: This evolution into a "waif with implants and a credit card at Forever 21" isn't progress. "When Wonder Woman goes from brazen superpower to Bratz doll in one brushstroke, the bad guys win."
"Wonder Woman's new look a super bummer"

DC had to take some action: Wonder Woman occupies a curious position as "the most popular superhero no one seems to like very much," says Stephen Totilo in Kotaku, so it's not surprising DC's trying to shake her up. Though this look is "nobly," less trashy, unpopular costume changes don't tend to last very long. "Electrified Blue Superman" was gone in a year.
"Wonder Woman costume modified so that it makes sense?"

This is exactly what Wonder Woman needed: It's way past time for Wonder Woman to get a pair of pants, says Robin Givhan in The Washington Post. Now she's "a glamorous athlete" with authority instead of "an unusually muscular Miss America who happens to fight crime." Bonus: By shedding her flag themes, "she has shrugged off parochialism to become an international sophisticate."
"From star-spangled briefs to skintight pants, Wonder Woman is still a wonder"

Making her "dowdy" doesn't make her stronger: Wonder Woman's new outfit has "a certain admirable practicality," says Mary Elizabeth Williams in Salon, but that's not the point. "It's never just about saving the world — it's about looking fabulous doing it," and trading Wonder Woman's "unabashed flashiness" for a less revealing getup is a step backward. "What's super about a jacket? Nothing."

Thought For the Day (not funny like Jack Handy, my apologies)

2010-06-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Anything can change tomorrow:

The economy

Our personal economic state

The oil spill

Your health

Your family

Your winning streak

The conclusion I drew was that we need to take the time and be very appreciative of the good things we have -- almost as if they won't be there tomorrow. And we need not worry so much about the future -- as usual, it will turn out fine, and can be even better!

Flower Series

2010-05-01T08:31:00.001-07:00

photos by Hannah. B&W editing by Kirstie

An Afternoon With Cole and His Friend Morgan

2010-02-28T21:42:00.001-08:00

Cole Made This Video of Cole -- Enjoy!

2010-01-10T18:28:00.001-08:00

2009-12-31T23:07:00.000-08:00

Time To Play B Sides

2009-12-31T20:19:00.001-08:00

I haven't been inspired to write about anything lately, although I've been doing quite a lot. I have been doing quite a lot for months on end, years on end . . . and frankly I'm sick of it. Literally. My ulcer is burning a hole right through my insides and I feel like dropping everything. Dropping everything and running half naked through a field (not all the way naked because there are stickers - hehe).

But since I can't do that (drop everything that is. I could run half naked through a field if I really wanted to, but riding my bike really, really fast down a hill gives me the same feeling I imagine. All smiles) I will continue to do the best I can at work, be a loving and supportive mother (as many hours of the week as possible), and finish navigating my way through this damn real estate market. I am pretty certain that I feel like the very soul has been sucked out of me is because of that force driving me to 'move on up' in this depressed market before interest rates and home prices begin their inevitable climb. I feel this way for the time being anyway. Once the deals are closed, the moving is done (the bank accounts are drained, but then begin replenishing) and all is settled, I plan on feeling more relaxed and motivated and to see the world as interesting again. sighhh.

Guess Where I Was ???

2009-12-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

I saw girls dressed like angles with big feathery wings whoooing and waving across the street at a line of football players who were following a marching band . . . . .

(I was at the Festival of Lights Parade in Auburn, Ca).

Accupuncture

2009-10-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

What do you do when your knees ache from injuries and just general thrashing? You have someone put needles in them . . . ahhh, that hits the spot.

2009-09-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where this picture came from . . . it just showed up on the desktop of my computer one day, but I love it. (This just in, I asked Hannah and she said she was Googling "underwater photography" and found this photo. It's our new favorite). What do you think is going on in this picture? Is she summoning him inside and he can't believe it, or is she giving him the finger and he is never allowed back in? It might appear the story is -- after a desperate search he finally finds her and she is saying, well here you are, come in. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to hold a pose under water? I am imagining it. I am thinking it would be kind of fun to try.

People Let Me Tell You About My Best Friend . . .

2009-09-04T08:38:00.001-07:00

. . . and her husband. They are the cutest, funnest, most loving couple ever. This is them at their annual ice cream social. Jason is dressed as the fastest ice cream scoop in the West.

This weekend Jason is throwing the "Donnacathalon" party in honor of Donna's 40th b-day. He's taking all of her favorite activities (to include b-ball and dancing I'm sure) and creating a sporting event that will be splitting the guests into teams to compete throughout the town of Auburn. We will end the event with the winners carrying a torch back to their house where I have made homemade "Donnola bars" and "Super D-MO Green Smoothies." Corney? Yes! Fun loving? Yes, yes!

Happy B-Day DMO!

Are You Ready To Rock?

2009-09-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

That's what I thought . . .

When I Can't Peddle, I'll Paddle

2009-08-17T20:37:00.001-07:00

Brent cruising for shade in the shoreline.

Here fishy, fishy. We saw a couple big ones jump up out of the water. Very cool.

Cole looking for fish. The boy needs a harpoon instead of a paddle.

The view from below: Up in that mountain side is one of the greatest XC trails -- Connector to Foresthill Divide. I'm used to looking down at the water not up from it.

Lime Rock. Auburn, Ca.

Poolside

2009-08-06T12:35:00.001-07:00

Since I am grounded off my bike, I have tried to embrace new activities like one-stiff-legged swimming. It's not quite the rush of mountain biking.

I have also decided to pick the camera back up. Action shots today.

I did stop to pose with a ginormous (dead) cockroach I fished out of the pool. It's good to freak out the kids from time to time.

2009-08-02T03:46:00.000-07:00

There is nothing good about having a knee that won't bend or that is in constant, uncomfortable pain. There is no leason learned, no silver lining behind being immobile. I'm coming out of my skin. :( (A thousand unhappy emoticon faces).

Things I Am Learning From My Knee Injury

2009-07-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

Slow down. (Not on a bike however. If anything, I am more determined to perfect the art/sport that I have come so dedicated to and apply even more skill and daring -- in that order. Skill first, then daring). With a knee injury (still non-specific, no clear diagnosis yet) everything takes twice as long . . . and surprisingly that is refreshing. I used to dash around from task to task trying to cram as many activities in one day as I could, usually doing two or three at the same time: Work, clean house, stock refrigerator, somewhat of a handle on laundry, children's activities, my activities (friends, bike rides, emails), yard work, organizing, planning . . . the list goes on and on and all was to be accomplished in one normal sun up, sun down day. Why not? Why not do it all, have it all, and get it all done? It is possible.

With this lame knee, I hobble from task to task and decide on . . . three. Three things a day to accomplish is a good number. I get some work done. It is enough. I ask my children to accompany me to the grocery store and make dinner, and they accept. Instead of it becoming a task to accomplish, it's time we spend together. So far, in the past two days of hobbling, I can see this as an advantage. Today while I sat at the river in my folding chair working on my laptop as my friends went on their customary ride together (not wanting to leave me out they escorted me down to the river and set me up in a nice spot) I watched as they took off down the trail . . . I may not tolerate this aspect too much longer. But the slowing down, I hope I can apply that always.

Sunday Food

2009-07-13T01:38:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning waffles.

Sunday afternoon Caprese salad.

Food is beautiful.

Green For Now

2009-07-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

I love my lemon tree. I may have mentioned in a previous post how the lemon tree was uncovered after many years of living in an overgrown back yard. Now it's the crown jewel of the yard (when the newly planted Dogwood is not in bloom stealing its thunder).

I noticed this evening as the sun was setting through the yard that the lemon tree boasts promises of a plentiful crop . . . these gems were everywhere!

Brent's Going to Art School

2009-07-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight my oldest son, Brent, and I are rifling through the immense amount of art supplies he received from open house at his new (pricey) art school that he will be attending for the next few years. We are both so excited about this new chapter in Brent's life that will eventually lead him to an exciting, lucrative career in Game Art & Design (the official title of his major).

Go Brent! I love you!

In the Running . . .

2009-07-05T09:43:00.001-07:00

In a previous post I uncovered that my criteria for a new couch is "comfortable, stylish, and a good deal". This couch and love seat are comfortable and stylish . . . but not so much a deal on the price. Hmmmm?

Hang on to Your Sides Grammar Fans

2009-07-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hahahaha. I just read a sentence that said "It's my participle, I'll dangle it if I want to." (So classic, the participle 'to' is dangling at the end of that sentence). Hoohaa, for a grammar geek like myself, that's a side splitter.

2009-06-30T22:10:00.000-07:00

Eating smoked oysters and salmon and drinking a can of Modelo out of a bag while sitting on the beach looking at the waves in Coos Bay, OR is a nice way to spend a few hours. Sighhh

Fate?

2009-06-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

I was drawn into a Banana Republic store while walking across the street looking for a place to eat while staying the night in Oakland. It was surprisingly chilly outside (and a huge relief from the heat in Auburn) and I talked myself into thinking I needed a sweater. Inside I found a sweater on sale -- and a pair of shoes. When I took the sample shoe to look for a sales person so I could try them on, a rude yet attractive black sales woman begrudgingly helped me. When she unapologetically brought a smaller size shoe than I wear and told me they didn't have my size, I said, Ok, no problem. Flatly she suggested I try them on anyway and walk around the store, they run large and they might fit after all. That was a friendly improvement. Although, as predicted, the shoes were uncomfortably squeezing my feet. When I came back from my trot, she was helping another customer in the same begrudging manner. I did not feel insulted by her treatment after all, it seemed standard.

When I told her the shoes didn't fit, she offered to check to see if they were in stock in another store, I said, That's Ok, no problem. She searched anyways and found there were no more shoes like that in my size (bummer, they were really cool looking) I said, That's Ok, no problem. She then started talking to me in a more relaxed manner joking about the shoes. We laughed. Then she talked about slowing down and enjoying the moment more. I agreed whole heartily. Then she mentioned she was soon taking two weeks vacation and I asked her if she was going anywhere special. She said she was just going here and there with her children because they complained she spends too much time at work. Ohh ya, I agreed again, juggling a job and children is THE hardest thing to do. We nodded and mhhmm'd. She declared that she just needs to finish school so she can get a better job.

I spoke up and told her that I graduated from college about six years ago while my kids were in grade school. I told her it was one of the most trying things I have ever done, but that I have a great job now where I can make my own schedule and work from home when I need to (and afford to shop at Banana Republic). She said she just needed to get on it and do it. She said that she doesn't hardly ever talk to anyone that comes in the store, but that sometimes people say things for a reason. I felt a little overwhelmed by her revelation -- was she implying that I was drawn in to that store to share an experience with her in her time of obvious questionning? I wished her the best of luck and gave her a quick knowing nod good-bye as I rushed out of line to not hold up the people behind me any longer. I turned to see her knowing nod in return. Was it fate? It couldn't be, I don't believe in it. Do I . . . whatever it was, it was nice.

Happiness is a Bike

2009-06-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

While I have stalled temporarily on looking for a new couch (for now, this is a process), I have found and bought the mountain bike I now love. I've already had great adventures on my new bike:
Manzanita
Tinker
Clementine
Connector
Stonewall
(all Auburn trails) and . . . Downieville!
Downieville was awesome. A perfect 15 mile DH ride, then lunch and a beer, a cruise to the river where we sat with our feet in the sand and skipped rocks in the river. It was a beautiful day with friends and a bike. Perfect.

Tina and I hanging out on the bridge in between divides.

I'm obviously telling Marianne about my favorite part of the trail . . . or some nonsense.

Beautiful. We actually encountered some snow at the top of Sunrise trail. It was great fun!

Have You Noticed

2009-06-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

that the mustache

is the new sparrow?

Benjamin Franklin In The Making?

2009-05-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Naw, it's Cole donating his hair for childhood cancer research.

Tinker Trail: Auburn, Ca

2009-05-19T23:28:00.001-07:00

2009-05-10T21:38:00.001-07:00

"If you are facing the right direction all you have to do is keep walking." - Buddhist Proverb

In Rememberance

2009-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Tragedy has recently struck our family, my cousin's family specifically. One of my favorite cousins (I know we're not supposed to have "favorites," but we often do) recently lost her son, Seth. Seth was a very sweet kid and very close to his family. He was only 17. He and his family lived in Ojai, mostly known as a sleepy So. Cal town. Seth had admittedly fallen into a rough crowd and was working his way out of it. Last Saturday night, Seth was fatally stabbed by a 14 y/o gang member who had been harassing Seth and his friends for some time. (Story). It is a tragedy beyond comprehension. It is hard to understand that because of a few seconds of violence we will never see Seth again, that he will never grow up, that he will never have a family of his own. I can't even imagine what his mom, dad, grandma (one of my "favorite" aunts), and brothers are going through. We are travelling to Ojai this weekend to go to what will probably be the toughest memorial ever.
Hug your kids, keep them close, and cherish every day you have with your loved ones. Love you guys!

2009-04-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

My new favorite restaurant in Oakland . . . La Calaca. I craved a good authentic burrito. I didn't know where to find anything but the Children's Hospital in Oakland (my client). I let fate and desire for the perfect burrito lead the way and five minutes later I ended up here (and there was parking!!) . . . and had the best pescado burrito of my life!

Patience is a . . . bike

2009-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Remember how I told you I don't like to shop, but that my new goal is to slow down and put more thought in to a purchase. Well, yesterday I test rode my third bike and it made me want to impulse buy. I told myself to test as many bikes as possible before settling on the right one. Sometimes though, when you meet the right one you just know it. And yesterday I fell in love . . . with a bike. (I actually said in my head as I was riding: I have found the bike I'm going to marry. I mean buy. OMG, I can't believe I just said marry). Now I just have to test my patience and keep testing bikes before tying the knot. But the Santa Cruz Nomad, ahhhhhh. I'm all giddy.

Day Tripping

2009-03-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hannah and I ended up at the ocean the other day. (She took the picture of me and I took the picture of her. She took the picture of our friend the crab).

2009-03-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

I bought my daughter a Toyota 4Runner for her 16th B-Day. She went four-wheeling with it today -- her and a few friends. (I found out about when I looked in iphoto).

Patience is a Couch

2009-03-06T19:49:00.001-08:00

I am not a shopper. I don't have the patience for it. When I want/need something, I have an ideal about what that is, and then I spend no more than a minute, hour, day (depending on what it is) finding something close enough and be done with it. Time to move on to the next activity. Right now I want/need a new couch. However, this time I am going to dedicate a year to this search, time to change my evil shopping ways. (Molly, 2009 is, in part, the year of the couch). I am going to find the right couch to meet my tastes, needs, and budget. It's going to be stylish, comfortable, practical -- and a steal, that will make it even more attractive.

The couch pictured above is stylish, but neither looks comfortable nor is a steal (it's a bajillion dollars) . . . but, it is the start of the process.

I am also shopping for a new mountain bike . . . I will post photos once I begin taking bikes out on demos. Until then, no bike will be bought until ridden and compared with others. The journey begins.

What Your Friends Do on Your Computer at a Party That You Find Out About Months Later

2009-03-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

I like surprises . . .

2009-02-28T10:13:00.001-08:00

Did you have any ideal?

2009-02-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the President's plane the "Air Force One" is stocked with M&Ms that are packaged in a box that has the Presidential seal and a facsimile signature on them? How important would you feel if your snacks were signed by you first? Maybe we should try.

I May As Well Rename This Blog: Hannah's Photos

2009-02-02T22:54:00.000-08:00

. . . because I don't seem to take any pictures of my own anymore. And I don't seem to have any writing in me either. Snnfff. (It will come back, right?)

Photo shoot by Hannah with her friends as models with pictures of models.

It's Nice To Hear

2009-01-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

It's nice to hear your almost 16 y/o daughter say she'd rather stay home than go out because home is so comfortable.

It's nice to hear your youngest son crack you up daily with witty, insightful jokes, making you laugh like your best friends would.

It's nice to hear your children decline an offer for dessert by saying, "no thank you, I've already eaten something with sugar in it today. I think I've had enough" without any prompting from yourself. (Maybe they will make good choices without you one day - whew).

It's nice to hear your 20 y/o son say "love you mom" and give you a hug before he leaves for the day.

It's nice to hear your children have an informed discussion of the merits and downsides to a movie over the dinner table.

It's nice to hear your daughter speak enthusiastically about how she approaches her sport and what she is getting out of it.

These are some of the things I heard in the last few days . . . it's nice to hear, because as we all know with families, as with life, we don't always hear things that put a smile on our face . . . but these things that we hear, these are the things that fill us up.

Colfax had a strong team showing as Hannah West led the way, taking sixth in 2:44.56.

2009-01-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

The season is upon us. Hannah is in full snow board slalom form. (Headline taken from the Auburn Journal January 13th, 2009).

She's also had her first close call, but narrowly escaped with a sprain. Whew! (This happened after the race while attempting a 180 off a box . . . what did I tell you about that!)

2009-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

My friend Molly sent me this photo a few months back . . . she knows how much I like the colors and style of Edward Hopper's paintings . . . she also knows how much I like Legos (actually, I'm not sure she does). But she does know how much her son Aidan likes Legos. Did you happen to see the episode of That 70's Show where Red and Kitty go to Phillies for dinner?

A Complex Carbohydrate

2009-01-04T22:44:00.001-08:00

Is corn a vegetable or grain? I wondered this tonight while whisking handfuls of olive-oil-popped popcorn into my mouth. After moving from my position standing in front of the kitchen counter to a seat in front of the computer, I decided to put down the popcorn and do some research for an answer . . . and jeez, what I found is that no one seems to agree on one. In fact, the research only validated me for even pondering this topic, rather than feeling like the only dolt in the world who would want to know. The closest I came to believing one explanation (despite the very many to choose from, such as: "It's a grain. End of story"), is that it is a vegetable, a grain, and a fruit. (And as well, the corn plant sprouts from a seed, which happens to be the dried kernels we eat, so I guess it is a seed too. And it is classified in the grass family. So . . . I guess it's grass. ???!). Maaan. . . talk about your complex carbohydrates . . . (badabum [drum noise]).

If you are dolt enough to want an explanation, here is the link for the vege, grain, fruit trifecta theory: http://www.extension.org/faq/17275. They're all just theories anyway. . . corn is the religion in the food pyramid.

Dinner Therapy

2008-12-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

Baby scallops seared in garlic, lime, and a dash of dill and steaming clams in the shell soaked in garlic butter served over capellini pasta.
A blend of baby red and green butter lettuces and baby spinach tossed with fresh tomatoes lightly dressed with extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, fresh cracked pepper and course sea salt. Lay Parmesan shavings on top.
Hearty slices of whole grain millet bread spread with fresh cream butter.
Begin with a warm creamy tomato bisque.
A nice glass of Cabernet sauvignon.
Follow with a healthy piece of dark chocolate truffle and a cup of mint tea.

Dinner at home with the family tonight. . . all thanks to Trader Joe's. The ordinary Monday night family dinner that helps one face the week ahead - deliciously.

Hannah's At It Again

2008-11-10T21:38:00.001-08:00

Buy this girl a camera and she wastes all her time.

Poll Workers (Note, I hear: Pole Workers)

2008-11-04T14:43:00.001-08:00

It's finally Election Day. An exciting day for so many reasons . . . and an amusing one. Listening to the radio on my commute to Oakland, NPR heavily covered voter activity. There were many interviews with "poll workers", which I stereotyped by their somewhat nasely, soft-spokeness as nerd-types, and now I envisioned them "working the pole." Many discussed how long they have been poll (pole) workers. One man said he brought home an application to his stay-at-home-wife encouraging her to become a poll (pole) worker. "Honey," he urged, "you would get a lot of satisfaction from being a poll (pole) worker." I chuckled to myself in my twisted little brain. A news reporter said he was admonished by The Head Poll (pole) Worker not to take photographs. Hee-hee.

Ok, time to be mature now. . . the moment has come . . . time to go vote. And check out my local poll (pole) workers.

Sleepless In Salt Lake City

2008-10-23T02:44:00.000-07:00

It is almost 4 am and I have not slept a wink (well, maybe an hour which can be counted as a wink). I have been in SLC for five days and my sleeplessness is progressively getting worse . . . I believe I am going to die.

I recently changed companies (same job, new and improved company) and realized I don't neccessarily like change. I think I need to warm up to things, but this warming period is taking an exhausting toll. I am going back home in two days, and hopefully, I can rest easily there, with my cats on the end of my bed (or sometimes tucked up around me) and my kids asleep in the other room. Although, it's not just being away from home that is causing my insomnia, because sometimes we all need to get away from home. There is just a lot going on . . . and it's an election year.

Wish I could say "good night," but I'm afraid I'm not feeling it.

Duathalon

2008-10-07T21:47:00.001-07:00

This Sunday I will be participating in a local duathalon event. Not to be confused with a biatholon (pictured). I will NOT be carrying a rifle and shooting at targets along the course. I will, however, be running and mountain biking through the beautiful American River Canyon. With a few good rains, the trail conditions are perfect. The ground has nice give to it and the gritty dust been dampened down (not muddy at all) allowing for more control on the bike by diminishing the slide effect.

It is important to note that I will be participating (not racing) in an event (not a race). Although, I anticipate the enthusiasm will kick in and "race pace" will inevitably take over. This makes me nervous about maintaining good energy levels -- any suggestions sports fans?

Palin's Joe Six Pack - Who Is He?

2008-10-05T13:52:00.001-07:00

I know where Main St. is, but who is "Joe Six Pack"?

Is he an alcoholic?

Or an unnaturally sculpted male?
(I understand that "Joe Six Pack" is supposed to be a euphemism for the average American male. I'd be offended if I were an average American male).

2008-10-01T20:01:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, too much to think about. My new career goals. . .

My Cup Runneth Over

2008-09-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

Actually, my plate has been very full (I wonder how many ingestion analogies can be applied to just being really, really busy, or as in the King James reference in the title, "more than enough" to do? No time to figure that now). I have been here and there, and Salt Lake City, Utah for a job interview. Although I have a good job, an opportunity has arisen for another and has left me analysing, debating, and researching for which position will suit me best.

Until the negotiating is final, I will try and enjoy being taken to mulitple dinners by a potential and current employer. . .

Rock Around The Clock

2008-09-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight Cole was playing with the innards of a music box that Donna had bought for me on her trip to Europe years ago ('my friend went to Europe and all I got was this lousy innards to a music box,' I think that's what the t-shirts says). This musical device looks like a miniature piece of what is inside a player piano; it plays one song and you crank it by hand, or with your fingers really. Cole asked me how fast should he be turning the tiny crank to get the tempo right. So we opened up You Tube to play the song "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley and The Comets. I knew Cole had heard the song when he was very young because I had it on a CD we used to listen to often, but he hadn't heard it recently enough. None of us have . . . anyway, here's to you! Enjoy.

Soccer Season Is Upon Us

2008-09-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Steve Levine (husband to my awesome mt. bike partner and friend Marianne), I was able to capture a few photos of the first game of the AYSC soccer season 2009, Auburn, California, USA. Woohoo!I love soccer season -- standing on the sidelines in the (soon to be) Fall weather with a cup of coffee, the sky is usually the crispest blue, the leaves are just beginning to change to gold, brown, and red as a slight breeze loosens them from their tenuous stems on trees that line the field, and the excitement in the air generated from the players buzzez about while parents chat convivially and occasionally stop to cheer on a player.

We have a great team of players this year, a great coach, and (a fact I am happy about) a great group of parents to mingle with. That's always and added benefit.But what I am most happy about is times like yesterday, when driving home with Cole he said "I think that was the best game I've played so far." And he had that mixture of satisfaction and excitement you get when know you hit your mark -- you pushed your body, tested your talents, focused your mind, put them all together and achieved success. It is a fantastic feeling and a hard earned privilege of an experience that comes with participating in sports.

I look forward to the unfolding soccer season . . . I apologize, but I must quote "the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat (read, personal defeat)." This sports idiom has not persisted for years without reason.

The Seventh Sense

2008-09-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Humor.

Rock N' Roll: The Devil's Music

2008-08-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

This photo is of my daughter and one member of the musical duo 3OH!3. If you haven't heard of them, that probably means you're my age, or close by. I only heard them because one evening while my daughter had itunes playing, foul lyrics were hip-hopping out of the Mac. (I read that their music is a sort of satire of rap music, but sheesh, satire can be so heavily veiled sometimes). This is how the scene went:

What!? Hannah, please turn this music off.

Huff. I like the beat -- that's what I listen to, not the words (or something very similar, I've heard it several times).

You hear the words subliminally. You're hearing the words whether you think so or not (is what I usually say).

So how did I end up asking this character from this band who described their music in a recent "Rolling Stone" article as 'Celine Dion on ice - not the skating ice, the meth ice' if he would pose for a picture with my daughter back stage at his show?

Well, it wasn't as hard as you think. My good friend, Tina, (part of the Marianne and Tina mountain biking fame) brought Hannah and I as guests of her daughter to the Warped Tour. Tina's daughter works for Capitol Records and was at the music festival representing an artist signed by Capitol, a young woman who sings a song about kissing a girl and liking it. Tina's daughter got us backstage everywhere. We ate lunch with the bands, we went on Capitol Record's tour bus, we stood in line to use the restroom which doubled as the female artists showers. . . etc. But my daughter's best moments, she told me, were getting to be on stage with at least four or five of her favorite bands while they played to a teenage crowd. Days later it made me think how differently my daughter is growing up than I did -- in significantly more ways than just back stage passes to the Warped Tour -- and I wondered how differently this will influence her choices and her life than mine. Growing up in a different generation, raised by a parent with different beliefs than my parents had, and being shown a different outlook on life.

And even while I ponder, I need to go monitor what she is listening to. I can't believe what kids call music these days. Alas, I guess some things will never be different.(One of the musical influences of the members of 3OH!3 is the Beastie Boys. I hope these boys change their "party" image like the Beastie Boys eventually did, because in actuality they are two summe cum laude with a lot of humorous energy on stage. And they even seemed like nice young men back stage. But their lyrics, ughh.)

Foreign Policy, It's What's For Dinner

2008-08-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for something new for dinner that is tasty and stirs up conversation in one serving? I heard of this cookbook at evilcuisines.com, "Cuisines of The Axis of Evil and Other Irritating States: A Dinner Party," and it has whetted my appetite.

Hannah's Photos

2008-08-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

I know some of you feel it is a cop-out of a post when I only publish photos that my daughter has taken. You are probably correct, I am not putting any writing effort (or thought) into the post; I did not pick up the camera and take the photos myself (mostly because Hannah is bogarting our old, cheap camera. BTW, the etymology of the word "bogart" is '1969 "to keep a joint in your mouth" dangling from the lip like Humphrey Bogart's cigarette in the old movies, instead of passing it on. First attested in "easy Rider."' Etymology.com); and I am not sharing any useful information I overheard or drawing any conclusions to help us all understand the world around us a little better.

However, I do love the photos my daughter takes and they inspire me in untold ways. So here are three shots that she took at my Aunts' house in Ventura -- and tweaked a little with our stock photo editing program on the Mac. Enjoy!

(I call these the "Muppet Flowers.")

Look Before You Blend

2008-08-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so groggy, because you were supposed to wake up at 6:00 am for a 6:30 am bike ride but you turned your alarm off in your sleep (partly due to the fact that you were so excited about an early morning bike ride that you kept waking up through out the night) and your friend who showed up at 6:30 am had to finally at 6:40 am come in your room and wake you up, that you stumble in to the kitchen to quickly make the protein shake that you had set all the ingredients out the night before but can't find the plastic insert to the top of your blender and you're in a hurry (because you're supposed to ride down and meet up with two others from your group and be at the confluence by 7:00 am) so you decide to just cover your hand over the gape in the lid of the blender and once you turn it on it is really making an obnoxious grinding noise (and you think, wow, that ice in the shake is tough and you wonder if you made the right decision to not get the new blender at Costco yesterday because you decided your old blender/food processor, which your mom gave you and is from the 70's, is still working and you don't want to needlessly consume) and so once the shake is blended you pour it into two cups, one for you and your friend, and you shortly realize that you are drinking shards of blended plastic and your friend accuses you of trying to kill him (Namanny) and you realize that inside the blender is where the missing plastic part to the lid was, why didn't you think to look there, but you can't worry about that or even nutrition at this point because your other two friends are relying on you to be at the confluence on time so you rush off on your bike spitting plastic out of your mouth thinking that now you really like your old 70's Moulinex blender/food processor even though it is the ugliest piece of equipment in your kitchen and the plastic is yellowing but you highly doubt you can find a replacement piece and may actually have to go to Costco and spend the money to buy the new one?

Have you ever been that groggy?

Props to Butterflies

2008-08-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

Shadowing after Cole while he long-boarded through the neighborhood streets of Ventura, CA I ran across a deceased butterfly laying fully intact on the sidewalk. It was lovely in its death and I decided to take it back because I thought Hannah might like to see it. It really was lovely. I set it on a porch bench by the front door and forgot about it until the next day when we were departing for our long drive home.

"Hannah," I said, "look at this butterfly I found." She paused to look it over and then took it from my hands. Without seeming hesitation she walked over to my Aunt Gerry's rose garden, placed the carcass on top of a rose, and began snapping photos as she contorted to get different angles.

What she produced are some almost surreal photos of a dead butterfly (is 'almost surreal' a description [almost a hallucinatory dream-like state]?). I say . . .

Ventura, CA

2008-08-04T22:43:00.001-07:00

Cole in pool.

Photo by HannahHannah on beach.

Photo by Kirstie

It was a lovely time. . .

2008-07-25T23:06:00.001-07:00

The many faces of Hannah Rochelle . . .

Right now Hannah is out on the town with some friends of hers. I had been calling her every half hour, and then she told me it was getting embarrassing, so I've limited myself to every forty-five minutes . . . that works much better for us.

At the same time, I am listening to Cole and Brent discuss the "Oblivion" video game they are playing as if they are discussing a real society . . . it's quite a comical conversation to be eaves dropping on. They are dead serious. Every once in awhile Cole will pause during play and say, "look at this mom." He points out a particularly beautiful country side and I am pleased that Cole knows I would like it. But the video game playing -- agh, it can get so out of control.

One child is out and two are glued to the video game . . . summer slowly draws itself out to the point of feeling quite finished with it.

2008-07-14T23:15:00.001-07:00

This woman is made of steel.

This woman is tired.

This weekend I was at mountain bike race in Downieville with a friend of mine. Neither of us participated in the race, we were just there to check out the activities and to see if we wanted to sign up next year, we do. It is a beautiful course and it is really too frustrating to be around a race unless you, or someone you are helping out, is in the race.

At one point I was sitting on the ground next to a woman while we were waiting for the awards ceremony to begin. Someone nearby mentioned they were tired and I chimed in, me too. The woman asked me if I had raced that day and I said no, I really had no reason to be tired (other than flying to LA for two days of training for work while still managing the house and family, coming home to out-of-town visitors, and then taking off the next day to Downieville.) I asked her if she had raced and she said she had and when asked how it went, she said it was tough.

A few minutes after the awards ceremony began, this woman sitting next to me, who I complained to that I was tired, got up and went to the stage to accept her second place medal for the women's Pro Division with a stunning time.
Uhhh, congratualtions, is what I said to her when she sat back down next to me on the ground.
I am not made out of steel. I am tired.

Back In The Saddle

2008-07-13T20:58:00.001-07:00

With the smoke finally abating from all these Ca. fires (knock on wood, or better yet, some other non-flammable surface), we've finally been able to hop back on our bikes, at least for now . . . and it is glorious to ride again. Being grounded because of poor air quality created such a yearning I felt as if I were going to burst out of my skin. It's not good for a person who weights challenging outdoor activities as an important part of life to have that taken away.

My sister Rochelle and I decided since it is in style to label every kind of imbalance (or perceived imbalance) with an acronymable label, we came up with SDD -- Smoke Depression Disorder. "How's your SDD going?" we may be heard to say.

I am happy to report that after a fantastic evening ride tonight -- no SDD resides here.

2008-07-03T01:37:00.001-07:00

Photo by Hannah

The Livin's Easy

2008-06-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

Summertime is for jumping off docks with good friends.
Photo by Kirstie

And for capturing your mom in a contemplative moment looking out over the Clementine Dam.
Photo by Hannah

Flume Trail Ride

2008-06-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

Photos by Marianne LevineThe ladies and I headed out on an epic 22 mile ride on Tahoe's Flume Trail.

The scenery was spectacular and the trail was narrow, winding, and sandy.

With sheer cliffs on one side and the entire Tahoe basin leading out beyond us, it was a breath taking ride.With an awesome group of women, we laughed the whole way. And kicked ass.

And apparently the group of young boys we passed on the trail thought the same thing as evidence of the remnants they left on the windshield of the van we all piled out of. We are thinking they do not mean "cougars" in the traditional derogatory term. Some in our group looked at the cup half full and took it as a compliment. Whatever your meaning of cougar is, we really prowled those trails and attacked them. Like spectacular female mountain bikers would!

New Blogger On The Block

2008-06-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening while laying in my bed reading, an activity I like to do to decompress from the day's work before I head into what family responsibilities beckon me, Cole came in my room and asked, "how do you post a picture on a blog?"

Well, you do this, that, and the other thing. . . wait a minute, do you have a blog? Yes my friends, Cole has joined the blogosphere. . . check it out!

A Unicycle Built For One

2008-06-09T22:17:00.001-07:00

Cole is perfecting his new skill of unicycling. Our friend Jason told Cole about a unicycle for sale at a church yard sale for $4 and Cole ran, not walked, to purchase his new one-wheeled-wonder.You know you live a rich and colorful life when you have to tell your son to get off the unicycle before eating his breakfast (he rode up and leaned against the kitchen table). Words you never imagined yourself saying, "please get off the unicycle while eating your waffle. You could choke or something." (or shoot your eye out).
Hannah expressed her talents by drawing a picture on my back. It felt good to contribute to her art, no really, the pen felt good on my back.

Summer Vacation Is Upon Us

2008-06-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

Goofing off and Guitar Hero were the order of the day for one of the first official days of Summer vacation (with menacing chores sprinkled in).

Piggy back rides quicky devolved into Hannah giving her brother Cole "airplane rides" like I used to give the kids when they were little (way to go Muscles Hannah McGee). . .

. . . this activity fell into self-portrait poses on the floor. . .

. . . which morphed into a wrestling match in which Hannah conquered her brother. Fortunately, he has all Summer to work on a comback.

Molly Rocks

2008-05-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

Molly, of A Foothill Home Companion Molly, and dear, sweet friend of mine crafted my new banner and emailed it to me out of the blue the other day. Molly often has a catching new banner on AFHC and she has spread the love to me and my, severely neglected blog -- and it is one of my favorite Edward Hopper paintings.

Thanks Moll -- you rock!

Diet Coke and Mentos Extravaganza

2008-05-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago at the Maker Faire in San Mateo (we made the trip owing to our fearless leader Jason Adair), we saw a lot of things -- too many things to mention, so I will mention them slowly, and one at a time.

One thing we saw was Fritz Grobe and Stephen Voltz of the Diet Coke and Mentos revolution (if one can call it a revolution; considering they have taken a backyard experiment to a professional level and are traveling around the world, it could be called a revolution) perform their show live. Yes, they have actually created a SHOW
And we saw it . . . you must click on SHOW and see it for your own eyes.

The two have rigged Diet Coke bottles with PVC pipe, creating a different internal structure to produce different sprays. The PVC pipe is outfitted with a pin that suspends the mentos in the pipe until the pins are pulled and the mentos are released, creating the spray reaction.

Being a nerd for science, I found it interesting that the reaction is NOT in fact a chemical reaction, but a physical reaction. As explained on Eepybird.com:

"It’s mostly due to a process called nucleation, where the carbon dioxide in the soda is attracted to the Mentos (they are awfully cute). That creates so much pressure that the soda goes flying. We built nozzles that make the opening smaller and that makes the geyser go higher."

Yes, I found it interesting, but only for a second, I swear.

By the end of the "show," the two are covered in Diet Coke. . . this, they explained is the reason for Diet. Less sugar, less sticky. By the way, they are actually now sponsored by Diet Coke and Mentos. Blows the mind.

At the Maker Faire, we also rode around on some crazy bikes; I did mention that I would show you things slowly, so here's just a quick preview.
Jason top photo (Rob Fingerson on other side not pictured). Cole bottom photo.

2008-04-29T22:29:00.001-07:00

Mmmm. Eating Harry & David's chocolate truffles in bed.

2008-04-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

Photos by Hannah

Photo by Photo Booth

Where The Boys Are

2008-04-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

Get Ready to Get Lost

2008-04-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

Link to the short film of the century, Get Lost: The Beat Goes On.

Cake made by our very talented Kate Fingerson as seen as "Kate" in the Get Lost episode.

"In this re-imagining of the ABC show Lost, the popular drama is recast as a sit-com. This episode deals with the genesis of Sawyer's nicknaming fetish as well as his entry into the world of crime. ..."

For your copying and pasting convenience: http://revver.com/u/thatjasonguy/

Scrabbling for the Right Words

2008-04-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Molly's suggestion Friday night to break out the Scrabble board, my family and I Scrabbled all weekend. Once the board was out on the table, and remained so all weekend, it was like a Siren's Song that called me away from projects, chores, even long bike rides. It was one of those weekends where the spirit and the body were co-unwilling to do anything task oriented, if just for a couple of days. However, playing Scrabble over and over was the perfect remedy of idle time well spent. Three of the games that Cole and I played (we played well over three games total) ended with no tiles left for either player. I was considering unoriginally photographing and posting a game, but our camera is no where in sight.

No camera is the main reason I have not posted for a while (that and being incredibly busy with work and yard work and mastering the canyon on my bike [which is FUN]) and why I have not written about the awesome "Get Lost" party we threw last weekend at my house. I will post a link to the movie my very talented friends wrote, acted in, directed and edited when I get it so you too can check it out. Hilarity. But the premier, it was indescribable.

The Most Beautiful Smiles Ever

2008-04-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

My friends are the greatest. Recently a few of them donated their hair while raising quite a bit of money for cancer research through St. Baldrick's Foundation. Aren't they beautiful?

Tommy showed up just to photograph the event, but got ribbed by the MC and ended up raising $1,000 in ten minutes from the crowd. Everyone wanted to see him sacrifice his lovely locks. Thank goodness he is not named Sampson and still had his strength after the impromptu shaving.
You guys rock!

Strange

2008-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Years ago I started a collection of strange automobile photos. But that started back when I had my old 35mm (albeit awesome) camera and since those photos, real hard copy photos, were not digitally stored, it's hard to say where they are now.
Just the last two days have given me the opportunity to start the collection back up. Luckily, by circumstance, I had the camera stored in my glove box for easy grabbing.

(Not a crazy car necessarily, but an interesting addition). I guess some people just need to express themselves.

2008-03-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today, a rainy day, while at the gym, I could overhear a political discussion between two guys who were obviously not working out very hard. One fellow in particular was going on about this and that candidate, I wasn't really paying that close of attention. Then his voice got louder and I heard him say, "European, think about that word -- YOU'RE A PEON -- he enunciated. "Well I don't want any part of that. I want -- a mer I CAN." "A Mer I CAN," he more exageratedly enunciated.
The other guy said, "What about Mex I CAN?" And then I just couldn't hear anymore, whether physically or philosophically, and I went back to mind my own work out business.

More Mammoth Photos

2008-03-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Not just big photos.

Mammoth Lakes, Ca.The strange beauty of the high desert.

And Mono Lake.
Hannah as the co-pilot (soon to be permitted pilot).

Shout out to South Lake Tahoe. . . and God, who was apparently trying to tell us something.

Unleash 'em

2008-03-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Don't you just want to let all these little doggies free? I did. My job took me (and accompanying me, Hannah) to Mammoth Lakes, Ca.
This is not snow in this doggies eyes, it is tiny rocks and salt from the parking lot. The wind was whipping it up quite vigorously. Don't you just want to free this little doggie? I did. I was dressed for a business meeting -- skirt suit, manicured hair, make-up, brief case -- and then I had to stop in the torrential winds to take photos of Mammoth Mt's. sled dogs. The rocks and salt stung my stockinged legs and the wind whipped my hair and papers about. Nothing about my presentation looked the same after that.

Call of the Wild

2008-03-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Mountain biking has been incredible these past few balmy spring days. If I haven't been working, or cleaning the house, I have been in the canyon on the bike -- yeehaa! Today I went on my feet, running it is called, and had almost as much fun.

I also went to see our friend Kieth Lowell Jensen's movie at the

Crest theater: Why Lie I Need A Drink. He humorously dispels the urban legend that pan-handlers make enough money to own a nice home and swanky vehicle (which they park in a secret place while they grab their cardboard sign and beg for the day). Go figure. As guilded as the Crest Theater is, I always manage to fall asleep when I am there (like the time I saw David Sedaris), and sure enough, I fell asleep during the middle of the movie. But only for about ten minutes or so, so I think I am still good. Right? Why Lie, I Need a Nap.

A Very Fine Ending

2008-03-07T16:45:00.001-08:00

Hannah is the girl who didn't know if she would make it on the snowboarding team -- who not only made it on the team, she made Varsity as a Freshman and then qualified for the State finals.

It was an incredibly busy week. . . up in beautiful Tahoe. We had practices and then four races. Mornings began in the Village at North Star at 7:00 am (Starbucks and roaring fires around the outdoor skating rink awaited the parents). The races were very exciting, tons of energy and excitement surrounded the whole event. Parents and spectators gathered at the finish line listening closely for bib numbers and times being announced -- and more importantly to spot their child speeding down the course, hoping they wouldn't injure themselves. I volunteered one afternoon to record times on a white board during the event for spectators, racers, and coaches to check -- it was hectic, but good to be involved. There were team activities every evening; it was go, go, go.

Hannah was very successful. First, she had tons of fun, built team comradery, and gained confidence. Secondly, her times were great, she finished all races with no falls, and ended up placing 14th out of 100 competitors in the slalom. It was exciting. One of the days, after her race was over, I skied while she boarded and I could not even come close to keeping up with Miss Speedy. It was a lot of fun. And now the season has come to an end. I am going to sleep.

That's Gonna Leave A Mark

2008-02-28T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today while driving between Coalinga and Lemoore I saw a State Park named "Hickey Park." I looked around for "Make Out Point," but since the land is as flat as the eye can see in that area, there really are no points. There are, however, lots of crops with uniform rows, orchards full of blosoms, and fields of cows wafting with stink -- and Hickey Park.

Hangin' Out

2008-02-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

Our cat Chloe, most known as "Girl Kitty."

Work has called me away to the Central Valley of California, namely Fresno, for the next four days. When I get back, I'll be craving some hangin' out time. See you soon!

Lunar Eclipse of My Heart

2008-02-22T07:45:00.001-08:00

My tiny pocket-sized camera did not capture the beauty of the lunar eclipse very well, but my naked eye did. Of course, not recalling what caused the shaded, slightly-red moon to hang in the sky, I was busy looking up this information on the internet when Cole announced, "Mom, it's here, you can see the lunar eclipse!"

Since my high-end, large telephoto-lensed camera with tripod was in the shop, the retail shop waiting for a buyer, I only had my senses and inept camera to capture the moment. But the perfect alignment of the earth blocking the sun's rays from directly hitting the moon never looked so beautiful. . .

Birthday Boy

2008-02-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

Just in case you were sad that maybe there weren't going to be reasons soon for Fifi (aka Stephanie, my talented sister) to make cupcakes -- you don't need to be sad any longer. Cole had his 13th b-day recently and you know what, Steph made camouflage cupcakes for his special day.

But more importantly, we got the boy a MOTORCYCLE for his 13th birthday. It's a tiny motorcycle albeit, but it is a motorcycle. It's a 50cc trail bike (and if you know about bikes, this one is a replica of the Honda 50cc trail bike that hasn't been in production since the 70's. We found this 2004 version for sale on Craig's List).This bike is so much fun, I even take my turn riding it. Our favorite places to ride are up on my parent's property in Meadow Vista (the bike fits in the back of my car) and on a dirt track behind our neighborhood. The boys are schooling me on shifting. Although this bike is called an automatic, it has three gears, but no clutch. I guess that's what makes it an automatic. It's been at least 27 years since I've driven a motorcycle. It comes back fast, however, like riding a bike!So far, Cole is being very responsible with his bike and it seems to be feeding his budding masculine soul well. I am keeping the medicine chest stocked with bandages however.Now, in case you need more cupcake photos, you may have to wait a while because I am sugared out and hoping for no more reasons for cupcakes. Although, does one ever need a reason for cupcakes? I think not. I'm off to ride now!

Solitude

2008-02-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

"Can't see the forest for the trees" is an idiom that means one is paying too much attention to the details and can not understand the big picture. Here's the big picture of a forest that had burned down many years ago. I can't remember when.Looking up at a burned tree.Looking way up.

Turning the camera on myself.
Unflattering self-portrait lying in the snow, taken at the Yuba Gab exit, a couple miles hiked in the middle of nowhere, all by myself, California, USA.

Be Mine, Cupcake

2008-02-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

My talented sister, Stephanie, made us Valentine's Day Cupcakes. She's quite the cupcake maker! I would love to see her open a trendy cupcakery in town . . . (I don't think "cupcake maker" and "cupcakery" are real words, but they sure are mmmmm, delicious sounding).

More photos of snowboarding:

2008-02-10T21:35:00.001-08:00

I hate to do this to you (I guess I don't or else I wouldn't), but I took more photos at Hannah's practice this last Saturday.You Go Girl! Hannah, cutting close to the gate.

I hiked up the mountain and parked myself in an incognito spot behind two skinny pine trees and spied on the team with my camera.I felt like I was in a 007 movie with an all out attack of snowboarders descending on my secret lair (click on photo to check out the madness, and the boarder who is in a sitting position with scissor arms). . .. . . with Hannah's coach bringing up the pack.

Snowboard Meet

2008-02-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

Below are some photos that I took at Hannah's meet on Monday at Squaw Valley, Calif.:

Below are some photos that Hannah took after the meet was over while riding around the park. Wowee Hannah!:

Nice job on the meet too, dear.

Good n' Muddy

2008-02-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

It was a great ride this Sunday morning.

B's B-Day

2008-02-03T08:19:00.001-08:00

Hannah turned 15. Happy B-Day B!

(Her nickname became 'B' after Hannah became Hannah-Banana, which became Banana, which simply became 'B').

Hannah and I are exploring our new relationship to each other, with her being a full blown teenager and all. Whew!
I am hoping she stays as sweet as these fabulous cupcakes her Aunt Stephanie (most famously known as "Aunt Fifi") made for her party. I can see that Hannah is trying to find her place in the world right now, although her main concerns on the forefront seem to be friends and fun.
I don't blame her, friends and fun are very important. But there is a strange balance going on right now where sometimes she pulls at the tether that keeps us connected until it feels like it will break. Then other times she's reeled in as tight as she was when she was a toddler.
I suppose the best thing we can do is hold on steadily and enjoy all the sweetness we can find around us.

The Boys and the River

2008-01-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after homework was done, I took the boys to the river.

I say "boys" because we have a new addition to our family.
Wes and Cole are friends, but they want to be brothers, so I told them they officially are.
They spend almost every day together and let me tell you, these boys have a lot of energy to work out. It takes a village. . .
and some great outdoors.

Winter Blooms

2008-01-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

The sun finally shone this morning and shed the perfect light.

Thank you flowers for coming out in the cold.

Flowering Kale, a cabbage by any other name would look as beautiful.

Narcissist, you smell fantastic! But you already knew that.