super size

This guy had a birthday and I tried the freezer paper stencils to create him a personalized shirt. That is Darth Vader in the star. It's so obvious.

well read wed.

Sometime last spring I noticed a book tagging around with Land. At school, at night, in the car. It was Everything is Illuminated. I liked the title. I liked the bright colored cover. I did not think I would want to read it. I assumed it was in the same genre as Hairstyles of the Damned and the Electric Koolaid Acid Test [other books that have kept Land company - and don't get me wrong I like a good Tom Wolfe novel, just not that one]. We were at parent-teacher conference soon after and Land's English teacher asked if he was reading Everything is Illuminated. I so proudly piped in, "Yes." Well the reply amounted to: WRONG answer: he's supposed to be reading, Lord of the Flies after just finishing Go Ask Alice. I was instantly deflated, and understood why depression lurks among sophomores. How can you survive a Cache Valley 'worst air in the nation' inversion when you're immersed in Lord of the Flies? Seriously, I still get sick to my stomach remembering the storyline. So now my interest in what Land was distracting himself with piqued. I noticed the movie version on the discount table and picked it up. We watched it together. Unbeleivably good. So I read the book. And then I picked up the author's [Jonathan Safran Foer] next book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Couldn't put it down. Close to finishing I was catching extra air in my breaths. Adreneline rush and anxiety about this inventive story coming to an end. So as the New Year began and I was putting together a resolution list I noticed that Mr. Foer had yet another book out, Eating Animals. Actually, I had picked it up long before, but had given it to my dad to read when he left his book on an airport shuttle. Like father, like daughter - I just left my latest book on the airplane coming home from Cayman.

Back to the book. Taken from the inside cover, "Eating Animals explores the many stories we use to justify our eating habits." Having a few food allergies [ie: dairy] I know I feel better when I eliminate animal products from my diet. But, oh have you ever tried to give up cheese, or bacon, or a really good steak. I kept hearing Antonio asking the vegetarians in Mexico while eating to die for carne asada, "Why do you deny yourselves the great pleasures in life?" To quote the text quoting Mark Twain, "quitting smoking is among the easiest things one can do; he did it all the time." That is how I have been in the past with a no-meat diet...'conscientious inconsistency.' Then I got further into the book. I was exposed to factory farming and slaughter house procedures: unimaginable. Land's host mom called me to ask about his diet and they said they did not eat pork because they felt pigs were intelligent creatures and they did not agree with how they are treated. I felt a bit ok that I knew a bit about what she was speaking of. I still struggled with the knowledge I had gained and if I was going to act on it. I underlined this sentence, "Whether we change our lives or do nothing, we have responded. To do nothing is to do something." And so I set a one month resolution, "Don't eat animals." And as of today I accomplished it. And I feel spectacular. I have cooked some good food that even the boys have loved... like mouth-watering, roll your eyes in the back of your head vegetarian faire. My skin is better. Weight is coming off. I think I'll renew this goal for month two of the year. Now this was my choice. I was influenced by a powerful storyteller who said, "...I'm not trying to convince people to live by my standards of what's right. I'm trying to convince them to live by their own."

Read Well:

Everything is Illuminated
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Eating Animals

all by Jonathan Safran Foer

I'll have to post some recipes. One other resolution I accomplished was to take my own bags to the grocery store. Easy. Plus Smith's Marketplace pays you 5 cents per personal bring-your-own bag.

we have been as long as we have not

dive, sit, enjoy, dive, sit, enjoy

master of the ironshore

smooth wave surprise

7 mile beach

Psycho the eel

Scuba Darren

Flying with the fish - this is why I like to scuba

Stingray love

DeAnn and Spencer feeding stingrays

Night dive - Darren and Spencer

Brothers

Abandoned beach

Manly Mini Car

10 days ago Darren and I marked our 22nd anniversary... a sentimental milestone because this one represents the moment in our timeline that we have been married as long as we have not. We were scheduled to getaway to the Dominican Rebublic with his brother, but then the tragic earthquake happened in Haiti and we needed to switch up destinations in order to not be in the way of relief efforts. We chose Grand Cayman. Nice weather, nice people, nice diving. I am oh so spoiled.

Land Down Under: He has been swimming, surfing, boogie-boarding, skateboarding, sailing, city-exploring, ferry-riding, schooling, friend visiting and many more. So far, loves it.

always trust your cape

Land is flying. He should arrive in Australia in a couple of hours after nearly 18 hours of plane time. I was hyper-nervous saying goodbye. I held up good and when I got home I cried and Darren held me. The photo above of with Land and my mom on the sidelines of Chase's soccer game sums it up. When he was 3 his dreams were to be a superhero and a hockey player. Every morning he would velcro that cape and I would pin the felt superman emblem I sewed for him to whatever outfit he selected. [Chase's friend Emil, chose a bumblebee suit as his 3rd year uniform] Land was never self conscious a bit... he was that fearless superhero. My children are weird, and I mean that in the kindest compliment way. They have this amazing ability to be themselves and explore different ways to navigate their journey. They don't follow the script as I did when I was young. It scares me and tickles my heart at the same time. I was in awe of Land as he went through security at the airport... all by himself. I was a little proud of myself that we encouraged him take this opportunity. I'll miss his humor, 'deep thoughts' and wise observations. I'll even miss his messiness. I'm sure he'll make the most of this. Southern Cross my fingers, get it. You know, after my mom's death it was Land who got my younger sis to laugh the first time, that abdomen workout, can't catch your breath laugh. He told Helen Keller jokes one after another, deadpan, at a restaurant. wouldn't let up. Maybe not the most appropriate, but at that time it was a gift to get us out of our debilitating grief, for just a moment.

A couple of years ago I was driving to my parents house and listening to NPR and had to pull over and write down the name of this song by Guy Clark. [Eric Bibb has a good version too] Described Land perfectly:

"he is one of those who knows that life is just a leap of faith
spread your arms and hold your breath and always trust your cape"

Ksenia had a birthday

Ksenia, Tammy, Maryam, Susie

These are the ladies who lasted until almost midnight. Incredible that women from such varied backgrounds {Ksenia is from Russia, Tammy from Florida, Maryam from Abu Dhabi and Susie right here in Cache Valley} can find so much in common to talk about, and talk about and talk about. Is that as similar and cleansing as a walkabout, I wonder? I am by far the oldest of the bunch and I snapped the photo so you can not compare my well earned wrinkles with these youngsters, but oh we had fun. I recall years ago in Montana on a retreat with other couples to a glacier view cabin. Us womenfolk urgently and loudly spinned our yarns, the men busy shooting pool in the basement; during a pause in the developing plot one gentleman inquired, "Where are the girls?" An answer floated up the stairs, "They're up there getting liberated, I can hear the hair on their legs growing." I think this morning some serious shaving occured.

it's what's down under that counts

Well, we're 11 days into the new year. I had plans to make these updates regular. The holidays were mellow... I am not tired, but Land leaves a week from today to embark on six months in OZ. He will be an international student living on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. I'm not kidding when I say the high school is on the beach, and to top it all off the skatepark is next to the high school, on the beach. His host family seems wonderful, he is excited for this adventure. I am a nervous mother; a bit sick in the stomach at the thought of him leaving and simultaneously envious of this youthful opportunity. I am scattered and sleepless and just wondering how this will feel.

a Slayer t-shirt fit the scene just right

It is snowing loads of white fluffy stuff. Skiing will be on the docket tomorrow, but for today I'm catching up on the loads of laundry, thinking about new year lifestyle changes, and making waffles with my new waffle iron - [I have a cool flip one just like you Jen]. I can't stop listening to this song, just like my niece's two year old daughter so thanks Echo... I've got a bounce in my step today.

Classic

My sister's and I in the photobooth circa Kmart 70's. Mel so beautiful, as always, even with the stylin' lenses. Me looking a little disoriented - now I know where Land gets it, and Jen with a hint of deviousness and total focus, she looks just like her youngest urchin.

Now, if this doesn't put you in the Christmas Spirit nothing can. (Actually, this image rends me melancoly) First you have to feel for that Santa. I'm fairly certain that at five years old Chase weighed more than him. His eyes look so hollow and tired much like the you know you're a redneck camping tarp background. But I can't ever decide if Chase is brilliantly happy or if he is channeling Mr. Burns, "ex...cell...ent" plotting to take down the Wal-Mart St. Nick.

Fruitcake to a Caveman

It is one of my craziest memories. A roommate and I tagged along with her brother-in-law to pay a holiday visit to a man living in a cave. Said pseudo-spelunker had worked some hours for said brother-in-law in exchange for a visit to the dentist to relieve a painful tooth. He was from the "north country" and there was even a guest room in the cavern. Surprisingly quite warm. Well, THIS made me laugh, (a friend directed me to this post). Apparently, the brother-in-law is still creating impressionable good times.

time since... 19 months

Thanksgiving was fun. We made scrumptious food... way too much. My sister out did herself as hostess. My sons are pretty awesome through her sons eyes. The youngest two picked their favorites. It was action and noise all weekend long. A game of football took place before dinner with the neighbors, we lost the potatoes and had to sneak in a quick trip to the grocery to tag in some replacements. Darren actually ate the sweet variety, first time... and more than one serving. I attempted a recipe that called for Gruyere cheese and not marshmallows and it was oh so nice. After dinner and before pie we all hopped in the car and went to Seal Beach Pier to "walk it off" The colors were kodachrome as the sun went down and Catalina was so clear, looming on the horizon it seemed you could walk right on over. We played in the sand, the young boys jumping, rolling, running with abandon. Dad took a thousand pictures. We were lighthearted, escaping the heaviness that sometimes settles in with the holidays.

Three days later my little sis calls. It's her birthday and her husband forgot in the morning. She tried to blow it off. I know how living with only men can be. Not to be rude but I'm certain it is genetic for the other half to be self-absorbed. She never gets a break. Do you see the pictures up there? That is how it is for hours a day at her house... wild little creatures... now turn up the volume... escalation... whoa. I love those boys; when I'm not around them I ache, but they are as my grandma Hazel used to call my sisters and I, "little buggers." They had sang happy happy birthday to her, but she was hurting, not because of her husbands slight, but because my little sis, probably the closest and most dependent on my mom, missed her mother deeply on this the day of days the one when she was born. She cried heavy, heavy sobs. Couldn't get through the phone line to hold her. Can't take the place of her mother. How? Why? How? Why? There are no satisfactory answers at this moment. I'm figuring them out moment by graceful, ungraceful moment. Crazy, but our lives are incredibly full.

mexico rewind

Photo was in my email today from Chase and Darren's new friend Boris from Switzerland. They swear this dolphin made sure they were all watching and then jumped up and smiled at them as they were crusin' along in the panga.

Baja SEE Turtles Nov. 2009 from David McGuire on Vimeo.

Just got this link from Chase and Darren's adventure to Baja last month, I'm telling you... it is amazing! Nice backflip Darren. I wish I hadda been there this year but it is still so jaw-dropping beautiful to see the photogs.

flair maker

I spend my days 'making things' - you should see what I have been working on for my little sis - out a control, but for now check out the 'flair' I put together for Megan. Simple simon; tiny paper circles cut from a magazine and Land's button press and you're ready to go. I'm really into packaging lately as well. Check out this from "Nice Package." Hey, it's a pun... get your mind out of the gutter

Stay Classy Max!

Update: "Thou Shalt Not Hate"
Just got back from the game. My head is cleared out of any remaining sinus congestion left from a Thanksgiving cold. It is LOUD in the Spectrum. Make you dizzy decibel pounding loud. The Aggies won. My favorite was the signs... clever, clever youngsters. Somewhere in this cell phone pic you can locate a sign that reads, "are we 'classless' yet?" To quote Stew Morrill, the Aggies head coach, "the signs come out, the craziness comes out, the guy takes off his shirt. Hell, it all happens... Whatever it takes... It is as good as it gets in college basketball."

Earlier: I'm a Cougar Fan, especially football, I have beaucoup de respect for the head coach and his family, but can't say that I have ever appreciated Max Hall much. What quarterback racks up yards and yards of personal foul penalties when you're ahead... and who rants on about the losing team and their entire university in two year-old temper tantrum fashion? Tonight is the BYU-USU basketball game at USU. If Max thinks Utah fans are "classless" wait until the "HERD" lets loose on the Cougs. Ruthless... gone rogue. Once again my two alma-maters match up. I'm taking my earplugs. Can't Wait.

Link to video here

Thanks!

Change, uncertainty, mystery...
Thanksgiving was my mother's holiday. (well, Easter too) For 25 years the family has gathered at her home for the thankful feast.
We are heading to Long Beach tomorrow morning.
A new start for the holiday season.
Little nephews adoring their grown-up cousins.
Laughter, nostalgia, chaos, ocean breezes, food, goodness, gratefulness.
Embrace.
Enjoy.

photo via: seal beach

adventures of the young

Chase and friends left Logan at 3am yesterday morning to board a bus in SLC bound for Seattle for the MLS championship. He'll see Landon Donovan and Beckham, but around here we keep our eye on Kyle Beckerman (right) and Nick Rimando (left - he's a Real Keeper - pun intended). They "couch surfed" for accomodations and will get back on the bus immediately after the game to come home. Why does this sound like a good time to me? Ole, Ole, Ole...... for REAL!

I was not feeling well and was irritable and not fit for conversation. I was not showing my best side getting after Land for a messy room and dirty socks lying around. He looked at Darren and remarked, "At least one thing Mr. Peck (his favored 1st and 2nd grade teacher) taught me I know as absolutley true, 'If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy'." I went and got in bed.

photo via: mlsnet.com

Update: It's REAL: Real Salt Lake MLS Cup Champions! At the beginning of the broadcast showing the "march to the match" it was all Chase on ESPN.

smile

These made me happy:

Robin's Clogs by kotki dwa from kotkidwa on Vimeo.

Wouldn't it be a riot to cut and paste and film and sing and create this bright animated universe. I think I found what I want to do when I grow up. Via: Hattie Newman

Go here to view the next video.

Since there are obviously only boys, sans the mom, at my abode we have always related to Malcolm in the Middle. Land and I were watching this episode together and when I witnessed the Komodo 3000 I started laughing so hard drool was coming out of my mouth. Land just looked at me puzzled wondering what I had been consuming. It is therapeutic to be overtaken by a gut-wrenching giggle every now and again.

plus... a meteor lit up all of Utah late Tuesday evening and I once again thought of the Komodo 3000

found

really, who gets this remarkable opportunity - this is not an aquarium

no good vacation lacks delectable food

swimming out to the bay with Ila, Chilango, Pepenino, and Dune (releasing the turtles)

My turn at charades (hint: crabby)

morning Obama yoga - "breathe the hope"

Pacific Ocean - now that's a beach

Walking from the well to our camp at Espiritu Santos

true vacation - chillin' in the evening

to quote David Spade, "turtle"

Taking measurements

sand dollars on the dunes

Darren and Tessa playing on the dunes

hard to find the words

The whales accompanying us to Los Islotes

Arriving... with little sleep after having a panic attack getting across the border in Tijuana

Saying farewell to our friends from the sea

Me and Chilango

Turtle Guy didn't show up again this year. So who's the real turtle guy... of course Darren

Playing charades before breakfast... can you guess? (hint: sea lion)

This photo cracks me up.

To read the post from last year click HERE

I just FOUND (on the 11th Month, the 11th day, at the 11th hour) an email from Antonio...

"You would not believe what just happened to me. I was sitting doing some work in my house, on my computer. I have to say that normally I was supposed to be outside on the boats, but today I decided to stay and do some work I needed to finish. Suddenly I heard someone shouting my name. I have a friend here at the school that always shouts at me like that, but he is not at the school right now, so I thought it was weird. I went out of my house and to my surprise Darren was running around the school shouting my name, like some crazy guy, jajaja.

I was really happy to see you Darren, I feel sorry that we could not even have a drink together and talk a little bit about Utah, the rivers, the dam dams... I hope we can see each other some other time, meanwhile I am really glad our friendship is still going.

See you later Dee and Darren."

You see we made a really good connection last year with those on the trip with us, especially with Antonio, he was so interesting and genuine and funny and deep. I'm so pleased Darren was able to see him, however briefly, and that Chase was able to meet him. They are off to Espiritu Santos today to swim with sea lions on Veteran's Day. I have hung the flag, Finally FOUND the pics of the turtles, learned the data we helped collect is showing that turtle populations in Baja are rebounding, was told the group this year named a turtle "Dee", and received an unexpected happy message from Emily on my phone... I FOUND much to be grateful for today.

Salude: a note to myself...

Melissa, Tessa and I riding the panga.

Vigilantes = Vigilant for the sea turtles

Approaching our camp on Espiritu Santos

I must admit I adore how the chairs are all set up to face the sea. We spent many many mezmorizing hours watching the pelicans dive, the sun set, and the moon rise from this spot. Not to mention fabulous food cooked from scratch from our very own crew.

Setting the turtle nets in Magdalena Bay

Getting to know our "Shell Island" in Mag Bay

Darren + Hammock = Happiness (at the School for Field Studies in Puerto San Carlos)

Unbelievable: swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes

The day after the election loading the pangas in Puerto San Carlos.

Max and I in the back of the van. I don't know how he can read because I became carsick.

Hiking through the rocks on Isla Espiritu Santos

I love pelicans

This little crabby seems to be saying, "welcome to my kingdom!" {that's for Echo}

note to self:

I voted in the municipal elections last Tuesday. I get excited for voting day. One friend calls it sacred. Another friend is now on the city council. Her cousin married my cousin. I am intrigued with her desire to serve in public office. Even here, in our small town, differing parties of thought are on a polarizing path. It's ugly, rude, mean and I believe damaging. Inciting the masses to be "armed and dangerous" is just mind-boggling. Vote, form an opinion, stand for something and RELAX. Have some fun. Enjoy discussion and debate. Respect. {I'm giving myself advice I have a tendency to become overly emotional when involved in politics} One year ago, Darren and I were in Mexico on election day. We had no radio or television or technical contact with the state of the results. All those in our party were wearing red white and blue sensing the excitement happening in our home country to the north. Later that evening we were shuffled back to town where a few of us went to a tequila bar to grab a bite to eat and watch the returns. The bartender was switching between CNN and Dumb and Dumber in Spanish. Finally, even the locals said, "no more dumb and dumber." Now for me that statement had double meaning and we laughed and toasted to Mexico and the election and to the USA and gave thanks for our incredibly blessed lives. That trip to Baja was magical. Something about the light and water and warm air and the people. Darren and Chase left yesterday to participate in the same adventure this year. I'm staying here with LandO. I'm so ecstatic for them and yet want to be there at the same time. I am a big believer in Mom and Son and Dad and Son get-aways, but oh the turtle tour in Baja is not to be missed. Last year Antonio wrote an article for a Mexican environmental travel magazine. This year the Nature Conservancy is tagging along and turtle guy will be there in person. {I have a total "thing" for the turtle guy} I have to remind myself what Bill Maher said about Obama, "Remember folks, he's not your boyfriend." It's just that he looks good, seems to have a great time and loves sea turtles. Hey, he is the reason we went on the trip in the first place. Chase and I heard him speak at Bioneers. And this gets me round about to my point at the beginning of this story. RELAX, stand for something and enjoy the journey!

note: I posted some random photos from the trip. I can't find any of the turtles or the magnificent sand dunes and thousands of sand dollars on the beach at Mag Bay. Darren and Chase will have to add some new ones to the collection.

boo

Aren't we the festive couple? It was a gorgeous fall day in Cache Valley. Darren's in the background carving some awesome pumpkin... I'm just back from a jog a resembling a real witch. Trick or Treat? PS: I know it is late, but we have full-size candy bars at our house and not a lot of candy grabbers -- what's up with that?

remember

Can't stop stitching. It is crispy cold and blustery outside and I have an ear infection. Megan's grandpa passed away and she is far away in Arkansas. I whipped up a mini-quilt. It has sunshine and a mountain and a heart full of love - the things her grandpa was surrounded by here at home. I put a little pocket on the back and tucked in a copy of the obituary and some fall leaves that fluttered to the ground the day he died. She can add her own little tokens of remembrance if she feels. Just something to keep warm her good memories of her grandfather.

slow stitch

A first quilt. Funny dancing man fabric purchased in Portland years ago with my mother. Intended for Land, but he quickly grew before I decided on a project. [:Lemon, if there are two things I'm certain of one is you're never going to finish that quilt: quote from 30 Rock:] This one I did; complete it that is. I soaked up inspiration and instruction from this book and wrapped it snug with I Love Dirt and left over bias tape. It was a super gift for this young man. I am slow at almost everything. Running, blogging, drafting, dishes, knitting... and quilting is just another of my snail's pace activities. It used to bother me, but hey, Chase once described my family as slow food and Darren's kin as take out fast and we all know that slow food is better [:ha:ha:] So I'll just keep creepin' along.

10/20 + L& = 17

The Land-man is 17 today. We took him to see the real Mr. Dylan last night at SaltAir. I thought he was dressed appropriately considering the occasion. He and Bob had matching hats. I love that he is holding a pillow because he knows it will be a late night and he gets no mercy in missing school for your birthday from his parents. It was a great time. The range of ages and craziness were in attendance, but overall an appreciative crowd. Wow. I can't believe my Land is almost an adult. Time just keeps on moving, "Like a Rolling Stone."

note: I am so into the 'rot your stomach' tacky, store bought birthday treats lately. Land says he'll eat them all himself... he better hide them from his momma while he is at class.

live like luke

I love all my nephews, but Friday night this little fellow captured my heartstrings and pulled them in tight. He was so over the moon that I would be able to watch him play flag football. He would say, "I will play really good for you Aunt Dee" and that he did. But it wasn't the technical know-how that got me, no, it was the unabashed joy. The clapping before setting up each play. The "ready, set, hike" loudly shouted when he was quarterback. The jumping, the running just to run and move and be free. The holding the flag up high when pulled from a competitors belt and the eagerness to return it to a new friend. But what I liked most was the taking time out from the intense four year-old play to wave at me, make certain I was noticing HIM, flashing a thumbs up sign as he walks, no struts, down the field. 'As a little child." I want more of that in my everyday.

I run 13.1

Family descended on our fair town of Logan last Friday. A nephew was married in the Logan Temple. We had a wonderful time visiting and and catching up and falling behind on sleep. On Saturday morning we took off to Heber City for the last soccer game of the season and then picked up a metal shard in the tire on I-15 on the way to the airport. We made it to the dealership just barely on the rim and they loaned us a car to get me to the airport.

I flew into Long Beach and loved up my nephews, talked with my sis til early in the wee hours of the morning and then woke at 4:30am and had her drop me at the Long Beach Convention Center. I ran another half-marathon. One second per mile faster than the last one. Wow! You know, I am soooooo sloooooow, but I can keep on running. I love the fact that the only thing you have to concentrate on is putting one foot in front of the other -- for two + hours. This race was incredibly upbeat. Over 20,000 racers. Bands playing at the mile markers. Thousands of people cheering you on. Running on the boardwalk next to the sand and shore. The announcers were hyper and happy and loud. It was inspiring to watch others cross the finish line. It didn't matter how fast they came in. Bestest friends collapsing in a hug after accomplishing a mutual goal. Mile wide grins and Tiger Woodsesque fist pumps at stepping over that end line. And I felt good. At 10 miles I was all into the positive self talk and was like, "Let's finish this thing." When I reached mile 11 the first marathoner was heading to the finish. I think I like running - who would've thunk it?

Best Wedding Slideshow Ever from Olde English Comedy on Vimeo.

My sister just called and directed me to this video on aol. For some reason it reminded her of me. Can you figure out why? Other than my nephew gets married this Friday in Logan and we are hosting a multitude of family. Awesome.

friday night lights

Three weekends in a row we have attended football games. Last Friday my two alma mater's faced off. We invited my dad this time and were lucky enough to score 50-yard line tickets from a good friend... the best part being able to visit with her family before the game. And then of course my dad knew everyone. These cell phone photos are not the greatest, but they show enough. Just before kickoff the light was just right highlighting the the quickly changing leaves on the mountainside and the massive crowd filing in. Some where in the blur there is a WOMAN official. My dad remarked that she may be the first female official in the NFL. Now when I heard that I blurted out like a petulant toddler, "but that is MY job!" I always thought it would be cool, especially when we were in school. Get a decent salary working the weekends after taking care of kids and family on the weekdays. And then my family and I could have a secret gesture that they would notice when they saw me on TV "workin' it." I remember years ago watching my dad and the officials were in a huddle and Chase observed, "Look mom -- a bunch of grandpas!" Now somewhere in the future he may have to qualify that; making it politically correct by interchanging grandpa's with grandparents. I never thought it was a possibility. Oh another unique observation to this stadium was the "stroller check" -- only in Provo. You gotta love it.

what's going on

My husband had "business" in SLC last week so I said I would come join him on Friday night. I cleaned up, put a nice pair of high heels on and kicked it for a night on the town. In my haste I forgot a brush, comb, and few other necessities. No worries. It was the "fashion stroll on broadway" Lots of funky do's and duds. We then ate scrumptious food at Bambara and went to Keys on Main to listen to the dueling pianos. We can't get this song out of our heads. The above photo of my shoes is not as scandalous as you might be imagining. I had blisters the size of quarters and I was recording a mugshot of the suspects. On Saturday morning we ate at Cafe by Rico, mmmmmm good... and then went home and walked up to the USU vs. Southern Utah game. Perfect weekend nights.

fall

Dilemma: Landlocked backyard with a few dead rotting trees.

Solution: Call a former military man turned tree climber and his crew who derive absolute joy in knocking big heavy items to the ground.

Hick-up: A trunk full of not too happy you're destroying my home "Winnie-the-Pooh" bees.

whatever

Una & Me

Just a little blah lately, well a lot. Megan left on her mission. My friend Una had to move back to Taiwan. BYU got pulverized against Florida St. My car was harassed again.

On the flip side:

• Megan will be a great missionary... she is a strong young woman who is a survivor and loves people, makes friends easily and is joyful. And I write her a note every morning and send it off, so I'm getting my letter writing groove back.
  
• Una brought me a thousand little gifts from "her country." Whistles, jewelry, soap, calligraphy, wallets, cell phone covers, coin clutches -- and much more. We had a good visit on our way to the airport and I have an open invitation to visit her in Taipei.
• My good friend is the "coaches wife" and we were able to talk during the game. Plus, we took my father-in-law and were in the crazy student section and stood practically the whole game with 70,000 other fans.
• People have volatile reactions to my car.... (I refuse to believe it is about me) the bright red attracts attention and the Obama sticker provokes temper tantrums. I was called all kinds of names at the dealership when I went to get the oil changed. Seriously, isn't "pinko commie" a bit redundant? Gives me a chance to not take it personally and practice my "dust off your shoulder."
  

alive @ dead horse point

the lookout

in their own world

Darren + river = Darren

land - a double entendre

walking

cliffs

tree on the edge

sunset - the sunrise was even more spectacular

impressive pink, camping, mountain-biking ensemble

June in August

brothers

they're hard to get, but finally a pic of Chase

engaged

great-grandsons and a new stash of art paper - don't ya just love that koolaid mustache face

[returned] missionary Matthew

Utah is amazing. You could be at sup-alpine altitudes frolicking amongst the aspens in the morning and then within hours be breathing the dry desert air while taking in the red-rock sunset. In August we took part in an OO - Owesome Olsen adventure [inside family joke] at Dead Horse Point. Barren and beautiful. The boys camped out under the vast sky of stars; after witnessing a scorpion scamper past the campfire I was safely zipped in my tent. We mountain biked the new Intrepid bike trail, my brother-in-law was key in getting the trail complete and participated in the inaugural run with the now Ambassador to China former governor, Jon Huntsman, Jr. It was a new experience for me... pedaling on the slickrock and then through the sand. You really had to concentrate. We ate good food, told funny jokes, played wicked competitive games -- Olsen style -- and loved being together. Oh, are you kidding, there was no time for knitting.

I'm Being Followed by a Moonshadow

So my birthday adventures continued into the late evening. An excerpt from Chip Ward's Hopes Horizon ignited a desire to keep track of the phases of the moon... a sort of rhythm to mark time, the tide, moods. I had noticed that September 4th was a full moon and requested a family moonlit hike to the Wind Caves. It was incredibly bright, no need to use the flashlights, dark defined shadows mimicked our steps along the mountainside. The canyon was full of last weekend of summer adventurers. The caves included flight shows from the bats. The boys enjoyed themselves. We heard Land singing as he hiked, Chase kept us from straying from the trail.

Saturday night we had our friends Steven and Doris (our first neighbors in Montana) over. Doris is big into soccer and we could get the Brazil vs. Argentina world cup qualifier so over they came. A few of Darren's soccer players came as well. I kept going from tv to tv to check the status of my alma mater BYU and Oklahoma. Oh Yeah! The Cougars won.

Monday was our traditional Labor Day gathering. We bbq'd loads of hamburgers to feed the loads of family that joined us. Darren set up the scuba gear so whomever chose to try it could. And guess what? My DAD DID IT. And liked it. Just think how he would feel under the sea with the colored little fishies and coral.

Good Times!

climb the wall

It's my birthday today. And I tried something that really really scared me. My friend Scott took me rock climbing. With the illnesses and accidents that have surrounded me lately, I have gradually lost trust in this amazing gift of a physical body. Once my mind and spirit started healing I began to try and heal this tired bod of mine. I've pushed myself past the self-consciousness of body-image and have tried many a new thing.... surfing, running long distances, mountain biking on slickrock etc.

Back to the rock climbing. My legs would SHAKE uncontrollably and my heart beat hard the whole way up. I kept begging to come down and Scott kept saying, you can't come down until you get to the top. I was incredibly fatigued. My forearms were cramped. But, whoa, it felt good to go. all. the. way.

The boys and I are leaving right now for another birthday adventure at my request. I'll tell you about it tomorrow.

blessed

It was Megan's BIRTHDAY. She leaves in two weeks for 18 months to do missionary work in Arkansas. I took inspiration from Amanda Soule's Handmade Home and created a miniature banner. I also made a little bag to store it in. Maybe she can tuck it in her suitcase and pin it up for special moments or for a dash of color to brighten up tough days.

tou/2

5:30am br (before race)

I did it. I ran (a misnomer) the Top of Utah half marathon. I finished in 2:23 something, very slow I know, but considering I did not work out for a year after my mom's death and in May I could barely run consistently for 10 minutes straight and I am not absolutely injured and achy the day after is a good thing, a personal miracle actually. I do owe a lot of it to my dear friend Megan. We met in March. She is half my age. She doesn't care. We have worked out all summer. Bike rides up the canyon. Hikes to the Wind Caves. Swimming. Lots of running. After work-out movies and lunch carbo-loading at the Olive Garden. She is an explosion of energy. Gregarious and full of light. She continually doled out compliments that only a 21 year-old can lead you to believe, "You'll rock this DeAnn." I don't think my family really understood that I was training for a 1/2. Last time I ran one in Moab it wasn't as successful, I was dehydrated, puffy beyond recognition (before the anaphylactic shock), and didn't feel well at all. This time around was actually quite emotional as I crossed the finish line. I thought of my mom, and all the trauma work I have completed the last few years and I think I felt "joy." I was not hungry - if you can understand that. Oh, one other bit of motivation was that my ipod playlist got stuck on the same song for the last one and half miles. It was the perfect pacer and I am certain I sang it out. Loud. Here it is: UY's Moments & Memories (by the way UY is my niece's husband's band and if you watch the video you'll see Land skipping and skanking at :44 and 2:36)

avoidance is positive reinforcement

The children in the valley are going back to school. It is the first time in 7 years I am not preparing to greet students or be greeted myself. My seasonal rhythm is all out of whack. I have an ever increasing list of shoulds and coulds. I'm not doing any of them. I sort of feel bad, but hmmmm not bad enough? I fill the time otherwise reading things, watching things, and making things. I found some yarn in Cannon Beach. The colors of the coast. I knitted Land a beanie - it is huge, but he humors me and wears it regardless. I sewed the slouch bag out of the linen wool and cotton book. It is a pale green with orange topstitching, roomy enough to transport all my projects. I read Julia Child's, My Life in France. Into it. Encouragement gathered about never being too old to try. Saw the movie... Julie and Julia... with Darren... my chickflic buddy of late. It's taking me time, but soon I'll get into the swing of the seasons and start checking off those must do's with vigor and vim. I hope so. When did I become such a crafty homebody? This is not me... or is it? We are off to a family reunion in Moab. Shall I take my knitting?

mood swing

We called this a "family portrait" The boys pictured and so many others become such close friends even though they live hundreds of miles apart. Mike, in the middle, gets as nervous as I do when his son Jade skates. Notice Land without braces - happened last Monday.

Saturday wake up was early 5:30 am. Concrete Rodeo Grand Nationals were in South Jordan (SoJo) Utah. Only a bit over an hour away. They have been in Hailey, Las Vegas, Portland and now they were close to home. Land had qualified in Oregon, at our own park in Logan, and won outright in Layton the week before. Skaters were coming in from all over the western states. We pulled up to the park in a soaking rainstorm, shivering until the water stopped, we went to get some hot drinks with some other skateboarders. Hours later, the park swept and squeegeed, the competition got under way. I glanced at the order and my stomach tied in knots. Land was 4th to go in between the best and most well-known skaters competing. I try not to get anxious during competitions, tell Land to "skate with joy" "do your best" "make friends". I understand logically that it really is out of his hands and mine for that matter, but I have hyperventilated during Chase's hockey games when he gets hit and skateboarding is only a touch lower on the nerve scale. Well, Land went out and laid down his best run of the year. It was beautiful. Put up the highest score of the day and won his age group. I stood cheering all the boys, and chatting with parents until 8:00 that night. I begged Darren to stop at Red Igauna on the ride home. I hadn't been able to really eat anything during the competition and their quacamole was calling me. Reluctantly, Darren consented, even to the 45 minute wait. As we were eating he says loudly, "Bob Campbell." And we turn around and our bishop from Missoula is eating at the table next to us. Now, Bob Campbell is one of the "good guys" in this world and we are fortunate to have him as a friend. He shared stories about his grandkids, and hiking, and work and listened to ours as well. The intensity of the day settled into satisfaction of a job well done and friends well cared for and a little bit of serendipity.

rejuvenation

The mother and son road trip last month was loosely planned. We had originally intended to get down to Reedsport and Coos Bay for skate competitions, but once we hit Cannon Beach my road sore backside wouldn't budge. I know Haystack Rock is an iconic symbol of the Oregon Coast and it acted as if it were a gigantic magnet pulling us to stay... so we did.

Walks along the beach and trails through the seagrass were common activities of the day.

Weathered shingles are a favorite texture.

We enjoy the windblown trees and gray sea-worn wood of this bench built for passersby.

The ocean view in early evening.

Homey architecture abounds in the downtown.

Land sleeps soundly in the Garden Cottage at the Blue Gull Inn. I had my best nights sleep ever. We had the windows wide open with the sea breeze and water sounds lulling us drunkenly to dreamland.

The view from our front window.

Haystack Rock and the lifeguard tower.

I was really on the trip. Land took these photos... Experimenting with the fish-eye lens.

Foam and rock. Such a nice shot.

Wild winded tree.

Singular foxglove on the road to Indian Beach.

We ended the heavy summer days by warming ourselves by a beach fire.

Deep thoughts roasting mallows.

WoW

Dad just sent me a night shot of his new landscaping.
Sigh, I couldn't think of anything to say.

SkaterMom [every skaterboy needs one]

Land and I were planning a three-week odyssey through Montana, Washington, Whistler and Vancouver, and Oregon, but at the last minute the gathering in Whistler was canceled so we went for a week to Portland and the Coast. We stopped at all the skate spots we could. Land competed in Seaside, where we renewed acquaintances with a lot of the families we met in Whistler last year. One of a skatemoms favorite things: Friends along the way.

I didn't get any pictures at Burnside - Land took out a pro who was filming and he wanted to get outta there, in a big hurry, in a big way. Our first park was Pendleton. Cowboy town. I always try to think what the designers are envisioning - what type of line or trick the skaters can throw down. They are getting increasingly more creative and daring. Pushing the limits of what is possible.

The boulder encased in the concrete was clever.

The tranny of this extension is brick. It makes a deep, bumpy sound when the skateboard hits it. I crave the sound of grinding rails, coping, even just the wheels hitting the sidewalk cracks. If I was talented in music production I would compose a little ditty just of those sounds.

I was the appointed photographer on this expedition. Risking life and limb to get the shot.

This is my greatest talent. Climbing out of hot concrete skate bowls in flip-flops and a skirt. Top that.

I am the equipment manager as well. Camera bags, car keys, water bottles, pads, etc. etc. etc.

At Hood River a nice young man offered to take the pic of Land zooming over the opening. He was a real photographer and got the lighting and position perfect. So nice young man, if you ever see this please comment and let me give you credit for this shot. Check the intensity in Land's eyes.

Hood River was was a Hansel and Gretel exploration through the woods. All those 'sweet' skate spots the candy. The ramps and rails integrated into the landscape.

The bridge over the creek was made to skate.

It's all fun and games until someone loses a hip.

Can you tell I really, really like my car? Perfect roadtrip ride for a skatermom.

The minibowl at Lincoln City.

Lincoln City is one of those parks like Hailey, Idaho where "holy $#!* what were they thinking?" escapes your mouth. Land is barreling down the snakerun. Adrenaline rush happens just watching.

Frontside Air

In the door at Irrigon. I was like, hmmm Land you seriously want to carve over this.

We are trying to work out the best position to get a pic. Soon I will be where Land is and holding my breath hoping he doesn't fall and kick the board out.

In the cradle, over the door, no worries.

check that off the bucket list

Indian Beach

Early Morning Surf Session - getting psyched to get in the water

Surf Instructor - Maile

Admire the form and the size of that wave

Seriously, I think I just wanted to have surfboards attached to our roadtrip car.

I get obsessed. After watching Step Into Liquid years ago I renewed my fascination with surfing... re-watched Endless Summer, Riding Giants, and now Surfwise. So when Land and I were on the Oregon Coast last week I signed him up for a surf lesson and the cool crew at Cannon Beach Surf encouraged me to join in over my protests of "I'm too old to learn to surf." I did it. I think I was so self-conscious and nervous that I didn't even feel the chilled Pacific water... the thick wetsuit helped too. Of course Land was expert at just popping up onto the board and riding the wave. It took me a few times but then I got it, thanks to our doctor-in-training instructor Maile and her dad. And... the next morning we went and tried it all by our lonesomes and viola' piece of cake.

It was absolutely head-spinning beautiful. That ethereal morning mist and refreshing cold water. We were at Indian Beach - the Goonies [an Olsen family all-time favorite] and Twilight were filmed here. When I turned the boards back in Mark at the surf shop said to me, "Rumor is you kicked @#$." They know how to flatter a lady. I was so thrilled to have done it, I am only just now feeling the sore muscles and acknowledging the creepy purple bruises all over my sides and butt. Maybe he had actually said you got your @#$ kicked.

So if you are ever in Cannon Beach Oregon, go visit the crew at Cannon Beach Surf. Really, they made a middle-aged housewife's trip. Gotta love their logo too.

this is for Nate

I did find a beautiful handmade vintage dress here, just today... but I wouldn't have even pulled over if it were not for the name and the vivid memory of uncontrollable belly laughs coming from Nate and Darren over an episode of the Daily Show about five years ago. Oh, and isn't Land just precious posing in front of the sign.

ADDENDUM: I was showing the dress to a few friends and the boys told me to start playing my ocarina flute to summon my horse - they totally thought it looked like a costume from the Legend of Zelda. These boys incessantly harass their mother, and it makes me laugh.