TAJ in Action
A story for your reading pleasure.
my favorite week of the year
A week for nerds of all varieties—literary and mathematical.
truthisms
A backstage pass to my adventure experiences
magic and mayhem
Welcome to my birthday month! The month of magic and mayhem—of the “in like a lion, out like a lamb” variety—women’s history month, math and literary celebrations, leprechauns, hints of Spring (jonquils and crocuses for some of you and more snow for the rest of us), and me. There is something irresistibly mystical about a Pisces woman. Ethereal. Complex. Whimsical. Creative. Ok, fine. Dramatic. Moody. Slightly manipulative in the name of adventure/fun/imaginations/peace/hope/what ifs.
ramblin’ thoughts
Before I rush off to the ski hill to squeeze in some downhill practice before rushing off to frolic in Yellowstone for the weekend, I simply must share some thoughts, words, responses!
Sprite’s Review of Hot Pots
We humans are drawn to healing waters. Deep dive into the true and mythological history of soaking in hot pots across cultures and eons to discover the great lengths humans have engaged in simply for the opportunity to soak within mystical, enriching waters. In addition to myths and legends, many religions or spiritual practices include the use of hot springs. The minerals found in the waters are known to be useful for your health and beauty, errrrr I mean wellness. So why not entertain the extra trek, pit stop, or create a whole itinerary revolving around soaking in these precious pools?!
14ers
Peaks above 14,000 ft of elevation—their allure is mystifying.
Palate Cleanser
Since I haven’t written lyrically for a while I’m going to take the chance now as a brief interlude. You deserve a break from my relentless adventuring just like my legs do. Please enjoy this palate cleanser, a term I also affectionately refer to commercial fiction genre books as, to give your brain a break.
more winter adventures
Since Winter lasts 6-8 months up here I may as well keep the winter adventure stories rollin’. How about a list of some of the favorite trails I’ve explored on spike covered boots, tennis racquets, and extra long prongs? And maybe some of the ones I failed to but should have—ehh, we’ve all slipped and slid down mountains when it didn’t look quite so winteresque at the trailhead.
Winter Adventures Out West
Magical. No other word is more fitting for Yellowstone in the winter. The hoarfrost on the trees and the steam hovering over the snow with bison lurking underneath surprise and delight all your senses. Add a dogsledding tour in Big Sky and the recipe for winter adventuring is complete. My friend, Liz, and I planned an epic week together and relished every moment. The following account skims the surface of our memory-making tour in February of 2023.
seasonal aspirations
We all loved discussing the ways in which we relish the winter season so much that I wanted to share at large the brilliant ideas and poignant thoughts you expressed to me. The most popular sentiment is releasing expectations and simply existing in this winterscape.
Spotlight: Emma Vautour
In one of my previous blog posts I mentioned all the spaces and people in Teton Valley that were instrumental in my healing journey. The very first and most pertinent space (and person behind that specific space) was highlighted with the following bullet point:
Emma revitalized a well known gem in the area with her gardening talent and skill. I was lucky enough to be welcomed into the space and relish the calm, curative energy there for about 18 months. Over time and despite my busy-ness with working, teaching, and adventuring, we began joining each other for trivia nights, overnight backpacking or hikes, attending art markets, and floating the river.
living by the seasons
My goal to live life to the fullest includes a dedication to living in accordance with the seasons.
5 reasons my dog was more bad@$$ than you’ll ever be
Wild. Her breed was wild. Her spirit was wild. And now her spirit lives in me.
my origin story
How does one become a badass hiker?
Short story: Hang out with people who like to hike, trail run, and scale mountains. Read more for the longer version.
dental health is mental health
As the season of chaos reigns, are you taking care of you?
Life Lessons With LK (yes, again)
Because you couldn’t possibly have gotten enough of my attempts at wisdom the first time, let’s visit a few more together. Shall we?
Thank-full Season
Welcome to the season of gratitude. A season to celebrate our abundance—socially, emotionally, and physically.
peace offering
What a week we’ve survived. Between falling back into darkness with little hope for our bodies to adjust and a tumultuous election day, ignoring the anxiety people have feels callous on my part. Wednesday morning I awoke to a beautiful, quiet blanket of white powder as if the Universe sent me a personal message that peace can exist amongst turmoil. Inner rage, heartbreak, and bile at the back of my throat. It’s a message worthy of action. The luck, fortune, rights, and opportunity to keep and protect for all Americans.
Wonderland Trail
Circumnavigating Mount Tahoma clockwise during Labor Day weekend 2019