Itās been a wild, humbling week cycling around the Owens Valley chasing a dream team of creatives and incredible athletes into the wee hours of the day and night. Was just the spanking I needed to light a fire under my ass, push me to get back to myself, the things I love so much, and instill the desire to get strong again. Totally honored to share time and space with these people and grateful for all the encouragement along the way. What a dream!
JazzFest!!! š·šŗ An entire week music in The Big Easy with Bodhi!! Iāve done a lot of wild stuff, but taking a music-obsessed 13 year old to JazzFest in New Orleans was an experience to say the least! š Iāve got so much newfound love for this city, its music, architecture, food, people and culture, and will certainly be back. Bodhi had a total blast, but I donāt think Iāll be rushing to take a kid back with me anytime soon. šš
Until next time!
Last night Bodhi and his best buddy set off into the hills for their first overnight, solo adventure in sub freezing temps. With zero parental help they made a janky trailer out of an old dolly, packed their own gear and set off on their bike and scooter to build a camp. Just a couple of 8th graders hungry for adventure and the willingness to figure it out. They came home this morning full of psyche, ramen and accomplishment.
At 13 years old, Bodhi and his buddy are the last remaining kids I know who both dont have phones, ipads or other communication devices, leaving endless room for creativity and exploration. In a world full of distractions I feel super fortunate that there are still kids out there hungry for the simple life and parents eager to fascilitate it. Proud mom moment, for sure.
Keep it up, kids!
Sailing into the new year full of gratitude for what was, and excitement for all that is to come.
Itās been a nice change of scenery getting off the high altitude desert island of the east side for a bit, switching it up for some dense, salty air, and getting back to my ocean roots. Finally putting all those sailing books to good use and feeling quite happy about it. Also fun seeing some similarities between sailing and mountain flying, particularly w the high wind, full IFR sailing š Certainly feels like home.
What a dream! āµļø
We still go down to UCLA for Bodhiās checkups every year, but when we do I try to make the best our time in the city. Replacing bad memories with good ones. Creating fun experiences in a place that was once so heavy.
Our trip down this last weekend was filled with loved ones, our favorite thrift stores, a badass jazz club on the sunset strip, and an over night sailing trip to the Channel Islands which was nothing short of a dream. Happy kids, beautiful weather, warm water, hundreds of dolphins and a fully breached whale with no one else around to witness but us.
Thanksgiving is always a time to count our blessings. We really try our best to find that gratitude and thankfulness dailyā¦ Feeling so fortunate for our friends and family, our continued health, and all the fun experiences we get to share together. None of it lasts forever.
Today and everyday, thank you. š
Unannounced locals weekend at the desert watering hole. So many wonderful, familiar faces, perfect weather, and a much needed couple of days solar-recharging outside.šš“
Earlier this spring I was asked to be a part of a project with a dream team of creatives who were looking to create a spec piece showcasing their talents, skills and capabilities. They nailed it and made me look way cooler than I really am in the process š It was an honor working with these folks, getting the opportunity to dabble in some formation flying along the way. A highlight, for sure. What a treat.
Videos + Photos + Creativity: @nicholascahill@susiekieck@jordanxdani@ian.tunney@nickshmel
Took Bodhi to JTree to see the Honeydrops at Pappy & Harrietās. Halfway through the set Bodhi was invited to join the band on stage. They took him backstage, taught him the chords, then brought him out. Kid makes friends everywhere he goes. So fun! ššš·
#californiahoneydrops #pappyandharriets #sax #saxophone #kidsplayingmusic #anythingbutphones #music
Set out on one of the busiest trails on the east side during a holiday weekend and managed to not see another soul until we got back to the parking lot a day later. āØš«
All these years later these two still resist hiking and backpackingā¦ until we actually get going. It happens every time. Complaints about things hurting and it being too far, then they sink into it and the comments morph into the exact opposite and are full of joy. A good reminder to stay the course, never underestimating the positive effects of being outside.
Theyāre getting big so fast and itās just a matter of time before it all comes full-circle. In many ways it already has. Theyāre rad, resilient little kids. Iāll be over here milking every dang moment of it, encouraging them to do all the things, cheering them on along the way. Theres no one else Iād rather hang out with- certainly in one of the most special places on earth š
