Photos

July 31, 2011 In Alaska, People, Photos

a picture is worth a thousand words

As I’ve made the transition to a new computer, I’ve finally done some serious homework in my iPhoto. Perusing through and organizing pictures I’ve taken since starting using a digital camera has been an entertaining walk down memory lane this past week and I still have lots more to go. Surprisingly the most fun part of looking back on my 10,000 collected images from the past 2.5 years has been reflecting on what my intention was taking each photo, and remembering where my head and heart both were at the time of point and click. As I was scrolling through just now, this particular one caught my eye:

My first Alaska ferry ride; August 2010

Exhausted and filthy after being on the road for lots of days, here I am wind-blown. (I’m still trying to perfect those solo traveler self-portrait skills!) This is my first ferry ride in Alaska last summer and boy was I one happy camper that day. I remember the views took my breath away, my face hurt from smiling, and the sense of accomplishment- reaching that goal I had for so many years was unlike anything I had ever felt before.

Here’s to a picture being worth a thousand words.

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July 29, 2011 In De-lish, Food, People, Photos, Virginia

annual cheese and friend weekend? i like it

This weekend last year I was hanging out in Madison, Wisconsin with old friends who are my besties who never fail to crack me up:

Jeff and Bill cracking me up again

We did things like wandered the biggest farmers market in the country:

Farmers Market at Capital in Madison, WI

…to participate in a classic Wisconsin cheese-fest fun, like trying fresh cheese curds:

Fresh cheese curds at Madison Farmers Market

(The squeaking totally freaked me out!)

…and fresh-baked spicy cheese bread:

Farmers Market at Capital in Madison, WI

Stella's spicy cheese bread at Madison Farmers Market

Mmm…

We were essentially on repeat that whole weekend cracking up and eating a ton of cheese. Delish. Lucky me, I get to head to madison next weekend and do it all over again. Yeah! Who knew this girl would love the Midwest so much.

Ian’s Pizza~

Yes, I think I should see you annually too! You had me at Mac n’ cheese pizza…

 

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July 23, 2011 In New York, Photos

a year ago today…

*(I’m digging this check back in photo archives and journals for a “year ago” something game I have started with myself.)

…I was sipping this Pinot Gris at Atwater Vineyards over Seneca Lake:

Pinot Gris at Atwater Vineyards

…and today I will be sipping crappy, whatever is cheapest, plastic-bottled, available beer at a Cubs game in Chicago.

Whoop whoop!

Here’s to going from A to Z- living up every letter in between, rolling pish-posh one day, base line the next, and loving being on both ends.

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July 22, 2011 In Photos, Wisconsin

i might have been in heaven this morning

Actually, I was in Wisconsin driving as the sun rose:

Sunrise near Madison, Wisconsin

I was exhausted and racing back from camping to pick someone up at the airport and grumbled a bit at the early wake up call. That is until I drove out of the park and saw this sky above.

I wish I could properly share how scenes like this make me feel when I am alone, windows down, in the summer, and on the open road. There’s just not a single better feeling of peace for me, or an understanding that anything is possible…

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July 18, 2011 In Funny signs, Photos, Wisconsin

things you can buy at wisconsin rest stops

Treats if you’re hungry, like pork hocks and tid bits:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

(Exactly what part of the pig is the “tid bit” by the way?)

…cheese curds of course:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

…and meat shaped like beer bottles:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

If you’re not hungry but want some cool schwag, there’s always the pioneer coon skin cap:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

…the deer head:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

…beer pong balls:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

…ultra classy stickers to “pimp” your ride:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

…various ceramic goodies like sorcerer’s:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

…sunglass wearing monkey salt & pepper shakers, or religious themed signs:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

Then there’s always the bottle opener ring:

Wisconsin rest stop gift ideas

(I can’t lie- I actually think the bottle opener ring is cool.)

All that and more in just one stop at the Pioneer Plaza:

Pioneer Plaza, Wisconsin

Gosh, the only problem with this stop was making the decision on which items I just couldn’t live without.

Hee hee…

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July 15, 2011 In New York, People, Photos

a year ago today…

…I was hanging out for the first time in nearly 16 years with a woman who’s very special to me in Brooklyn- my former soccer coach, Traci:

Traci and I in Brooklyn; 7/15/11

If you’ve known me for any length of time, know the history of the blue lollipop or have been following here for a while- I have mentioned Traci before. Traci has a smile that never stops, a heart that could move mountains, unparalleled talent and an all-around magic about her that is unexplainable. She is a mentor, a friend and a hero to so many “kids” like me.

Thank you Traci for being one of those people who make us all better for knowing you. I can’t wait to see you soon!

Here’s to friendship, following every single hope and dream, and always having strong mojo around us…

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July 12, 2011 In Honda, News & Updates, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure

how far can you go and how much fun can you have on one tank of gas?

I’m dancing a jig (actually, several of them) this morning as I am thrilled to announce:

I HAVE RECEIVED A 2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID ON LOAN FROM AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY FOR A SEPTEMBER, 2011 ADVENTURE!!!

Check out this gorgeous environmentally-focused vehicle I will be driving:

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid for Blue Lollipop Road

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid for Blue Lollipop Road

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid for Blue Lollipop Road

 

ROAD TRIP!!!

The title of today’s post is the theme of the upcoming Blue Lollipop Road trip:

How far can you go and how much fun can you have on one tank of gas?

We all know the best things in life are often free (or very inexpensive.) People always ask me how I’ve afforded to travel so much over the years, then are shocked when I share the minimal cost of my previous trips. Typically my biggest expense has been gas, which of course with all the Hondas I have owned over the years, has been affordable because they get such great gas mileage. With this new hybrid I will have coming up the gas mileage will be even better! Honda will be covering some of my travel expenses for the upcoming trip as well, which is an extra special treat.

Today’s announcement is just the beginning of some big time fun. In the coming days and weeks I will be taking votes as to where all of you think I should go, see, do, eat, etc. so stay tuned and get ready to participate! Honda and I will have voting polls on Facebook, and of course some other social media fun too. The trip will start on the east coast on September 2. From there the sky (or road) is the limit!

Can I get a whoop whoop?! We are going on the open road again baby!

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July 11, 2011 In Illinois, People, Photos

meet sam

Sam the Bike Messenger

Sam accidentally ran over me with his bike  on Friday. Like as in- ran over me.

It wasn’t his fault, it was the bus driver’s fault for not curbing the bus. When I stepped out the back door as I have done 100 times safely before, Sam was approaching the light the bus was stopping at and BAM. We both flew through the air, cell phones, purses and bodies spinning, and somehow got only cuts and bruises. We both couldn’t stop shaking and apologizing to each other as the bus driver looked back and us and drove away! (Thanks a lot  Mr. CTA driver.)

Poor Sam felt so awful he just stood there and apologized a million more times with his bleeding head in his hands as we laughed nervously (because I think we were both in a bit of shock and would’ve cried otherwise.)

Sam the Bike Messenge

Reason number 5996773535 to always keep a camera with you? So you can take photos of Bike Messengers who accidentally run you over after you pick up that said camera from down the street where it flew out of your purse after he actually hit you.

Sam- If you’re out there and are reading this, I hope your head is Ok! 🙁

Here’s to unexpected people “crashing”  into your life.

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July 9, 2011 In Live the life you want to live, Photos

i’m what i want to be when i grow up

In going through a couple boxes this morning, I came across this journal my Mother gave me in 2000:

Gifted journal from Mom, 2000

Over the years I have written secret “Dear Diary” pages here and there, put it away, come across the book again, laughed at myself for what was written previously, then done it all over again. (Rinse and repeat; I ripped a page out just now, giggling and shaking my head about what I had written in May of 2009.)  There are few blank sheets left. Even when there are none, I will keep it because of the picture of Mom and I inside and the words she wrote me on the first page:

Diane,                             12/25/00

You are an amazing daughter. I am always so proud of you. I admire you, adore you, love you more than words can say…

The words on the front of this journal I believe were written for you:

“Color outside the lines”

“Remember your passion”

“Do what you love”

You are the best!

Love always- Mom

I thanked her at the time of gifting of course, but I would like to send another thank you today:

Mom,                               7/9/11

You are an amazing mother. Because of your constant and unconditional love and support I have colored outside those lines, remembered my passions, and done what I love and I won’t ever stop. Even though we both know it hasn’t been an easy road- it’s been totally worth it. Can you believe what’s happening now because of all that persistence?! I did it, I did it!

Thank you for making me fearless, being my #1 cheerleader and showing me what it takes to wholly believe in someone. If every kid was as lucky as me…

I love you.

Diane 

To Everyone else,

You know what this means?! The official announcement for the fall BLR Adventure project will be announced this Tuesday, 7/12. Mark your calendars and get ready for another fun ride!

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July 8, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Illinois, Photos

girls just wanna have fu-un

I had dinner with girlfriends last night at Mon Ami Gabi. I have always had more guy friends than girl friends, but for whatever reason recently, life has delivered me some of the most hilarious, fun, smart, sassy, accomplished and interesting women to hang with and I am loving it. We were all too busy chatting and being “that table” laughing too loudly to take photos of our first 54 courses of food, but I finally grabbed my camera when dessert came:

Dessert feast at Mon Ami Gabi

Dessert feast at Mon Ami Gabi

Do you know how hard it is to wait even 10 seconds to dig in with stuff like this in front of you and 3 other women with forks and spoons? These plates didn’t stand a chance against us:

Dessert feast at Mon Ami Gabi

Dessert feast at Mon Ami Gabi

Dessert feast at Mon Ami Gabi

Dessert feast at Mon Ami Gabi

Fruits, crepes, puff pastries, chocolate cakes, creme brulee’-oh my! Indeed like a pack of wherewolves attacked. I am all about those times the chef decides to just send out every dessert on the menu.

Here’s to French themed patio summer nights, never ending food-porn photos and falling asleep stuffed and smiling.

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