Sol Tribe Winter Solstice Trunk Party

I hope to see you at the annual Sol Tribe Winter Solstice Trunk Party. I'll have a wide range of work available, and there will be will be music (DJ Electric Cameltoe), food, libations, tarot card reading (Lady Speech), door prizes and local artisans selling there amazing creations (Aberrant Jewelry, Vagabond Supply Co., JXRXKX) to name a few. Please join us for a night of community, appreciation and gratitude. 

6-10PM

56 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

Our Community Event Celebrating Autumn + Collaboration

So very excited to be offering the limited adornment collection of 9 necklaces @taliamigliaccio and I have been working on! We're celebrating our collaboration at a communal event October 28 @shopgoldyn in Denver from 5-8 with many of our friends // a flora earth offering by @sacredthistle - sound offering by @optimysticism + @ahmadjp - potions by @dramapothecary - tarot by @rorylula. Join us for a beautiful, fun evening!!

Sasha Update!

The last 1.5 months?  Change change challenges awesomeness beauty - it just kept comin.  Now that I have alone time and internet connection I'm gonna share some photos and thoughts about it here, because it has been such a unique and special time that I want to reflect on and share.

Starting with Sasha's rough patch that happened right before a Much anticipated adventure to CA with ma Fiance Robert Ford.  (I like to say this word with a thick southern accent, rhyming with Beyonce and in 2 syllables). We were deciding by the day whether we'd go or not.  She improved and we had a great sitter for the time away, thanks Shantelle!, so decided to go.  And, by the way, Sasha completely turned around after we stopped feeding her prescription dog food.  (!!!!)  Completely.  She now eats: cooked and raw veggies (kale, carrots, peas, edamame, zucchini) rice pasta and/or quinoi, and a bit of lean ground turkey (dogs can't handle too much protein so just a few sprinkles).  And she's gone from being lethargic, barely walking, and anxious - to happy, taking walks, and running! Who knew??  She's still an old dog but has completely regained energy and has her personality back.  An amazing transformation for which I am very grateful. Here are some photos of just days before we left, and then a video of Sasha running a few weeks ago :))

And now, Sasha running!!

Have compassion for your shame

Have compassion for your shame 
For unattended it may fester 
Uncared for it holds its mark 
To deny it is to mock it 
Laughing at it in the dark 
Embrace it as the innocent child 
Until it stands up and walks away
And if it comes back, bathe it with Love
Until it doesn't need you anymore

Torus and the Muses

From a few early mornings ago: It's 6:46am and I've been up for a couple hours. It's the third night in a row that something has woken me around the witching hour. This early candlelit morning I feel it must have been the violent dream that I woke myself from - a difficult dream of my mother (representing anyone and everyone) and self-violence (universal), but beautiful in its metaphor. I've been dreaming a lot again which is always a good sign. After waking, I soothed my mind by traveling behind my lids, watching grey shapes drift before me, quickly and continually morphing into each other before I can completely identify them. I've gotten better over the years as I've practiced watching these shapes fly by. It feels like I'm traveling through inner space and at the same time I'm outside myself. Being present within AND without. When I'm lucky, I fly through this interior space of objects, they are in technicolor, move incredibly fast and I see them in great detail. Really so beautiful. Due to my belief and love of the noosphere I've been practicing envisioning a rainbow torus shape bridging the north and south poles through the center of the earth

For this reason. I'm excited. I'm feeling a lot of incredible energy and I'm certain others are feeling it too. It feels like low-voltage electricity is constantly flowing through and around me - I love where it takes me. I feel my muses are present and everything is in place. I'll write often as we make our way to December 21, 2012 so that I indulge in, discover, share, and revel in this energy, and perhaps connect with those who are feeling/experiencing the same.

The Evolutionary Impulse

The Evolutionary Impulse - Throat Chakra Study (click to enlarge)
Skeleton: Lords of the Charnel Ground, 15th century Tibetan Art by Smashana Adipati
Body: Self-portrait in french lace
Throat Chakra: My first plane flight age 12
Heart Chakra: Micro leaf photo
Solar Plexus Chakra: Sunrise over temple at Burningman 2011
Sacral Chakra: Stills from the film THE TREE OF LIFE by Terrence Malick
Root Chakra: Stills from the film THE TREE OF LIFE by Terrence Malick

We are at the leading edge of evolution.

I recognize a value system around such an idea - that we are an evolutionary process - and that the thrill of life, the light, the connectedness, that which helps us realize we are not only separate physical beings, but we are spiritual beings connected on a quantum level, is the very evolutionary process that created the cosmos. I have been feeling this impulse in a physical manner recently – in the way that I feel my collective cells are informing me. More specifically – as I’ve made it a priority in 2011 to use food as medicine or fuel ie. the best of the best (nutritious veggies, fruits, proteins, whole grains, always more water, little to no alcohol etc) my cells thank me with an energy and an internal voice that is stronger than I’ve ever experienced.


Spiraling Serpent - Throat Chakra Study (click to enlarge)
Skeleton: Lords of the Charnel Ground, 15th century Tibetan Art by Smashana Adipati
Throat Chakra: My first plane flight age 12
Heart Chakra: Lush vegetation
Solar Plexus Chakra: pure yellow light - photo found on my camera
Sacral Chakra: Stills from the film THE TREE OF LIFE by Terrence Malick
Root Chakra: Stills from the film THE TREE OF LIFE by Terrence Malick
Acrylic spiraling serpent

Recently during meditation I've felt a spiraling serpent type feeling awaken in me and energize my chakras. I'm currently in a workshop taught by Dr. Elizabeth Debold and Mary Adams who are contemporary evolutionary thinkers and it's incredibly energizing. When Elizabeth and Mary talk about expanding our perception beyond seeing ourselves as single, individual cells and recognizing that we are “the leading edge of a 14 billion year process that is trying to move forward through us into a higher integration,” my latest physical experience all made sense. My concerns for how to make powerful, positive contributions to help solve the ills of the post-modern era that have come to light in regards to our planet and our species is no longer a concern, but somewhat of a mission.

I'm starting to recognize that any fears I may rub up against in this pursuit – the evolutionary impulse that I am feeling – come from my ego, from an egocentric viewpoint. This is not about me, this is about us, the human species. Now is the time to work together, for each other, and I truly believe the universe will give back in equal measure, in the most magical of ways.

The first lesson of the workshop is this:
Awaken to and embody an evolutionary perspective.
"I wholeheartedly embrace a philosophical and moral reference point for my life based in the truth that we are all the product of a process that has been evolving for 14 billion years. From this perspective, I live in the awareness that the evolutionary impulse that created the entire universe is not separate from my deepest motivation to develop and I strive to align with it to consciously create the future."

Don't know about you, but it appears clear to me that the need for humanity to move to a higher integration is directly tied to the health of our species.

This is our responsibility and privilege as we are at the leading edge of evolution. "With this perspective," says Mary Adams, "our worries and concerns in one's personal life start to fade a bit - there is something in us that is driving us to a different order of integration and wholeness. The deepest motivation in ourselves is the force of that attempting to move forward through us. The evolutionary impulse. The sense of resonance that my life has a larger role. It demands of each of us to make decisions in alignment with this new perspective. This is our transformation to elevate and move culture forward."

I wanted to share some thoughts and creativity that have been rockin my world lately.

I am another yourself,
Nancy

Protect yourself or you'll lose power

Ok, for those of you who remember the first days of 2012 for me: the disappearing hat, also grandmother's antique hand-mirror (that I realize was also gone from that night, aaand I shouldn't have brought it in the first place. All part of the lesson, you see), then a ticket for not wearing my seatbelt, then imac power cord - not yet a year old - just stopped working.

First of all, the conclusions:

1. The girl who owns the hat is totally awesome and my target audience and someone I very much want wearing my hat! She's adorable, interesting, smart, fun, funnY, and trustworthy! She appreciates it. So that's awesome. I want a photo of her with it on! Anyways. . .

2. The Apple store switched out the power cord, no questions asked. (Thank you dear Robiti for helping with this.)

3. I paid my parking ticket immediately upon entering my house, right after getting it. Ripped it up.

And then, after a few days, the lesson became clear:
Protect yourself or you'll lose power

This is a powerful statement in so many ways - from physically, to what and how you choose to divulge, indulge, and invest. Don't be naive, however don't be fearful. Protect - not from fear, just wisdom. Protect your peace of mind, for example, protect your health.

Really great first few days of this 2012 new year. Hope you are well!

Guovssahas, Serpents, and Red Resonant Dragon

The great Teacher Eden Sky writes:
"December 21, 2012 marks the Shifting of World Ages, a return to zero point, where we officially transition from the current 5,125 year World Age Cycle, and enter into a New World Cycle; marking a new level of our unfoldment as a planetary collective; a new level of our human evolution in concert with our living Universe.

If one researches prophecies from ancient cultures, and investigates modern scientific and spiritual decodings of these times we are living in, one will find a whole spectrum of insight, opinions, warnings, facts, theories, and possibilities about where we have come from, and where we are heading. While many pieces of the puzzle match up, plenty of pieces and voices do not align, and in fact contradict one another.

I write this article as someone who has been in this field of investigation and discovery for 17 years and counting, having passionately delved into this realm and taken in information and insights from countless sources. In this personal journey, my intention has been to be informed of various viewpoints, especially those thought to be from the most reputable sources, including indigenous messengers, highly regarded researchers, deeply inspired visionaries, and critically thinking scientists. Upon taking in all of these viewpoints, I then seek to integrate them inside of myself, cross-referencing all the data and voices and applying the discernment of my own intelligence and intuition, that ultimately I can arrive at a synthesis of my own heart's comprehension. It is from this place of what I would call my own "embodiment" that I always attempt to communicate to the world from.

I believe it is ideal for each of us to evolve and refine our own personal embodiment of truth, awareness, and inspiration to guide us from within and to help influence our collective humanity. Therefore, I do not proclaim to know anything more than anyone else. I am simply interested in sharing the understandings I have come to as they have cultivated within me during years of dedicated exploration, in hopes that they may stimulate deeper levels of your own knowing.

That said, the message I wish to offer to the human family is this:
Let us realize that December 21, 2012 does indeed mark the completion of a vast cycle, and the dawning of a New World Age on Planet Earth. However, let us not naively look to this one day to instantly transform all the far-reaching crises and imbalances we face as a global society." READ MORE OF EDEN SKY

I am feeling intense energy and as my body, mind, and spirit are aligned through good decisions, my cells are guiding my body, working as a team, informing me of what I need. Water, movement, quiet stillness, stretching, proper fuel. . .

Last night was especially strong and aligned and I experienced prolonged moments of bliss.

According to the 13 moon calendar, it was Yellow Cosmic Seed
I endure in order to target,
Transcending awareness.
I seal the input of flowering
With the cosmic tone of presence.
I am guided by the power of elegance.

Today is:
Red Magnetic Serpent
I unify in order to survive,
Attracting instinct.
I seal the store of life force
With the magnetic tone of purpose.
I am guided by my own power doubled.

The serpent and my experience last night are synonymous. Twisting and stretching and turning like the DNA spiral, the life force and light force travel in spiral. I experienced Kundalini Rising

The Sacral Chakra is an area of contemplation. The Crown Chakra is the gift. These make up my essence.
Imagining a rainbow bridge of light connecting the northern lights to the southern lights.
The indiginous people of Norway, the Sami, called the Aurora Boreais - Guovssahas - which means "the light which can be heard". The northern lights were traditionally associated with sound by the Sami and symbols are on the Sami's shamanistic drums.

Part of my DNA comes from Norway - Olsen - so the Sami and northern lights are of particular interest to me.

I am:
Red Resonant Dragon
I channel in order to nurture,
Inspiring being.
I seal the input of birth
With the resonant tone of attunement.
I am guided by the power of space.
I am a galactic activation portal...enter me.

With Gratitude and Lovingessence.

Sustained Energy and Deeper Appreciation

Today is the last day of my mono-diet - a winter, ayurvedic cleanse consisting of the following for 14 days:

Kitchari - a meal of mung beans, white basmati rice, plenty of ghee, and broccoli, beets, cauliflower, carrots (basically whatever veggies you want to add), and any spices.

1 probiotic (10 billion live per day) and 2 liver support pills

At least 64 oz of filtered water per day

That's it for 14 days.

This is a nourishing cleanse and extremely easy on your digestive system. Although I found eating the same meal for two weeks booorrring, I loved the way it makes me feel! I have sustained energy throughout the entire day, no sugar highs/crashes (which I have really noticed since I'm not eating sugar of any kind) and no lethargy due to certain foods (gluten? meat?). The best way to describe it is my energy is sustained and balanced, I feel great from the inside out, and I LOVE IT.

In my experience this cleanse was 100% worth doing. Aside from how awesome I feel both physically and mentally, I APPRECIATE so much more the fact that on a daily basis I am able to eat a variety of foods for the energy I intake. Many fellow human beings would feel lucky to eat this every day of their lives, just to have something to eat. I feel amazing, and when I'm back to a regular diet of whatever I want, I will more often choose food for the way it will make me feel after eating it. This was a lesson in food as energy - if the input is awesome, so will be how you feel.

I'll finish my cleanse tomorrow, just in time for Winter Solstice 2011 and in preparation for 2012. Excited for new beginnings!

In La Kesh - I am another yourself

Into this right now, she says it so clearly and beautifully. "Be an Agent of Calm. . . I am another yourself".

What is happening now

Amazing to be contributing right now. 2012 is an Awakening of Consciousness. Another level of experience, understanding, and oneness is unfolding. I believe it will be very challenging but also relieving - that the "old way of being" will expire and this new way of being will be a rebirth for our species. A renaissance of humanity. We desperately need it and it is here. The revolution is within ourselves. Get to know our hearts, our inner sacred leaders, be an agent of calm. Share the beauty you find. Inspire through your essence. Contribute with your unique love. "I am another yourself"

Love,
Nancy

Core Story and Not Being Boooorrrriiiing

December 31 – Core Story
What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.) (Author: Molly O’Neill)
----------------------
I just read all of my December Reverb10 posts and notice that I hold peace of mind and balance above all else. Finally. And I have for a few years now. Maybe it really is wisdom that comes with age and experience.

Being healthly, to me, is connected to making dreams come true, because you have the energy and will to execute. I also notice that I am grateful for Love in my life. I think there are at least 3 posts about Rob in my December reflections. That's just it. He's the real deal. And so am I, I've noticed. I appreciate authenticity - but I also found when reading that balanced authenticity can be BOOORRRRIIIING!

Writing needs spice, flavor, something you can taste. I didn't really find that in my Reverb10 responses, but the prompts helped me reflect and focus - while also realizing that personal reflection is often boring. I'm more interested in the fascinating product rather than the process. It was kind of a big deal for me to make my responses public - reflections are generally left to my journals. But it was a good step for me because I overcame the worry of being interesting. And it turns out, surprisingly, that several people were reading my posts and, in fact, a few times chose my responses as Story of the Day from the reverb10 community. Who'd a thought?!

My core story: Twenty years ago I was a Mormon Missionary and believed in the Universal Law of Blood Atonement, which is at the core of Christianity. When I came home from my mission my mother became very ill, severely chemically depressed which looked very much like madness. This challenged my view of the world and I had to be open enough to realize a new one. That's the big lesson of the ordeal.

Living with my parents at the time and watching the devastating downward spiral of my mother's mental health, it hit me that I had been going about life in the wrong way. What I gained from my religious years was the ability to listen to my inner voice, my soul. Instead of believing it was the "whisperings of the Holy Ghost" (essentially God), I recognized it as my own spirituality and voice. So, at 25, I shed my religious skin and embodied my own skin, from the inside out. It was a journey. This is my core story and why I value peace of mind above all else. This value informs my decisions and my spiritual inner voice guides my life. It helps keep me calm and balanced.

I've had a desire for many years to write a novel of my core story. Maybe the drama of the story is the spice itself. It's been a dramatic ride, after all. I just don't want it to be Boooorrrriiiing! So, I wonder, how can I do this from a place of calm, balance, and appreciation and infuse my writing with flavor?? If any of you have ideas, I would love to hear them!

Here's the Sap

December 30 – Gift
This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
(Author: Holly Root)
-----------------------------

This is going to sound corny but really, it's been Rob and the way he loves me. He's taught me about real companionship, good communication (and I already thought I was pretty good), and giving people (myself included) the benefit of the doubt. When asked, he's able to shed light on my shortcomings or challenges that are very helpful. He is an amazing friend and a gift.

Health and Honing My Element (that sounds tasty)

December 29 – Defining Moment
Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.
(Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)
-----------------------------

Hmmm, not to include 2011 incidents now that we're four months in! I'd have to say a moment that stands out for me, and maybe it's because it was more recent, is December 25th, Christmas Day. I woke up with a pretty painful abdomen. All set to ride Beaver Creek Christmas morning, Rob and I couldn't because I was feeling so shitty. Then and there I decided to take it down a notch and really be a steward of my body - make strong, awesome choices about my energy consumption, period.

Flash to 4 months and 2 days into 2011 and I feel like I've given myself the chance to be in some of the best shape/health of my life. Feeling great most of all. 2011 is about health and honing my Element.

Also, when I went to Provo, UT to take care of my parents when my mother got a new knee at age 73, I got to spend an afternoon with two friends I've known for 20+ years. We were freshmen at BYU together. Woah. And though we've all gone separate ways and hadn't been in close touch (they are mothers, one is still Mormon, one is not) - we connected just as we did so long ago, but with more wisdom from experience. Both of these women told me that at different times in their lives they've thought - "What would Nancy do?" That was incredible for me to hear, I had no idea, and it warmed me to know that thinking of what I might do in a situation gave someone courage or a new perspective. That just plain rocks! And yeah, we were all teary at that beautiful lunch over homemade bread and delicious potage. Definitely a defining moment in my life.

Don't Misplace the Anxiety

I was able to do all of the December prompts from Reverb10 pretty much on time, until Christmas day. No matter that it's April now, I want to finish the last few. The question:

December 28 – Achieve
What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. (Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)
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Interesting that this is the post I stopped at. Because I have 3 good ideas to execute, but you're asking me which is the best one. Or the most timely one. What do I want to achieve most? Getting my head around the idea and executing it to satisfaction, I suppose, though that's vague. I'm often vague. Which makes me think of Nouvelle Vague, and what a cool set of words that is, but I digress. Having ideas and not settling on one is the result of. . . fear?! I guess. It would seem.
I imagine I'll feel. . . relieved that I've done it and moved forward, progressed to the next step.

10 things to do/think daily to experience that feeling:

Make healthy energy choices: right food, enough sleep, etc
Meditate
Act as if I've already done it. Feel the satisfaction and go from there
Write
Keep it simple and organized
Follow the plan
Don't misplace the anxiety
Stretch
Consume only the most inspiring
Limit useless consumption

Ordinary Joy

I was able to do all of the December prompts from #reverb10 pretty much on time, until Christmas day. But, I've learned so many important things from this exercise that I wanted to finish the remaining 7 prompts. So here they are.

December 27 – Ordinary Joy
Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? (Author: Brené Brown)

Sitting with Rob over breakfast and an espresso, a weekend of projecting in Avon or Denver and realizing that we like to spend time in the same way, dancing in the kitchen or living room, brainstorming ideas, giving advice, a trusted perspective, crying with laughter. And we get to kiss too.

Cafe Gratitude and May I Be Frank

It's interesting that I was able to do all of the December prompts from Reverb10 pretty much on time, until Christmas day. But, I've learned so many important things from this exercise that I wanted to finish the remaining 7 prompts. So here they are.

December 26 – Soul Food

What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?
(Author: Elise Marie Collins)

I touched down at the San Francisco airport and wanted to kiss the ground. I don't know why, it was instinctual. Perhaps simply because I was in Northern California. I didn't even know how much I've missed it until I smelled it and felt the air and the energy of such a great place. I was there for a long weekend visiting my parents who were running a tennis tournament in Berkeley. It so happened that all three of my sisters, from various parts of northern California, would be there too and I'd spend quality time with my teen nieces, and my very new nephew.

It was the gorgeous, city drive from the San Francisco airport, over the bay bridge into Berkeley, that I let out a heavy, relieved sigh - as if I were holding my breath all the time I've been away from California.

A friend in New York who loves Cafe Gratitude (there are 6 in the bay area) is the reason I went. It was even more amazing, delicious, and a feeding of the soul than I ever expected.


Out Front All Nourished


Attitude as Food, Food as Soul


The Delicious Food


Their Vision

The owners' son is the co-creator of the documentary, May I Be Frank. Watch the trailer, you'll enjoy it. I haven't seen the film but I can tell that it's an amazing document of a journey to one's better self - through soul food. If you're anywhere near a Cafe Gratitude in the bay area, one word, GO. It will feed your soul.

You and A Thousand Words

It's interesting that I was able to do all of the December prompts from Reverb10 pretty much on time, until Christmas day. But, I've learned so many important things from this exercise that I wanted to finish the remaining 7 prompts. So here they are. Oh, and also on a fun note, Tracey Clark who gave the prompt for Christmas day is my best friend from high school. She's always been awesome.

December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself
Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.
(Author: Tracey Clark)


I choose this one because it is a real, classic portrait of me. I was in Denver visiting Rob, who took the photo, and we are probably doing errands on a Saturday - maybe we just had espresso on the patio at St. Marks, maybe I just picked up Sasha from a wellness checkup at the vet, it kinda looks like I just gave her a bath - whatever the case, I am holding Sasha, my 13 year old mini, long-haired dachsund who's been with me since she was 8 weeks old, and I just adooooore her. I've picked her up probably because she did something so cute and funny that I couldn't help myself. I'm giving her a quick squeeze, she is giving a classic Sasha face as she squints in the sun with a peaceful smile. I am also peaceful and very content in this photo, and loving the sunshine on my skin.

Woah, I just noticed the people in my sunglass glare whom I'm facing - that's Rob taking the shot, and I think my awesome friend Dominique in my right eye. Now it's all coming back to me. This is on Tour de Fat day in Denver when I picked up that black/red diagonal striped top at a local Mexican clothing bazaar that caught my eye. While a few of us were waiting in the street on our cruisin' bikes before setting off to Denver's City Park, I said, "Hold on a minute" and I slipped into the tiny, corner store, the one with cute clothes hanging out of the doorway (I'm a sucker for residential street bazaars). I thought - it's gonna be cute and cheap, perfect! Two minutes later I came out of the store with this new shirt and wore it the rest of the day. $15, sweet! Was that a thousand words? If not, here's me on the same day with my friend Amie whose 30th birthday we are also celebrating. I made that hat.

Give And Ye Shall Receive

December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead? (Author: Kate Inglis)

This year was financially questionable. Unstable. But instead of letting myself worry about it too much I decided not to worry, and to get things done. I worked hard, looked for opportunities, kept aware of the facts with hopes that it would all work out. And it did time and time again. One month which was especially tight I got a check from my energy company for my deposit 2 years prior that I had totally forgotten about, by the way. And the more I pursued my passions and looked for opportunities to get paid doing what I wanted, I would get checks in the mail. I picked up substitute teaching gigs all through the month of October, just when I needed more work. And I started teaching ceramics to children at the community art studio which all helped tie me over. I was giving when the opportunity was there and I received very quickly in unexpected ways. I plan on continuing next year with a giving spirit and less worry about how it's going to work out. I appreciate the little steps and daily focus.

PANTS

New Name Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)

PANTS. Pants is my nickname and I suppose my alter-ego. Pants is from the previous turn of the century: 1880s - 1930s - Victorian era to the 30s. I have a real affinity for this time period including women having trouble riding in petticoats which is why they started wearing pants - to ride bikes. Pants stands for liberation, style, big-hearted but intelligent, silly, wacky, kooky, lady-like, and down-to-earth.

Pants also rhymes with Nancy and I've been called Nancy Pants throughout my life. The nickname Pants has really kicked in the past 3 years, I'd say.

Denver Trips Continue and a Trip to LA in 2011

How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)

I traveled a lot to Denver to see Rob - a two hour drive down from the Colorado rocky mountains to the city. I listened to a lot of books on CD that I got from the library and it enriched me tremendously. I foresee this travel continuing in 2011.

I grew up in Burbank, CA and lived 10 years in and around LA - near LACMA and the Beverly Center, Santa Monica, Playa del Rey - and I miss it. I don't miss the traffic and crowds, but I miss KCRW, LA Weekly and going to fabulous places on a whim like the Getty, LACMA, a show at the Wiltern, the Knitting Factory, Hollywood Bowl, Ford Amphitheater, shopping on LaBrea, Robertson, going to film premieres in Westwood or the Chinese Theater, eating buckwheat pancakes on a Saturday morning at Axe Restaurant in Venice beach, walking the boardwalk, running on the beach in Playa del Rey, swimming in the ocean, rooftop parties in downtown LA. . . there are friends who still live there and I'm planning a 10 day trip in May to visit my old haunts, see my old friends, and finally go to my grandparents' home that has been turned into a restaurant. Rob is joining me for this adventure. We're staying in Oxnard at my family's beach house which is incredibly soothing.

Also, I'd like to travel a lot more in my dreams in 2011. I foresee my new habit of meditation helping with this.