Life As A Student: Summer

 

Inspired by Costa Rica: Tree Frog

I realized today I am halfway through my summer semester and I haven't shared much. This summer semester is very different than the spring semester. I am taking full-time course work that is condensed from 15 weeks into 10 weeks. I continued some work with a team of Mountain Lion Biologists (which I will share here soon). I am also working on an independent project on  Tropical Sound Ecology based around our trip to Costa Rica. I'm stoked about that! I am also taking an art class.  My daily assignment is to sketch something, each and every day.  It's actually harder than it sounds.  But it's fun!  I'm trying to look for things I wouldn't normally sketch.  And that's especially difficult.

 Bird's eye view of Trax's BMX bike.

Our new canoe.

I've also recently been working on adding depth using shadow.  Something I have always been aware is lacking from my drawing.  Something I greatly struggle with.  

 

White Breasted Nuthatch

So I don't obsess with each drawing I have a couple rules:

1. Sketches are usually done in the morning while I am enjoying the sunrise and my coffee.
2. Or when I desperately need a break from all the busy-brain work I'm doing.
3. Each sketch can take no more than 20-30 minutes.

Twin Lakes June '11

For the past three years Alex has organized a mountain camping trip with friends who have have thankfully grown into friends to me over the years.  Most of these friends have been having kids over the course of the last 6 years or so.  The Family Camping Trip is a wonderful way to stay connected, bring the kids together outdoors, relax and enjoy the sunshine during the day and campfires at night. Twin Lakes has a lot to offer:  fishing, hiking or mountain biking on the Continental Divide Trail, Mount Elbert-the highest peak in CO at 14,440', wildflowers, birds, a beach-although the waters are too cold for swimming at this time of year, a cute little town with an ice cream store just a bike ride away...pretty much everything. I have mentioned in the past how grateful I am for all that I gained when I met him.  His friends are awesome in every way possible!

 I wouldn't mind living here!  No one else lives on this side of the lake.

The Colorado Trail offers a variety of hikes.

The canoe added a whole new element to the trip.

Historical buildings at the edge of town.

Signs of Salsa!

Chasing Butterflies

One of my favorite things I did this weekend was to slow down and chase some butterflies along the Continental Divide Trail. 

Maxwell Fire, Boulder CO

Just returned from three days in the mountains to this:

From the Daily Camera:  Firefighters are battling a fast moving wildfire in Lefthand Canyon in the foothills north of Boulder.The Maxwell Fire is estimated at 75 acres, according to fire officials. The wildland fire is in the 4,000 block of Lefthand Canyon Drive, near the 3.7 mile marker, on U.S. Forest Service Land on the north side of the canyon.The fire started at about 5 p.m. Smoke initially was reported by passerby, according to fire service officials. Smoke was visible from much of Boulder County throughout the evening.A mandatory evacuation was in place for about 340 homes, for residents within a 1.5-mile radius of the 3.7 mile marker, earlier today. Now, residents have been warned to be ready to evacuate if the fire changes direction or grows significantly. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Maxwell Fire is the third blaze this year that started near the off-highway area.

Visit to the Denver Art Museum

Summer Solctice 2011

 

Full on Wildflower season in Crested Butte, Co

The eyes experience less stress when they can look upon a wider horizon. ~R.D. Chin

Versatile Blogger Award

I discovered over the weekend I had been nominated for this award by Rex, who checks in on my blog and who also has a beautiful blog of her own called a sculptured life.  I was tickled pink! I sometimes wonder who, if anyone actually reads my blog and why.  After-all, I do post a mishmash of photos, information and thoughts on everything from birds to fishing, cooking,  life as an adult student, nature, living in the Rockies, my sweet relationship with Alex, our Brown Dog, political controversies and my life with a teenager.  Therefore, my blog really might not interest everyone since it is all over the place.  I guess that is why it is considered versatile and why I was nominated for "the Versatile Blogger Award."  One thing for certain is I have "met" so many people from all around the globe since I've been blogging.  I love that element!

In any case, here are the Rules for the Versatile Blogger Award:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and include a link to their blog on your blog.
2. Share seven random facts about yourself that your readers may not know about you.
3. Pass the award on to 7-15 bloggers.  (Trying to keep in mind it is a "Versatile Award").
4. Contact each blogger you have nominated for the award and let them know they have been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award.

My seven random facts you may not know about me, even though you follow my blog:

1. I am extremely humbled, and sometimes frightened, by math.
2. I recently went to Costa Rica for a fantastic trip and brought back Costa Rican Chocolate bars for friends... and ate them all.
3. When I was a young girl, from about 5 to 12,  I really wanted to be a photographer for National Geographic...or an OTR (Over The Road truck driver).
4. I am an Extremely Sensitive human being.
5. There were times in my life when "being alone" was frightening, but now I finally feel at ease when that space presents itself.I actually look forward to having time alone each day now. I think most parents of teenagers do.
6. I have no idea what my life will be like in two years when Trax is on the next leg of his journey. 
7. I am 43 but I feel much younger, like 20 years younger, on most days that is.

I follow and am loyal to several  Blogs.  Here are the ones I am nominating (in alphabetical order) for the "Versatile Blogger Award."  No one has to accept it of course and some might think this is just a corny thing, but I will be sure to let them all know I appreciate what they have to share.
Average Joe Fisherman
Love the funny fishing tales they tell
Bird Wanna Whistle
Beautiful photography and words
FlyinTropical
Creative, scientific and fun
Makena Light
Young, amazing photography, mostly Hawaii
Metal Heads
Great fishing tales and pictures
Most Lovely Art
Simple and sweet
Simply Yogini
Reminds me why I need to get on my mat more
The Max Files
Life in South Africa
My number one nomination was of course my favorite blog: Colorado Via Alex but I was already informed he wasn't interested in the nomination. I love him anyway. xo