A friend of mine tried to see the Grand Canyon several times, only to be foiled by poor visibility (I think it was fog, most times). She liked to say the Grand Canyon didn't exist, which always reminded me of that Jamie O'Neal song, "There Is No Arizona." There is no Arizona No painted desert, … Continue reading Take Your Pic
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Sisters Are Doin’ It (For Each Other)
Isabella Lucy Bird (married Bishop) - a nineteenth century writer, humanitarian, and famed Victorian traveler, who became the first woman elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society (among other major accomplishments) - was born October 15, 1831. Happy Birthday, ILB! During her travels, Isabella wrote letters she would later compile, edit and publish into books (still in print … Continue reading Sisters Are Doin’ It (For Each Other)
In Memorium: Juana Maria
At the end of Island of the Blue Dolphins, (SPOILER ALERT) the main character named Karana is rescued from the island after years of surviving there on her own. The story continued... The real woman who inspired the 1960 book by Scott O'Dell became widely known as "The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island." As … Continue reading In Memorium: Juana Maria
Freeze Dried Sampler
This weekend will include a test of my new baby, bought in anticipation of an impending trip to Utah parks. For some reason (good judgment, maybe?) the Big 5 employees wouldn't let me cook a practice meal at the register, which is their loss because I totally would have shared. I bet REI would have let me. Hey! … Continue reading Freeze Dried Sampler
Spies Like Them
Have you seen this new mini-series, Spy in the Wild? I've only seen one episode, but it immediately became my new favorite summer show. This show is extremely delightful. The basic concept might be a bit ho-hummy "filming animals in nature," but what makes this so different is how they do it, and the amazing results. Using animatronic "spy" cameras, such … Continue reading Spies Like Them
Roadside Art: Beautiful Death Fence
Take a morning stroll down a familiar city neighborhood - you're daily commute, for instance, unless you only travel freeways - and you'll notice details easily missed when speeding through (not only commonplace details like the numbers on the houses, but the stuff between the houses that gets overlooked at first glance): lush gardens, animals in their habitat, quirky … Continue reading Roadside Art: Beautiful Death Fence
Campfire Chronicles
One of the unique pleasures (some would say "torture") of camping - even less remarked upon than the phenomenon of how food tastes better outside - is the people-watching. A campground is like an apartment complex without walls, a workplace with all the cubicles removed. I believe the term is "fishbowl environment." About the only privacy a … Continue reading Campfire Chronicles
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Inspiration
In celebration of the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, two thoughts: First, these inspirational words from the man himself that remind us why and how he earned his own holiday: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. (I know -- picture is a bit obscure, … Continue reading Martin Luther King Jr. Day Inspiration
Campfire Tales 