Rocks and Ropes

I've been hanging at the Rock gym a few hours every weekend. Its this vortex of time. What is cool is that you can think about nothing...except you and the rock. Sometimes we just need to only think about the rock.

Missin' me buddy!

Okay...its been two weeks since I washed my camera. Its still not working and the humidity here in AZ has been (or at least felt) like 5%. I think it is officially dead. DRATS! I miss me buddy, me camera. I'm back in the market...for a new camera. Merry Christmas to me!!!!

Land of Enchantment

I was sitting here dreaming of a hike in the Enchantments. If you don't know the Enchantments...its one of those "do before you die" types of experiences. I'll let my 2003 video communicate it all. Kids, cover your eyes...I forgot I was captured in the wild.

Flex-Car

I flex car; flex car is cool and very Seattle.
flex car lets you grab a car anywhere around town by just placing your card on the windshield; doors open; keys in glove box; punch in secret code; drive. Its very cool. It reminds me of those bikes in Copenhagen (community bikes) that you just grab and use when you need some wheels. Flex car is freedom from the car (unlike the image shown on its website) and you only pay for what you use - gas and insurance all included.
I flex car, its cool.

Fashion Faux Pas

This weekend was Art Basel in Miami. Its a big festival of art that draws people from cold climates for a weekend to view art in the sun of Miami Beach. For some reason these people also feel the need to wear really bad pants; pink plaid, baby blue, lime green, canary yellow, etc. I mean every third person you pass is a fashion faux pas. I think these people (mostly new yorkers that seem to think this is what you wear in Miami) are trying to be artful themselves. Basically they look silly and need to be issued a fashion citation. I know the locals must laugh inside every year - or at least I was (but rest assured I'm not a local).

Go Habs

I attended my first Hockey game ever last night. It was the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Buffalo Sabers IN MONTREAL! Wow, what action. Before the game we went to this nice French restaurant, ate a medium rare filet (arrrrrgh), drank some thick, bold red wine...then meandered into the shrine of hockey - the new forum for the Montreal hockey team. I've learned so much about the pride (and prejudice) of the French Canadians - including the renaming of historic streets that sound too english, the booing of the Canadian national anthem. However, the recent conclusion of the strike...the French are now for the first time embracing the anthem and nationalism (or so it seemed). It was cool to feel the excitement and passion of these people for the chasing of a black rubber disk on ice...and the passion for their culture; I am after all French Canadian (with a US Passport)! Peeeeeeecarrrrrrrrrrr(d).

No Confidence

Sitting here in Montreal, I'm reading about Canada's four party system; not perfect, but some interesting points to take back home. So if the party in power receives a majority vote of no-confidence - an immediate election takes place (usually within 5 weeks) for the Prime Minister. Wow, just think how much money is NOT spent on a national campaign in 5 weeks. I wonder if we had an ability to "no-confidence" vote our President...how long would it take before a "no-confidence" vote occurred? I guess we need more than a two party system...and to still be under the rule of the queen. I'm game.

Thud

Thud.
After riding all day, I threw my laundry into my front loading washer.
Thud.
Hmmmm, that's odd.
Searching my jersey's back pockets, I thought...
Thud,
Doesn't seem like a laundry sound.
Thud,
was likely the sound of heavy laundry...yeah,
Thud.
Spinning to conclusion, I removed my laundry for its toss in the dryer.
Thud?
Holy crap...what is that remaining in the washer?
Thud?
Its square, its shiny its...
THUD!
my camera.
thud.

OK Corral-ing

Saturday, Mark and I rode from Tombstone, AZ to Bisbee (which is just a spit from the actual border between US and Mexico). We were amazed at the thriving metropolis that existed in this part of the country prior to 1880; all to mine silver (later flooded with water and emptying the town). Well, mark rode through the center of town, along the facade of the OK corral - and the famous shoot out.

So I asked Mark..."why is this place so special where two people died from modest injuries in a gun fight, AND people flock here from all around the country, YET this stuff happens everyday in cities all across the country." Mark said..."well, it was legal here." Well, Tombstone was a little too made-up...but Bisbee was the coolest, hipest town for being nearly 150 miles from an airport and 30 minutes from a military base. Bisbee had hip cafes, theaters, galleries (not the cheesy type) and great espresso. The ride back was graced with a strong tail wind.

winter riding

sun is out;
its on a low angle;
long shadows;
gentle hues;
75 degrees;
no wind;
puffy clouds;
12hrs of daylight.
is it november?
yup, in AZ.

Here we (Deb, Arch, Paul, Emily and Mark) were taking it all in on a typical winter riding day up Lemmon - sans sleeves, jackets, full-finger gloves.

Turkey Day Fun

Here is a cool clip of Mark crusin' along the ridge above windy point, yes it is Mount Lemmon (again). We had to climb to mile 17 to make room for the extra pie. Oh yeah...then we went for a 2.5 hour hike. Fun.

Vrooooooom

Had to do it in color (sepia wouldn't work). Here it is!

Pure bliss baby! These are my new wheels 2006 Audi Avant Quattro, straight off the dock from Germany (it actually arrived in the port of Miami the same time Wilma did - not a scratch!). The details: Its a 2.0 liter V4 Turbo that jams.

Oh and it get 33 mph per gallon. Oh yeah...and its morrow blue (gotta give the color - 'cause I'm a chick).

It Hurts

109 miles; Two dusty river crossings; 7500+ riders; That is the annual El Tour de Tucson.
Yesterday I finished this race in 5 hours 24 minutes at an average speed of 20.3 mph (which includes 1 stop to refill water bottles). The top women was 4 hours 54 minutes...so I've got some work to do. I'm pretty happy about my time...because I finished with a Platinum metal; which means I earned a VIP start next year. Next year? Oh man, this race hurts. I hurt. My head hurts. My shoulders hurt, yet I'm feeling pretty good today...

Klock

Here is a wicked cool clock

Cycling Legends, Icons & Rock Stars

Last night I went to the fancy dinner preceding the El Tour de Tucson (the annual 109 mile race with over 7,500 riders). So at this dinner I met some of the legends, icons and rock stars of cycling. Actually...Jo, Jon, Dean and I had a bit of debate on what distinguishes the various designation among us in cycling. Here is what I concluded:

• LEGEND - an individual who inspires a story coming down from the past; especially: one popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable.
• Eddy Merckx
• Greg Lemond
• Lance Armstrong
  

• ICON - an object having cultural significance and the capacity to excite or objectify a response.
• Mario Cipolini
• Bob Roll

• ROCK STAR - an outstandingly talented performer that can easily take center stage with its abilities;
• Ivan Basso
• Floyd Landis (I stood about 3 feet away from this Rock Star last night).
  

The Things People Think Of...

Another hypnotic website...
Free Falling Georgie
Okay...its kinda fun.
NOTE: If he gets stuck just drag him with your mouse.

Sleepy

Travel makes me so sleepy. I landed back in Tucson from Miami this morning around 1am. Got in bed at 2:30am, then woke at 5am to get ready for a presentation. Yeah...this picture my sister took of me explains it all.

Unifying

My friend Matt and his partner Rob adopted the most amazing little boy; Cory. Cory just turned 1 (same day as my birthday - October 13th) and he has some of the darkest skin I've seen combined with an infectious smile (which now has teeth - never before seen). I'm amazed that when a couple of white folks, push around this little baby in a stroller...all of us showing love, care, hope, joy toward this amazing little creature...people the world over are unified; the one world we live in. No matter what color you are, you can't help smile. Its amazing. As we strolled through central park this weekend...my sister had to grab this bundle of joy too.

It goes to 22

I'm sure you must be getting sick of me talking about mt lemmon, but I don't get sick of riding it; it goes to 22 and 9,000 feet. Here was my climb (again) captured at mile #3 this morning. On Sunday...Chris and I rode to the top where the ski run is flanked by the famous fudge shop. We had a great climb - 32 minutes to mile marker 5 (a record)passing the masses.

I'm headed to New York city tomorrow morning - mt lemmon will wait for me next week. My twin sis will be meeting me in the Big Apple. Cool. More later!

Surge of Lisas

Don't ask me how I found this web site...but it's wicked cool; Baby Naming Wizard. What I find most fascinating is to follow the continuum of a name through time, its surges and disappearance from societal use. Quite frankly, I don't know why "Lisa" hasn't had a massive comeback since its #1 ranking in the 60's. I think my parents were a little past the curve...but I still like the name.

Ripping Down

descending on Lemmon is so crazy cool, I had to capture its fun on my camera this morning. I know it was crazy to pull off such a stunt when you are ripping down at 40mph, but there was a nice straight section so I seized it.

Earth Google-ing

Okay...I spent way too much time google-ing the earth. If you haven't downloaded google earth, DON'T DO IT. I spent several hours plugging in all my prior residences - starting with my childhood home in Downey, California to my apartment in Cambridge when I was trapped at MIT. Wow, the memories of these spaces kept flowing (neighbors, daily rituals, etc.)

When you Google the earth, it zooms you across the globe (anywhere you pick including the Eiffel Tower if you choose) to a satellite image with such detail, I could see the color of my house in Seattle. Then you can change the angle of the aerial to make it a perspective. Unbelievable! AND its all free. Wow! Google will also likely own this earth we can now search. Below is the results of me googling my home in Tucson. You can see that Mount Lemmon is just behind...waiting me and my bike tomorrow morning! Woooooo Hooooo!

Clif Dwelling

Racing home this evening and at the mercy of my carpool buddy (actually Kevin Kelly the President of Canyon Ranch), I landed home just around the fall of darkness. Hungry and tired, I shuffled for the porch light to find my way into my house. Closing the door and heading for the fridge (yeah the one pictured below)..."Ding, Dong"...."Trick or Treat!" Good Lord, I thought...I forgot to get candy. Running to my cupboard...I located the only thing remotely sweet and "candy-like" - a box of Cool Mint Chocolate Clif Bars. Yikes, these are a buck a piece (probably not much differnet from the mini-candy bars you buy just for this holiday). Oh well, I didn't want these kids to be stiffed on Hollar-ween, so I opened the door...and the kids were excited with the size of the prize. Needless to say this evening set me back about $15 in Clif Bars, yet these kids were much better off by paying a visit to the "Clif Dwelling."

Hollarween

I love this time of year. Jack-o-lanterns, corn mazes, apple bobbin, sweet potatoes, egg-nog lattes (actually starting tomorrow) and cooler air. I went to Deb's pumpkin carvin party last night. There was some mean carving going on. Good food and fun. Here were some of the results.

Shoot Out

"Hey...i'm headed down to Tombstone with my buddy Franklin. He can drop us off and we can ride back." Deb asked.

"Why not." I answered.
So we left Deb's house at 5:30am. Franklin dropped us 85 miles from home in the lands famous for silver mining and the shoot out at the OK corral. Starting our ride just past "check-point-charlie" where boarder patrol inspects vehicles heading north from Mexico...we were euphoric.

The air was crisp, the angle of the sun, soft and the riding...well, magnificent.


2000 calories, 4 hours and 20 minutes later...we arrived home satisfied of our days work (I mean play).

LIFE IS GOOD!

Click here for a video taken on the ride.

Blink

Malcolm Gladwell's new book, "Blink" is a fascinating read. It describes the power of thinking without thinking. By way of example he describes two different tests to get at a deeper understanding of a prospective job candidate. One test is the traditional interview = 1.0 hour. The second test was a review of the individuals living quarters = 5 minutes. The second test revealed greater accuracies about the individual than what could be understood in an interview. That's why I'm fascinated by people at the grocery store. Have you ever been at the supermarket and just watched what people had in their baskets...attempting to understand each customer in line ahead of you? I do think people are what they eat...and therefore eat what they are. In a "Blink" I offer a glimpse at my fridge down below...

Top Shelves = Clif nectar bars, Hammer Gel, enzymes, liquid oxygen, biking water bottles (ready to go);
Middle Shelves = egg whites, ginger, miso, green curry paste, oj (for marinade), olive oil (in the fridge?), salsa, mustard (Dijon);
Lower Shelf = Almond butter, Acidophilus (powder), Green + powder (for smoothies), sundried tomatoes, tapenade;
Bottom Shelf = Soy Milk(s), Coffee, Pom, Fuji water, Lemon Juice, Salsa.

Certainly the contents, placement and order says something. I invite you to comment.

Carless and Careless

I'm still waiting for my new car to arrive. I am now living in the desert, which is a collection of retail shopping centers strewn together with long roads at low density with lots of distance between one location and another. I'm biking to work. I'm biking home. Its very cool. I feel so purposeful in my mission to bike to and from. Yeah, it would be easy to take that ride home; many have offered. The only fuel needed is the extra banana in the morning, the second cookie in the afternoon. Small price to pay for energy and it tastes good. I guest being car-less is far from being careless - unless I try to bike home at 9pm without the aid of a light. Here is a video I took on my ride this morning. Glorious.

Me Foodie

I ate a Janos tonight (probably one of the most inventive chefs in Southwest if not America) where the menu celebrated foods from the native soils of Arizona and Mexico. It was 3.5 hours of grand bliss. Here is our sampling menu:

• A Grilled Shrimp atop Cheve-Manchenco Polenta
• Heirloom Tomatoes and Crab with Blue Corn Croutons
• Roasted Salmon with Fresh Herb and Cilantro Mole
• Pan-Roasted Duck in Star Anise, Clove and Cinnamon
• Spice Rubbed Barbacoa Lamb in Seed Mole w/Tiny Lamb Tostada
• Oaxacan Bread Pudding with Ancho Caramel Ice Cream.

Each was paired with a fabulous wine from (gasp) southern Arizona or parts of Mexico. Okay...I didn't think you could even drink wine from Mexico - let alone love it.

I'm a foodie...I SO admit it. Its a good thing I like to bike.

Frickin' Floyd Landis

Unbelievable!
I had a most amazing day on Mt. Lemmon today.
I climbed like Frickin' Floyd Landis in the 2004 Tour.
You know what I'm talking about...
When Lance had to tell him to slow up. Yeah...that was me

Slaughtering my Mile Post (MP) 5 time at nearly 10mph climbing over 2500 feet...I was feeling at the top of my game. NO one, I repeat, NO one passed me on this Sunday morning (with a plethora of riders out). YES, a few tried...early around MP 1 or 2.

Climbing to MP 11 (road goes to 24), I circled to crank out a descent - hitting speeds over 40mph. At MP 10 (1 mile behind me), I noticed a guy was obviously taking a run at me (probably a later start, but I like to think I was holding him off). The guy was fit, cut with a gruff boxed face, wearing a smile and just a baseball cap. The gent gave me a warm salute as I raced by.

WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!
I know that GUY!
That is Frickin' Floyd Landis!!!!
Holy COW!!!!
ROCK ON!!!!!

Now I was fully intoxicated by my endorphines and the idea that I had riden the same mountain with a BIG TDF rider - AND I managed to keep him behind me on the massive Lemmon climb (okay...so it nice to dream).

Yeah, its hard to beat fall riding in Tucson!

Killer Hike

I did an agro hike today (short for very aggressive). This was a Canyon Ranch level 5 (means lots of vertical) and we cruised 11 miles, climbing 4,000 feet to Aqua Caliente Peak. It was glorious. My quads will be sore for days. Here is a snap I took of my dear friend Deb, who actually gets paid to do this stuff. Pretty cool.

Cowboys, NRA, Veterans, Contractors

Driving home (in Tucson) from the store this afternoon, I came across this truck. I kept thinking sesame Street - which one is not like the other - but I think they all fit. I had to whip out my camera...because I like to capture the beauty as well as the ignorance of America. I'll let you decide where this one fits.

Birthday Girl

Today I turned another year older. Yes, its my birthday. I pretty much have spent it and am spending it with myself. It IS magnificent. I biked up mount lemmon, spent some quiet moments at home, got an herbal wrap and am now headed for 100 minutes of Thai massage. I will top this day with a great meal at home...with some spicy miso stew, followed by the darkest, deepest piece(s) of chocolate. Oh...and this year I did manage to beat my twin sister in calling her then singing..."Today its your birthday...duh na, nuh na nuh na...Its my birthday too Yah!" I love doing that...and we chuckle about it every year.

Oh...no picture as Alaska Airlines lost my luggage, which had my camera and a few birthday gifts from Seattle.

Trophies

In cycling there are badges of honor (at least for mountain bikers) that we call trophies; collection of bruises, scrapes, scratches that accompany epic stories. I thought I'd capture the visual below (about mid quad - just below tan line).
This trophy, along with a sore shoulder, shin hematoma and a bloody knuckle were the trophies that accompanied an awesome descent on the back side of Red Hill in Cashmere this past weekend. I'm just starting to feel the soreness...as I recall the grand day out. Oh...I did kinda flex my calf for the picture. Aren't the bamboo floors in my house cool?

Cashmere

Sunday my dear friend Mark and I did my favorite mountain bike ride; Cashmere. The day started out a little rocky when fixing blueberry pancakes for Mark, I proceeded to scorch his thumb by handing him the hot plate from the oven (ouch). Then loading of the vehicle, I had two flat tires before we left Seattle. However, after landing at the trailhead...we both realized all was good as the ride would be magical. We climbed, and climbed, and climbed...and after Mark fractured his chain (surgery had him riding with two less links and a few less gears - and I'm only talking about his bike), we had a phenomenal ride. Mark, never willing to give up...was seen here rolling over with his bike after trying to ascend a wall, and I do mean a wall.
Driving home, with great conversation...Mark did the quick pull in to a small little apple stand run on the honor system (no attendant). We picked the freshest apples and pears and snacked on them during the ride home. I love fall in Washington state; fresh, crisp apples you can't get anywhere else.

Seattle Bumper Stickers

One thing I love about being in Seattle is reading the bumper stickers. This weekend I saw a few that made me chuckle or take note, including:

• Bush's Plan: No Child Left a Dime.
• Visualize Whirled Peas
• Your Hummer Looks Stupid
• Even the Devil Can Quote Scripture
• Hybrids Kick Gas!

Flying

I'm flying home. Its a great thing after you've been traveling weeks on end. I can ususally sleep pretty well on flights, except when the guy or gal next to me snores. It also bugs me when the person next to me has brought nothing to read and tries to read what I am reading. Or they are clearly hungry and are waiting for you to offer them a bite of what you brought. In general...people are pretty well behaved on flights. Inevitably you have the yahoo that just has to get out of his seat after the plane has landed and is still taxing down the run way. Hellooooooo, do you see anyone else up??? Don't you hear the flight attendants (and everyone else around) screaming at you to sit down? And where do you think you are going??? People are odd sometimes. I guess that is what makes travel interesting.

Re-building Miami Beach

I'm in Miami Beach today and have been all week. Its October 6th, 8 in the morning, 85 degrees, extremely wet, windy and yet I'm here (tropical storm just blew through). I'm posting this artful picture of the project I'm working on (since last year some time). Its great to see that we are actually adding to the old historic (yes 1957) building if you notice the windows at the top - rather than working more demolition. We are done with the demo phase. Any how...its a $500 million dollar project. HUGE! Doesn't really look like it...but it is. Trust me! People have paid some pretty crazy prices for these small spaces that are totally bling'ed out.

TDF Video Blog

Okay...
I've managed to do my first video blog! Wooooooooooo hooooooooo.

You can bet there will be more to come. The music rocks!

A day with LP

Today as I embrace another great weekend (in Seattle), I recalled last weekend in Tucson. Yes, it was one of those days that I felt good about, full of so much. Here was the schedule:
04:30am - rise and breakfast
05:00am - ride to mile post 15 on Mt Lemmon (climbing 3700 feet)
08:00am - meet pest control dude to rid house of foes;
09:00am - drive to catalina state park, 90min horse back ride;
11:00am - stop by cost +, pic up metro mint water and Illy Cafe;
12:00pm - quick bite
01:00pm - power nap
02:00pm - facial at Canyon Ranch;
03:30pm - hair cut Canyon Ranch;
04:00pm - cable cross and some abs as I passed by gym;
05:30pm - met Dylan and wife at CR dining room for some good grub;
07:00pm - Thai massage
09:00pm - arrive home and pack for flight to Montreal at 6am
10:30pm - crash

Me Hungry

Okay...
I was looking at my pictures with Jeanette (in Miami) and this picture really cracked her up (for some reason). Actually when I started looking at it too...I laughed. I was laughing because my mouth was so full and I was chowin' on the biggest piece of nut and fruit bread...and Jeanette was amused at my "full eagle" sitting position.
Well...its still a fun picture.

Awaken

I'm having fun looking at my pictures from France. Every now and then I will turn it sepia, save it, print it and now post it. I like sepia because it will strip awake the noise of color and awaken your senses to the emotions within. Some how they seem more authentic. Here I am caught in the grapes...tasting, playing, and soaking up what could only be called "my vacation."

Viva

This is viva. Viva is a pure blooded irish setter. Sweet dog that lived in France and could only understand Dutch or French. Needless to say this dog drove me a little nuts because I couldn't control it and had no way to communicate to it...then I realized that "NO" is a universal language and that the dog was just high strung and didn't behave. Then I really started to enjoy the dog...because it was LIVING and with a name like VIVA...you've got to love her.

Back to the States

There is something fascinating about being away for two solid weeks; no TV, no internet, no news of home. The fascinating part is that the world keep spinning...but nothing seems to change. I had a phenomenial time away in France. I gained new perspectives about me, my world and how I function (or do not function) within it. I'm gradually going through my pictures to put together a trip DVD and provide a few images with my online journal. I really liked the following images...so far.

Out

Its the eve of my departure to France.

I'm tired.
I'm excited.
I'm ready.

I will be posting my journal entries (cell coverage dependent) to my tour de france blog located at www.picardtdf.blogspot.com. Catch you in a few weeks after lots of peddling, cheese, wine, bread, foie gras, etc.

Foe

As I travel back to Tucson, stirring up a bit in my house and the weather starts to chill...a few "critters" are finding their way into my lovely little home and being awakened. Well...this guy wasn't so friendly, in fact, when I blew on him he perked right up and started snapping his claws and jumping his stinger. The other one I caught in the house was so stunned by the poison he had to cross to get in that he was nearly dead on my bathroom floor. Well, this guy was another story...and its why I wear shoes in my house this time of year.

I immediately asked my assistant to see about getting some scorpion dope placed back at my house. This is what happens when you live in the wild (on 1 acre, against a wash and at the base of the foothills).

Desert Sunrise

This morning I woke at 4am. Ate a Luna bar and strapped on my nightrider. I then set out in the pitch black pre-dawn night; just a sliver of a moon showing. I woke morning doves, saw a dead snake pass by the beam of my light. I met my friend Deb for 2 hours of glorious desert riding...watching the sun turn the sky light blue, soft pink then glowing orange against the rusty mountain peaks rising 9,000 feet above the desert floor. Wow, the glory of riding your bike seeing the begining of a day with a gentle breeze flowing through your hair at an air temp of 72 degrees. Yes!

Art Experiencing

I love the art you feel.
The stuff that makes you realize a distant memory.
The richer the art, the deeper the memory.

I just purchased this piece from a self representing artist on ebay.
There are a handful of amazing artist on ebay...then there are those that are just plain crap.

William Hawking is a Tucson artist sold on ebay, and I FEEL his art.
This is my second piece of his...and I've watch his work get richer and richer.

So what do I feel here?

This image reminds me of my childhood, when I would walk across the expanse field of my grade school yard, climb on top of the overturned backstops (used for softball), lay on my back and stare at the sky; pondering the world's composition as I looked upon the puffy clouds. I would try to understand where I began and where I ended. Sometimes my thoughts would become so circular I would need to close my eyes to calm my 12 year old mind. I also like this picture because its style is so Magritte.

Porch of an Orange House

So this is my porch i treasure so,
the deck is laid with a nice warm slate;

Its a place I really, really know.

My porch is great for sipping strong joe;
to meditate in the warm sun of late;
Its a place I really, really adore.

My porch is a place i love to stretch my toes,
or sitting with a mate watching the world consume fate;
Its a place I really, really grow.

Bumpy Air

I fly a lot.
One thing I notice is there are certain geographical areas that always have the same "feel" to them in the air. I think this says a lot about the area and maybe a bit about the energy of the place this air sits or rises above. Here are some observations...

Dallas (DFW) - air always has BIG drops and unexpected swoops from the unstable air masses that loft around the area. Being here is highly unpredictable as weather changes your plans by the hour. I really dislike flying here.

Tucson (TUS) - air has rapid fire deep turbulence as you approach the area (even when clouds are absent), but when you get over the mountains protecting the town (where the warm air is pushing up over the mountians) the air tends to smooth and calm with a couple of errant drops here and there. Its actually a little fun flying in...if you are expecting it.

Miami (MIA) - one never knows what they are going to get flying into MIA; lightning strikes all around, smooth air, bumpy air - it is so unpredictable and it never is what it appears to be on the surface. Its a grab bag of flying - but I must say the lighting strikes are the coolests of shows.

Seattle (SEA) - air is always smooth even when flying through the clouds. I think the air coming off the ocean then skipping across the Northwest landscape never produces a rippled or angry wave to the air and clouds. Its a joy to see the green and blue tones, the cindercone peaks of Rainier, Adams, Hood, Baker, etc. as you gently set down on the tarmac. Needless to say I love flying into Sea/Tac.

Doll-less

I landed at DFW last night.
Took a cab to Fort Worth (don't you dare call it Dallas).
The big deal in town is how the cows run the streets twice a day.
Wooo Hooo!
A walk last night revealed the following:

a) Restaurants serve BIG food to lots of BIG people;
b) There are lots of ugly parking lots full of BIG cars for BIG people;
c) There are lots of "W" stickers on these BIG cars that hold BIG people who just finished eating BIG food.

Hmmmmm.
I'm leaving tonight!

Jack Johnson

I was listening to Jack Johnson's last album, and came across the tune "Gone." Wow. The lyrics are quite good and they really hit me today...

Look at all those fancy clothes,
But these could keep us warm just like those.
And what about your soul? Is it cold?
Is it straight from the mold, and ready to be sold?

And cars and phones and diamond rings,
Bling, bling, because those are only removable things.
And what about your mind? Does it shine?
Are there things that concern you, more than your time?

Gone, going.
Gone, everything.
Gone, don’t give a damn.
Gone, be the birds, when they don’t wanna sing.
Gone, people, all awkward with their things,
Gone.

Getting on with life...

Now that I'll be leaving Miami to live back on the west coast as of next Tuesday (with a few back and forths here and there)you may continue to enjoy my Miami Spice blog at the following address (same as show in links to the right):
www.miamispice.blogspot.com
Enjoy!

I wear yellow

I wear yellow too.
not just because I love cycling and Lance initiated it;
not just because we should live strong,
not just because cancer research is so important;
I wear yellow too...because I too am a survivor.

Cancer affects so many and the numbers keep growing;
acquaintants, friends, family, love ones.
AND oddly, one woman told me...
You got the "gift" of cancer! "HUH?" I said. "Yeah," she said, "you discovered you actually die in this world...so now you have the gift of life...you want to LIVE."

There is the gift and the paradox of life, my friend.
Now I choose to LIVE and to LIVE STRONG!
That's what it means to wear yellow.
That's what it means to LIVESTRONG.
www.wearyellow.com

Bye Bye Beemer

BMW 530i; its a nice car...but not me. As I depart my tour of duty in South Miami Beach, Florida - or SoBe, I leave this motoring machine behind. No tears, because I'll happily move to my brand new 2006 Audi A4 Avant Quattro - zoom, zoom - that will be waiting for me in Tucson!

Wha's Up?

I'm traveling like a crazy person.
In a typical week I find myself in Miami on Sunday, Montreal on Monday, Chicago on Wednesday, Tucson on Thursday, Seattle on Friday and then Miami again on Monday. I'm logging miles...but the last thing I want to do with them is more travel...except when it comes to biking in the alps of France!

Ah-laska

Some great pics from my phenomenal trip to Alaska.
We biked across the Denali highway on a mountain bike. Awesome.

You can see more by clicking here.