LIFE IS PRECIOUS

LIFE IS PRECIOUS


I get it... I don't always remember it. But when really bad things happen... especially to amazing people... boy it shakes you, wakes you up and makes you reflect on your life. I can speak from experience. Before marrying my now husband, I lost my fiancé fourteen years ago in a sudden death accident up at Baldi Point at Alta Ski Resort while he was snow shoeing. My Mom lost her husband fifteen years ago, while walking across the street; a car, right in front of her eyes, hit and killed him instantly. She's strong and went on, but it changed her. Two years ago my Mom died; not from the cancer she had, but from an infection she picked up the hospital; that killed her within weeks.


Recently, a friend lost her husband. They were the most in love couple I've ever known. Whenever we were around them, we'd watched their adoring ways and could feel their unbreakable love for one another. I don't get it. Why did this happen to them! Why does God take the good ones? Sometimes I believe it's just that, no explanation other than he wants the good ones. Here is a story about how I learned why; I once met an older woman, a very wise beautiful black woman. She had eight children and twenty-one grandchildren. After I lost my fiancé, Jeff, I was in a health food store with my Dad, the same week Jeff died. My eyes were red and swollen, my head hung low... she walked passed me, stopped, and said whatever those tears are from, it's not worth it. My Dad looked at her and told her what had happened. She then apologized, stepped closer to me and took both of my hands in hers, and said... "My dear, I'm going to tell you something and I want you to remember; when God takes something good away from us, it is because he has something greater in store for all of us". At that moment it didn't register, I just cried more. But in my deepest darkest moments, when I felt like I couldn't, and didn't want to go on, I had to find faith. I knew I had to go on, but I didn't know how, so I remembered this woman and thought about what she had said to me, and hung on to those words. I was still deeply depressed; I didn't know what that "greater" thing was, but I had faith there was something God had in store for both of us.


I will NEVER forget this woman. She was a passing angel who God sent to me at just the right time. Her simple words got me through some tough moments. I have continued to apply that message to every difficult situation I encounter.


Your world will never be the same. This experience changes you. You find strength in yourself and in the people in your life you never knew before. Keep your faith. No matter how much you don't want to wake up some days. Everyday that you do, you are one step closer to healing and one day closer to the next chapter of your life opening up again. You can't see it now, but faith will guide you.


My heart is heavy for my friend, and my prayers are with her.


Dedicated To Jen Hurley Klee

My Mom always said: You may not end up where you thought you were going....but you 
will always end up where you were meant to be......

SPORTS AND WINE... COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Sports and wine ... Right?! The perfect combo... (ok, beer too)


Two great things the Columbia Gorge offers... great standby topics that connect friends and businesses. Most enthusiasts around here have a passion for either sports or wine.. or both. Just being able to talk about wine and sports gives you the leg up when it come to engaging in interesting conversation. With over 40 wineries out here, kiting, windsurfing, mountain biking, skiing, and plenty more... this place is anything but stuffy, boring and dull.


Continuing my journey here in the Hood... the Columbia Gorge and Valley, recently had the pleasure visit from David Schildknecht - who's a member of Robert Parkers The Wine Advocate... visiting about 15 wineries out here... researching and scoping out the geological aspects of our vineyards... may just take our reputation to a whole new level. And of course, I have to tell you, I was lucky enough to meet him while he visited Phelps Creek Vineyards this past week.. tasting and evaluating the Pinot Noir's and Chardonnay. If I had to guess, I'd say he was not disappointed.


One thing's for certain, Hood River, will not disappoint you. Wind is the driving force around here.. man and nature in tune flying through a surreal experience atop the water, then onto land to experience the tasty handcrafted wine and beer that makes us happy. 


Here's a couple of locals favorite launch/surf/bike/wine/beer spots...


HOOD RIVER SANDBAR "The Spit". Kiting... back in 2007 this sandbar grew close to 30 acres out across the river after a huge flood shot debris down from Mt Hood. Now it's used for kiting, windsurfing, dog play, kayakers and spectators.


THE HATCHERY. "THE HATCH" Windsurfing & Kiting. Right off Lewis and Clark Highway - 4 miles west of Hood River. The most difficult and progressive area for windsurfers and kiters - summer wind is strong and blows from the west, it can get up to 30 knots - the wind and river currant move in opposite directions with large 6-8 feet swells that roll close to the shoreline. This redefines "Wet-N-Wild".


ROCK CREEK. Windsurfing. Mosier - 7 miles East of Hood River... more difficult. Two launch's - one is rocky with a down-wind sandy lagoon, or launch off the sandy side of the spit.. the river is wide here, so space is not an issue. 


PHELPS CREEK VINEYARDS Their tasting room is in the middle of the 'good 'ol boys' Hood River Golf Course on the 8th hole. The winery is known for their prestige and quality, and Pinot Noir's and Chardonnays. Considering they have two different wine-makers, one from the Gorge and one from Burgundy France. Each of the wines have very different profiles... the older local wine-maker, Rich Cushman, produces New World style wines, while the younger, french wine-maker, Alexandrine Roy, creates an Old World style, reminiscent of her family's vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin.


DOUBLE MOUNTAIN BREWERY super comfy atmosphere... like sitting in your old college dorm living room - hangin' out with your friends, having a good time, drinking great beer and eating THE BEST PIZZA IN TOWN... ingredients are simple, fresh and local.. somewhat like a thin-crust, brick oven New York style pizza. Even if you're not a beer drinker, this place is worth the visit for the pizza alone.. plus they serve a variety of great local wines.. and with beers like the Vaporizor and Hop Lava, you'll see why this brew pub is truly a labour of love. Check it out after some freeriding in Post Canyon....


POST CANYON TRAIL Thrilling Radical & Crazy. Ride your mountain bike through an extensive network of technical free-riding trails through the forest. The trails are divided up into different areas of difficulty..."Family Man", "Middle School", "Drop Out"... to name a few. You'll pass runners, dogs and hikers too. Unfortunately, the latest 2012 ice storm we had this past winter took a toll on the trails.. check out it's status before visiting.


MARCHESI VINEYARDS Searching for something a little different? Franco (owner-winemaker) produces Italian varieties. From Dolcetto, Sangiovese, Primitivo, Barbera, Nebbiolo and more. Most of his wines are reflective of the Old World wines from the Piedmont region in Northern Italy (where Franco is from). This is a great place that brings a Little Italy to town.. sit and taste, or share a glass with friends on their outside patio in the summer.


JACOB WILLIAMS WINERY off of highway 14, about 30 miles east of Hood River. I'd travel even further just to taste Brad's Merlot and Cabernet.. their Sadie Red blend and Zinfandel are worth the drive as well. The winery is situated right off the highway overlooking the Columbia River with a view so spectacular. They're big on throwing BBQ's, so prepare to spend an afternoon of pure relaxation and drinking good wine.


WARNING: Locals tend to geek-out on sports/wine/beer attitudes and verbiage... hang out and shake things up... just ask how their session or ride was today... or what They recommend you to drink.

Lonni Wright, Alan Busacca, Me and David Schildknecht (on right) from Robert Parkers The Wine Advocate

Double Mountain Pizza

Phelps Creek Vineyards

Post Canyon Trail

The Hatchery Windsurfing "The Hatch"

"The Spit" Kit Beach Kiting

Jacob Williams Winery '"The View"

Double Mountain Kölsch

Phelps Creek Winery Picnic

Alexandrine Roy French Winemaker for Phelps Creek Vineyards

MAUI HAWAII WINDSURFING SUP SURF BOOGIE BOARD PINA COLADAS

Close your eyes and imagine the offshore wind whistling over the smooth sandy beaches and the crashing mess of the huge waves hitting the beach and rolling in, day in and out. This is my Virtual Vacation!

Sounds kinda funny... but I'm actually Not looking for the biggest relaxation getaway, but a bit more activity- more like Seinfeld (or for the younger generation- How I Met Your Mother) meets Kelly Slater in a modified updated version and continuation of the Beach Party. Tons of  Fun. Four of us arrived Saturday at noon at Spreckelsville- our island host, Cesar, greeted us with fresh pineapple and coconut Pina Colada's. We jumped in the Jeep and drove up to an architect's dream getaway- it was built by two windsurfing nuts who spent most of their time here- the coolest oceanfront bamboo beach-chic hut with a grass roof, an elevated wraparound terrace jutting out over the beach with adirondack chairs, ceiling fans, outside shower, wet bar with snacks included, a personal chef (why not?)... hut is fully equipped with boards and sails. oh, and an outdoor jacuzzi and pool. yeah, that oughta do it. Guzzled our fancy drinks and jumped out of our clothes into bikini's and board shorts.. our outfits for the next seven days. Surfs up! 

BOOGIE BOARD Grabbed our boogie boards and headed to Ka'anapali beach- where we found some bigger waves, yet consistent, and water was clear and warm. At first I kept missing all the waves - felt like grandma surfing - then finally waves were getting faster and adrenaline kicked in.. we were rippin' it - one wave after another - until... well let's just say after swallowing a few quartz of water from our ocean barreling, we took a break and floated on our boogie boards, snorkeled and saw giant sea turtles, dolphins and whales... then back for more.

WINDSURFING (or as I like to call it.. FLYING) 

Ho’okipa Love to fly over and break through the silky waves.. this is the place. Fred, Barney and George (you know who you are!) are forces to be reckoned with.. after fussing over the proper gear, equipment, sails, boom and foot placements.. they went out for a set, heads were ablaze with rage, they gunned down the line, saw the lip, hit it with all their mighty passion, and aired, aired, aired! Feeling of weightlessness. I could hear the cheers in their heads it was so loud. The last few days were awesome.. time had come I had to give myself a little pep talk as my head was still recovering from the previous evening of bongo beating. I did my first forward loop.. then all of us girls were doing backloops, goiters, crocks, slim-jims, aurora legos, universal radar rocket mounts (ok, fake lingo) Anyways, we had great airtime and then some. We were ready for the world special tour.


JAWS 

Headed to check out the bad-ass wave surfing spot called JAWS.. locally known as Peahi.. biggest surf spot on the north shore, and considered to have some of the worlds largest waves. It's a whole different ball-game.. fierce waves that can actually swallow you.. some get as high as 50 feet... and higher. We watched the womens world surf finals and was blown away by a petite blond woman named Betty from Brazil (via Hood River via Maui)- no fear - she ripped the hardest throughout the event and took home the win. After the event.. for an adrenaline kick, Wilma and I had wave-runners take us through the swells and monster waves. Even virtually I break out in a sweat looking at this surf. There's a reason they call it JAWS!! You go...

R&F (Relaxation and Fun) Fat naps and massages in between activities, Mama's Fish House for lunch, and instant happy hour boost- island drinks and luau's every day... The four of us joined a reggae band for the week.. it was mandatory we had 3 shots of tequila before each set, wore dreadlocks and and played bongos. Guys were lookin' freeky - mix between Chevy Chase and Bob Marley.. and that's a compliment. What can I say, us girls (Wilma, Betty and me - you know who you are!) rocked it - glowing tans and spot-on beat. We're jammin' jammin' jammin' jammin' And we're jammin' in the name of the Lord.. We're jammin' we're jammin' we're jammin' hope ya like jammin too...


SUP 

Waz SUP! We went over to Kanaha and sailed on SUP's. At this point there were some over mast high sets- but just to be out there with few others- not worrying about getting in the way of surfers, was awesome. Whales were pretty active.. one side-swiped me in a friendly way.. I could tell bc he didn't swallow me! Eventually when we grew tired of paddling, our new island friend- let's call him Flipper.. took us to a favorite hang out spot for dolphins - the caves between La Perouse and Kaupo - floating through peacefully we marveled at the absolute beauty of the lava formations and listened to the waves that echoed through the caves. This was a piece of heaven. 


Check back in a couple of months as I'll be writing about my REAL experience there.. and how it compares to my virtual. 

JAWS PEAHI MAUI WINDSURFING HAWAII

Please finish all these sentences:

I’m a big believer in…. focus, friends that make you laugh, and noodles.

Call me crazy but…. if thai curry is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

My favorite place on earth is…. US would be Cottonwood Canyons, in the world? Virtually it's Maui... and anywhere there's a noodle shop!

My friends are…. KooKoo... and trying to help me find noodle shops.

I could never…. Give up skiing, kissing, wine and noodles!

I’ve always wanted to…. water start and jibe while eating noodles!

Life is nothing without…. a good laugh, thai curry noodles and John Stewart and The Colbert Report.

Today I will…. Eat Pray Love and buy more noodles!

If I had the power I would…. be able to master the sport of surfing, skiing, save all animal and children and spread the love with my noodles!

I am…. grateful for close friends and family, Fibi, Taxi, Essy, Peanut and Kosmo! and thai curry noodles…

SURF COSTA RICA

Embracing my inner surfer in Costa Rica my virtual vacation

I was looking to master the surf no further than Costa Rica. I'm talkin' sun-basked beaches, warm waters, un-crowded breaks and some world-class waves. But first, I meet with Daize Shayne and Malia Jones - two hot surfer chicks from California. I'm hooking up with them to teach me everything I need to know about surfing from eskimo rolling to hanging ten. Cutting to the chase, they're really quite something! Over seven days I allow them to show me the ropes, introduce me to the hippest hangouts, and find the best rips in town.


I began my surfing adventure in the paradise-delicious hot spot Jaco. It's the place in Costa Rica where surfers come to play, sun-seekers set up camp, and nightlife never quite sleeps. The waves are legendary and truly spectacular. With a fantastic coastal climate and warm temperatures, Jaco has some of the longest rides in the world. An unstoppable surfer's paradise, the great waves come from magnificent storms just off the Mexican coast, and the swells that accompany them are pretty much unrivalled. Whether you're a surfing pro, or a surf-rookie, Daize and Malia will help you. Avoiding the crowds, they took me off-the-beaten track to Jaco's best-kept surf's secret. Catch me riding the waves in style... check out my virtual pics.


Now that I've conquered the surf of Jaco, it's off to Santa Teresa for the next three days. With its white sand palm lined beaches, this is the perfect setting for me to sit back and unwind into Costa Rica's leisurely paced culture. And to truly settle in they have daily siesta sessions scheduled in with some Licuados (also called batidos) - it's an unusually flavored, locally favored milkshake drink. Delish! While enjoying the spectacular sunsets on the beach, I re-aligned my zen with a body melting massage to hit those sore spots. 

I'll be back on the surf in no time!

your always affected by your first love,

if you fall in love with the ocean the smell the sound, 

the story peaks 

and your pumping heart 

as you fall head over heels

 on your first attempt 

to catch a wave, 

you are gone.

Then all you need 

are some tasty waves 

and the warm sun in your face.

APEX SKI RESORT - BEST KEPT SECRET IN BC CANADA

Day 1- When in doubt... JUST DO IT!!! and so we drove, straight to BC Canada. Well not exactly. We detoured over and up to Seattle to renew my passport before passing GO. So what should've been an 8 hour road trip turned into 18 hours. Ugh!
Over the river and up route 5
to Seattle Washington we go.
Passport, then Pike's Place and Portage Bay Cafe
are all the places we know.
Hey! 
So we made it to our destination...  better late then never. Woke up the next morning to this hidden little gem of a ski village - over 1000 acres of skiable terrain and groomed cross-country near by. I can NOT tell you where - I was sworn to secrecy, and I will uphold my promise and keep their names anonymous... so you can't hunt them down and use chinese water torture to extract the secret of the BEST SMALL DESTINATION RESORT. Not gonna happen!
Well so I folded in my title - seriously wasn't suppose to tell - but key words trump secrets. Sorry Wilma and Fred (cover names, you understand).


Day 2 - The four of us ski'd right from the condo to the slopes. Our first run was freshly groomed, a little crunchy in some areas but mostly soft without slush. Where most people like slightly sketchy and difficult terrain that gives you an adrenaline rush... well not gonna lie, that's not me. Fare-weather kinda gal, SUNSHINE, groomers and no crowds - just the way my cold hiney likes it. Not that I don't mind a challenge... I've been known to accidentally get my ass into runs I have noooo right to be. In which case I'm yard-saling at high speeds cheering for mercy and peeps to get out of my way. Sad I know. So then I discover there's TWO lifts YES! (well three, but only two were open). Considering I'm always behind, lost or usually detour the complete opposite way of everyone - well doesn't matter. Two was the magic number that day... 50/50. How hard can it be to find my peeps. Coin toss. As the day gets better, run after run after run... we popped in The Edge Bistro had hot chocolates and home-made pastries and sandwiches... moving on, we buzzed around the mountain - generally just having a blast. Finally, maximizing our enjoyment we had an ice cold beer at the Gunbarrel Saloon. While visiting the pub you have to knock a nail into a tree trunk w the smaller end of a hammer after drinking a beer and before leaving (refer to video). Next.... hot tub! Then we cleaned up only to go get down and dirty w a bunch of crazy fun Canadians. All I'm gonna disclose is they have this game called SLOTS....eh! Awkward! (video! actually....)


Day 3 - Ooo, a small mythical ice skating rink wrapped around the condo where we stayed. Sweeeet. Wilma and I go ice skating after sipping COFFEEEEE for too long. After two hours of ice skating round and round and round you tend to get crazy creative. First, we did an ice dance and had to hum for each other the Blue Danube Waltz by Strauss... impressive I know. Really! (don't believe me? video!) Then we decided when the guys get back from skiing we'll play ice tag, with specific rules of course. The deal was they could only skate in one direction and we could skate both ways - when it was our turn, we only had to tag one of them, where they had to tag both of us, still only going in one direction. Sounds fair. never happened. It dumped that day so the guys stayed out shredding it up. good for them. they knew better. On a side note - the moon was shining so bright that day. hmm.... Next, XC ski'd on this blissful scenic groomed trail made for classic and skate. Nickel Plate Nordic Centre. that's all I'm sayin'. Afterwards, martini hour w Vicki and Chuck & his sis across the way - then steaks, grilled shrimp and late night dominos. It got brutal.


Day 4 - Remarkable, another amazing day, sunshine again! Woke up - Fred made delicious breakfast sandwiches... devoured them... buckled up, strapped on the ski's and headed for the slopes - one last time before take off. It was another EPIC day (silliness, not skiing). Most headed for the bumps. Fred and Alex tried to convince me to do the Toiletbowl run... only to get FLUSHED. No thx boys. pass. In spite, they cleaned it right up. My objective was to carve turns on some smooth groomers. We were having too much fun - owning the mountain mid-week. Finally we headed for our traditional happy hour at the Gunbarrel Saloon guzzling down a Canadian beer called Kokanee. God that was delish! Grabbed a couple road treats at our favorite deli - The Edge Bistro... and headed off in tears. Wilma chasing our car down to stay longer. Until we meet again! 


WILMAAAA!!!!!!
CooCoo CooCoo....

(Video will be uploaded in the next day or two on youtube and here!)

EAT LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMN Portage Bay Cafe Seattle WA

Portage Bay Cafe Seattle Washington 

SPREADING MY WINGS AT THE NEW AMAZON OFFICES

Pike's Place Market

Pike's Place Market

View of Seattle from Pikes Place Market

WILMA, ME, ALEX & FRED

APEX SKI RESORT BC CANADA

APEX SKI RESORT BC CANADA

HOT TUB + HAPPY HOUR = SILLINESS

US W CRAZY CANADIANS

CHUCK & VICKI 

Nickel Plate Nordic Centre

APEX SKI RESORT BC CANADA

WILMA, ME & LISA 

Nickel Plate Nordic Centre

GUNBARREL SALOON

APEX SKI RESORT BC CANADA