The Album Release Concert of Awesomeness

You guys. It is here. The big bash, the big night, the big concert to celebrate their album release: "Shake the Shadow."

And I could not be more excited for Treehouse Sanctum.

And can I tell you something? I have heard an early release copy of their album and it is freaking great.

FUH-REAKING GREAT.

I'm not making that up. You guys know that they pay me in high-fives to promote them. Their album is beautiful and soulful and fun and creative and amazing. There's even been some buzz:

“Shake the Shadow is Colorado proud . . . Steady guitar work and soulful lyrics dominate the music and leave a pleasant taste in the ear of the listener.” Tim Wenger, Colorado Music Buzz Magazine


“The art of the song is not lost on Treehouse Sanctum, who seem to explore new and interesting ways to harness the beautifully rich vocal palette of Rymer and Prado, with each subsequent track they produce.” Markus Greybeard, Literati Records


“That girls voice is kickin’.” Trevor O’Connor, Trevor Rocks Denver

I guess they are totally legit now.

And now here is the fun part: you are invited to the party!

YES YOU ARE! You are invited to the big, honking party that will rock downtown Denver for one glorious night on March 15. You do not want to miss this.

Details:
Who: Treehouse Sanctum with awesome guests
When: March 15
Where: Marquis Theater (2009 Larimer Street, Denver)
Time: 7:00 pm
Cover: $8
**All proceeds from the Shake the Shadow album will be donated to the Denver Rescue Mission.



I will be there. Treehouse Sanctum will be there. My dad will be there. Others will be there. You should totally be there.

Like Stretchy Pants

I spent this past weekend in Oklahoma, the land of my birth, the home of my soul, the source of my twang.

This trip was fast but filled to the brim of everything I love. We ate a lot, we talked even more and we sat around looking at each other, soaking up all that we had missed and everything we had experienced together.

Our discussions included (but were not limited to): pizza, nude beaches, Alamosa, cupcakes, OU football, the 4th of July, my grandpa, hair, gray hair, ping pong, cheating at board games, children, church, chips and queso, sleep apnea, Sonic milkshakes, colonoscopies, chickens and pregnant cows.

You know, typical.

Oh, and we also talked about my dating life, which is always awesome.

I may even say this was my favorite trip, and that's saying a lot, especially since we have had some epic talent shows, golf tournaments and Velveeta dips. This mini-reunion was like wearing your favorite pair of stretchy pants: comforting, familiar and forgiving.

Long live stretchy pants. And long live my family.

The Recap You Didn't Know You Needed

My re-entry into the real world last week was a bit rough. My plane from the DR had to make an emergency landing in Miami. It had something to do with our landing gear not working properly and the pilots were 94% sure that we would land without a problem.

Ummm...

 

Awesome?

Needless to say, we landed perfectly and then proceeded through customs, immigration and then re-boarded with the same fearless pilots for our layover in Atlanta. But because of our small detour, both my aunt and I missed our connecting flights and instead arrived home much, much later.

HOWEVER. The trip was unbelievably amazing. Relaxation was the goal and it was accomplished in strides:

The weather was a perfect 80 degrees.

The food was so fresh and delicious that I actually ate shrimp.

There were long conversations into the night, both in Spanish and in English

There were new recipes to tackle in a fully-stocked kitchen.

There was dipping your toes into the ocean and swimming until you became pruny.

There was dancing. Oh, there was dancing.

 And there was time to soak up the glorious sun (with SPF 50, of course), while deepening old relationships and developing new ones.

It was dreamy in every possible way.

...

And then I came home and the Arctic Vortex arrived.

But my dad also came home for his 72 hour furlough and everything seemed right with the world, Vortex included. On top of that, I got to make cupcakes for a baby shower: coconut cream and double chocolate fudge.

They are my new best friends.

We also went out for my birthday. I wanted us all to be together to celebrate. Sadly, Claire was down with a migraine but the rest of us ate for her:

 

 

 

 

 

Carr looks like an undercover cop in this picture. Love it.

 

 

Spirit fingers at dinner? Of course.

Two of my most favorite boys.

And finally, if you didn't know, Denver is going to the Super Bowl this weekend. It's a big, freaking deal. And our downtown looks so fantastically cool. It's going to be a great game!

 

Time to Ride, boys!

Tuesday vs. Wednesday

Tuesday: blue skies, palm trees

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday: snow of death

 

 



Tuesday: turquoise waters, warm sand

 

 

Wednesday: The frozen wasteland of the eternal winter

 



 

Tuesday: Green grass, warm pool

 

 

Wednesday: Asphalt ice skating

 

 

Tuesday: Perfection

Tuesday is my favorite.

By a lot.

A Few Days Away

In September, one of my favorite aunts called me to ask me a very lovely question: would I like to go with her to the Dominican Republic for a few days away.

Ummm...

I did not have to think to know my answer. The thought of warm water, white beaches and sun-filled days with someone I do not get to see very often was more than enough for me to agree. Besides, the words "beach house" and "80 degree temperatures" didn't hurt at all.

So tomorrow, in the depths of winter, with the brown, dirty snow lining the roadways and the cold air that flows over the mountains to land right on top of my house, I will rendezvous with my adventurous aunt and spend the next few glorious days soaking up as much sunshine as this pasty Irish girl can stand.

Everyone needs a few days away, preferably with a tiny umbrella in hand.

The Cab Ride

A few years ago, I spent some time in Beirut. I was visiting our projects and hanging out with our people and trying to figure out which side of the street I should stay on. Oh that's a real thing, people. It matters in that city.

One evening, my colleague and I needed to take a taxi from one part of the city to the other, about a 25 minute drive. But it quickly became apparent that our taxi driver did not know how to get there. Instead of asking my colleague which way to go, he dismissed her and just kept driving. Even when she told him to turn, he ignored her.

After an hour, he became increasingly more frustrated. And she and I became increasingly more concerned. It was night, we were foreigners, and we kept driving further and further away from our destination and closer to the surrounding mountains. The same mountains where scary people with guns tend to hang out. There were times when I actually thought he was up to something devious, that maybe this was my last cab ride I would ever take.

{Dramatic pause}

My colleague kept trying to provide insight and suggestions, but he wouldn't listen, either throwing up his hand in disgust or ignoring her completely. He finally began pulling over, every ten minutes, asking for directions to our destination. First at a gas station, then at a flower shop, then at a restaurant, to some people walking down the road, and so on.

As as his frustration mounted, our fears began to as well. Why wouldn't he listen? Why was he so angry? Why didn't he trust us enough to know where to go? Why wasn't I at home with my mom?

Finally, after two hours, we finally made it. Somehow he found the main highway again and found his way. He didn't talk to us when we exited the vehicle, we just paid him and he sped away. My colleague and I were so thankful to be around people we knew that we nearly danced in the street. There is nothing better than the familiar when everything else is completely foreign.

Recently, I was teaching a group of high schoolers on the importance of relying on Jesus when we do not know which way to go. And I used this story as an example. I realize that so often I refuse help when offered. I ignore Him when He is gently trying to point me in the right direction. And I often ask anyone else I can find for help, for direction, for comfort before I ever turn and acknowledge the One who knew the way all along.

I am just like that cab driver sometimes. I look for answers from those who don't know and get angry or ignore the One who does.

I bet that cab driver never thought God would use Him for such a lesson. Scary men with guns aside, I am thankful for that experience.

And I am thankful I didn't disappear into the mountains forever.

A Banana on the Beach

During the last day of my vacation, while I was basking in the hot sun, I just so happened to see the following:

This grandma (as evident by three generations of people around her), who proudly wore her bikini, was buried up to her waist in sand, holding an umbrella and eating a banana.

Well. Of course she was. I mean, who wouldn't want to do that?

Apparently it was delicious. And perhaps a bit gritty.

And on that note, happy Friday!

The Sea

I spent six days by the sea.

I freckled. I rested. I counted the waves.

I ate ice cream for dinner.

This long-awaited retreat, a removal from things that have gradually weighed me down, was spent right here, right in this sand.
 

 

 

 

The sea is a place where one goes to wash off the old, the tired, the burdened and replace it with the fresh, the new and the carried.

 



 

 

I could live here, in all of its sandy, salty glory. I could settle in and call this home.

 

It is a magical place, where the sand meets the sea. 

 

God knew we needed a lot of it.

Herb

Hey there, people of the internet!

Do you know what day it is?

It's HUMP DAY!

And in honor of that, I bring you Herb the Camel, all the way from Tunisia:

He's not very happy but he seems to be rockin' the striped saddle blanket.

Way to go, Herb.

Happy Hump day to you. You've got this.

The Solo Trip

Due to a variety of factors, I believe I am in the midst of a one-third-life crisis. I am not sure there is such a thing but let's just pretend it is totally real and legit.

You see, I feel completely out of sorts, like I am walking around with my clothes on backwards. Do you ever feel that way? No matter how hard I have tried this summer, nothing has felt quite right.

For starters, the weather is bonkers. Apparently the weather affects me more than I realized, especially since summer is my most favorite season. It is cool and rainy and not at all what I would call normal for August. I don't want Fall to arrive without experiencing some major heat because we all know that winter lasts approximately 17 years in Colorado.

Secondly, my heart, soul and mind cannot quite sync up. One or two of them may be on the same page but it is very rare that all three match up and settle into contentment. This leaves me a bit restless, weary, and dare I say, moody.

Lastly, I am wrestling through the process of letting go of what I thought life would look like at 33 and embracing something new and foreign. But the hard part is that I don't know what the new part looks like. I have never been 33 before yet somehow there is pressure to do it beautifully. What the heck, world?

Oh, and if there were a P.S. to this list, it would be that waiting takes a lot of work. Waiting is not a passive pastime. It takes constant effort to not give into apathy, eat chocolate chips and melt into your couch.

So, now that I have brought you all into a mild state of depression, let me tell you what I have decided to do to help me through this angst-ridden, cranky state: I am taking a vacation all by myself.

SAY WHAT?

Yep, that's right. In the near future, I am hopping on a plane and flying to the ocean where I will lay on the beach and pour out my heart and soul to Someone who knew how to do 33 perfectly. I have no agenda. I am packing light. I am anticipating moments of struggle and discomfort but I am prepared to face them head on, without using Netflix as my way to escape.

I am not expecting to come back a different person. I am just expecting to see things differently. 

Recently, I have had several friends who have taken solo trips and they each came back refreshed and encouraged. I see this as a chance for me to be brave. I am very rarely brave, but apparently a plane ticket and some spending money are great motivators to helping me find my courage.

When I was in graduate school, this was the verse that I clung to, knowing that my degree would take me to places far and wide. Today, I am claiming it again. 

"If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast."

                                    Psalm 139:9-10

Five Things

I have this new blogger friend. She found me on Facebook on my Gourmet Girl to Go page and invited me to participate in a "Five Things" question series. I agreed right away because 1.) I need blogging material and 2.) I cannot say no to new friends.

Her name is Kris and you can find her blog here. I am a big fan already.

So, without further ado, here is a snapshot in time, or, in other words, a ton of information you have never wanted to know about me. Just think of it as my contribution to helping you get through hump day.

(Which, by the way, I am LOVING this commercial:



Totally brilliant.)

Okay, now without further ado, here it is:

Five Things I am Passionate About:
1. A simple life. My mind is often so cluttered with stuff that I forget to live well. So simplifying is my theme right now. And I love it.

2. Food. I love food. I love growing it, eating it, cooking it, baking it, sharing it and preparing it for anyone who will eat it. It is my love language and my spiritual gifting, if that were a real thing.

3. My family. They are a crazy bunch of people, but they are my people.

4. My friends. I have amazing, incredible friends. Holy cow, who knew I was I cool enough to have friends like that?

5. Jesus. Amen.

Five Things I Would Like To Do Before I Die:
1. Get married. I practically have it planned out on Pinterest anyway and I would hate for that board to go to waste. But in all honesty, I am one of those girls who has thought about her wedding since she was little and I would love to experience it with the right person.

2. Hike Machu Pichu. I know many of you must be shocked over the word "hike" but that is one hike I would gladly tackle.

3. Own another horse. I was 12 years old the first time I got a horse and I would love to see how I would handle it now. Besides, they smell really, really good.

4. Take a week-long cooking class in Europe. Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, any of those countries will do. I want my entire week to be covered in sugar and flour. And chocolate. And maybe some cheese. I don't think that is too much to ask, do you?

5. Memorize large sections of the Bible. Isaiah 40, the entire book of James, 1 John and any of the psalms are on my list. I am horrendous at memorization unless it is put to a song. So I guess this is fair warning if I ever sing verses at you. Don't be alarmed, I'll try to jazz it up a little.

Five Things I Say A Lot:
1. It's not my yard.
2. I could stick my entire head into this bowl.
3. Salted caramel is my love language
4. Seriously.
5. I'm over it.

Five Books/Magazines I Have Read Lately:
1. Country Living Magazine. Naturally.
2. The Harbinger. This was a few months ago but it was a quick and intense read.
3. Treasure Island. It has been over 20 years since I last read that book and it was totally different than what I remembered. It's funny how that happens.
4. The Spirituality of Fundraising (Henri Nouwen). I re-read this all the time because it is essential to my job. It's good stuff.
5. Joy the Baker's Cookbook. I love her, her writing style and her recipes. I highly recommend following her blog!

Five Favorite Movies:
1. The Goonies
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. Braveheart
4. Lord of the Rings
5. Strictly Ballroom

Five Places I Would Like to Visit:
1. New Zealand.
2. Peru
3. Greece
4. Egypt
5. Montana

Now, I am supposed to invite five other people to participate but I am kind of lame and don't know many bloggers. So, if you would like to tackle this list, go for it and just let me know! I'll link you up.

Oh, and happy Wednesday, people of the world wide web.

My Most Favorite Holiday

Today is the day before the 4th of July, (otherwise known as the 3rd of July). It is the eve before my most favorite holiday.

Last night, I attempted to hang red, white and blue bunting from my front porch as an expression of my patriotism. I nearly catapulted myself into some shrubbery, but thankfully I stayed upright due to my amazing core strength. Due to a variety of circumstances, plastic siding and faulty Velcro being the main ones, I failed at my attempt. Nevertheless, I will try again. I consider it my civic duty.

The 4th of July is every good emotion and memory I have wrapped up in one explosive day. I love everything about it, even the possibility of losing a toe because of a wayward Black Cat.

I love the 4th of July.

I love big, juicy hamburgers on the grill, smothered in onions, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard and dill pickles.

I love cousins who spend their entire year's allowance on fireworks and happily light them off in the driveway.

I love the hot sun on my shoulders and the freckles that result.

I love the Star-Spangled Banner. I could hear it everyday of my life and not grow tired of it.

I love homemade ice cream and my Aunt Marge's homemade fudge sauce.

I love the endless possibilities of how one can use a water hose on your family members.

I love the sense of unity, of community, of celebrating something that people are still fighting for.

I love cream cheese frosting, especially in the form of the flag.

I love parades, floats, marching bands and kids riding their bikes with streamers flying off their handlebars.

I love tradition and celebration, using this day as an excuse to get together.

I love this country. Having traveled to over 25 others, I am still glad this is the one I come home to.

 I hope your 4th of July is fantastic in every possible way.

 

 

The Simple Life Experiment

Yesterday morning I had coffee with my darling friend Heather. She and I get together periodically to talk about shoes and baking and traveling adventures and boys, all things dear to our heart, the last one causing more angst than joy.

And we find ourselves being on the same page with most things, almost to the point where it is wonderfully ridiculous. Yesterday, we camped out on the topic of simplifying. Getting rid of the excess that ends up hindering our lives instead of helping.

And this got me thinking. What are the things that I really need in my life?

My iPhone? Maybe, but I don't need to check it every five minutes.

My Kitchen Aid mixer? Definitely.

TV? Nope. I really don't need it.

Hulu Subscription? Weeeeeellllll...I guess not. Darn it.

And the list goes on.

I loved the idea of taking things out of my life that I have held onto by obligation or trendiness. I think part of my funked-out week had to do with being overwhelmed with too much, or being absorbed with too much. Granted, some things you have no control over, but other things? Heck, yes. They can be kicked to the curb.

Thus: The Simple Life Experiment.

I am dedicating the summer of 2013 to simplicity.

I am sure it will come in a variety of forms, from cooking and baking healthy, clean foods to gardening, reading, traveling and maybe finally getting rid of the Kardashians...maybe. And not spending half of my paycheck every time I go to Target. I look forward to purging, cleaning, down-sizing and streamlining so I have more room to be creative. Or perhaps just so I can take a really great nap. Yoga also sounds like a wonderful new addiction.

Ideally, I would have some chickens and horse to round out my experiment, but suburbia is not conducive to farm animals. But I will blog about it and I will show you pictures of recipes and my scraped knees from falling off of my bicycle.

I promise to not become pretentious and condemn you if you eat Velveeta. I promise to still shave my armpits and to eat pizza and cookie dough every once in a while. And I promise I will not, under any circumstances, wear clothing made of hemp.

But, I have got to do this for me. It's just time.

And I am starting today: I am disconnecting my work email from my phone. A small step for most, but a ginormous step for the FC.

And I already feel better.

So, bring on the simple.

Two Boys and a Gourmet Girl

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Emily invited me to come over and teach her boys how to bake. Emily and I have known each for a few years and have even travelled to India together. There is nothing like an international trip to make you bond with another person, especially when you experience squatty potties together.

Her boys, Will and Jack, were already familiar around the kitchen and they came prepared with aprons, a chef's hat and a Star Wars spatula. What more do you need, right?

There is just something about a kid in an apron that makes me weak in the knees.

On the agenda were Monster Cookies and chocolate-dipped Oreo pops with sprinkles. Sprinkles make everything better, except vacuuming.

We first tackled the Monster Cookies, making them from scratch. These boys dove right in! They measured, scooped, dipped and stirred. They asked fantastic questions like "How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?" and "Can I eat whatever chocolate chips are left over?"

I replied with "four (which I later realized was three)" and "of course you can, just as long as you share with me." Hey, chocolate chips are my favorite food group. I have a hard time parting with them.

Once the dough was thoroughly mixed and tasted, we began scooping. Will was very precise with his measuring, making sure each cookie was about the same size. I made sure they were spaced evenly apart so he didn't end up with one ginormous cookie. Which, you know, would still be delicious.

Jack, on the other hand, decided that one ginormous cookie was the way to go. You can see his in the picture above.  All you need is one or two more of those and you have lunch.

To top it off, Jack sprinkled sunflower seeds all over his big cookie. That kid is after my own salty/sweet heart.

After those were in the oven, we brought out the Oreos. I wanted to show them that you can take something already baked and make it even better.

But here is where things began to fall apart.

First, the pop sticks we used caused the Oreos to break apart.

Next, the food coloring I used to color the white almond bark caused it to freeze up, leaving us with huge chunks of chocolate gunk. Not ideal for consumption, let alone dipping.

Thankfully, some of the white chocolate had been set aside and the boys just rolled with it and dipped their Oreos by hand, using copious amounts of sprinkles to finish them off. Emily, in all of her culinary genius, had yellow dipping chocolate and melted it down to help cover the rest of the Oreos.

As much as I wanted this lesson to be flawless, and the perfectionist in me was secretly crying inside, this was an excellent example of how baking does not always turn out perfectly. It is a work in progress. And even a messy cookie can still be a delicious one.

I think Jude liked them, but the jury is still out.

Overall, these kids blew me away by their questions, attention to detail and love for all things butter and sugar. And I loved hanging out with them! There is nothing more fun than to see kids enjoy being in the kitchen and wanting to learn something new. I was totally impressed.

Bravo, boys! I think you're ready for your own TV show. 

FAQ's for the FC - Part 2

Occasionally, I get a few questions thrown my way. Most are by friends or cousins, but sometimes I will run into someone who reads this blog and wants to know a little more. As you may have noticed, I am a bit wanting in the news department, so I am dedicating today's post to everything you never wanted to know about me.

Stand back, people.

1. Have you cut your hair yet?
No. I have chickened out for the moment. I think that is largely due to the fact that it acts as insulation during these frigid winter days. And also because I am not quite ready to part with it. It is curling rather nicely these days.

2. Do you have any trips coming up soon?
I wish! At the moment, I have nothing on my itinerary. A trip to Oklahoma may be in order soon but I won't need my passport for that. I think.

3. Are you dating anyone right now?
[Le sigh.]

No. Are you?

4. How is Gourmet Girl to Go going?
GGtG is going great! I have a couple of catering events coming up and few cooking classes on the calendar. The website is almost finished, which I will be happy to share with you once it is complete. The only problem I am facing is what to do with all of my baking experiments, besides, you know, eating them all.

5. How is your dad?
My dad is doing very well. It has been 17 months. Can you believe it? I am planning on visiting him this weekend and taking him a gift: my taxes. I am just trying to do my part in keeping things as normal as possible around here.

6. What were your favorite dresses from the Oscars this year?
Oooooh! Tough question! Since Vicki and I were "stranded" in Philadelphia and were "forced" to watch the entire four-hour show plus the red carpet arrivals, I would say that I was particularly fond of Charlize Theron's dress, followed closely by Jessica Chastain's. To round out the top three, I would have to pick my girl Jennifer Garner. I loved the purple ruffle in the back. And no, I did not think she looked like a dinosaur. What were yours?

7. Have you ever thought of writing a book?
Yes, and I would call it "Awkward" because that is exactly what it would be. Honestly, I have never truly thought about it. I have very funny family stories and a few crazy traveling stories but I have no idea what I would actually write about, as evidenced by this blog. But thank you for the question, your esteem of my writing abilities is humbling, although completely delusional.


So there you have it. Enlightenment running amuck! Happy Tuesday to you.

Greener Grass

Every time I return from a trip, whether that be overseas or over state lines, I hit a bit of a slump. I find myself discontent, bored and tired, making me the most dull person to be around. I am sure it has something to do with the return to normalcy and the coming off of some sort of travel high.

Currently, that is my state of being. It does not make for good blog material. No one wants to read about my overwhelming pile of laundry or how I feel like I need to change everything in my life that I have the power to change: where I live, what I wear, my hobbies and my hairstyle. Apparently, I am caught between wanting to do nothing at all and doing everything I possibly can. And that just makes me tired.

My trip to Philadelphia was insanely busy and full of many wonderful new things, like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company which has the best cookies ever created in the history of baking. That, my friends, was a gem of a find. I was also on an extrovert's joy ride, talking and meeting with tons of people every day, discussing things that are dear to my heart and crucial to my work. And I lived for five days in a fabulous hotel with a Starbucks downstairs and the aforementioned cookies right out the front door. Obviously, I was slightly out of touch with reality and even considered taking the housekeeper home with me.

On the flip side, Philadelphia was cold and windy, I ate only carbohydrates for five days straight and I hated paying $13 everyday just to have internet. Part of me was craving home and everything familiar.

I realize I am a very fickle human being. I want what I do not have or cannot attain, yet I long for everything familiar when I no longer have it in front of me. I want both the exciting and the mundane, the thrill and the calm, the adventure and the routine. And at the end of the day, I just want to lie down on the couch and watch Netflix.

What the heck?!

On Saturday, while Vicki and I were busy talking to people about IDEAS and our work in social justice, a couple of girls came up to talk to us. I asked one of them what she was enjoying about the conference and she said this:

"I learned that if I am always thinking that the grass is greener somewhere else, perhaps I need to ask the Holy Spirit to water the grass I am standing on."

*blink, blink.*

Well, isn't that just brilliant.

Perhaps there is beauty embedded in my pile of laundry. Perhaps I can make my own unbelieavably delicious cookies. Perhaps I do not need to get on an airplane just to find adventure.

Perhaps I need some help with watering.

A Snow Day

As Vicki and I were getting ready to head to the airport this morning, we got a text saying that our flight from Philly to Denver was cancelled because of the blizzard in Denver. I am so thankful we received it before we left the hotel because it made our day so much easier. All we had to do was turn around, re-check into our rooms and book our flights for Monday.

I so love technology.

So, for our "snow day" in Pennsylvania, Vicki and I set out for an ATM to bankroll our outings. Unfortunately, the GPS lead us astray, not once, but twice, and when you are navigating all of that by foot, an outing turns into a pilgrimage.

I hate technology.

However, along the way, we found the LOVE park! Recognize this famous sign?




I think every city should have a LOVE sign.

And, of course, a giant macaroni:




And yes, yes I do love it.

We then ventured forth and spent two hours in the Barnes Foundation Museum. Dr. Barnes was a doctor from Philadelphia who amassed a huge collection of Impressionistic art and donated it to the city. It was incredible to see Manets, Renoirs and Van Goghs up close. I feel more sophisticated just typing that out.

While we were inside growing our minds and expanding our artistic tastes, an arctic blast from the frozen north swept into the city and we fought each block on the way back by walking at a 45 degree angle. We finally found our way to Chili's where I ate my weight in guacamole. I think food tastes better when you come in from the cold.

For the evening, Vicki and I are geared up to watch the Oscars and dissect all of the red carpet dresses. This is, by far, the best part of this show. We are also casting ballots on who will win and the loser has to buy the other one dessert. My game face and my stretchy pants are ready for the challenge.

So, whether you are snowed-in in Denver, stranded in Philly, or you are somewhere in between, I hope you have a glorious Sunday evening. I look forward to getting home tomorrow but I must say that I have really loved my time in Philadelphia. Between the history, art, room service and the Reading Terminal Market next door, I may just stay in this Marriott forever.

Promoting Justice

Hello from the Philadelphia Convention Center!

Today is the first day of the Justice Conference where we are recruiting for positions in anti-human trafficking, women's empowerment and peace and reconciliation. Here is Vicki at our booth:




Lizz said we look totally legit, which is something you always want to hear about your place of employment.

The conference runs for two full days and they are expecting 5000 people to attend. It is every extrovert's dream.

I get to wear this very cool laniard with an all-access pass to anything I want.




I may hold on to this! Maybe I can have access to other things too, like meeting Dave Matthews or something.

If you are in the Philly area, drop on by! We are giving away Snickers and luggage tags, both crucial to our work.

The Birthplace of Freedom and Cheesesteaks

I am feeling a bit patriotic today. As a history nut, Philadelphia is like the Disneyland of historical playgrounds. Everywhere you turn is another famous house or building or statue of someone who was instrumental in my ability to travel, work and bake with freedom.

I really love this land of ours.

We took a bus through the city that stops at all of the important places. It was colder than the arctic tundra so I was very happy to just ride along.
















Here are the "Rocky" steps. I swear I could hear the guy next to me humming Eye of the Tiger.

At Independence Hall, we got out and walked around. This place is incredible. It actually made me a little teary.












Oh, if these walls could talk.




And then, there's this:




I had the overwhelming urge to ring it but an orange jumpsuit is not my best look.

We stopped for lunch at Reading Market. It is the most amazing covered market that just happens to be across the street from my hotel.

Oh, darn.

It is filled with bakeries, sandwich shops, butcher shops, cheese stalls and ice cream counters. It is every kind of culinary wonderful.








We rounded out the first half of our day with a cheesesteak. When in Rome, right?