Palm Springs: The Truths...

I have some things to say about Palm Springs,
Truths about Palm Springs,
that I hope will be helpful to those of you thinking of going
sort out fact from fiction.
You see, Palm Springs gets pretty hyped up
on some of the popular blogs and magazines,
but I felt the reality was far different than the hype.

Palm Springs: Prologue...

There are two things I love.
The Sun and Mid-Century Modern.


When we lived in Denver
we owned our dream home.
It was the late 90's/early 2000's
and no one was really paying any attention
to Mid-Century Modern.
But we were,
and we loved it.
Our house was like nothing we had ever seen before,
we were beyond excited to own such a gem.
Despite the fact that the house had not been cared for
and needed all sorts of work,
we loved her
and we began to dive in on making her our own.

lucky enough...

I am not lucky enough 
right now 
to be living in California.
But until that day comes again,
I was lucky enough
to spend half of my February 'home'.
sigh...


CA i love you
CA i miss you


Now I am back in MN,
a layer of this weird white stuff is all over outside,
and the first thing I did after picking up the pups 
was clean the bathroom.
Oh how easily the CA bubble bursts...



I will be sharing
a few of my 
NorCal
and
SoCal
adventures
in the following posts.


Happy March Everyone!
May it be good to all of us.
I miss more than CA,
I miss my bicycle...

happy day little one...

It's a special Someone's 2nd Birthday today!

Happy Birthday little one!!!

As I mentioned previously,

one of the main drivers in my quest to celebrate my 40th

was to learn more about Photoshop.

At Alt I did a Saturday workshop with these folks

and learned that I actually taught myself quite a bit,

and that Photoshop Elements is actually almost as good as Photoshop now.

I also learned that Photoshop Elements is up to #10 and I still had the cumbersome and slow #4.

I promptly came home and ordered myself up Elements 10.

Obviously I have been having fun with it ever since.

I guess I am starting to cross the line of dog mom freaky lady,

I made this image for the treats I am brining for everyone at

doggy day care today.

Yes...doggy day care.

It makes all of us happy,

and that

is what is important.

You are 85 pounds of pure energy and nuttiness,

but we love you more than we can say!

alt ~ special

Alt Summit has this way of making a gal feel special.

From the moment I exited the doors of the airport, 

got in an Alt provided vehicle (thank you!!),

entered my hotel and walked into my room,

and then went downstairs and got my box of goodies at registration,

I felt special.

alt ~ learning and inspiration

These are all the pictures I could find of me @ Alt (too much competition I guess!) ~ pics and credits here

Let's talk about what the actual Alt Summit is like...
The Alt schedule is jam packed from dawn to beyond dusk.
Being that I was here on my own to learn something new,
I was glad that I was kept so busy.
Days were full of sessions from 9-5 with a keynote luncheon in the middle.
I had debated between going to sessions with well known bloggers presenting, or going to relevant sessions to me.  
I wisely chose Relevant to Me.

very Alt...

1.  See Jane Blog letterpress card and 'gift' bag to hold business cards.  Jane was at My Wed. Night 'Dinner With'.  2. I Still Love You Bracelet and 'decal' - Melissa was at my Dinner With and kindly gave me a ride back to the hotel, which I appreciate since it was pouring rain!.  3.  Unstitched - Lillian was at my Round Table session on Friday morning and I loved her card 'gift' - the cutest accent of which was that tiny little paperclip. 

There is so much to say about Alt, 
I'm not really sure where to begin.
So I will begin at the beginning...


From the moment I landed at the airport,
life was very Alt.


What do I mean by very Alt?
Everyone introduced themselves,
Everyone said where they were from,
Everyone was HAPPY to be there,
and Everyone said why they were there.
That's Alt, 24/7.
The moment you sit down at a session, at lunch, at a party,
people say Hi and wrap you into the Alt culture of,
Let's be nice to each other, supportive, happy, and have a good time.

celebrating 40 hyggelig style...

Alt Summit Part 1

When I turned 40 in 2011, 
it felt like once again there I was ~ dragging my feet.
Being 30 something was so great!!  What happened?!!

Never quite willing to admit to change, I was living in denial.

My newly 40 friends were throwing bashes for themselves, planning trips to climb Everest, and even H had built a kayak over the winter and launched it on his big day.

I thought to myself, 
I can wollow in this denial, 
or I can take charge and celebrate this important milestone, 
celebrate me.  

happy 5th blogiversary my hyggelig!...

Happy February Everyone!

Boy does it feel GOOD to say that.
Breathe, and release...


And Happy Blogiversary to myself!
Five years ago today, I sat down at my computer and started my hyggelig.
Blogosphere years, I think, have something on dog years,
it is quite a milestone.


There is something to this blogging thing.
A lot of little somethings...  


I believe that everything in the past, has a thread that connects it to the future.  
The journey may not be clear at the time, 
but when you stop and look back at your path 
you can see how each destination along the way 
has lead you to where you are today.


5 years.  Wow.


Blogging is a weird thing.  
I sit here and type up thoughts 
that I then broadcast for anyone to see.  
A very private person, 
this is more than a strange thing for me to be doing.  
But it has taken me on an interesting journey, 
taught me new things, 
and lead to some interesting destinations.


I have seriously thought about closing down my hyggelig a few times, 
recently more than ever.  
But, along my journey I keep pulling that thread, knowing not what will be connected.

I feel like the proverbial line in the sand has been drawn,
and I have decided to cross it.


I will keep this little blog o'mine rolling for a spell and see where I can take it.


Soon you will start to notice some subtle changes here and there.
Better definition, hopefully improved images and graphics, a general cleaning 'house'.
I hope that you continue to find in this space what keeps me coming back ~
connecting to, and finding happiness in,
the everyday.


Cheers to 5 hyggelig years!

harumphy...

So, Christmas is over
and I am feeling a bit harumphy.
I really shouldn't complain,
I mean look at the loves of my life up there!
Who can complain when this is your reality?!!
But...
I always dislike Christmas a bit.
Family drama I try to avoid, and then the guilt for avoiding.
I always feel a bit relieved when it is all over,
ready to move on to longer days
and Summer.

I really shouldn't complain,
I mean look at the weather we have been having!
50+ degrees and Sunny the day after Christmas?
Why...I feel so NorCal...

and YOU KNOW that makes this gal so happy.
So Happy.

I really shouldn't complain,
I have two great adventures planned in the next two months,
and a work trip is brewing to return to my hyggelig.
I have a lot to be excited about.

But then that winter melancholy sets in...
We used to be all about adventuring,
now it seems more like we have been forced to be about maintaining.
In a nutshell, it sucks.
I can take all that damn vitamin d,
throw that sunlamp on in the morning,
think positive thoughts,
plan trips,
but at the end of the day some days,
it just plain sucks.
There, I said it.
Now, on to being less harumphy...


Time to lose the winter weight,
get that head screwed back on tight,
and start figuring it out.
At 40.5, that clock waits for no one...

I am not sure where my hyggelig is headed in 2012.
I have been here for 5 years,
in fact this is post #681.
Typically at this time I take a hiatus,
to focus on life outside of the computer box.
I think I will continue that trend this year.
Right now I have no friday hyggelig's lined up,
no guest posts,
nothing.
I need to refocus.

I've got something pretty exciting planned for myself in January.
Something to teach me new things, take me out of my comfort zone,
to meet new people, to be independent.
I plan to be back here to talk about either how it completely inspired me or
how it completely deflated me. Likely the first...

Thank you to all of you who have stuck with me despite my divergent posts on biking, sewing, biking, family, biking, gardening, biking, art, biking... I may not have a singular focus, be controverisal, like to debate, or a professional bent, but the fact I have been here so long says something about this space. When I discuss quitting blogging with H, he so kindly always asks why I would want to and extolls all the great things about blogging. That's from a man who only tweets. Recognizing what makes us who we are, focusing on what is important, sharing that with others ~ that's what it is all about.

And thank you also to you newbies to my hyggelig. I see you out there, and I appreciate your visits. May you find something in this space in 2012.

For now,
I am officially ON HIATUS...
see you back here in 2012..

Merry Hyggelig Christmas!...

okay...

so that mini post turned into about 3 weeks of silence.
once again i question this space.
thinking a lot right now about some upcoming fun,
more about being there right now than here.
we'll see.
for now, this has inspired me.

still thinking...

I can feel it,
I am starting to wind down
for my January Hiatus...
But I might have one more
mini-series in me
before then.

I will consider this the start.

Night Shot: Me and Lexa To and Fro

This Autumn I found myself riding Lexa
to a number of bikish meetings.
We had a lot of fun together,
Even in the cool and darkness.
What I determined
Is that I do not like the
Po Campo Pilsen
solution I have been trying.
It's a great bag,
but not for going to and fro from meetings
with the stuff I need to haul.
I found my items overflowing into a second bag to carry,
and eventually a backpack, which I am not a fan of.
The one thing that really sets me over the edge,
is that I carry two locks.
I just do.
And so,
as one who is always looking for the perfect solution,
I began to think....
and think....
and think...

still thinking...

subtle...

How subtle can it get
and still work?
Pretty subtle...

I'm over at the MBC today.
Come visit.

get personal...

I have finally made my baby gift
that I should have sent in July.
I'm not one to buy off-the shelf items,
so unfortunately I get to it when I get to it.
These Lotta bags are super easy to make
and are great flexible gifts for both baby and mamma.
The last one went to NorCal, this one Oregon.
Cranking out a sewing project is always gratifying,
sending it on to someone I care for, even more so...


And speaking of Lotta,
my local store for all things crafty just got in the new Lotta fabrics.
I took a lovely evening stroll the other night
just to check this new line out.
Love!
Now I need to quickly think of a project
before they all fly out the door!

Oh, and speaking of crafty...
It's been a few years,
but I'm headed back to No Coast this weekend.
If you are in the area, you should definitely check it out.
This year please think about feeding directly into someone's small business pocket,
rather than someone's corporate bottom line.

dear little one...

photo credit: Camilla Engman
Image located here

In internet land
you feel like you get to 'know' people,
or in some cases
furry friends...
One of those bright spots in my days the last few years,
Morran, a dog from Sweden whose adventures knew no bounds,
has sadly passed on.

Thank you Camilla for sharing Morran.
Thank you Morran for, well, being you!

There is nothing like a furry friend.
Nothing.

In the last few months Camilla has been putting together an amazing book
with the help of some very talented people.
I hope when Camilla is ready to finish this project,
you will show your support.
Great submissions can be seen on Studio Morran.

From our past and present...

our hearts go out.

Rest in peace dear little one...

Camilla has a great Morran set on flickr.

Thank You Stellar November...

Trek, Minneapolis, & Me
2012.11.25

I am really thankful
for having a few nice long days off.
AND
the stellar November weather this year.
Holiday rides are always the best,
quiet,
reflective,
meditative.
Holiday rides over Thanksgiving?!
Now those can never be beat.
Especially,
when you live in Minnesota,
and this time last year
winter
had already set in,
and hard...

I needed this time.
Each ride makes me feel better
physically
and mentally.


The only bummer is that we had one snow
and of course it became ice and required
lots of sand and salt that is still on the trails.
I found myself riding on the margins to stay out of the
wet and sand for most of my rides this long weekend.
Luckily as I turned to head home there was this nice stretch
of sand-free and sun-filled bliss.

Trek will probably be staying inside now,
and out of the salt and sand.
November,
it was fun while it lasted...

This was an accidental picture I took.
I rather like it.

repair and respect...

For about the last two months of riding season
(which sadly I have deemed as officially over)
I had this nagging problem when I was out riding.
I ride a lot in this zone, and every time I did,
the bike began to have a mind of its own.

In early September I had a cable issue
that essentially turned my bicycle ride
into a fixie ride for a number of miles
until I could limp into my usual shop.
I thought the change in cables after this would solve the issue,
but it kept getting worse.

Anytime I could bring the Trek in, I wanted to ride,
so I just kept suffering through the annoyance.
Finally, after I rolled 1000, it was time.

H and I like to support good people doing good things,
so Trek was taken to a new shop.
I was a bit nervous because a lot of bicycle shop dudes
don't really speak 'girl speak' and turn to the guy to have a conversation.
Especially when they race together during Cross Season,
or so I feared.

Not Dan.
I told Dan my issues, and it was instantly clear he knows A LOT about bicycles.
I asked him to keep the Trek for a few days to really diagnose the issue.
He came back with another cable replacement
and a gold 'tooth' (ferrule).

And then, the snow set in.

So I haven't been able to get her out for a ride,
but I did officially begin my QTT this weekend
and she shifted with grace.
The forecast is predicting Sunny and 53 on Thanksgiving.
I think you know where I will be...

I appreciate that Dan treated me with complete respect.
And when I had stopped to take my cassette picture,
two groups of male riders yelled out "Everything Okay?"
to me as they passed by.
I always appreciate the bicycling community,
the fact that folks have got my back,
and knowing I am not out there alone.
And yes,
I was MORE thank OKAY,
I was on my bicycle and it was a beautiful day.

Trek and I have been together for nearly 4000 miles.
I think in the Spring she is going to need more than a cable.
I am looking forward to giving her some tweaks,
and taking her with me for the next 4000...

mesmerizing...

There is nothing
about this
that I do not like.

and these shoes...
are you kidding me?!!!
they have me written ALL over them.
by far the most practical and beautiful
shoes
I have ever seen
at a fashion show.

And the music....
Soledad...
ahhhh...

color, please...

I pretty much want to crawl inside
of the new J.Crew Catalog
and walk back out looking like this.

Life used to be black and white for me.
Black clothes.
White walls.
Until one NorCal day when I needed a raincoat,
and H pushed me into the blue.
I've never looked back.

Living in Minnesota,
I am thankful I began to embrace color,
because I NEED it here.

Winter,
here you come...
You test me everytime.
Color,
please carry me through...

booked...

Now to begin the fun part,
research...

Better get reading.

love it...

lovely, lovely, lovely...

Lexa basking in the morning Sun

Yesterday was BeaUtiful.
I woke up to SUN
Hopped on Lexa
and rode off in warmth.

A Lovely, Lovely, Lovely
Morning.

turned in to...

very ready for happy hour...(that's Lexa there looking so "City" up on the bars..)

A Lovely, Lovely, Lovely
Day...

I have not been here much lately
because I have been busy
helping to organize a board retreat.
It has been a great experience for me.
The day went well.
The people great as always.
The conversation lively, engaging, smart, funny.

But what I enjoyed most of all was our ride after the meeting
over to happy hour.
I do not often ride with other people,
but there were 10 or so of us, silently gliding,
smiling, laughing, chatting,
out riding our bicycles.
It was a moment for me to cherish,
though not captured on film besides this,
it is forever captured in my heart.

What is better than bicycling?
Bicycling friends.

cheers to beautiful shoes and bicycles...

I LOVE these shoes.
Oh YES I do.
I started stalking them before my NY trip,
it didn't work out to get them then.
Then...there was a brief moment in time
when they were available online.
And a few short days later
these beauties were on my feet.

What I like about the new shoes
is not only do they LOOK good,
but (wo)man oh (wo)man are they COMFORTABLE.
And comfort is my middle name.

And some of you may have given up on me
thinking I run around in lycra all of the time
and lost all my sense and love of good design.
Not so fast....
That will NEVER happen.

In fact, I'm such a freak about good design and beautiful moments,
that I had this photo shoot planned for the last three weeks
and was waiting for the perfect moment to execute.
Today was that day.
How boring would a picture of just a pair of shoes be?
You've got to accessorize those feet!

AND ~ Here's the Pashley again for you who keep thinking
she has gone into bicycle never never land.
The Pash is the perfect accessory (I know I should say bicycle...)
She is patiently sitting and waiting for me to
slow down
get bored with all this lycra business
and tool around the neighborhood.
I think she may be waiting a loooong time.

Cheer's to beautiful shoes and beautiful bicycles.
And Sun and Lovely Lovely Autumn.

ps ~ yup, that's the top I made all by myself.

40 +1000 +...

I am pretty freakin' proud of myself.

Let's backtrack a bit...
-I am 40
and I have had a heck of a stressful first half of that.
-The key early summer months in Minneapolis were hindered by winter,
Summer really did not arrive until the week of July 4th.
Because of those two points,
my riding season was purposefully reduced.

I am not a hugely goal oriented gal,
but sometimes in life
you need to set goals for yourself.


Goal 1:
Knowing I would never match the feats
of my last two summers~
1400 miles
AND
1500 miles
I did have in mind
that a nice cool 1000
(hmmms sounds familiar)
would be respectable after a year like this.
Come hell or highwater,
with each ride
I could feel it getting closer
and closer
until it was down to that deceptively easy 300...

Goal 2:
To be able to ride through the end of October.
I need to set myself up for that winter weight gain
by going into it with what I like to feel is a respectably awesome me.
Usually by August I am looking
and feeling
fit
and can enter winter
knowing I will gain a few pounds despite my best efforts,
but I will be okay.
NOT SO EASY WHEN YOU ARE 40 and had a year like I have had.
I feel like I already have that winter weight, and I'm not happy about it.
But one thing that was important to me
was to at least get as much riding in as I could before the end of October.

I am proud to say I met both of my goals and I am a very happy girl.
I've been giving myself a mental pat on the back ever since Sunday.
At about the same time
and about the same place
as last year,
I quietly rolled 1000.
I stopped my bicycle,
gave myself a mental embrace,
and proudly kissed the Trek again.

One of the best things I ever did for myself
was to let H talk me into a road bicycle.
One of the second best things I have ever done for myself
was to use it.
I can't explain the elation I have felt for the last three years.
What I have accomplished has been beyond any goal I ever imagined.
One step at a time,
life begins to embrace us,
or we it.
Time passes.
I feel like 20-40 went in fast forward.
Where did it all go?
It's a difficult reconciliation.
But one thing I will never regret
is taking care of me,
accomplishing my goals,
and being the best me where I am now.

I love good design,
and dressing the part.
But even more right now,
I love fast bicycles
and lycra.
There is a time and a place.

I am much more fit at 40
than I ever was at 20.
Mentally maybe I'm struggling a bit,
physically this year I may be struggling a bit.
But some days I freakin' rock it.

Thank you fast lovin' lycra gal...

ps this doesn't include the miles I put on Lexa.
in fact, a few hours later we biked off to a bikish meeting together...

i do bikey things...

i do bikey things...
one of my recent bikey things
has been coordinating the launch of
the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition's very first t-shirt.

shameless plug:
the MBC has a membership deal going on right now
join
and get one of our t's for free.
sounds good eh?
if you live in Minneapolis -
do it
if you live anywhere else -
do it

it takes a lot to get a successful organization off the ground and running
i am proud to count myself as part of this group
i hope you will be too.

now back to regularly scheduled programming...

planting seeds...

I haven't been here much lately.
When you have been blogging for over 5 years,
now and again you wonder if you want to continue.
You wonder why you bother.
You decide to focus on real life.

But I keep coming back.
Because this space is an outlet for me,
mentally
and
creatively.

I speak my ideas here
in pictures
and
in words.

We are all getting used to our new routine,
H with his new job,
Puppy and I with the new schedule,
and all of us with the Autumn darkness.

When things outside are slowly dying,
I feel some seeds being planted,
and am excited by the possibilities.

moments...

This just in from Marc ~ I had to share!
Somehow when you run parallel to someone on the blogosphere
for so long, you begin to share moments.
Happy Moments.
Sad Moments.
Proud Moments.
Special Moments.


This is a Moment.


Thank you Marc!
Well done.

pretending...

I am still here.

I am just still pretending it is Summer.

But I know better...

Life's rhythms have changed.

still not sure about this new blogger interface...

me, him, us...

me: 40 years 6 months
him: 41 years
us: 16 years

nothing better than a lover's ride
with your sweetie
on your anniversary.

H, you've been pushing me for 16 years,
and today was no exception,
thanks for the nice ride,
today,
and always.