Home » BLOG
Category Archives: BLOG
The Sisterhood of Sisters
If you have a sister you know what I’m talking about – there is a bond between us that makes us all stronger together. I have two older sisters. Both at the top of the birth order of five siblings. I finish the list as child number five, sister number three.
Life has a way of reminding us how fragile our existence on the earth really is – it often takes loss to get our attention. Once we realize life has one guarantee – you will die- you start seeing the world differently.
When our Mom passed away, we vowed to spend more time together as sisters celebrating life. And we did. It became our mission, and sometimes even a chore, to get the sisters together at least once a month. From salt spas in Williamsburg to seashells in Sanibel, we found time for each other. As the years pass, our photos tell our story, we age a little and smile a lot.
But our sister story took an unexpected turn when my oldest sister Deb died suddenly. There was no warning and nothing to prepare us for this tremendous loss. It was devastating to our family, especially for me and my sister Geri. Our partner in crime was gone. Her lively essence was extinguished. But how could that be? We were just together laughing and joking. Geri and I were numb.
The overwhelming support of our friends and the community brought us comfort. But the void left from loss is a strange and awkward emotion. How does one deal with this grief? It’s been a year since Deb passed. My sister Geri and I have spent the last 12 months making sense of it all only to realize life is short.
Debs favorite saying was, YOLO – You Only Live Once. But I’ve come to realize the opposite is true- you only die once, but you live everyday. And my sister Deb did just that. She lived everyday with an enthusiasm for life and a heart full of love.
My sister Geri and I celebrate Deb’s life and legacy everyday. We hold tight to our memories and all the things that made Deb a one-of-a-kind person. Like her crazy-assed stories ( you were never sure if she was kidding or serious) were entertaining to say the least. But one thing for sure, Deb was generous with her time, money, and love.
The one thing I’ve learned from this experience, is that you are not guaranteed tomorrow so make the best of today.
As Deb would always say, “We are family, I got all my sisters with me.”
Chincoteague Virginia
There aren’t many beach towns left in America that celebrate time honored traditions like that of Chincoteague, VA. Off the coast of Virginia, Chincoteague Island is a historic village where wild ponies are the talk of the town. If you remember the book “Misty of Chincoteague” you’ll fall in love with this seaside town dedicated to the preservation of the wild ponies of Assateague and Chincoteague. In addition to the famed ponies, there are the people and businesses of Chincoteague that make this beach town unforgettable.
We went to Chincoteague for a visit with “Aunt Jean and Uncle Joe” who took the liberty of showing us a great time on the island. With any visit to the shore, there is always seafood involved. Luckily, we were with the two island experts who knew all the best local spots.
Our visit started with steamed claims, soft shell crabs and a tomato pie. If you’ve never had a tomato pie, stop by Church Street Produce and order one. Filled with tomatoes, mozzarella, and herbs in a delightful pie crust, the pies are made to order and fresh out of the oven when you pick them up. With oysters on the menu, we went where the locals shop, Sea Best Seafood in the heart of Chincoteague for the freshest catch and everything you need to make it delicious – be sure to tell them Jean and Joe sent you! No beach trip would be complete without ice cream! The Island Creamery makes hand-made small batch ice cream with free tastes of any flavor. My coffee ice cream in a waffle cone was a splendid mid-day treat. Eric had Birthday Cake ice cream and it was like a celebration in a cone!
Of course, the local brewery is always a point of interest with us. New to Chincoteague, the Black Narrows Brewing Company is the only brewery on the island. With the mainstay beer, Salts, a tasty tart oyster wheat with a briny hint of lemon, we were intrigued with the creativity here. Other offerings included a delicious Mosquito Magnet IPA, Lishe, a wild fennel stout with hints of licorice and roasted coffee, and Take in the Sky, a melon, shortbread, and black pepper concoction. The beers here are created with locally sourced ingredients and they are big on giving back to the community. I can’t wait to go back here to see whats new on tap!
Our discovery of the island continued with a trip to the Wildlife Nature Reserve, a habitat for the modern-day descendants of domestic horses left on the island three centuries ago to fend for themselves, and they did. They have adapted to the hardships of living near the ocean and continue to evolve into beautiful specimens of survival. In addition to the ponies, there is an abundance of wildlife, aquatic life, and plants that are unique to this delicate ecosystem.
If you love the sky, Chincoteague will not disappoint. Feed your curiosity with a visit to Wallop Island NASA Visitors Center. We didn’t get to see a rocket launch but we did get to see an amazing display of skill as US Navy Pilots performed “touch and go” maneuvers where they land briefly, touch the runway and take off again. This was a spectacular show of discipline, adroitness, and coordination in the skies overhead. Sunsets are spectacular and the night sky is bright with constellations and planets easily visible with the naked eye.
And there is still more…we were able to ride our bikes around the entire island. As a history nerd, I found a special place on the island, Chincoteague’s oldest standing structure. The home was owned by Captain Timothy Hill and built sometime around 1800. This rare home was discovered beneath a dilapidated structure in 2009 and restored to its former architectural glory, complete with a wooden chimney. There are two ships carved into the exterior logs, however, the artist remains a mystery. Legend has it, the house is haunted by Timothy Hill’s daughter Jenny. She was killed by her long time love Tom Freeman, when her father denied permission for them to marry. The house was moved from its original location and is open to the public on weekends.
Chincoteague is a nature lovers dream come true. There is just something about the beach that brings balance to one’s life. Eric and I both agree, we are drawn to the ocean and feel at peace there. We are grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with our beloved Aunt Jean and Uncle Joe in their “happy place.” We felt welcome, comfortable, and loved. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Until next time,
The Humbleweeds
Eric and Lori
@islandcreamery1
@churchstreetproduce
@BlackNarrows
@localtechchic
Our High Seas Adventure
Trains, plans, and automobiles have always been our mode of travel, until now…for the first time, we set foot on the high seas upon the @CarnivalCruise Pride, an impressive floating city of metal and martinis. When we embarked on the ship, it became evident we were in for a week long extravaganza. With nine stories, this boat had a waterslide on the top, a casino on the bottom, and everything you could possibly want or need in between.
For the first time ever, my brothers and sisters came together for an eight day vacation on a cruise-ship to the Bahamas. In addition, my nephew and his wife along with her family, made the trip as well. With a group of 17, it was hard not to notice us. For the many of us in the group, this was our first cruise.
Food – It’s true what they say about the food on a cruise, it is delicious, abundant, and available around the clock. We loved the main dining room, each evening we gathered with whole family to a formal meal. We adored the evening menu with things like prosciutto ruffles, braised rabbit, broiled ox tongue, lobster tail, swordfish, salmon, steak, pork chops, and the list goes on. Each night the menu changed to reflect the port of call of our location. Our servers, Gerald and Mohammad, performed nightly with song and dance routines to lighten the mood. Other restaurants included Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi, and David’s Steakhouse to name a few. Needless to say, we tried every eatery on the boat.
Drinks – there is just something about an exotic cocktail that confirms you’re on vacation. We tried as many concoctions as our alcohol tolerance would allow. Our favorite spot on the ship was the Alchemy Bar, where the mixologists were impressive, accurate, and intense. Of course, there were bars at every turn with craft brews, cocktails, and their infamous Bloody Mary’s. Many in our group managed to meet the 15 alcoholic drink limit per day, an impressive task in itself!
Fun – Each day, cruise guests are given a schedule of the day’s planned activities on the ship. We jumped right in a attended a cooking demonstration at David’s Steakhouse that included a four- course sampler. Not to be outdone, Bonsai Sushi offered a sushi rolling demonstration, complete with samples to try. Other activities like game shows, stand-up comedy, and karaoke happened nightly.
Ports – Our nautical course included the islands of Princess Cays, Nassau, and Freeport of the Bahamas. The sunshine was a pleasant change of pace from the overcast skies we left in Baltimore.
Princess Cay is an island owned by the cruise line. Lined with royal blue chases, we found ourselves on a pristine private beach. The cruise line prepared a barbecue-style lunch on the island and offered shopping, drinks, and anything your day at the beach required.
Nassau was not what what we expected. Once you left the dock you were thrusted in the middle of a bustling thoroughfare. The markets were filled with local crafts and merchandise. The locals were well trained in tourist techniques to get your attention and make you feel special. We were greeted as the beautiful lady and the handsome gentleman, as an continual icebreaker. The local beach was patrolled by armed security and we were warned not to stray from the first two blocks for safety reasons.
Freeport was our last stop. It was an industrial port surrounded by freighters hauling shipping containers. Just off the dock, there was small market area complete with souvenirs and tchotchkes to tempt the masses.
Our final night at sea was one for the record books. A winter storm named Skyler, created a weather phenomenon called a Bomb Cyclone on the east coast. The captain gave us fair warning the seas would be rough during the night and he was right. With 87 mph winds slapping the side of the ship, the real adventure began. As we hunkered down in our cabin, the sounds of the ship reacting to the rough water was like a scene from a movie, you know the one I’m talking about. We made it to calmer seas by morning about five hours behind schedule. The #CarnivalCruisePride crew was outstanding and never missed a beat to make our vacation memorable, right down to the last hour.
Thanks @CarnivalCruise for a memorable vacation on our first #Cruise in the #Caribbean. #Humbleweeds #CarnivalPride #FunSquad
Elk Encounter in Estes Park
It seemed like the perfect place to go see the autumn leaves and wildlife on the move. One of our favorite spots, the Rocky Mountain National Park, located just outside Estes Park, CO, has it all. But things go a bit crazy for a few weeks in the autumn months of September and October.
We arrived at 6:00 am, before the park even officially opened. The sun touched the mountain tops and the sounds of the season were just outside our window. Here’s what we heard: Among the tall grasses we caught a glimpse of the bugling elk bull. He gingerly took a bath in a nearby pond and made his way up the mountain. He was as disappointed as we were, he did not have a single female in sight.
We drove through the park and didn’t see another elk anywhere. We made our way back to town and on our way there we noticed a little elk activity in a residential neighborhood. The Subaru made a hard right and then another right…and that’s when it happened! We found ourselves smack dab in the middle of a seasonal power struggle among the bulls. I was both terrified and amazed at the same time. By this time, the challenge between the bulls ensued around our Subaru. While one bull showered the residential landscaping with urine, another used antlers to destroy the red maples so carefully planted by the homeowner. Yes, we witnessed a real pissing contest!
The rest of the elk herd followed submissively as the largest bull encouraged the route. In the meantime, the other bulls were not about to give up. We sat dumbfounded in the Subaru unable to take our eyes off the bulls that surrounded us and afraid to make any sudden movements that may be mistaken as a threat. Eventually, the dominate bull lead the majority of females his way into the woods. Never giving up, the remaining bulls continued the confrontation to earn the attention of the females that lingered behind. As the herd dispersed, our freedom to drive was now an option.
Needless to say, the entertainment factor of Colorado wildlife is without a doubt, an exhilarating experience. We highly recommend it! The Humbleweeds. E and L
Teach the Children Well!
Hey parents, when was the last time you sat down and read your child a story about the benefits of medical cannabis? Chances are, never. Parents and educators hesitate on the inclusion of “benefits” of medical cannabis in their discussions, however, they highlight risks and abuse of marijuana instead. We continue to confuse children with mixed messages on the topic of medical cannabis so parents are left to their own creativity to teach their kids compassion and respect for those who suffer and use cannabis as treatment.
According to a Denver Post article, there are over 350 children in the Colorado school system receiving medical cannabis treatments. It is important for students, classmates, and teachers to understand the difference between drug abuse and prescribed medication when talking about cannabis. Whether it be the child or the parent, the discussion about medical cannabis is critical. Ignorance is not an option!
The stigma of cannabis is slowly fading away. In a recent Yahoo survey, 52% of Americans have tried marijuana in their lifetime, while 22% of that group said they still use on a daily basis. Of that same group, 54% are parents! As public opinion continues to change, children are more exposed to the idea of cannabis as medicine. Parents must help their children be compassionate to those who benefit from cannabis medications.
What’s a parent to do? There is barely any information or resources for parents to help kids understand the reality of medical cannabis. And then it happened, I stumbled on a book at a thrift store called: “It’s Just A Plant,” a children’s story about marijuana by Ricardo Cortes. It’s an illustrated children’s book about a parent explanation of marijuana to her child with a trip through the neighborhood. Be sure to check out other titles by Cortes like, “Go the Fuck to Sleep.”
After a search online, I found other books to help parents explain marijuana. “If a Peacock Finds a Pot Leaf” by author Morgan Carman, is an exciting tale about Peter the Peacock who suffers from depression. He stumbles upon a pot leaf one day and shows his friends. Along the way other animals reveal their personal use of the cannabis plant. The animals talk about their ailments, such as pain, cancer and insomnia and how the leaf helps. Then, there is “Stinky Steve Explains Medical Marijuana” written by Maggie Volpo, a story about a skunk who informs children on cannabis and everything they need to know about cannabis safety. The book is aimed at educating children of all ages, focusing on medical cannabis for young patients and their siblings. Stinky Steve answers all of the questions that children may have about marijuana. Another book by the same author, “Stinky Steve Explains Daddy’s Dabs” takes a look at the dabbing culture of medical marijuana and how to explain it to your kids. A book many parents may relate to, “Mommy’s Funny Medicine” by authors Russell Barth and Christine Lowe, a sweet story told from a young girls perspective as she watches her mother battle an illness and uses medical marijuana successfully to cope with the disease.
A book can be a powerful tool for kids and an excellent way for families to connect. With a topic as controversial as cannabis, parents now have access to creative resources the kids will enjoy and comprehend. Medical cannabis should not be scary to children, but explained with tolerance in mind. Besides, it’s just a plant!
Consume cannabis responsibly and teach the children well. See my other cannabis-related blogs at aboutBoulder.com and LeafoftheWeek.com
Teach tolerance,
Lori
Photo credit: Amazon.com
@highmtnHaiku
@localtechchic
How to Talk to Your Parents About Pot!
How to Talk to Your Parents About Pot! Check out these tips.
When was the last time you sat down with your parents and had a serious conversation about cannabis? Maybe never? Do you wish they were more informed on the topic? Well, here’s your chance. You’re an adult now, it is time to have the conversation about cannabis and its effects with your parents. With 60% of Americans in favor of legalization, the highest approval in 47 years, there is no time like the present to express, educate, and evaluate how your parents may be feeling about marijuana. Here are a few tips to get started:
Find out what they already know. Start with an open-ended question like, “With 28 states legalizing medical marijuana, what are your thoughts on the plant as medicine?” Or keep it simple with, “What do you think about cannabis these days?” The question will require them to elaborate on their response. Be prepared with a few statistics to back up your statements and offer them recommend websites for additional information, like this one: DrugPolicy.org
Show a little professionalism. Avoid words associated with the social stigma like: pot, weed, dope, or even marijuana. Instead, use terms like cannabis, hemp, and cannabidiol (CBD). Take the botanist approach and broaden your vocabulary with labels like: terpenes, cannabinoids, and trichomes and learn how each contribute to the medicinal components. Offer your parents details and definitions like: Leafly’s Cannabis Anatomy, as a resource for understanding the plant as a whole and its uses.
Be prepared for surprises. As parents, it’s our job to protect our children from harm and raise them to know right from wrong. For decades, your parents were led to believe marijuana was a deadly drug, right up there with cocaine and heroine. But good news, parents grow too. You may discover mom and dad partake and are already part of the majority of Americans wanting it legalized; wouldn’t that be awesome? And don’t rule out your grandparents. According to the Washington Post, since 2002, regular cannabis use climbed to 50 percent among those 45 to 54 years old; and for those 55 to 64, it jumps to an impressive 455 percent, but the big surprise was the 333 percent increase among senior citizens over the age of 65. Chances are, if your parents don’t smoke, your grandparents might. Make it a multi-generational conversation and learn where your family stands on cannabis, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Find common ground. Regardless of how parents feel about cannabis, show them the positives of CBD, the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis that heals the body passively without getting the patient high. As new research continues, CBD is quickly becoming a superstar in the industry. The CBD method is a great introduction to the herb, even for the most curious or skeptical family members. Bring along a few industry magazines to share with family, like the Denver-based Sensi or THC Magazine, both free publications you can find around Boulder.
The first conversation may turn out to be just an ice-breaker, but if you want your parents to be better informed about cannabis, start the conversation and introduction for them. Remember, rely on your personal experience and reach out to your family on a level they will respect and respond to with questions or concerns. Cannabis can become the connector, the solidifier, and the joy in your family home…get the conversation started today and see what blooms! Have you already had the conversation with your parents? How did it go?
As always, consume responsibly.
Peace, Love, and the Power of Cannabis!Lori M.
*Cannabis products are designed specifically for adults over 21.
Photo Credit: pixabay.com
A Career in Cannabis Instead of Retirement…Yes, Please!
You know the old adage, the grass is always greener on the other side? Well, it’s true in the US. Like thousands of others before us, we made the move to Colorado one year ago from the East coast. Colorado is synonymous for things like 14’ers, alpine skiing, craft beer, and cannabis. With the world at our feet, we decided to apply for jobs in the most controversial industry in America right now, cannabis. (more…)
High Times in Colorado
Have you ever been so high you thought you could touch the sky? Hey now, I’m talking mountain climbing…If you’ve ever climbed a 14er (a mountain summit that is at 14,000 feet above sea level or higher) you understand the euphoric moment when you reach the top. It’s like sitting on top of the world. Colorado is home to 58 fourteeners that bring droves of hikers and outdoor enthusiast to the trails. The Humbleweeds have crossed off yet another item on the bucket list.
It all started with a drive to Mt Evans, located near Idaho Springs, CO at an elevation of 14,271. Known as the highest paved road in North America, the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway winds to the top of the summit passing breathtakingly beautiful Echo and Summit Lakes. With snow still visible and the hillside blanketed with summer wild flowers, curious white mountain goats and bighorn sheep looked on as thousands of tourists make their way to the top of the sky-scraping peak. Looking out at the endless sea of mountain tops, feeling a sense of peace and wonder, one truly gets lost in the moment. As John Muir once said, “the mountains are calling and I must go;” so we began planning our next 14er outing, this time on foot.
Being novice climbers and maybe a little more “aged” than most on the trail, the Humbleweeds set out for Mt. Bierstadt, standing at 14,060 ft above sea level, just outside the town of Georgetown, CO. The parking lot was situated around 11,600 feet and from there the hike was a sharp 2,392 ft climb to the rocky summit. On July 4, starting at 7:00 a.m., we joined hundreds of other hikers making their way to the top. The round trip was a seven mile hike, but certainly not for the faint of heart. While passing through willow marshes and wadding across the rushing Scott Gomer Creek, it took almost 4 hours to reach Bierstadt’s western slope. The rocky trail made several switchbacks while progressing up the mountain. On the talus upper regions of the mountain, the route was no longer a recognizable path but a series of cairns, marking the way to the summit. The last 300 yards was certainly the most difficult while crossing the scree (broken rock fragments) while maneuvering the jagged boulders to the peak. As the air became thinner, it was evident the altitude affected our attitude, that’s right, the euphoria set in! We made it! Another Humbleweeds first…a real emotional high!
Once at the top, we claimed a spot on the peak to sit and bask in the glory of our accomplishment. We shared the peak with others who also made the successful trek to the top. Some even celebrated with a festive “keg stand” at 14,060 ft, oh yes…(see photo.) We were amazed to see so many well behaved dogs made the trip with their human companions. From the peak, we could see Mt. Evans, the mountain that inspired us to make the journey just a week before. One hiker told us he’d been hiking on Mt. Bierstadt more than twenty years and had never seen the weather on the mountain more perfect; certainly a a perfect way to spend July 4th in America.
We’ve only just begun.
The Humbleweeds,
Eric and Lori
The inspiration! Mt. Evans Summit Lake – Elevation 12,836 ft
Mt. Evans Residents
The hike to Mt. Bierstadt, looking back at our progress.
Meet Cairn, our tour guide atop Mt. Bierstadt.
Humbleweeds sitting on top of the world! Mt. Bierstadt- 07/04/2016
The decent back to reality. Mt. Bierstadt in the distance.
We’ve only just begun…
Downsizing 101
Are you overwhelmed with too much stuff? Do you still hang on to old tax returns or text books from college? Does The thought of cleaning out the garage, a closet, or the entire house leave you feeling stressed? There are plenty of theories of why we hang on to things, but it’s different for each individual. According to Psychology Today, one reason, we don’t know how to proceed to remedy the situation because it’s all so overwhelming. Whether it’s an emotional attachment to items or just not sure where to begin, consider the following tips to start simplifying your excess baggage. (more…)
MetalSmithing 101
Have you ever experienced a piece of art only to become so inspired you want to create your own version? Well, it happened to me. It all started with a gift from a friend, a hand crafted ring made from a fork and a piece of agate. I knew then I wanted to learn more about metalsmithing and found the perfect venue for my curiosity, Metalsmithing 101 in Lafayette, CO. Metalsmithing is one of the world’s oldest occupations; making useful and decorative items from various metals. Today’s metalsmith’s are steeped in the ancient traditions of crafting items of function and beauty.
With a fundamental and enlightening approach, Metalsmith Instructor and lifetime artist, Karen Edgerly of Finer Edge Studio, brings a spirited passion to the art form. The class was held at the pARTiculars Gallery/Studio ( #LafayetteCO ) and nicely equipped with the tools to accommodate the workshop. The class consisted of four eager students, all with different levels of experience with metals. Each participant had the opportunity to design and craft two jewelry projects under Karen’s direction; a pendant and a cuff.
Project Pendant. As a first assignment, we were tasked to design a pendant with a stone. We were each given a piece of copper, a blank canvas if you will, and told to draw out our vision for a pendant to include: a bezel, a stone, and a jump ring. For me, all this was new and unfamiliar, but I quickly became absorbed into the project. With jeweler saws in hand, the studio was humming with the sounds of copper being shaped into one-of-a-kind creations. Once the shape was cut out, then came the sanding, and more sanding….did I mention there was a lot of sanding. Using a buffing and polishing wheel to remove scratches and imperfections, the smooth copper base was ready for the bezel and stone. The bezel (the metal circle that holds the stone in place) is cut and shaped to the stone. Then came the really cool part, soldering the bezel using a small butane torch, another first for me. With the bezel in place, more sanding was necessary to accommodate the stone, which was later secured using a bezel tool. Of course, there was more sanding. As a final step, the pendant was buffed/polished to perfection. The end result was a beautiful and notable art piece.
Project Copper Cuff. A little more comfortable around the tools of the trade, the next project was a welcomed challenge. Using three types of metal, rivets, stamping tools, a hammer, a saw, and a little ingenuity, our mission was to create a cuff bracelet. The first step: create a blueprint of the cuff design. Gosh, sometimes the hardest part is coming up with an organic design to call your own. For me, I turned to my inspirational standby, Pinterest for ideas. After the design part, the project got noisy, but in a therapeutic kind of way! Between pounding rivets to secure metal layers and stamping designs and textures into the components, a hammer was the tool of choice, creating a cadence-like drum beat of our own little metalsmithing tribe. As work progressed on the cuff, of course there was more sanding, buffing, and polishing and then even more sanding, buffing and polishing. The final stage was manipulating the metal into a cuff using a wooden mandrel. It was amazing to see each student’s masterpiece unfold, each one as unique as it’s creator.
With a history dating back to Fifth Century BC, metalsmithing principles have remained unchanged, maybe a bit safer than days of old, but still embodies the primitive fervor that compels you to get your hands dirty and connect with these natural materials. My special thanks to Karen Edgerly for her expertise, patience and fabulous flair for the craft. And to my classmates, Mary Coffin of Rock2Gems, Kathleen Doughty, and Janis Schulter of Colorado Creations, your original ideas and clever designs energize my inner artist to explore beyond my comfort zone. If you’ve never had a hands-on experience with metalsmithing, add it to your bucket list or visit your local metalsmithing association for an empowering experience in metal.
Giving ‘heavy metal’ new meaning,
Lori
