heavy with grief, so weighted
that my head hangs
and shoulders sag.
what is so fair about this life...
Friday, December 3, 2010
montanan
friday night, 10:30.
long day. i woke up early to find a foot of freshly fallen snow on the ground. after brushing the snow of my buick with a swifter...yes, thats right...i drove 15 miles to work, passing cars in the ditch.
my trusty steed did me well. my blue suede shoes.
after a good 10 hours of productivity, i came home and reshoveled my walkway with a mouth full of sunflower seeds.
inhaled my leftover phyllo dough spinich pie and headed to the Ellen theatre.
a christmas carol debuted tonight. my seat was E101, one of the better ones in that there was an empty space in front of me to stretch my feet...which i didn't utilize, but still nice. it was so sweet. great acting, heartwarming. giggles. laughter. and the ellen. the ellen is so beautiful in its vintage lore.
driving home, and a bit lonely...i tossed back and forth the idea of going out...but my sensibility took over the reins and i came home.
turned on the computer, checked to see if bozeman mag. had published my article...and alas, they did...including my first poem.
which goes something like this;
“We are here together you and I,
that feverish summer well’s run dry.
She came in hot and went out cold,
Teased you a bit just like fools gold.
Now you’re left with me, my friend
With any season, I will gladly contend.
Tell me, what is your hearts delight,
And please, by all means, be forthright.
Is it weaving through a bed of trees
Bouncing off powder on two skis?
Maybe you prefer to ride a board
Shredding through terrain unexplored.
Either way, if that’s your love,
These types of things that I speak of,
Take my frosty hand and follow me,
Bundle up tight, and lets go ski.”
made me smile.
because it is sprinkled with personal metaphors.
goodnight world.
long day. i woke up early to find a foot of freshly fallen snow on the ground. after brushing the snow of my buick with a swifter...yes, thats right...i drove 15 miles to work, passing cars in the ditch.
my trusty steed did me well. my blue suede shoes.
after a good 10 hours of productivity, i came home and reshoveled my walkway with a mouth full of sunflower seeds.
inhaled my leftover phyllo dough spinich pie and headed to the Ellen theatre.
a christmas carol debuted tonight. my seat was E101, one of the better ones in that there was an empty space in front of me to stretch my feet...which i didn't utilize, but still nice. it was so sweet. great acting, heartwarming. giggles. laughter. and the ellen. the ellen is so beautiful in its vintage lore.
driving home, and a bit lonely...i tossed back and forth the idea of going out...but my sensibility took over the reins and i came home.
turned on the computer, checked to see if bozeman mag. had published my article...and alas, they did...including my first poem.
which goes something like this;
“We are here together you and I,
that feverish summer well’s run dry.
She came in hot and went out cold,
Teased you a bit just like fools gold.
Now you’re left with me, my friend
With any season, I will gladly contend.
Tell me, what is your hearts delight,
And please, by all means, be forthright.
Is it weaving through a bed of trees
Bouncing off powder on two skis?
Maybe you prefer to ride a board
Shredding through terrain unexplored.
Either way, if that’s your love,
These types of things that I speak of,
Take my frosty hand and follow me,
Bundle up tight, and lets go ski.”
made me smile.
because it is sprinkled with personal metaphors.
goodnight world.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
alice
lately i have been traversing old but familiar territory, in my mind, in search of dark places willing to host my extravagent pre-planned pity parties, complete with whine and cheese.
these wonderlandish perverbial 'tea parties' welcome many distressing thoughts.
inviting cruel, untrue, and potentially debilitating satirical prose.
this entourage of self-defeating mad hatters needs to be slowly yet assuredly jettisoned. So that this dark path and place in my mind slowly disappears leaving truth and light in its place.
these wonderlandish perverbial 'tea parties' welcome many distressing thoughts.
inviting cruel, untrue, and potentially debilitating satirical prose.
this entourage of self-defeating mad hatters needs to be slowly yet assuredly jettisoned. So that this dark path and place in my mind slowly disappears leaving truth and light in its place.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
chapters
forest pulled away early this morning, his car loaded with all his bozeman possesions.
thats goodbye then.
and i turn the page...
thats goodbye then.
and i turn the page...
Monday, November 22, 2010
406
As winter wraps itself around our curvy natural state, we are compelled to accessorize with an arsenal of winter gear. Dusting off those sorels gives me an odd sense of pleasure, as if I am unholstering a life saving piece of integral warfare. Thermal underwear and socks are searched for in the bottoms of dressers and bins, and upon being found, proudly take their places as body armor. A flurry of hats, scarves, and mittens take the front lines, almost as if they are trying to confuse the stone-cold winter rival with a variety of shapes and colors.
In all honesty, regardless of how prepared we are for winter here in Montana, it is rather daunting at times. Making its way effortlessly past our militant layers of fabric, the frigid air still finds our ears and whispers. Putting a metaphorical rhyme to winters cool breath may sound something like this:
“We are here together you and I,
that feverish summer well’s run dry.
She came in hot and went out cold,
Teased you a bit just like fools gold.
Now you’re left with me, my friend
With any season, I will gladly contend.
Tell me, what is your hearts delight,
And please, by all means, be forthright.
Is it weaving through a bed of trees
Bouncing off powder on two skis?
Maybe you prefer to ride a board
Shredding through terrain unexplored.
Either way, if that’s your love,
These types of things that I speak of,
Take my frosty hand and follow me,
Bundle up tight, and lets go ski.”
Bozeman, as most of us already know, has built a nice fat repertoire when it comes to voluptuous hillsides of powder. Our credentials are popping at the seams with magazines gleaming of our nationally top-ranked ski terrain.
So, excuses being for the birds, I would suggest making the most out of this ski-tropolis that calls itself Bozeman. If you don’t ski, pick it up this year. There’s no time like the present, right? If you don’t drive, be a bum! Don’t feel bad either, because Bozeman was declared as being the “best place to go if you’re a ski bum” by Powder Magazine. If you are strapped for cash, make some necessary cut backs and save for a day of rosy cheeked shredding by checking out Bridger’s deals. You won’t be disappointed.
With all due respect, and unless you are a small child, lets keep those winter blues whines down to a small roar, shall we? I promise you that those sad nasal-pitched snivels are old news and taste just as bad as they sound. If you are seasonally affected, ahem, you my friend are in the wrong area code. With that being said, lets gear up for ski season, and find out for ourselves why we are ranked as one of the top ski towns in America.
Let me give you a run-down of all the nitty gritty morsels that you may want to chew on as the ski hills begin to open.
First up on Bozeman’s line of big triple threats is Bridger Bowl. Opening December 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are 39$/half day and 47$/full day. A standard season pass will run you $665 while a midday season pass comes in at $465. A couple deals to consider include the ten-time pass for $350 or look into MSU’s RIDE-ON card. This card is $30 and it allows you to ski all season for $39/full day and provides many discounted and free days throughout the season as well. The closest and most reasonably priced ski resort of the three, Bridger is a 16 mile drive Northeast of Bozeman. Check it out at www.bridgerbowl.com.
Next up to the plate is Big Sky Resort. Opening November 25th, lift ticket prices for adults are $55/full day through December 10. After the 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are $61/full day with valid MSU ID. A couple deals to consider is the Gold Direct-to-Lift Pass going for $899 for college students and the Frequent Sky Card for $139 which offers you 14 free days of skiing and $20 off the regular season window rate.
Ski 3800 acres, the most acres of rideable terrain you will find in the area. For more information, check out www.bigskyresort.com.
We also have our hidden gem, Moonlight Basin. Opening December 11th, lift ticket prices for college adults are $44/half day and $49/full day. College students can score a season pass for only $545. Shell out $450 if you can swing a mid day week pass! This resort will offer you beautiful uncrowded ski terrain. For more information, go to www.moonlightbasin.com.
For a season pass that combines both Big Sky and Moonlight into over 5,500 acres of downhill terrain, 27 combined lifts, and 220+ trails, take a look at the ‘Biggest Skiing in America’ ticket prices.
Its time to play, happy trails everyone!
In all honesty, regardless of how prepared we are for winter here in Montana, it is rather daunting at times. Making its way effortlessly past our militant layers of fabric, the frigid air still finds our ears and whispers. Putting a metaphorical rhyme to winters cool breath may sound something like this:
“We are here together you and I,
that feverish summer well’s run dry.
She came in hot and went out cold,
Teased you a bit just like fools gold.
Now you’re left with me, my friend
With any season, I will gladly contend.
Tell me, what is your hearts delight,
And please, by all means, be forthright.
Is it weaving through a bed of trees
Bouncing off powder on two skis?
Maybe you prefer to ride a board
Shredding through terrain unexplored.
Either way, if that’s your love,
These types of things that I speak of,
Take my frosty hand and follow me,
Bundle up tight, and lets go ski.”
Bozeman, as most of us already know, has built a nice fat repertoire when it comes to voluptuous hillsides of powder. Our credentials are popping at the seams with magazines gleaming of our nationally top-ranked ski terrain.
So, excuses being for the birds, I would suggest making the most out of this ski-tropolis that calls itself Bozeman. If you don’t ski, pick it up this year. There’s no time like the present, right? If you don’t drive, be a bum! Don’t feel bad either, because Bozeman was declared as being the “best place to go if you’re a ski bum” by Powder Magazine. If you are strapped for cash, make some necessary cut backs and save for a day of rosy cheeked shredding by checking out Bridger’s deals. You won’t be disappointed.
With all due respect, and unless you are a small child, lets keep those winter blues whines down to a small roar, shall we? I promise you that those sad nasal-pitched snivels are old news and taste just as bad as they sound. If you are seasonally affected, ahem, you my friend are in the wrong area code. With that being said, lets gear up for ski season, and find out for ourselves why we are ranked as one of the top ski towns in America.
Let me give you a run-down of all the nitty gritty morsels that you may want to chew on as the ski hills begin to open.
First up on Bozeman’s line of big triple threats is Bridger Bowl. Opening December 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are 39$/half day and 47$/full day. A standard season pass will run you $665 while a midday season pass comes in at $465. A couple deals to consider include the ten-time pass for $350 or look into MSU’s RIDE-ON card. This card is $30 and it allows you to ski all season for $39/full day and provides many discounted and free days throughout the season as well. The closest and most reasonably priced ski resort of the three, Bridger is a 16 mile drive Northeast of Bozeman. Check it out at www.bridgerbowl.com.
Next up to the plate is Big Sky Resort. Opening November 25th, lift ticket prices for adults are $55/full day through December 10. After the 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are $61/full day with valid MSU ID. A couple deals to consider is the Gold Direct-to-Lift Pass going for $899 for college students and the Frequent Sky Card for $139 which offers you 14 free days of skiing and $20 off the regular season window rate.
Ski 3800 acres, the most acres of rideable terrain you will find in the area. For more information, check out www.bigskyresort.com.
We also have our hidden gem, Moonlight Basin. Opening December 11th, lift ticket prices for college adults are $44/half day and $49/full day. College students can score a season pass for only $545. Shell out $450 if you can swing a mid day week pass! This resort will offer you beautiful uncrowded ski terrain. For more information, go to www.moonlightbasin.com.
For a season pass that combines both Big Sky and Moonlight into over 5,500 acres of downhill terrain, 27 combined lifts, and 220+ trails, take a look at the ‘Biggest Skiing in America’ ticket prices.
Its time to play, happy trails everyone!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
ski-tropolis
Well hello old man. Old Man Winter, that is. He’s back to stay it seems. I can tell by that twinkle in his eye that glares off of the early morning snowfall. By that thick coat of his that wraps itself around Bozeman’s contours. By that gnarly snow-white beard that gets longer every time I see him. Looks like our torrid little romance with the gorgeous Indian summer has finally reached its breaking point. She really was just a tease anyways.
So here we are, right smack dab in the middle of winter. Now, with all due respect, please spare us all of that whiny-pitched winter blues news. It’s old and tastes bitter. If you are seasonally affected, ahem, then you are in the wrong area code. But by all means, don’t just take my word for it. Lets take a look at what others have to say concerning Bozeman’s credentials, shall we?
The city of Bozeman was ranked in the November issue of Powder Magazine as ‘the number one place to live and ski.’ That’s nationwide. The article went on to say that ‘Bozeman is more affordable than Jackson Hole, less crowded than Salt Lake, and more of a real town then Whistler,’ making it the ‘best place to go if you’re going to be a ski bum.’
Outside Magazine ranked Bozeman among the “25 Dream Towns” and we came in #1 for the best skiing in the West. To land a spot as a dream town, a lot of areas were considered. Some of these include our bustling college campus, our forward-thinking community, our commitment to preserve the spectacular setting, our percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree, cost of living, and our proximity to a gargantuan variety of outdoor activities.
To top off this sundae, Bozeman was also chosen by Skiing Magazine this year as ‘one of the top 10 ski towns in America.’
With that being said, I would suggest making the most out of this ski-tropolis that calls itself Bozeman. If you don’t ski, give it a go. If you don’t drive, be a bum. If you are a little strapped for cash, check out Bridger’s seasonal deals. There is no excuses ladies and gentlemen. Let me give you a run-down of all the nitty gritty morsels that you may want to chew on before the ski hills open.
First up on Bozeman’s line of big triple threats is Bridger Bowl. Opening December 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are 39$/half day and 47$/full day. A standard season pass will run you $665 while a midday season pass comes in at $465. A couple deals to consider include the ten-time pass for $350 or look into MSU’s RIDE-ON card. This card is $30 and it allows you to ski all season for $39/full day and provides many discounted and free days throughout the season as well. The closest and most reasonably priced ski resort of the three, Bridger is a 16 mile drive Northeast of Bozeman. Check it out at www.bridgerbowl.com.
Next up to the plate is Big Sky Resort. Opening November 25th, lift ticket prices for adults are $55/full day through December 10. After the 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are $61/full day with valid MSU ID. A couple deals to consider is the Gold Direct-to-Lift Pass going for $899 for college students and the Frequent Sky Card for $139 which offers you 14 free days of skiing and $20 off the regular season window rate. Ski 3800 acres, the most acres of rideable terrain you will find in the area. For more information, check out www.bigskyresort.com.
We also have our hidden gem, Moonlight Basin. Opening December 11th, lift ticket prices for college adults are $44/half day and $49/full day. College students can score a season pass for only $545. Shell out $450 if you can swing a mid day week pass! This resort will offer you beautiful uncrowded ski terrain. For more information, go to www.moonlightbasin.com.
For a season pass that combines both Big Sky and Moonlight into over 5,500 acres of downhill terrain, 27 combined lifts, and 220+ trails, take a look at the ‘Biggest Skiing in America’ ticket prices.
Its time to play, happy trails everyone!
So here we are, right smack dab in the middle of winter. Now, with all due respect, please spare us all of that whiny-pitched winter blues news. It’s old and tastes bitter. If you are seasonally affected, ahem, then you are in the wrong area code. But by all means, don’t just take my word for it. Lets take a look at what others have to say concerning Bozeman’s credentials, shall we?
The city of Bozeman was ranked in the November issue of Powder Magazine as ‘the number one place to live and ski.’ That’s nationwide. The article went on to say that ‘Bozeman is more affordable than Jackson Hole, less crowded than Salt Lake, and more of a real town then Whistler,’ making it the ‘best place to go if you’re going to be a ski bum.’
Outside Magazine ranked Bozeman among the “25 Dream Towns” and we came in #1 for the best skiing in the West. To land a spot as a dream town, a lot of areas were considered. Some of these include our bustling college campus, our forward-thinking community, our commitment to preserve the spectacular setting, our percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree, cost of living, and our proximity to a gargantuan variety of outdoor activities.
To top off this sundae, Bozeman was also chosen by Skiing Magazine this year as ‘one of the top 10 ski towns in America.’
With that being said, I would suggest making the most out of this ski-tropolis that calls itself Bozeman. If you don’t ski, give it a go. If you don’t drive, be a bum. If you are a little strapped for cash, check out Bridger’s seasonal deals. There is no excuses ladies and gentlemen. Let me give you a run-down of all the nitty gritty morsels that you may want to chew on before the ski hills open.
First up on Bozeman’s line of big triple threats is Bridger Bowl. Opening December 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are 39$/half day and 47$/full day. A standard season pass will run you $665 while a midday season pass comes in at $465. A couple deals to consider include the ten-time pass for $350 or look into MSU’s RIDE-ON card. This card is $30 and it allows you to ski all season for $39/full day and provides many discounted and free days throughout the season as well. The closest and most reasonably priced ski resort of the three, Bridger is a 16 mile drive Northeast of Bozeman. Check it out at www.bridgerbowl.com.
Next up to the plate is Big Sky Resort. Opening November 25th, lift ticket prices for adults are $55/full day through December 10. After the 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are $61/full day with valid MSU ID. A couple deals to consider is the Gold Direct-to-Lift Pass going for $899 for college students and the Frequent Sky Card for $139 which offers you 14 free days of skiing and $20 off the regular season window rate. Ski 3800 acres, the most acres of rideable terrain you will find in the area. For more information, check out www.bigskyresort.com.
We also have our hidden gem, Moonlight Basin. Opening December 11th, lift ticket prices for college adults are $44/half day and $49/full day. College students can score a season pass for only $545. Shell out $450 if you can swing a mid day week pass! This resort will offer you beautiful uncrowded ski terrain. For more information, go to www.moonlightbasin.com.
For a season pass that combines both Big Sky and Moonlight into over 5,500 acres of downhill terrain, 27 combined lifts, and 220+ trails, take a look at the ‘Biggest Skiing in America’ ticket prices.
Its time to play, happy trails everyone!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
final highlights
days 13 through 18
okay, i failed in my attempt to remember everything that i did for the remainder of the daze of my trip....
so i will just squeeze in tid bits here and there of the highlights....
which gives you really the creme de la creme anyways...
after leaving lala land, we had one last visitor...
thats a ladybug....
destination: mesquite nevada....
on our way, we blinked and almost missed this tiny town...
we pull up to mesquite.
mesquite is a booming town right in the middle of the sage sprinkled desert.
this is home to forest, or at least one of many of the places he calls home.
he took me to his house...which conveniently was scorched by a fire shortly after forest came to bozeman. i say conveniently because forest has stayed in bozeman longer because of it.....
reconstruction junction inside
see...the bozeman forest is much different than the mesquite forest.
this one he built and lived in for awhile...then sold. not too shabby.
which rests comfortably by his parents place, which they also built...
in plain view of forests palm trees....
can't forget rocco, prissy, and toughie!
we went on a jeep ride up lime kiln with forests brother william... climbed in caves, went fast and took chances...
had stayed with forests no nonsense dad david and cora, betty crockers long lost cooking rival.
the following day was saturday, the day before halloween.
we dressed up and went to vegas....
but before we did that, we stopped by forests grandparents house, or more appropriately forests grandparents 'museum' just down the road.
again, grandpa deForest and grandson Forest were all business....
so i just pranced around taking photos....
and admiring their spectacular views....
and aunty mickeys place...naturally... :)
aww...vegas was big. first time there. we had to leave early the next a.m. so we just did the strip and came home.
packed, rested well.
drove almost 800 miles the following day...
and saw 4 rainbows...
this one was close! quite possibly the closEST ever. i spose the pot of gold was the waves of golden colored grain? was that corney? yes it was. and i feel jewed.
okay, i failed in my attempt to remember everything that i did for the remainder of the daze of my trip....
so i will just squeeze in tid bits here and there of the highlights....
which gives you really the creme de la creme anyways...
after leaving lala land, we had one last visitor...
thats a ladybug....
destination: mesquite nevada....
on our way, we blinked and almost missed this tiny town...
we pull up to mesquite.
mesquite is a booming town right in the middle of the sage sprinkled desert.
this is home to forest, or at least one of many of the places he calls home.
he took me to his house...which conveniently was scorched by a fire shortly after forest came to bozeman. i say conveniently because forest has stayed in bozeman longer because of it.....
reconstruction junction inside
see...the bozeman forest is much different than the mesquite forest.
this one he built and lived in for awhile...then sold. not too shabby.
which rests comfortably by his parents place, which they also built...
in plain view of forests palm trees....
can't forget rocco, prissy, and toughie!
we went on a jeep ride up lime kiln with forests brother william... climbed in caves, went fast and took chances...
had stayed with forests no nonsense dad david and cora, betty crockers long lost cooking rival.
the following day was saturday, the day before halloween.
we dressed up and went to vegas....
but before we did that, we stopped by forests grandparents house, or more appropriately forests grandparents 'museum' just down the road.
again, grandpa deForest and grandson Forest were all business....
so i just pranced around taking photos....
and admiring their spectacular views....
and aunty mickeys place...naturally... :)
aww...vegas was big. first time there. we had to leave early the next a.m. so we just did the strip and came home.
packed, rested well.
drove almost 800 miles the following day...
and saw 4 rainbows...
this one was close! quite possibly the closEST ever. i spose the pot of gold was the waves of golden colored grain? was that corney? yes it was. and i feel jewed.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
mikey b the flea
day 12.
sunny.
this was officially our final night of camping.
i made snoqualamie pancakes and potatoes for breakfast...and sliced oranges.
our last morning at pismo beach...
i hit up a cafe called amor ami to do a bit of writing and rekindle my relationship with coffee. the owner, after learning i was in the photojournalism biz, brought me this.....perk after perk at this estab.
la bound.
my lala cherry was about to be popped and i was chomping at the bit.
the sun was out, in the 80's.
we rolled in at the perfect time, just beating traffic.
first stop-forests great aunt and uncle...
newell and rosemary alexander.
these two are in their 70's. but i would say teenagers at heart.
they have this great place in burbank, just over the hollywood hills.
their place is immaculate...
their bumper sticker says legalize...
their daughter, kelly was there. she went to school with anthony kiedis and flea from red hot chili peppers and said they were antisocial and total outcasts. mikey b the flea.
show business is their thing and they have appeared in numerous movies, commercials, radio shows...
it was pretty exciting, a far cry from my humble abode.
indian food on sunset paired with taj mahal beer.
after dinner, rosemary showed us forest's first audition tape...
oh, starry eyed forest. i totally get it now.
next stop, pasadena.
my girlfriend marissa was just finishing her school day and we were passing through, so naturally we were bound to meet up.
she suggested this place...which took us an hour to find...and was right around the corner.
and my ridiculously fabulous friend marissa...
this girl is totally amazing. she lives in long beach and started a homeless shelter, without a degree. after she plateaued here, she decided to go to school, get her degree in health and human development. now she is in the masters program in pasadena and was just approved on some 12 million dollar grant for some energy saving ideas for low income people. so, confident she didn't bite off more than she can chew, she is in the process of delegating, hiring, molding, and shaping this whole operation.....
i just love her.
stop 3 for the evening, san bernardino.
we stopped to see my baby cousin, leah.
she is so freakin adorable. albeit 24, i still remember her little divaliscious self with a head full of dreadies, disguised by an outer layer of brushed hair.
always the entertainer, leah.
i am so proud of her... just finished school with a bachelors in chemistry and ready for med school.
we showed up late, i met her little fluff ball dogs, and we stayed up and played the catch up game over a bottle of savignon blanc til 4 a.m.
good morning LEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love you little girl.
sunny.
this was officially our final night of camping.
i made snoqualamie pancakes and potatoes for breakfast...and sliced oranges.
our last morning at pismo beach...
i hit up a cafe called amor ami to do a bit of writing and rekindle my relationship with coffee. the owner, after learning i was in the photojournalism biz, brought me this.....perk after perk at this estab.
la bound.
my lala cherry was about to be popped and i was chomping at the bit.
the sun was out, in the 80's.
we rolled in at the perfect time, just beating traffic.
first stop-forests great aunt and uncle...
newell and rosemary alexander.
these two are in their 70's. but i would say teenagers at heart.
they have this great place in burbank, just over the hollywood hills.
their place is immaculate...
their bumper sticker says legalize...
their daughter, kelly was there. she went to school with anthony kiedis and flea from red hot chili peppers and said they were antisocial and total outcasts. mikey b the flea.
show business is their thing and they have appeared in numerous movies, commercials, radio shows...
it was pretty exciting, a far cry from my humble abode.
indian food on sunset paired with taj mahal beer.
after dinner, rosemary showed us forest's first audition tape...
oh, starry eyed forest. i totally get it now.
next stop, pasadena.
my girlfriend marissa was just finishing her school day and we were passing through, so naturally we were bound to meet up.
she suggested this place...which took us an hour to find...and was right around the corner.
and my ridiculously fabulous friend marissa...
this girl is totally amazing. she lives in long beach and started a homeless shelter, without a degree. after she plateaued here, she decided to go to school, get her degree in health and human development. now she is in the masters program in pasadena and was just approved on some 12 million dollar grant for some energy saving ideas for low income people. so, confident she didn't bite off more than she can chew, she is in the process of delegating, hiring, molding, and shaping this whole operation.....
i just love her.
stop 3 for the evening, san bernardino.
we stopped to see my baby cousin, leah.
she is so freakin adorable. albeit 24, i still remember her little divaliscious self with a head full of dreadies, disguised by an outer layer of brushed hair.
always the entertainer, leah.
i am so proud of her... just finished school with a bachelors in chemistry and ready for med school.
we showed up late, i met her little fluff ball dogs, and we stayed up and played the catch up game over a bottle of savignon blanc til 4 a.m.
good morning LEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love you little girl.
pismo beach x 2
day 11.
photos say it all...
forest spotted this...
check the guy out on the right..
rexasaurus...
doesn't like.
aaaand this sums up rex and i's ridiculously human like relationship. both pulling.
sweet camping spot right next to the beach...plum bbq sauce marinated shish ka bobs (thanks to forest's sister ANGIE!!!!) thank YOU ang, plum sauce was money...
photos say it all...
forest spotted this...
check the guy out on the right..
rexasaurus...
doesn't like.
aaaand this sums up rex and i's ridiculously human like relationship. both pulling.
sweet camping spot right next to the beach...plum bbq sauce marinated shish ka bobs (thanks to forest's sister ANGIE!!!!) thank YOU ang, plum sauce was money...
pismo beach
day 10.
we had been in a northern CA rainstorm for the past two days, so we were eager to see the coastline on a clear blue sunny day.
pismo beach. surfing town.
its coastline is LARGE and super clean. the rolling hills are seductive in their voluptuousness, dressed only in a clean line of colorful homes.
those simple pleasures that we take for granted (indoor heating, a bed, hot shower, etc) beckoned us loud and clear that night...so we stayed in edgewater motel and bypassed camping.
the town is cute.
lotta fish n chips joints.
lotta surfers.
lotta character.
we watched the vikings and packers square off that night in a local pub called hoagies. i had an asian salad, forest had a philly. plump grapes.
we soaked outside in a tub of hot water...turned into california raisens.
we had been in a northern CA rainstorm for the past two days, so we were eager to see the coastline on a clear blue sunny day.
pismo beach. surfing town.
its coastline is LARGE and super clean. the rolling hills are seductive in their voluptuousness, dressed only in a clean line of colorful homes.
those simple pleasures that we take for granted (indoor heating, a bed, hot shower, etc) beckoned us loud and clear that night...so we stayed in edgewater motel and bypassed camping.
the town is cute.
lotta fish n chips joints.
lotta surfers.
lotta character.
we watched the vikings and packers square off that night in a local pub called hoagies. i had an asian salad, forest had a philly. plump grapes.
we soaked outside in a tub of hot water...turned into california raisens.
golden gate
day 9.
highlights: golden gate bridge...
even tho the weather was all discombobulated.
we drove a long long long way, hugging close to the central califorian coastline.
found a nice camping spot....albeit in the rain...
and slept.
highlights: golden gate bridge...
even tho the weather was all discombobulated.
we drove a long long long way, hugging close to the central califorian coastline.
found a nice camping spot....albeit in the rain...
and slept.
janny bear & co.
day 8.
today was a day i had been anticipating.
my janny bear!
my godmother.
one of my mom's good highschool sacramento friends.
i named my first stuffed animal after this woman for goodness sake.
its strange because since i was a little girl, i have only seen jan 2 times. and each time it feels like we haven't skipped a beat.
the trip that morning had great scenery...
to my left...
and to my right...
and even one of these babies...
with the sun finally peeking out, we found our way to Wilton, which is a little town just south of sacramento.
we pulled up that morning and waited at the gate at the front of her driveway. it was so nice to be here. the sun was out despite the clouds best efforts.
jan has a swagger. she's in her fifties, but has a swagger. long silver and black hair falls just past her mid back. adorned in homeade jewelry. and always a smile and a twinkle in her eyes.
the next 12 or so hours was a buzz... 6 years of catch up. she introduced me to her 7 dogs; fancy, pepper, stormie rose, shane, shasta, cody, and... there was one more... and they all had full names, which i wrote down and apparently misplaced.
she spoke of sour diesel and silver haze.
how she doesn't like feeling 'wangy.'
she spoke of pam mann, the self-righteous, pierced, tattoed, tarot card dealing, human female bull dog, who apparently was debuting as a thorn in her side.
of mary youngblood.
of indian flutes, her jewelry...
dreams of red-tailed hawks, eagles, and white owls.
i was able to see her husband, Jim. Jim and Jan seem to be polar opposites, so their magnetism is right on. :) Jim may be one of the stronger willed people i have ever met, recovering from a long winded battle with cancer. after months of medical treatment (chemo, stem cell transplants, every side effect imagineable), he is recovering so beautifully. putting on weight, growing out his hair, and taking care of himself.
jim and jan
jeremy, jan's son came by for a bit. very much like family to me.
me, jere, jan
jan made us mouthwatering teriyaki chicken and mandarin salad that night...shared a peace pipe and i drank the ever lovin goodness out of several stoli screwdrivers...
oh, jan can talk too. i thought i was a chatty kathy. nope.
so we talked late into the night, which resumed early in the a.m., not skipping a beat.
we were sent off smiling after a pot of coffee, ham and hashbrowns....
today was a day i had been anticipating.
my janny bear!
my godmother.
one of my mom's good highschool sacramento friends.
i named my first stuffed animal after this woman for goodness sake.
its strange because since i was a little girl, i have only seen jan 2 times. and each time it feels like we haven't skipped a beat.
the trip that morning had great scenery...
to my left...
and to my right...
and even one of these babies...
with the sun finally peeking out, we found our way to Wilton, which is a little town just south of sacramento.
we pulled up that morning and waited at the gate at the front of her driveway. it was so nice to be here. the sun was out despite the clouds best efforts.
jan has a swagger. she's in her fifties, but has a swagger. long silver and black hair falls just past her mid back. adorned in homeade jewelry. and always a smile and a twinkle in her eyes.
the next 12 or so hours was a buzz... 6 years of catch up. she introduced me to her 7 dogs; fancy, pepper, stormie rose, shane, shasta, cody, and... there was one more... and they all had full names, which i wrote down and apparently misplaced.
she spoke of sour diesel and silver haze.
how she doesn't like feeling 'wangy.'
she spoke of pam mann, the self-righteous, pierced, tattoed, tarot card dealing, human female bull dog, who apparently was debuting as a thorn in her side.
of mary youngblood.
of indian flutes, her jewelry...
dreams of red-tailed hawks, eagles, and white owls.
i was able to see her husband, Jim. Jim and Jan seem to be polar opposites, so their magnetism is right on. :) Jim may be one of the stronger willed people i have ever met, recovering from a long winded battle with cancer. after months of medical treatment (chemo, stem cell transplants, every side effect imagineable), he is recovering so beautifully. putting on weight, growing out his hair, and taking care of himself.
jim and jan
jeremy, jan's son came by for a bit. very much like family to me.
me, jere, jan
jan made us mouthwatering teriyaki chicken and mandarin salad that night...shared a peace pipe and i drank the ever lovin goodness out of several stoli screwdrivers...
oh, jan can talk too. i thought i was a chatty kathy. nope.
so we talked late into the night, which resumed early in the a.m., not skipping a beat.
we were sent off smiling after a pot of coffee, ham and hashbrowns....
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Poppy-Ay
day 7.
refreshed from the good night sleep, we threw back and forth the idea of staying in the redwoods for the morning or heading south. we decided to stay in the park and do some hiking.
Ah ~ Pah Interpretive Trail was our first stop, what seemed to be a nice long hike turned out to be overgrown...
so we took 'ossagon trail' to the coast, a nice 4 mile crescendo of a hike.
theres something about a crazy good hike that is completely rejuvenating. we took off down california 101, sippin hot cocoa, takin it all in.
the weather was not what we had hoped for, rainy and overcast. ahead of schedule, we decided to veer of 101 to highway 1, which continued down the coastline. we rode the edges of the pacific ocean for hours, hypothetically talking about what prime pieces of real estate we would buy...
night fell.
just north of sanfransisco, we took the windiest road i've ever been on. 45 miles at 20 miles an hour. we passed through too many wineries to count, the moist air brought out the smells of the thousands upon thousands of vines of grapes. i am pretty sure i daydreamed, or nightdreamed of being a winery heiress for a solid 2 hours.
forest drove the entire day, we were pretty spent. bedtime was upon us.
papier (poppy-ay) was what i called grape juice as a young child...
refreshed from the good night sleep, we threw back and forth the idea of staying in the redwoods for the morning or heading south. we decided to stay in the park and do some hiking.
Ah ~ Pah Interpretive Trail was our first stop, what seemed to be a nice long hike turned out to be overgrown...
so we took 'ossagon trail' to the coast, a nice 4 mile crescendo of a hike.
theres something about a crazy good hike that is completely rejuvenating. we took off down california 101, sippin hot cocoa, takin it all in.
the weather was not what we had hoped for, rainy and overcast. ahead of schedule, we decided to veer of 101 to highway 1, which continued down the coastline. we rode the edges of the pacific ocean for hours, hypothetically talking about what prime pieces of real estate we would buy...
night fell.
just north of sanfransisco, we took the windiest road i've ever been on. 45 miles at 20 miles an hour. we passed through too many wineries to count, the moist air brought out the smells of the thousands upon thousands of vines of grapes. i am pretty sure i daydreamed, or nightdreamed of being a winery heiress for a solid 2 hours.
forest drove the entire day, we were pretty spent. bedtime was upon us.
papier (poppy-ay) was what i called grape juice as a young child...
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