tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53677276090700385052024-03-18T16:53:54.167-04:00Megan Ta DaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-8367286177407922792013-07-05T08:00:00.000-04:002013-11-20T12:25:22.249-05:00Avon Lake, OH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah, the sweet familiar feeling of a good old fashioned 4:00am wake up. It would surprise nobody to learn that when we woke there was a sprinkling rain shower falling outside. It'd be an understatement to say that we've had more rain on this trip already than that of my other two cross-country trips combined. And that is why I love Gore-Tex. </div>
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The early morning wake up was in effect for one reason only: Cleveland. We'd be passing through before arriving at our new host, and more than a handful of riders wanted to check out, explore, and see why Cleveland rocks. It was a van day for me, behind the wheel of the good old support vehicle, and I did my duties collecting groceries before finding a perfect little park to set up lunch. The park was right on the water and had a covered picnic bench area perfect for hiding from the inevitable lingering rain clouds. </div>
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Once everyone had come and gone from our perfect picnic spot, I drove on to Cleveland. It didn't take me long to realize I would never find a place to park my fifteen passenger van hitched to a trailer. After looping around and around in a slightly lost state, I got back on the trail towards Avon Lake. Here, I would find the most amazing host ever, ever, ever, ever.</div>
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If I had the power to king people, places, or things, I would label the folks of Avon Lake the Kings of the Pot Luck. We had a spread tables and tables long, and the biggest turnout we've had yet. We were staying across from a water park, we had host families to connect with, and this town had a rockin' bike shop that took good care of us. </div>
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We ended the evening at the family home that took in myself and my co-leaders, on Lake Erie, looking across the water at the best sunset of the trip, and we couldn't be happier.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-7198732762984597032013-07-04T08:00:00.000-04:002013-11-20T12:24:15.128-05:00Ashtabula, OH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good morning, pouring rain. Today, the fourth of July, started with many-a-rain-drop, which meant prepping for the day, getting the bikes ready, and having our morning meeting indoors. My co-leaders and I banded together to deliver a flawless rendition of the Independence Day speech, while sporting some tiny patriotic hats and glowing red, white, and blue stunner shades. Just an average morning spent biking across the country, right?</div>
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Stepping out in the cold rain left me feeling a bit sore, but such is the norm after spending nearly everyday riding in the rain. Eventually the rain would shy away a bit, but the wind took its place. Lucky for us we had just the right pick-me-up in the form of another state sign! I was met at the sign by friends in need of spare tubes. I gave them my last, desperately hoping I wouldn't get a flat later.</div>
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Eventually, we made it in safe and sound, warmed up, and had the best salad buffet pot luck yet. So many good toppings! I set up my sleeping bag in a nice little quiet corner where I picked up a book to read and take it easy. Little did I know, I set up in the <i>workout </i>room, where a few gals decided to put their fitness to the test and bust out some Insanity ab routine. I semi-reluctantly joined in to see what all the fuss was about, and spent the entire session with the giggles. I think I got a better workout laughing than I would have if I had focused enough to execute the fancy moves. Either way, I was in the best of spirits when I finally found my sleeping bag again and fell asleep.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-2478190462532189762013-07-01T08:00:00.000-04:002013-11-20T12:22:46.886-05:00Buffalo, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The proximity of Lockport to Buffalo is minimal, allowing for a nice leisurely day. This is already splendid news, but is heightened by what lunchtime means for us. Today we lunched at Niagara Falls. We had a slow morning getting ready, which involved putting one of the riders in an Easter bunny costume we found in the once flooded basement, and I enjoyed snacking on the apricot mango jam a lovely lady had donated to us while we passed through yesterday's market. Since we had relatively low mileage ahead of us, we decided to draw names from a hat to see who we would ride with, just to shake things up and get the opportunity to spend quality time with an unexpected partner.</div>
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Our directions ended up being a bit out of order, which made for an adventurous approach to Niagara Falls. Lucky for us and the sidewalk chalk we carry, we were able to leave notes for each other and keep ourselves on the correct path together. We arrived at lunch with just enough time to get our passports out and walk on over to beautiful Canada, which we wouldn't see again until our last couple days of the trip over on the west coast. The falls were unbelievable, breathtaking, and made for a very memorable lunch. We set a curfew to ensure that we all got back on the road together safely and with enough time to get into Buffalo before dark, and we also decided to draw new names from a hat and switch riding partners. I love days like today!</div>
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With new riding partners came new rainstorms, are all too familiar and unwanted companion, and we pedaled through the mist. Being near a bigger city means bike paths, so we were lucky enough to at least get off the road for a bit of the storm. Bike paths are a marvelous vacation from the unpredictability of sharing the road with drivers, and allows for great conversation amongst riding partners. </div>
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The bike path brought us to the last connecting roads that would bring us to our new host. This new host was unlike any host before. This new host was in fact the home of my co-leader's family. We were greeted by his little brother and his amazing dog, Rebel. It took all of five seconds for me to fall in love with that dog. All thirty of us just barely fit, all sardine like, cozied up in a real house. What a perfect setting. Good food, good drinks, good friends, good fun. If that weren't all perfect, the parents were out of town leaving one large bed free to the leadership dream team. All four of us slept on the real mattress as one happy, cuddling family. Please, could this summer get any better? I dare say it'd be near impossible to top these perfect and precious moments.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-58887826957174985252013-06-30T08:00:00.000-04:002013-11-20T12:19:22.131-05:00Lockport, NY<br />
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Another day off the bicycle and at the wheel of the support van. Lucky for us, we got a break from the rain, and were treated with a day spent in the sun. We were all elated, and arrived at our new destination town in time to enjoy the last half of their outdoor market down the main street. This town is full of spirit, especially considering we arrived just after great flooding in the area. This was undetectable until we stepped inside our host.</div>
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The bottom floor had completely flooded, and yet the town didn't turn away our group of thirty, and still allowed us a dry floor to lay our sleeping bags down upon upstairs. The hospitality we receive from town to town is awe inspiring. Not only were we offered a place to sleep, the community also came together and left us with all the fixin's to cook up our own barbecue. After the outdoor market was fully explored by the group, a handful of people went to work turning the parking lot into our own backyard barbecue.</div>
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While dinner was being taken care of, I slipped down the road, past the market, and found the most perfect local hole in the wall watering hole I'd ever seen. It was one of those establishments that has a handful of regulars who stop everything and turn to see who is coming into their place. There were spiderwebs aplenty, peanut shell covered floorboards galore, and a spinning vat of purple slush. Inside, I would come to find out, was the most delicious loganberry drink. I split a few with my co-leader, and had a great time before the feast.</div>
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The feast was delicious and plentiful. Table after table of snacks, salads, burgers, dogs, etc. The weather, still nice, made for a perfect evening out. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, as is fairly typical and amazing of this group, and we all joined in a nice digestive dance party to end the meal. It's these exact moments when I realize just how fantastic my life is, and how lucky I am to be in this position. I went to bed early and as happy as ever.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-85048387811611252322013-06-28T08:00:00.000-04:002013-11-20T12:17:31.692-05:00Palermo, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The thematic presence of rain on this trip has become a normal part of each day, but this morning was a bit different. Thanks to technology and our fleet of fancy phones, we all woke up to an emergency alert warning us about flash floods in the area. What fun! I met with my fellow co-leaders after breakfast to go over our plan of attack. So far there was rain, but nothing we hadn't experience before, and we decided to keep things business as usual and hit the road just like any other soggy day. We briefed the rest of the riders on what to do in different cases of weather related emergencies, and we all felt good about getting on the road. </div>
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I felt so good, in fact, that I didn't really bother looking at the directions for the day, and aimlessly followed my co-leader a mere seven miles off course. Let me add, it was seven miles of downhill. We shared some laughter when we finally realized, then got ourselves ready to turn around when another one of our riders came by. At first I was excited thinking that perhaps we weren't off course. Of course we were, and the rider was simply following us, the leaders. Well, no better time to get back on course in the pouring rain, right? We clipped in to our pedals and tried correcting our mishap.</div>
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Halfway through our extended morning however, though still cold and damp, the rain did at least give us a break. I can't say that the sun came out, but the rain did stop and after fifty miles, thanks to our fifteen mile detour, we found our lunch spot. Yet another treat to warm our spirits and our water logged bodies, our lunch spot was in the parking lot of a church. The best part being that there were nice folks working there that morning, and opened their doors to us so we could have shelter, bathrooms, and free coffee. Yes, free coffee. I'll never forget that generosity.</div>
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After perhaps overstaying our welcome, we shuffled off on the road again, though this time without any rain clouds. It was even sunny when rolling into the parking lot of our new destination! Before that happened though, there was a cloudy moment on the road. I heard the word "snake", and before I could process what that meant, I watched as my pedals went right over a long snake in the road. I panicked a bit and let out a bit of a squeal, but thought maybe the snake just got a little battle wound. The riders behind me let me know I had, in fact, ended that snake's chance at any future slithering. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-22893995361479012112013-06-27T08:00:00.000-04:002013-11-20T12:15:50.551-05:00Boonville, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today started without rainfall. I took off by myself through rough roads and a smidge of road construction, and zipped through hill after hill. There were tree covered roads, flowing white water to my left, and lots of climbing. My favorite kind of ride. I actually got a bit distracted and totally day dreaming when I saw our support van driving towards me. We both slowed and I learned that they had gotten a bit off course, and that lunch was going to be set up behind me a mile or two. Whoops!</div>
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We found a spot on the side of the road and waited for the rest of the group to join us. The sunshine was perfect, and kept us warm for the afternoon. This was a very special lunch since the family of one of the riders spent the day putting together sandwich wraps and snacks for everyone! This is no common occurrence, and we were all in awe over their selfless act. </div>
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After lunch I joined with others and took it easy after my morning spent pushing it. It's so lovely how within one day you can have so many different experiences, and how just riding at someone else's pace or with a different group of people can give you a new perspective and appreciation for our trip and the places we pass through. </div>
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When we arrived at our new destination, wouldn't you know it, the rain was not far behind. As we snacked on yummy fruits, the rain did start to fall. We are no stranger to rain, and so we barely even noticed. We explored town, dropped off postcards at the local post office, and enjoyed our night anyway. There was even an added adventure involved in the form of a hunt for wine flavored ice cream. It was the talk of the town so we decided to hunt it down. After a handful of the same wrong turns, we walked for over a mile down the highway until we got to the ice cream shop just two minutes before they closed. I felt a little guilty since the kids behind the counter were probably excited to be off work, but they were nice enough to scoop us all sorts of flavors. I went with my standard chocolate and coconut while others snacked on the wine flavored pints. We practically didn't even notice the rain by the time we finally got back to our sleeping bags.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-61222295569966769992013-06-26T08:00:00.000-04:002013-11-20T12:14:07.947-05:00Speculator, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyqLZg57298Cg8c6s9EC8lh8mcHJdRulGay36cM6SrZXLmGcEMLLwSnU_Sa2q94rHRviCYwQFdeha3-oQHu9JT7sMOztXUUw0VsGUbDthe28KTw5QavDpk3Jg9J7ef6DcG-b5IHoF2Uo/s1600/13.06.26.Speculator.600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyqLZg57298Cg8c6s9EC8lh8mcHJdRulGay36cM6SrZXLmGcEMLLwSnU_Sa2q94rHRviCYwQFdeha3-oQHu9JT7sMOztXUUw0VsGUbDthe28KTw5QavDpk3Jg9J7ef6DcG-b5IHoF2Uo/s1600/13.06.26.Speculator.600.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today brought my turn driving the support van. Without too many errands to run, I drove up and down the hillsides through the Adirondacks with soft music to keep me company. Wouldn't you know it, the rain started to fall. Rain has had quite a presence on our trip so far, more so than any of my other bike trips, and we are only in our first week of riding. Luckily, with no perfectly sunny days to compare these wet days to, spirits have been high and the rain is turning into an old friend.</span><br />
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The tricky part about rain, as the support driver, is where to set up lunch. These small towns left few and far between opportunity for any sort of coverage. Eventually, just after passing the mileage halfway point for the day, I saw a seemingly abandoned building with just enough of a covered porch to suit our needs. Before any riders arrived, two great moments occurred. First, a man pulled up in his pickup truck and I immediately thought we would be asked to keep on keeping on. Instead, the man let us know this was his buddy Slick's old place, and to tell anyone who asked that Slick said it was quite alright to spend the afternoon here out of the rain. Thank you, kind sir and friend of Slick! Then next great moment was the nap I fit in between Slick's approval and when the first rider showed up. Rainy days are sometimes for naps.</div>
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Once lunch had been had by all, it was time to press on and find our new floor to lay out our sleeping bags on for another night's rest. Luckily the directions never got confusing as there was not a shred of phone service to be had by anyone. No matter, we all arrived to find Lake Pleasant and the rain clouds disappear.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-71787577804957392262013-06-25T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T20:22:50.752-04:00Silver Bay, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD_vw9ujP-VOXutCfvOzQ9oih5rwHftLgG7eXHjf8sIJHtLLD8VzQxLeLtkeHeTq6ebvlTXEYrki_LbzhR8yMELwf8S_wDIk4ZgdXkrkoRzn3lJ_wjp0cxAHRaLFSJMtoIOwkuV5VNK8/s1600/13.06.25.SilverBay.600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD_vw9ujP-VOXutCfvOzQ9oih5rwHftLgG7eXHjf8sIJHtLLD8VzQxLeLtkeHeTq6ebvlTXEYrki_LbzhR8yMELwf8S_wDIk4ZgdXkrkoRzn3lJ_wjp0cxAHRaLFSJMtoIOwkuV5VNK8/s1600/13.06.25.SilverBay.600.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Waking up today seemed less than refreshing, as I couldn’t seem to shake the sleep from my eyes. Perhaps it was Vermont, and wishing I could stay for longer than one night, but the open road was there for the taking, and New York was today’s destination. Easy, smooth country riding brought us to an early lunch on a borrowed corner of a local farmer’s land. We sprawled out in the grass, enjoyed the sunshine, and cracked open a jar of coconut peanut butter to try. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After a nice and relaxing farmside lunch, our group made our way to a small ferry where we would cross and dock in the great state of New York. Since we all took the ferry together, we were all able to get a state sign picture with the entire group. After we claimed the state sign as our own, the rolling hills brought us up and over the New York countryside. The sun grew stronger before a storm managed to soak us from helmets to socks. Coasting along the lake, despite the gloomy rain, proved to be quite beautiful and rewarding with every turn and hill.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Soon the hills brought us to YMCA heaven. Silver Bay, New York is home to YMCA headquarters. Think ultimate adult / family summer camp a la the Dirty Dancing country club. Our group filed into our own wooden cabin dorm before exploring campus. I was quick to find a nice wooden rocking chair on the porch of the lodge. From there, I rocked back and forth as I looked out onto the water. I must have stayed here til late as the last thing I remember, after napping, was staring up at the star filled sky. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-78824689502177379142013-06-24T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T20:19:57.771-04:00Brandon, VT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig59HdRTmqAoszHCwzFNckaxQ6KatGADQ83pknCjkIfnqh4oqQphHCphct87Zj7NSDxIFlt8QW1QMHuwZp4GXNadxbbq0xy9Kc532a1XLboI6WSDxkgzwC9kbw1udDL4wVLsX0GB9oMkc/s1600/13.06.24.Brandon.600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig59HdRTmqAoszHCwzFNckaxQ6KatGADQ83pknCjkIfnqh4oqQphHCphct87Zj7NSDxIFlt8QW1QMHuwZp4GXNadxbbq0xy9Kc532a1XLboI6WSDxkgzwC9kbw1udDL4wVLsX0GB9oMkc/s1600/13.06.24.Brandon.600.jpg" /></a></div>
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Good morning, Vermont! If there's one thing we bikers get excited about on trips of this nature, it's a state sign. State signs are exciting, proof of our hard work, and a perfect photo opportunity. We got to the Vermont sign quite quickly since we had spent the night just miles from the border. Once we crossed a bridge, the entire gang stopped for many group pictures, some laughter, and lots of feather hands. For those of you not in the know, feather hands are a fantastic self explanatory dance move. Enjoy.</div>
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Vermont riding is a treasure. In this case we pedaled our way up a mountain, all slow and steady like, and tried not to succumb to the heat. The heat proved to be tolerable, and would keep us company as we cruised up and down hills, past beautiful green trees and fresh air, and would eventually lose its power as we were delivered a familiar rain storm.</div>
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The last bit of our ride was spent in quite a downpour, and we arrived to the quaint and perfect town of Brandon a bit soggier than we had been when we first arrived in Vermont. Let me just add, having an outdoor hose shower in the middle of a rainstorm is something to laugh about. The rain wouldn't last all night long, it let up with enough time to get some painting done on our support trailer before it got too dark out. </div>
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Before the painting, however, came what I thought was a bright idea. We were cooking dinner for ourselves, and I thought it would be awesome to cook everyone my delicious coconut rice. Well, my excitement overpowered my thought process, as I conveniently forgot that I usually had a handful more ingredients than what we had on the road. I thought I'd make do just fine, when I then realized I had only ever made enough rice for a few people. We, on the other hand, were thirty deep and had two large pots. Let's just say there was a smoky burnt essence about my rice dish. Alas, with burnt rice in our bellies, we set out our gear to dry and fell asleep in good spirits, ready to cross yet another state line in the morning.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-10735319817714737082013-06-23T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T20:18:10.458-04:00New Hampshire Build Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwRy8VLvLiseG2tWSW0B1eSGXOjba_dO0KJgSRosClLXHUJQmCPuzGD_URFnxr5A6QU6ILYXh4WLF7DSlNDXPKivopCzJgi3y5sax80VJLAuRVdAD-VT6Mz_Bzhtc2EYYV3QGY-ufQTU/s1600/13.06.23.NHBuild.600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwRy8VLvLiseG2tWSW0B1eSGXOjba_dO0KJgSRosClLXHUJQmCPuzGD_URFnxr5A6QU6ILYXh4WLF7DSlNDXPKivopCzJgi3y5sax80VJLAuRVdAD-VT6Mz_Bzhtc2EYYV3QGY-ufQTU/s1600/13.06.23.NHBuild.600.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today is a day off the bike. Every so often we trade in our bikes for the chance to volunteer with affordable housing organizations in the areas we are going through. As one of the leaders of the trip, it is partly my job to make sure there is enough work for the riders. This particular build day was a little hectic, and in the end we had a few too many extra hands. We, the four leaders, took the riders to their build sites and met up to do some administrative and logistical work for our upcoming days. We set up shop at a coffee shop right off of the Dartmouth campus.</div>
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After contacting and checking in with some of our future hosts, reviewing some of our routes to ensure we had the safest and best routes possible, and getting our to-do lists in order, we then set off in search of what we call donation magic. So, everyone in our group had to raise a minimum of $4500 in order to participate on the ride. That money helps us get across the country and what is left becomes the money our group gets to donate to affordable housing organizations all over the United States. In order to keep our costs low, and to prevent dipping into our precious raised money, we ask local businesses for donations. We had great success here in Lebanon as we were able to pick up day old bread and pastries from a bakery, and we were able to pick up a gift card to a local grocery store. Every little bit helps when we are traveling, so the fact that we wouldn't have to spend our own money on meals for the next couple of days was a big help.</div>
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The night ended with an awesome pot luck and the opportunity to meet the community members. We told everyone a little bit about what we do, and we were able to learn a little bit about the area from the community members at our tables. I find it quite special and beneficial to our trip to get the chance to meet with the people whose communities we bike through. It gives us just a bit more connection with each and every place we are lucky enough to pass through.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-66007018435146533652013-06-22T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T20:16:11.375-04:00Lebanon, NH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hRkzhoemHGHBG2lU0PuE66y4M4Al3K8ZAVJs4RD3fUvjQH7ciJWuo5vFU5pLmHfPuPxNGcc04gh1UuLJl-qe6a7boYzpzExW5mv3b6FED2Hg-VtYMJlcweoAofhfSxxFzzuHTWTL0DI/s1600/13.06.22.Lebanon.600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hRkzhoemHGHBG2lU0PuE66y4M4Al3K8ZAVJs4RD3fUvjQH7ciJWuo5vFU5pLmHfPuPxNGcc04gh1UuLJl-qe6a7boYzpzExW5mv3b6FED2Hg-VtYMJlcweoAofhfSxxFzzuHTWTL0DI/s1600/13.06.22.Lebanon.600.jpg" /></a></div>
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Back on the bike. Today's ride brings us close to the Vermont border, so we can nearly check New Hampshire off our list. We were treated to another perfectly sunny day as we cruised along the rolling hills. Lunch came up to us at the bottom of a small descent. After hanging out for a bit, and eating my fair share of cheese, I got back on the bicycle and cruised on towards our new town. Before arriving in Lebanon, we came upon a nice little swimming spot. I lounged under a shade tree (notice a pattern yet?) while others jumped in, and soon enough I was back on the bike heading to town.</div>
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What we found when we arrived was an awesome town square. In the middle, a lovely green park, and on the outside were shops, a post office, a fire house, and other small town charm. These trips are always an awesome examination into small town America, and I love finding simple, small towns with a lot of character and charm.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-74027924101632307932013-06-21T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T19:14:00.110-04:00New London, NH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVVk8NmtTOjLtxsrk1QXRwUF32ioO_mjT11WeX7Y29BA8-qPkQ7yaXdpRCeMmsONUPEqlntaoVbT2efiw_M-siRThKSEvYtY9nEKrjAsEH44n4KU18nIlJ6du0GuRWYdZRtScr8kvC3E/s1600/13.06.21.NewLondon.600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVVk8NmtTOjLtxsrk1QXRwUF32ioO_mjT11WeX7Y29BA8-qPkQ7yaXdpRCeMmsONUPEqlntaoVbT2efiw_M-siRThKSEvYtY9nEKrjAsEH44n4KU18nIlJ6du0GuRWYdZRtScr8kvC3E/s1600/13.06.21.NewLondon.600.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today is my first van day. As one of the four leaders of the trip, I am responsible for taking a turn driving the support vehicle for the day. This means a day off the bike, but it is necessary to get the group where we need to be. A fifteen passenger van towing a soon-to-be hand painted trailer is my new steed. My job vaguely entails leaving after all the riders, taking care of any errands (filling the gas tank, getting fruit for lunch, etc.), driving on ahead of everyone, setting up a lunch spot somewhere around halfway along the route, packing up and leaving lunch once all the riders have eaten and gotten back on the road, and then driving along the route past the riders again to our new host location. It is fun to get to see everyone throughout the day and check in, and especially fun to give them encouraging honks as I pass by.</span></div>
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First things first were to get our group's scheduled mail drop, pick up some fruit at the local grocery store, and grab some coffee. After the errands were under control, I took to the windy back roads of New Hampshire in search of a worthy lunch spot. As luck would have it, we turned onto a tiny road alongside a river. I parked the van and trailer and waited for the rest of the group. The only downside were the amount of ticks in the area. I think I pulled four off of me before the last rider even arrived at lunch!</div>
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Once everyone had indulged in their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, it was off to our new host location in New London. What I found was a tiny town with a lot to offer. Just down the road from where we were staying was beautiful Lake Sunapee, and it was another perfectly sunny day. I spent the afternoon lounging in yet another shade tree, reading, and waiting for all the riders to arrive safely. The evening brought us a tour of a local church's bell tower, a cold cider across the street, and a local jazz band playing in the town green. Quite lovely.</div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-9437767534628864222013-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-30T13:16:04.008-04:00Portsmouth, NH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8o5qbvp8FxqTRwLIphovk3cZG8iUYrDH5cdTryxnjwLOjAHkpCz-WZVYf7K9OPjDYNpLH1U73VmYI1Xgiceec5CGf3MP6ABWouL_mFEY0LNbp_w4I-nMd-XwtmIVqA_q9KCuW9UR9Es/s1600/1portsmouth_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8o5qbvp8FxqTRwLIphovk3cZG8iUYrDH5cdTryxnjwLOjAHkpCz-WZVYf7K9OPjDYNpLH1U73VmYI1Xgiceec5CGf3MP6ABWouL_mFEY0LNbp_w4I-nMd-XwtmIVqA_q9KCuW9UR9Es/s1600/1portsmouth_600.jpg" /></a></div>
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Summer is here. I've graduated and am ready to start on a new adventure. I seem to be quite predictable in my adventuring these days, as this summer I will ride my trusted bicycle from sea to shining see across North America for a third time. Since 2010 I have proudly been involved with a great non-profit organization that spreads money and awareness for affordable housing, and does so with groups of young adults crazy enough to pedal their way from coast to coast. I am one of those young adults, and I couldn't be happier about it. I just packed up my car in Atlanta, made a pit stop in Brooklyn, and arrived in New Hampshire with great anticipation and excitement.<br /><br />
I am one of four leaders on this cross-continent route. We begin our trip in Portsmouth, NH, coincidentally just six miles away from where I grew up. My co-leaders and I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of our team, and today marks the first full day the whole team is together. We've got a whirlwind couple of days full of presentations, exercises, and information to prepare the group for what our summer will look like.<br /><br />Aside from all the logistics, I am over the moon excited for this summer. Typically, this organization only allows you to participate in two cross country adventures, but I am lucky enough to get a third. I've already had the time of my life cycling from Providence, Rhode Island to San Francisco, California and from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to San Diego, California, and now I will take to the streets to ride from New Hampshire to Vancouver. Along the way, our group will stop to volunteer with affordable housing organizations and help with their efforts in any way that they could use us. <br /><br />There are thirty of us in total for this particular route, and the group seems amazing. Bright eyed, excited, and enthusiastic, our group comes from all over the states, and we even have a rider joining us from Turkey. I can't even believe the summer we are about to have together. I can only imagine I walk away from this summer with another wonderful experience, and newfound inspiration from these now strangers that will soon become family.<br /><br />Time to fine tune the bike and get ready to hit the road.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-3821199528785622652013-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-30T13:10:52.562-04:00And Away I Go<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWUAsuVXJFHUlzz3lqObWFDl4L9EMerwbBoZFBPbp2WBvB9SH-HYNdEbhUyTLhLmEI_OKPpFX2UGJshJ6VbyY6tofm7BKsYa7GgFUxlvpmvDrpNHeH8qll7M7kyDebB1Rdf97RdHT1s0/s1600/groovebig_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWUAsuVXJFHUlzz3lqObWFDl4L9EMerwbBoZFBPbp2WBvB9SH-HYNdEbhUyTLhLmEI_OKPpFX2UGJshJ6VbyY6tofm7BKsYa7GgFUxlvpmvDrpNHeH8qll7M7kyDebB1Rdf97RdHT1s0/s1600/groovebig_600.jpg" /></a></div>
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The time has come. I write to you now as an official college graduate. It took ages to get to this point, but I am proud to say I have earned a Printmaking BFA. My images have been etched, framed, presented, and now celebrated. For now I am tying up loose ends in the packing game, filling a storage unit with nearly all of my earthly belongings, and gearing up for another adventure. I must say adieu to the printmaking studio, my old stomping grounds, my precious photogravure dark room, the inks, the solvents, and the wonderful, extraordinary people I was able to work alongside. Not to fret, I will return, but before then I must go on one of my signature adventures of a lifetime... Curious? You'll be more than filled in soon enough. Stick around.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-16275895361958635102013-05-27T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-30T13:07:50.569-04:00Looking Back & Packing Up<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAzx4KrTfmodrj2I6G-_zFPeogUyK0WxiYeP5k5gbJEFeE3w-9KfySUSSiC10McchO25FZLMSdW4eZXZ-vuhllIEbe5p56Tb7SeYIU0FXOs8hPqwoZ2A8MYOTCMhojtsoxCspZvkgT3s/s1600/converge_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAzx4KrTfmodrj2I6G-_zFPeogUyK0WxiYeP5k5gbJEFeE3w-9KfySUSSiC10McchO25FZLMSdW4eZXZ-vuhllIEbe5p56Tb7SeYIU0FXOs8hPqwoZ2A8MYOTCMhojtsoxCspZvkgT3s/s1600/converge_600.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been tinkering away in the printmaking studio for some time now, and have just started the process of packing up. My summer adventure will start before I know it. One of my favorite parts about packing (I do it a lot) is coming across gems that strike the nostalgia chord just right. This was a process shot when a few friends and I put on our first art show. The show's name, converge, sent us into the letterpress room to see how we could make a bad-ass show card to distribute. As someone who does not speak computer / technology fluently, it was such a nice experience to have ideas to cut and paste and move around to get everything just right. A friend was a wizard with the letterpress and Vandercook printing presses. She churned out a handful of options then together we went to town sorting, cutting, pasting, moving, and shaking. I hope to get to use the letterpress more someday in the future.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-11242774412544862442013-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:002013-05-20T08:00:00.087-04:00You Bet I Put A Bird Or Two On It.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYRahKqz5lphwjReYyFvIv4kdOHsKQFNsh9xDDABaq3hKYwVcZAf-xN0zFRVXtz3JzgbVqv0Fu2PJWsFPfbt9oyzA3bvYPYg_LC2o4uq1bO-07wRx1gc5KbmUEuVdsQNqcRKrizr6TM4/s1600/knitnot_egrets_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYRahKqz5lphwjReYyFvIv4kdOHsKQFNsh9xDDABaq3hKYwVcZAf-xN0zFRVXtz3JzgbVqv0Fu2PJWsFPfbt9oyzA3bvYPYg_LC2o4uq1bO-07wRx1gc5KbmUEuVdsQNqcRKrizr6TM4/s1600/knitnot_egrets_600.jpg" /></a></div>
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School is nearing an end. While I've been trying to get everything together for my thesis show, I've also been learning my way through the screen print process. I find this to be the most addictive of printmaking processes. Layer and after you watch your image build up. In my case, I started drawing birds. I would do ten or more layers of hand drawn color separations until I was happy with my little friends. When I pack up for the summer in a week or so, I'll be antsy to get back to screen printing. It's funny, I put off taking this class because I was so focused on other mediums. Who knew I'd love it so much?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-20016313507318486392013-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:002013-05-13T08:00:10.554-04:00The Trailhead Awaits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1fMBIwktuhhatxST9qCrmj_C6jxJmqAfOcweLOl04P4eE-kkO5KdSama5ZlTbFi_dlyzL-CGxrunH2h7fO77-5HgXkK-WN6BUg3csva6hNr33Jdl36yZT9nLgdo-cZWKABLjOGMI6os/s1600/megantada_apptrail_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1fMBIwktuhhatxST9qCrmj_C6jxJmqAfOcweLOl04P4eE-kkO5KdSama5ZlTbFi_dlyzL-CGxrunH2h7fO77-5HgXkK-WN6BUg3csva6hNr33Jdl36yZT9nLgdo-cZWKABLjOGMI6os/s1600/megantada_apptrail_600.jpg" /></a></div>
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One week at a time. That's all. I recently had the pleasure of delivering a few friends to start their brave journey along the Appalachian Trail. We took to the backroads of Georgia, and after scaling quite a mountain side on a barely passable road... in my little tiny sedan, I dropped the boys off at the Springer Mountain trailhead. There next step will be north towards Maine. Inspiring, adventurous, courageous, and fun. I haven't had much time to leave Atlanta, so while I was out in the woods I made sure to take it all in and enjoy what I found out there. Fresh air, green trees, perfect breezy sunshine, and a lot of time to think. I am jealous of those boys and their adventure. Soon I'll have another adventure of my very own.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-26897032179835336832013-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:002013-05-06T08:00:13.682-04:00...Crickets?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeuevfAmYTIK8lZTg38GFwIMGPOYsIs_lp3wKBfki0vvM0L84XtbMHRfwKdwgr5ltNJCg9wUE3Q6YQNaCg__UzIgEh5EySuIINypjoC1G7QBNhonJuMmYLfe1wwZgP2Hoqk8qAG4Y3Zo/s1600/megantada_backseat_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeuevfAmYTIK8lZTg38GFwIMGPOYsIs_lp3wKBfki0vvM0L84XtbMHRfwKdwgr5ltNJCg9wUE3Q6YQNaCg__UzIgEh5EySuIINypjoC1G7QBNhonJuMmYLfe1wwZgP2Hoqk8qAG4Y3Zo/s1600/megantada_backseat_600.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been gone, gone, gone from internet land for quite some time. This seems to keep happening. A lot of bad news has come my way, and a lot of work has yet to be done, so I took the time to focus my efforts elsewhere. I'm working my way forward. On the horizon is my BFA thesis show, in which I will finally earn that elusive degree in printmaking, packing up nearly every single thing I own to live for a while in a quaint Atlanta storage unit, and heading to Vancouver by way of New Hampshire... more on that later.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-16370058981181272272013-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-15T08:00:05.815-05:00Read Then Read Some More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCgdnci_nZnKRm41UfDUfuKgaZ5mdkqez7RieSOosOcppfyRgozwWKsHHmXO-Dvr1830j2gL4XjMniE2BQCDoNoDwFXKbqiTMemI4J9JZF4Zw6J-ado_ygAui0nTIEYU3e0Jbvmu8ZrA/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCgdnci_nZnKRm41UfDUfuKgaZ5mdkqez7RieSOosOcppfyRgozwWKsHHmXO-Dvr1830j2gL4XjMniE2BQCDoNoDwFXKbqiTMemI4J9JZF4Zw6J-ado_ygAui0nTIEYU3e0Jbvmu8ZrA/s1600/9.JPG" /></a></div>
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Make excuses to make yourself feel better.
Example: convincing yourself that you are on top of your research.
Reasoning: your coffee vessel measures higher than your stack of yet to be read books.
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-52932808596359935162013-02-13T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-13T08:00:03.628-05:00Roar, Who Goes There?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aUhphwqQf2t_XLkNPMj0L0PI_md1J4D228KQEvlhaZlW6DbhuYSAewWcImYSAPMQme7SfCEsBHjt6mEK2lEYHETqeEm-T2dkRLAwUkXmUIQ7A3omvM2_U-qhOz96F0457p9i1_M2TE8/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aUhphwqQf2t_XLkNPMj0L0PI_md1J4D228KQEvlhaZlW6DbhuYSAewWcImYSAPMQme7SfCEsBHjt6mEK2lEYHETqeEm-T2dkRLAwUkXmUIQ7A3omvM2_U-qhOz96F0457p9i1_M2TE8/s1600/8.JPG" /></a></div>
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Highly recommended: silently sneak up on quiet dark room workers and make presence known only using high pitched pterodactyl-like screeches.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-4250980159341519182013-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-11T08:00:04.486-05:00Photo Groove<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEvW_Ad3doqFtH3nYGmvreEy-NGhEnF_mcRbLg99oyQLjMCbi_ex7JQU90wkaWQgBaKseLkvEylYOkV4waf4TQgKnb0zq-Q_LwXuEsxi-rn0C3CdlKNGGRUSbhanANxdU3MKTuXPJzaY/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEvW_Ad3doqFtH3nYGmvreEy-NGhEnF_mcRbLg99oyQLjMCbi_ex7JQU90wkaWQgBaKseLkvEylYOkV4waf4TQgKnb0zq-Q_LwXuEsxi-rn0C3CdlKNGGRUSbhanANxdU3MKTuXPJzaY/s1600/7.JPG" /></a></div>
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Teamwork in the print shop means all hands on deck when it comes to kick shearing ten feet of roofing copper. And by all hands I mean everyone's but mine because I felt the need to document. Team player. With copper comes etching. At least that's the goal. Some are better at studio time than others. And by some I mean everyone but me. I need a hypothetical swift kick in the behind to get me moving and shaking. Photogravure, or photo-groove as it is known on the streets, won't just groove itself. I need to harness the groove. It's time to harness the groove. Everybody, come, let us harness the groove.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-5706404419584138192013-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-08T08:00:08.930-05:00Studio Practices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbXgysZZ3NToi0c5rtCOtuuzyOF844fQPvFGJ7C5KL24rL-xrsqCrXPfr9rr356hn3HlyKJ0ZrnnDxEE25R_NSsTIsFlPyPfTETp8aC0w2xcvSlFAgIGKpCfJDfOtnWMeDifgBIiTDAg/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbXgysZZ3NToi0c5rtCOtuuzyOF844fQPvFGJ7C5KL24rL-xrsqCrXPfr9rr356hn3HlyKJ0ZrnnDxEE25R_NSsTIsFlPyPfTETp8aC0w2xcvSlFAgIGKpCfJDfOtnWMeDifgBIiTDAg/s1600/6.JPG" /></a></div>
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Back to school shopping is a little bit different for me these days. This is where I spent the most money. While I did stock up on colorful highlighters, Sharpie pens, and sticky notes galore, I also had to buy a lot of paper, some jugs of resin, and over ten feet of roofing copper. And this, printmaking, is one of the many reasons I love you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-87521976902039853912013-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-06T08:00:05.842-05:00Work It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0qdFGinrA_p4rSiU22BxKUhC45ixvq3omTs-Spn4l56C6AIN0gw9Emj4h3ZtnOFB6dhvQybEgmWkG-OAG7OIcMkuUcZurACKCqvyydsw44KRjpPB6npleWx3RC4Fqxb4p4H5Wg0x0j8/s1600/5a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0qdFGinrA_p4rSiU22BxKUhC45ixvq3omTs-Spn4l56C6AIN0gw9Emj4h3ZtnOFB6dhvQybEgmWkG-OAG7OIcMkuUcZurACKCqvyydsw44KRjpPB6npleWx3RC4Fqxb4p4H5Wg0x0j8/s1600/5a.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTtW3NH5G9Gqpa3s6d6CqDgPLiLwxltdJBN5u8Ie9RbB6GwcodUtqSN6YWnt8Tpu4Mc9GXR90GH0wkxeoOo83fh2nsY0Ze_5xjyV_k4hNS9CB-OaT4mnWgzdQEKxKuUXTISX8Ww7PBl0/s1600/5b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTtW3NH5G9Gqpa3s6d6CqDgPLiLwxltdJBN5u8Ie9RbB6GwcodUtqSN6YWnt8Tpu4Mc9GXR90GH0wkxeoOo83fh2nsY0Ze_5xjyV_k4hNS9CB-OaT4mnWgzdQEKxKuUXTISX8Ww7PBl0/s1600/5b.JPG" /></a></div>
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Who doesn't love a little stroll through a ridiculous art collection? I know I do. After a small bike ride down the Florida coast over New Years, I spent a little extra time in the Miami area. The to do list included eating two pound Whole Foods salads, having Apple maps navigate us to the middle of underpasses, sipping delicious cold brewed iced lattes from Panther (one of my new favorite coffee spots in the country), accidentally waltzing on the outskirts of a nudist beach, and then there was some art. Friend Jake and I made it to the Marguilles Collection Warehouse. I was only mistaken for a guy two or three times that day. Successes all around.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-29729841011441405382013-02-04T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-04T08:00:01.134-05:00Meet Midge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-vX8k_8tJQJiezgDFjcTyCLHYmAIh8ObtJmi6bn5yj4XejDLC08CIM7Ffkg4yfhvymPtN_gIhVPE4NK-aB5ORZcsoOz9h4kL1cdMKhHntqaN5wadM4eZd1tbPy0XTfExPRQYhDbnUUc/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-vX8k_8tJQJiezgDFjcTyCLHYmAIh8ObtJmi6bn5yj4XejDLC08CIM7Ffkg4yfhvymPtN_gIhVPE4NK-aB5ORZcsoOz9h4kL1cdMKhHntqaN5wadM4eZd1tbPy0XTfExPRQYhDbnUUc/s1600/4.JPG" /></a></div>
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This is Midge. Midge is me nearly a century ago. Really Midge is a long lost relative. The last time I stopped by New Hampshire this little oil painting was hanging on the wall in my parents' house. I don't know a lot about my family history, so seeing this painting was a treat. I kind of sort of resemble this familial female. Fun fact: I'm possibly over a foot taller than Midge was. Somewhere along the lines my family tree got tall.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367727609070038505.post-65043015909495879132013-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-01T08:00:08.155-05:00A Room For Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbex6Axoryi60JVhmH2CDxq2MuGAst2GT6HxMpOZNXV3diPQLwT1BRGuBB_QDoWU_tU6dfITQEYLa5Rhb0-LEpUdCyJb2FMlBemxZOg8EFp3kpphuaCX1O03ROzJwf-tq6-Epku5m5fA/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbex6Axoryi60JVhmH2CDxq2MuGAst2GT6HxMpOZNXV3diPQLwT1BRGuBB_QDoWU_tU6dfITQEYLa5Rhb0-LEpUdCyJb2FMlBemxZOg8EFp3kpphuaCX1O03ROzJwf-tq6-Epku5m5fA/s1600/3.JPG" /></a></div>
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Entrance into adulthood began with the purchase of a mattress. Ain't she a beaut? My new homestead comes in the form of a one bedroom apartment within a complex. I'd go on and on about the old charm, the history, the stories... but this place is merely a cookie cutter apartment with shades of grey, white, and beige. Benefits include fun neighbor watching and proximity to school. I will have five to six months of wonderful memories in this sassy cube.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07901930580881804901noreply@blogger.com4