Desert Rats

On Friday we, loaded up Popup Penny and headed East for the long weekend. The last time we visited this place, O was just learning to crawl and we were braving the camping thing with a 9 month old. This time, we had two kids, one dog and three full days to play.

As soon as we crested the hill and the kids could see the big open playa, Fifi let out he biggest squeal of delight I have ever heard. I don't know if she was coo-coo from the long ride or just so happy to be camping again, but her comedic timing struck again and we all belly laughed.

 

I feel extremely at home on the desert. The playa is where I learned to drive, where I learned to watch the stars and look for UFOs. Although this isn't the Black Rock Desert (where I grew up), this smaller version is very much a happy place for me.It is called the Smith Creek Playa, located just outside of Austin, Nevada.

 

There is something truly otherworldly about being in a place so flat and desolate. It's like being at the ocean, only quieter. You can hear your heart beat, your breath and the wind in your ears. I practiced my yoga and went for two during our stay, pretty amazing on both accounts.

 

The weekend consisted of lots of time on the bicycle for O. Tons of running around trying to keep up with the big kids for Fifi. We all did some land sailing, rocket launching, kite flying, hot springs dipping, mud playing, giggling and visiting with friends.

I think I might be raising desert rats, and I'm cool with that.

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is always hard, but it was Easter Sunday and I needed to get home to my little chicks.

I really do love going to the "City". I am not sure if I am really a city girl, (hello, I grew up in a town of 600 people, so the answer is probably, "no"). But a visit always does me good.

It was a wet ride home on Sunday morning. So glad for only rain and not snow. All those drops sure did make for some pretty light and amazing green.

Thanks San Fran. Let's do it again soon.

Seeing my Sisters

I don't even know where to begin for this post, but I need to get things down before they totally slip from my memory. I started to write this and realized I have too many images to just toss up here all at once.I am going to try to break things down into visual bites.
I think the best and most appropriate place to start is by saying, a huge thank you to Holly for coming out west from Philly and giving an excuse for a gathering, to Kim for allowing me to crash at her lovely and cozy home, and to Hillary for her hospitality on Friday evening. I also want to give a shout out a certain girl who goes by the name of Smallroots. We shared some good ass margaritas and conversation, thanks girl, that meeting in real time was a long time coming!

I also need to say thank you to all of the amazing women who came out on Saturday. You all have no idea how full I am because of each of you. Your creativity online fuels me on a regular basis, meeting you in person was like rocket fuel for the soul.

I heard one thing being said over and over again as we walked along on Saturday, "I am with my people."
It's true, I felt so at home with all of you. When you hanging with other photographers there is no reason to explain yourself or your art. They understand when you have to lug around 5 (ahem, yes 5) different cameras, they get having to be down low or up high for 'the shot', or stopping randomly (usually mid sentence) when something catches your eye and you wander off. The "know", there is a look that happens and everyone see it and understands. I was truly with "my people", 'my shutter sisters" on Friday and Saturday.

Friday evening was spent at Hillary's beautiful home. We sipped wine, ate yummy cheese had a fantastic dinner and shared decadent desserts. We kept warm with the conversation and outdoor fire place. Chit-chatt went on seamlessly for several hours ranging from everything photography, life, and adventures of traveling... when you are around Holly and Jenny, you are bound to discuss world travel.

Saturday, the true adventured began as we crossed the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and found our way to Chinatown. I have so much more to share from the day. I will have a post a day for the next 4 or 5 days all about this amazing trip. It's hard to believe I was only in Bay Area for just over 48 hours! Stay tuned.

With Cheese

 They are my double-double (trouble-trouble)

With cheese. (and I couldn't love them more)

squeeze kids

Breakfast at the Squeeze In over the weekend.

silly faces

eyelashes for miles

and smiles.

over the weekend

Over the weekend we took pictures.

Fluttered in the wind

ran in the fog.

explored at the Discovery Museum

went shoe shopping

Giggled.

Made brownies while singing "where is thumb man..."

played with color

ignored the sorting and noticed the light

Found more color

and opted for naps and snuggles when the house was quite and still.

San to the Fran

It was my last weekend of being 34, so we packed our bags and headed west...
No dog, no kids, very loose plans for what we wanted to do, and reservations for a bed and breakfast.

Auburn Alehouse is a favorite stop along the way to or from the "City".
I miss all the green and old buildings in Auburn.
It smelled so good in town, just like I remembered it from when I lived there.

 

Westbound, the sun set was killer near the Yolo Wildlife area.

The Monte Cristo is a fantastic mix of Victorian and uber modern...

 

 I would go back in a heart beat.
The wall paper, the jazz in the hall way speakers and the creaking old wood floors.




The fancy potty had more controls than the TV remote.

 

awesome.

We checked in and then decided to wander around the neighborhood a bit.
I think we were both pretty tired from a busy week, so we turned in early.
I was out like a light practically before my head hit the pillow.

We got up bright and early on Saturday.



We checked the maps, pulled on our running shoes and headed out the door.
(I figured out how to do the panorama option on my iphone, YES!)

Running in the Presidio and in Crissie Field is a treat.

These stairs, however..... there were a lot of them and near the end of the 5.5miole run.

 

Showers, coffee,

 

breakfast, more coffee and out the door for adventuring.








SF MOMA


China Town
(where I got a new hat..)





I was hell bent on going to Harry's for a mojitto and Pizzeria Delfina for dinner.
The broccoli raab did not disappoint.

I shot film almost all weekend with the 'new' camera.
 Minni is a ton of fun.

Sunday, we drove through Golden Gate Park and watched surfers play in the ocean, it wasn't like December at all.



We reluctantly checked out of the B&B and then took a walked along the wharf.
Oysters and beer for lunch.
 


It was a pretty awesome weekend.
 Thank you to family for taking the kids and to my husband for making me feel very special.