Becoming Linked

I had lunch yesterday with Annika Buxman of De Milo Design Studio and Letterpress. Wow...what a woman with an interesting story and gorgeous talent! Annika emailed me after the Arts Crawl to let me know she enjoyed my marbling demo and then asked me to lunch! It was such a delightful gesture that I couldn't refuse. After our tasty meals on the sunny patio of Fiore Market Cafe (the lunch spot I'm ALWAYS talking about), we went back to her studio and I got the chance to peek around her creative space. I love seeing other artists' studios...there's something so magical about them (and her space was so CLEAN and ORGANIZED!!).

I met Annika originally last October when Emmett and I passed by her studio at the previous Arts Crawl (when we were just "regular" participants) and was lured in by the layers of MARBLED PAPERS she had hanging on her walls. I. Was. Floored. There must have been 50 of them. Until then, I had not known of anyone else in the entire LA area who even knew what marbled paper was, let alone had an extensive inventory of original work. Turns out, she buys these papers from a Fair Trade organization in Bangladesh that provides working opportunities for women impacted by an oppressive cultural system. She then incorporates them into her Sustain & Heal line of invitations and stationary and other beautiful works of art. (Be sure to check out her Sustain & Heal blog.)

During our afternoon together, I was impressed by Annika's passionate commitment to her Sustain & Heal efforts. "It is very important to me," she said with such conviction that the tone of her voice and body language changed from light and airy to serious and driven when she spoke those words. And later when I commented on how inexpensive her papers were considering the headaches of importing, the challenges of working across language and cultural barriers, and the costs of shipping paper (which is deceptively HEAVY), she said her goal wasn't to make money off this adventure but to connect with these women and offer them business opportunities so they may support themselves and their children. I could feel the importance of her efforts in the pulsing energy she gave off.

When I launched Hope's Flame shortly after I left my Corporate America job, one of the driving forces behind it was raising awareness and money for four nonprofit organizations that were very close to my heart. I was donating 30% of my profits to these wonderful causes and it felt SO good that it propelled me on a daily basis. Like Annika and her marbled paper, I wasn't making candles to become rich. I simply wanted to cover my expenses and "pay it forward." The business philosophy touched the hearts of so many people, including Linda Mechanic, owner of Peach Tree Pottery and Studio, who would give me my first retail opportunity by selling Hope's Flame candles in her studio and by participating in her annual Holiday Show. In this way, I was able to reach even more people about the nonprofits I supported. It would also lead to very precious friendships with Linda and two other women who have been instrumental in my current life. It should come as no surprise that these women also have philanthropic projects they participate in.

So after returning home from my lunch with Annika, I realized that now that Hope's Flame is on hiatus, I am not ACTIVELY involved in promoting and building awareness about a nonprofit. Yes, I still donate my personal time and money to worthy causes, but I haven't LINKED my marbling to anything. And it's time to. I've been very busy, the past year especially, learning the ins and outs of becoming a marbling artist--from becoming better at the art form itself to marketing and selling my pieces--and now it feels right to add another layer, that of helping others, to this adventure.

I have the blessed luxury of a husband's gift of time and financial support in addition to his unwavering belief in me and constant encouragement. I don't take these gifts for granted and am conscious of making the most of them every day. I want to be able to offer something similar to someone or something else. Hope's Flame's mission was to support causes that contributed to the hope of another person, an animal, or the earth. I still like that mission statement and it continues to feel relevant to who I am and what I believe in. I will spend some time over the next few months figuring out how to incorporate it into my marbling.

Looks like I've just added another goal to my 41 for 41 list!

Asking for a Pass

It would figure that the day after I post an update about my 41 for 41 goal of giving up TV during the month of February, I find out that PBS' American Experience is airing "Clinton" on February 20 and 21. I'm sorry folks, but I'm going to have to watch this. I know it puts a dent in my goal, but if you've seen PBS' remarkable The Presidents series, you'll understand. And even if you haven't seen the series, I'm sure you get why someone in my generation would NEED to see this.

Please forgive my infidelity on this goal (pun totally intended...oh, Bill).

There is a ton of great video on the PBS website, including a 12-minute clip of the first part.

41 for 41: Progress Report

Here is a quick update on some of my 41 for 41 goals:

Go on a trip to either the Oregon coast or Nova Scotia: I can't decide!!! I'm stuck. Any advice?!

Go on a meteor trip: According to the research I've done, the best meteor shower to behold will be in mid-December when Geminids hits the sky and hits it hard. It's on my calendar.

Take a fabric marbling class: A few options here that I'm working on. If all works out, I'll be taking a group class at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts as soon as the end of March. Plan B is a private class mid-year. The third option is to teach myself...but I prefer the experience of a classroom and the tailored communication of an instructor. In other words, a human picks up on subtle cues such as the funny look on my face that says, "Wait, what the heck am I doing?! I'm not getting it!!" and walks me through it. A book just stares back at me (and I get a funny feeling that it's mocking me too!)

Another girls’ getaway with Nan, Steph, and Heidi: Look out, Orcas Island, HERE WE COME!!! No, seriously...you better start preparing yourself, residents of the San Juan Island. Especially the ice cream shops. My girls are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the frozen treat...just ask Portland, Maine and Asheville, NC and Santa Fe, New Mexico!

Sailing the British Virgin Islands with Mom: Only a few weeks away! Working on my packing list right now--swim suit, swim suit, water sandals, swim suit, PJs, hat, swim suit, toothbrush... I mean, really, we're on a boat for seven days. I don't think I'll need much more than that. I do, however, need to get some coral-reef-friendly sunscreen as studies have shown regular sunscreens containing certain chemicals are causing "coral bleaching" and killing them off. These chemicals are bad for us too so there's no better time for me to invest in a better sunscreen for me and the planet!

Find a recipe for bread that you want to make over and over again: Tricky one. I've managed to find TWO recipes that I DON'T want to make ever again! I also have two that I really like, one for cornbread and one for herb bread, but they aren't the type of bread that I'm looking to conquer. I want something like La Brea's 12-grain bread, which can hold up to a hearty pasta meal or does justice to my awesome spreads like artichoke tapanade or roasted red pepper dip. I also would KILL to make the rustic bread that comes from the ovens of Fiore Market Cafe in South Pas. Oh. My. Lord. It is the bomb...the thin, crunchy crust and the silky soft inside. HEAVEN. I just learned they offer bread making classes so I may have to sign up for one!

Commit to a regular exercise routine: No, this is not a New Year's resolution. Nor is it about weight loss. But it is about a healthy lifestyle. My mom made tremendous recoveries BOTH times from her cancer battles and my sister-in-law has recovered remarkably from her stroke. I firmly believe this had less to do with their doctors and everything to do with the fact that they were incredibly healthy BEFORE their medical problems happened. Both of these women exercise daily (yoga, running, biking are amongst their favorite activities), eat well (one is vegan and the other a part-time vegetarian), and drink wine.  I've long had the last two things covered, but I've never been a fan of exercising. I love to hike, swim, surf, kayak, and go on long walks with my hubby...but don't call it exercise or I'll never do it again. Time to change that mindset. "To exercise!" is my daily Happy Hour toast. (Hey, it's a start!) Actually, I've been taking a daily walk (between 1.5 and 4 miles through the hills in my neighborhood) and doing a core-strengthening exercise routine three times a week. I'd like to add a weekly 5-10 mile weekend hike at some point.

No TV for the month of February: For the record, Emmett and I not TV people in general. We don't have cable (not even the basic package). Our TV is analog (rabbit ears!) and only something like 32" wide. It's tucked away in the corner of our bedroom. We usually only watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Sarah Conner Chronicles on DVD but do take in regular programing like Modern Family, New Girl, and the late-evening news. So it was kind of a surprise to me to find that giving up TV actually has had a positive and rewarding impact on my evenings. They are much quieter, I'm reading A LOT more, and the "pillow talk" with Emmett is more fun and interesting. I actually LOOK FORWARD to snubbing my nose at the screen each evening.

Kayak Elkhorn Slough: Tentatively scheduled for end of April.

Visit Faraollon Islands: Tentatively scheduled for June.

Hike Point Lobos State Reserve: Tentatively scheduled for beginning of May.

Do a Delta River tour: Tentatively scheduled for July.

I've learned two things so far from the 41 for 41 experience: it doesn't take much to make things happen (pick a goal and do it!) and it's addicting. Very addicting. Sometimes I find myself with a little breathing time and rather than just chill, I get anxious and I'm all, "Oooohhh, where's my 41 for 41 list? What's on there that I can be working on?!!" Not sure if that's good or not but since my family hasn't staged an intervention yet, I figure I'm okay. Until then, I'll just keep on pursuing...

Thank you, South Pasadena!

It's Sunday, late afternoon, and I am sitting in front of a glowing fire in my fireplace, enjoying a nice glass of red wine, recovering from my most extraordinary experience at the South Pasadena Arts Crawl Saturday night.

What an evening. Chilly and wet…perfect for marbling, bad for an Arts Crawl. And yet, Book'em Mysteries Bookstore, who was hosting me, was PACKED. Emmett estimated more than 100 people came through the door, attracted by the "artist in the window" (that’s me, the blur in the gray top in the photo above)! I marbled for four hours straight, sharing the history, the technical aspects, and the pure joy of marbling the entire time. At one point, there were so many people inside the store, people went OUTSIDE and stood in the cold to watch me marble through the window. It was INSANE!!

I was so happy that people were fascinated by the art form...so many great questions were asked, so many “oohs and awes,” and I even got a “that’s tight” from a hipster, 20-something male totally blown away when I pulled a piece from the bath. My goal to “bring marbling to the masses” was far exceeded.

Thank you, South Pasadena residents, for coming out (especially considering the "bad" weather) to show your support for local artists and businesses. And for loving the art of marbling as much as I do!

Getting Ready for the Arts Crawl

[slideshow] I am SO excited for the South Pasadena Arts Crawl this Saturday. In addition to my marbling demonstration at Book'em Mysteries (from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.), I put together a little slideshow of a few things I'll have for sale including individual papers, note cards, framed artwork, and more!

Hope to see you there!

South Pasadena Arts Crawl Saturday, February 11 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Book'em Mysteries Bookstore (conveniently located next to Mission Wines!) 1118 Mission Street South Pasadena, CA 91030

Title

My new business cards arrived yesterday and I'm very pleased with them. They have an American pattern on front (my current favorite to make) done in subtle white and brown with hints of yellow and pops of bright blue all marbled on this funky chocolate-brown paper. On the back is a New Jersey ripple pattern in bright yellow and green, peppered with cool spots of light blue. Soothing on the front. Energetic on the back. I think it works.

It feels weird to give oneself a business card, let alone a title on that business card, especially that of "artist." When I worked in Corporate America, I always took on a title or was given a new one when promoted. In either case, I didn't have a voice in naming what I did...and that never bothered me. It was just work, after all. Unlike many of my colleagues, who always seemed obsessed about their titles, I used to say my employer could call me Monkey Doo-Doo Big Butt Face, as long as they paid me well and paid me on time.

But this right now...this is my LIFE. I didn't quit my job seven years ago so I could go on to being MORE Corporate America. I quit my job so I could do something that is A PART of my life, part of ME, not separate from them the way my first career was. I struggled FOREVER to figure out what to put on the masthead of this blog so it should come as no surprise that I was absolutely freaking out about what to call myself on my new business card.

For a long time, I felt that "artist" was a title that should be bestowed upon one, not taken up. You don't get to call yourself an artist the same way you don't call yourself a "hero" (even if it's true). Perhaps that's the Midwesterner in me...I'll take another piece of humble pie, please. I told this once to my friend, Christine, who looked me right in the eye and asked, "Why can't you call yourself that?" She wasn't asking a rhetorical question. She seriously was baffled. And I had no answer for her.

But another reason I had a hard time coming up with a business card title is because I don't like to be labeled. More specifically, I don't like to be pigeonholed. If I call myself an "artist," does that mean I have to give up my "bookbinding" self or my "chef" self or my "conservationist" self? I am all these things too. How do I choose just one title/label without feeling like I'm abandoning all the others?

That's when I decided to add "and so much more" to the title of "artist, marbler, writer." It gives me a little (or a lot of) wiggle room, some space for me to continue to explore myself and what I want to be when I grow up (whenever that will be). It also is an homage to my favorite way to describe myself: while I'm not really good at any one thing, I am a little bit good at a lot of things. And I wouldn't change that for the world.

I think Christine will be okay with that.

Local Artist

As I was doing some marketing work for my upcoming participation in the South Pasadena Arts Crawl on Saturday, I was looking at the Book'em Mysteries website and saw this (click on image for larger view):

Do you see that? I'm a "local artist"!!!

One of my 41 for 41 goals was to "become a part of the South Pasadena art community." There are so many layers to this mission that sometimes my head spins. It's also something that is hard to quantify. Do I consider the mission accomplished when I participate in the Arts Crawl? When the corner coffee shop displays my work for a month? When I have my first solo show at one of South Pas' super cool galleries? When I walk down the street and see people pointing and whispering to one another, "There she is!"?

I can't explain to you the feeling that came over me when I saw those two words on the website: local artist. With some simple strokes on a keyboard, I went from being an obscure resident of South Pasadena to a FIGURE in the community. I play a role now, much like a "firefighter" or "business owner" or "librarian" play a role in making up the various facets of the place one calls "my neighborhood." Granted, I'm not saving anyone's house from burning to the ground but who wants to call a place "home" that is devoid of art?

Being a local artist is just one step toward becoming a part of the South Pasadena art community. But it's not enough for me to check it off the list. The songwriter/singer/producer Joe Henry lives in South Pasadena. His recent album, Reverie (which is out of this world!), was recorded at his home, windows open, with all that makes up the sound of South Pas incorporated into his mix. Yeah, he's definitely a local artist but is he a part of the art community (the bigger question is does he WANT to be...he certainly has no obligation to)?

Emmett and I attended last October's South Pas Arts Crawl, where, among many other places, we checked out the DeMilo Design Studio and Letterpress and talked to owner and artist Annika Buxman about her work (as documented in Sunday's Valley Sun newspaper photo above). It's where we discovered that Fiore Market Cafe has vegan items on their menu (and is now our new favorite lunch spot!). It's where I bought a watercolor that touched my heart and two handmade stuffed creatures for my new niece...both from "local artists." We participate in the Arts Crawl because we'd much rather spend time wandering through the amazing Native American art and jewelry gallery at Santa Fe Crafts on Mission Street than have a 99-cent store in its place. Because I was more inspired by the Tiny Stampede exhibit at the Space Art Center than I ever can be sitting at a Starbucks surfing the web. And because I'd much rather take in a show at the Fremont Centre Theatre than make the traffic-nightmare trek over to the West Side for live entertainment.

I put joining the art community on my list because not only do I want to be known as a local artist, but because I want to be part of a LARGER GROUP that works to foster and celebrate an active art culture in the neighborhood. Perhaps that goal is lofty but I'm willing to take a stab at it nonetheless. What have I got to lose?

Hello, February!

Why does it already feel like the year is flying by? It's only the second month yet I can't help but feel so much has happened while at the same time not enough has happened. In other words, I'm starting to panic about getting things done. I think part of this is coming from my 41 for 41 list, which technically started in November thereby making my "new year" three months old. And some of it is coming from a hard-driving process that my friend, Ann, and I are doing called "micromovements" (more on that in a second). But I also suspect that my decision to embrace marbling as my "second career" is contributing to this sense of rush. I feel like I have a lifetime of learning I need to cram into the next minute, hour, day, year because I got a "late start" (how could I not have known about this art form until I was in my 30s?!!). I want to be a kick-ass marbler and I want to be that NOW.

This is all to say that I'm beginning to have a love-hate relationship with my to-do lists. I'm digging my 41 for 41 because I'm doing things that always "fell between the cracks" year after year--things that were easy to put off until "another time" but that time always ended up just floating out there and never anchoring. But this list also makes me anxious because if I'm not crossing something off it every single day, I feel like I'm not doing anything. And then I get mad at myself.

That's where the micromovements come in. Some of my goals are straight forward and easy, such as a visit Watts Towers. To accomplish this, I just need to look up the hours it's open, pick a day to go, and determine how to get there. Simple. But some of my goals have many more layers to it, like becoming part of my local art community. With the micromovement process, I break that big idea into lots and lots of little steps, pick one of those little steps, and get it done in a set time frame (Ann and I meet weekly). Then the next week, I pick another little step and get that done. And so on and so on until there are no more little steps left and the big goal is accomplished! Micromovements help manage the sense of feeling overwhelmed (not to mention the feelings of fear and uncertainty) that often comes with BIG, IMPORTANT, MEANINGFUL goals that leave us like a deer in headlights: where do I being, how do I get there, what the hell am I doing?

And, like my 41 for 41 list, I have a love-hate relationship with my micromovements. First of all, they work. Boy do those micromovements work! I've gotten things done that I don't think I would have had I not taken those baby steps toward accomplishing something. Secondly, having Ann as an accountability partner makes a huge difference. It's not only motivating, supportive, and inspiring, it's much more fun! And thirdly, I'm definitely feeling more confident these days when approaching something new.

On the other hand, micromovements are ALWAYS there, sometimes whispering, sometimes shouting at me. I have moments where I want to tell them to f-off and that I'm going to do what I want to do today...which usually has nothing at all to do with a single thing on any of my lists. And that's when I feel guilty.

I just got back from an unplanned week away from home (I was in Florida helping my sister-in-law recover from a medical situation) which means I was away from all my lists and micromovements and everything one is normally responsible for doing during a day or a week. All I did was what had to be done at the very moment. No planning. No crossing things off lists. Just reacting. And it felt really, really good to do that.

Upon my return, I took a step back and looked at my goals and lists and micromovements and decided to start clean. I threw away all to-do lists, re-prioritized goals, and took on fewer tasks than I had been taking on these past few months. And I think that's what we all need to do every once-in-a-while. We create these lists and have grand ideas of what we want to accomplish and then dive right in coming up for air only when we have maxed out our lungs. And that's not all bad. Focus, action, and accomplishment are the whole point. But it can also get out of control. I think we need to build into these lists time for reflection, for a break, for CELEBRATING all that we HAVE done so far and all that we GET TO DO down the road. I don't want to become a slave to my lists. I want them to be as alive and beautiful and adventuresome and fluid as I am.

I love you 41 for 41 and micromovements. Thank you for getting me here today. But as in any healthy relationship, it's necessary to have your own time too. Instead of seeing February as another passing deadline, I'm going to enjoy February for what it should be--the second month of the year, Black History Month, the month of love, the month where I participate in the Arts Crawl, and, most importantly, some time for living life off the list.

South Pasadena Arts Crawl: I'll Be There doing a Marbling Demo!

I am VERY excited to announce that I'll be participating in the South Pasadena Arts Crawl on Saturday, February 11. I'll be doing a marbling demonstration from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Book ‘em Mysteries (1118 Mission Street). I'll also have cards, individual marbled papers, and framed artwork available for sale.

The South Pasadena Art Crawl is a FREE event offering something for everyone: gallery openings, artwork across all mediums, live music, and interactive art experiences. Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, a black and white classic, will be played on the side of the Iron Works Museum, courtesy of Videothéque (our FAVORITE video store!). For more details, check out the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.

All attractions at the Arts Crawl are within blocks of one another so you can easily park and walk to everything. Restaurants will be open and Food Trucks will be on the street. Shops and boutiques (South Pas has so many really cool stores) will offer special sales in what’s being billed as a “neighborhood night-on-the-town.”

Emmett and I attended the last Arts Crawl in October and had a wonderful, wonderful evening. I had no idea there were so many AMAZING artists and SPECTACULAR galleries in South Pas! I even splurged and bought a piece of artwork for myself (which I am still madly in love with!). It's because of the Arts Crawl that I put "become a part of the South Pasadena art community" on my 41 for 41 list.

I hope you'll come out and enjoy an evening filled with wonderful artists and musicians as well as take in the unique feel and charm of South Pasadena. It's why Emmett and I love living here!

Apparently, we all CAN get along

I love that this dog is surrounded by half a dozen animals 10 times his weight and he doesn't think twice about going into a submissive pose when he realizes they are unsure of him. He extended an olive branch and in return made some friends. Why can't humans do that? I'm in a challenging situation with another person right now and perhaps I'll take a cue from the dog. I just need to figure out what my submissive pose looks like.

Oh, and for those of you still eating meat, please note the beautiful curiosity, highly social behavior, and gentleness of the cows--just like the dog--and then ask yourself why it's okay to eat one and not the other. I'm just sayin'...

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msbSys9Z27I?rel=0&w=480&h=360]

Marbling Apprentice

Been hanging out with this little one for the past few days. On Friday we'll be digging into the art supplies to see what she's capable of. Hold on tight, Folks...we may have another marbler in the family!!

The Three Deadliest Words in the World: It's a Girl

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISme5-9orR0?rel=0&w=640&h=360]

When Everything is Aligned Just Right

First things first...the winner of my first giveaway, a marbled calendar, is Bridget! I'm thrilled the calender will be replacing the freebie Fleet Farm calendar she currently has up in her house (only those from Minnesota will understand what I'm talking about). But everyone is a winner when they read my blog so all who left a comment will be getting a little surprise in the mail as well. What can I say...I'm a giver.

The above pattern is called a Chevron. It is an easy one to make: a Getgel and then two straight-forward passes of a rake. Any marbler with even an ounce of experience at the bath can do it. But sometimes even executing an easy pattern can make you feel like you just unlocked the secret of marbling.

I have made countless Chevrons, but this one, when I lifted it from the bath, really made an impression on me. It looked like no other Chevron I had ever done before. There are two reasons for this. First, this was done during one of my pattern practice sessions so I was incredibly conscious of my strokes, the position of my body relative to the tank, and even my breathing. There are times when I marble just for the fun of marbling and I'm less focused on execution and more focused on playing and experimenting. I'm not necessarily being "sloppy," but I'm not as concerned about precision like I was when I made this Chevron.

Secondly, the bath was at the absolute perfect depth to produce just the right amount of drag to create those long, pointy arrow tops. And that's why I love this piece so much. LOOK AT THOSE POINTY TOPS!! They seem to go on forever. You'll notice the ones on the bottom are a little shorter than than ones in the middle and top. That's usually what my Chevrons look like. But not this time...they are long, long, long!! Check this one out:

Every pattern has a "sweet spot" on the bath. Putting aside variables such as temperature, humidity, etc., the depth of size in the bath plays a key role. Deeper baths are wonderful for Getgels, Chevrons, and Nonpariels whereas shallower baths are more suitable for Bouquet or Peacock.

So when I made these two pieces, one right after the other, the depth of the bath was perfect, my concentration was solid, and the temp and humidity level were on my side. Everything was aligned just right, a rarity in the marbling world. And I'm thrilled to have experienced it!

Beauty...and my first giveaway!

Look at that gorgeous pattern! It's called a Double Cabled Nonpareil and I'm in love with making it. I used to hate this pattern. I thought it was ugly and I didn't have fun creating it. But I've been marbling in a smaller tank these days (11 x 14 vs. my regular 20 x 25), partly because it's easier to set up and tear down a small tank for a quick-hit marbling session (which is all I've had time for lately) and partly because it allows me to practice patterns more easily...even the ones I thought I hated!

In a small tank, I can practice a pattern four times to every one time in the big tank. Economically it makes sense too since four small sheets of paper cost the same as one big sheet. And since one of my goals for this year is to master 30 or so traditional marbling patterns, it's best to stick to the most efficient and cost-effective practice practices!

And speaking of practicing, I'm experimenting with scanning and taking photos of my work in order to see how they turn out in commercially printed things such as calendars and fabrics for quilting. My first such project was to create a 2012 calendar using Snapfish.

I'm not a huge fan of Snapfish's quality (I've had regular photos printed by them and have been very disappointed in the product) but this was just a practice run for me, they had the particular STYLE of calendar I was looking for, and they offered me a buy-one-get-one-free deal. In the end, I was quite pleased with the way my photos scanned and how they turned out on the calendar. There are two that didn't turn out at all but now I've learned that highly textured papers DO NOT scan well (February's marbled piece) and neither do metallic paints (December's marbled piece). But I really am digging the rest of the calendar!

So I have an extra 2012 calendar to give away to one of you, my wonderful followers! Just leave a comment (all you have to do is say hi!) by 5 p.m. PT, Thursday, January 19, 2012. I'll pick a winner and drop it in the mail to you on Friday!

Good luck!

41 for 41: Hike Vasquez Rocks

There are three ways Emmett and I blow off steam or recharge our batteries. Each way fits a particular time frame. When there is little time and all we can fit in is a quick hit, we make it a special Happy Hour at the end of a long, hard day of work. These Happy Hours generally involve a large spread of munchies; a good, stiff specialty drink; and some music, preferably something on vinyl which is soothing to the ears the way CDs can NEVER be (currently we're listening to Adele's 19 and 21, Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto, and Joe Henry's Reverie).

On the other end of the spectrum, when we have vast amounts of time, we always turn to Australia. It is our spiritual homeland and the second we step foot on it, we instantly feel peaceful, calm, and soothed (of course, that might have something to do with being released from an airplane we just spent 13 hours on). We went there TWICE last year, for two weeks both times. Blew our entire travel budget but it was worth every cent.

But for those in-between times, when we have a full day or two to spend on us, we always do a hike. Hauling our butts up a mountain or through a canyon gives us a perspective of our place in the natural world that we need (and desire).

I put Vasquez Rocks on my 41 for 41 list this year because it is an area as ancient as the earth's belly, and, like tidepooling, I am drawn to such experiences. Sitting on the Elkhorn Fault, an offshoot of the San Andreas Fault, the spectacular rock formations that span the 900+ acre park were, quite literally, belched from the earth 25 million years ago. It was home to the Tataviam Indians who left behind morteros and several prominent pictographs for us to marvel at. One can't help but feel privy to the world BEFORE when you scramble over these stunning rocks, smell the dust, watch the crows patrol overhead, and take in the high desert for all the beauty and cruelty it offers.

Vasquez Rocks reminded me, once again, why I love living in this richly layered place.

[slideshow]