Undercover Granola Girl’s Tip #132

I have often thought that I am a Granola Girl trapped in a South Florida Girl body. I grew up in Boca Raton, Florida- back when it was a sleepy lil beach town. No one had heard of it. SNL hadn’t mentioned it in the “Coffee Talk” segments. It was a simple place to live. Then the invasion happened. Some time back when I was a teenager.. things in my sweet little home town changed. Somehow, someway my Lil hometown got on the map. Things changed overnight.

I didn’t fit in. I would rather spend my days outside then inside the mall. I ran around and jumped into the intercostal at whim- swimming whenever possible. I very rarely wore shoes and I had troll baby hair. You know, the kind of hair that stood up on its end because I wouldn’t let my mom brush it? I have learned, over the years, that I don’t quite fit here. I really realized this when I moved to Boulder, Colorado for graduate school. I had found my tribe. The people in Colorado loved to be outside as much as I did. The women there had real breasts. The men didn’t get facials. It was Utopia.

After grad school I needed a real J.O.B. – or so I thought. So I moved back to my hometown and found my wonderful job that I have had for the past 8 years. I have daydreams about moving my job to the mountains. I find myself looking longingly at mountain homes and barn studios. Whenever I have a chance to travel – I am all about moving my butt to the rhythm of the mountain music. I am still making plans for my big mountain move someday – I am not certain which mountain I will move to, but I will live there again. I am not interested in Colorado as much as I once was. My life there has long since past and I run the risk of diggin’ up bones if I were to return. I think I experienced the best it has to offer. My latest heart set is on Utah, California, or maybe North Carolina???

In preparation for my travels this Christmas break – I pulled out the ol’ camping trip guide. I love to camp. Love it. Love it. Love it.

IF you are a camping lovin’ Granola Girl at heart – here is my Granola Girl Tip #132 – (I just like to number them randomly because it gives the illusion that I give these tips ALL THE TIME – just roll with it.)

Get a hammock. It makes ALL the difference in the world between an awesome adventure and a “eh.. yea, camping was OK” adventure. You know why?? Because when you are beat from kayaking or hiking or whatever else you do on your camping extravaganza – restin’ your tired derriere in your very own hammock makes everything just right in the world. Ahhhhhh.

I bought my ex-boyfriend this super cool Eno hammock for his birthday one year. I am very happy I did – because when we went on our kayak camping adventure – yours truly spent every evening curled up with my “Still life with Woodpecker” book and my stash of peanut M&M’s. Heaven.

Don’t take my word for it.. check out all these happy hammock folks… all part of the Eno Photo Contest. So comfy and check out these views!!!

The best part about these comfy cozy hammocks – is that they compress into a small ball of easily transportable comfort. If you have a Granola Gal or Guy on your gift giving list this holiday season – I highly recommend shelling out the relatively small amount of money – compared to the amazing experience – necessary to purchase one of these truckin’ treats. Check out all the nifty colors, sizes and accessories here at ENO today!

Miami Design District ~ Part 1 (My Staycation)

I was supposed to be in Chile right now.  I was actually supposed to be on Easter Island and exploring the vast wilderness and diverse culture of Santiago Chile for three weeks during the month of July.  I have an art show in Chile and on Easter Island and I was oh-so-excited to see my work in such an exotic venue.  I had planned and plotted and purchased 3 books on hiking and Lil hole in the walls to eat.  I was ready.  Unfortunately, the tides of chance shifted, and my travel partner broke her leg.  Yep.  One week before we were to fly into the Chilean blue yonder.. she was playing tennis.. and pop!  There went the leg.  Thank God I bought travel insurance.  I am notoriously cheap.. but something told me to click the travel insurance box before checking out.. now I have even more evidence to listen to that little voice that is so often right.  So… here I am.  On my staycation.  Determined to make lemonade out of lemons.. I decided to both work on my kayak with my dad and explore South Florida for much-needed inspiration.  So, last Friday I kidnapped my friend Julie and forged my way into the wilds of the design district of Miami.  It was exactly what the doctor ordered.
This adorable small person was enjoying my window shopping.

I want to print this out and blow it up and put it over my couch – to remind me where I am and how to keep my feet in today.

Amazing work by Shepard Fairey on the Wynwood Walls

Adorable Julie infront of the Shepard Fairey mural

The bar at the Wynwood Kitchen and Bar

Miami’s version of wildlife

Cool outdoor patio at the Wynwood Kitchen

I am a total sucker for peeling wallpaper.

Oh boy, I have had days like these.

So seriously cute with that hat on!  I almost stole it from her.  It was an amazing outing and adventure.  I am hell-bent to make this summer shine.  Last summer was filled with heartbreak and long days at the hospital (my brother was ill – he is 100% spot on healthy now - HOORAY!!!) – so- heart all healed and brother healthy as a horse…  I am determined to have a summer full of adventures!!  Life has a funny way of turning your plans up on it’s end and asking you to re-route your path.  So here I am.. google map in hand.. seeking local adventures and finding bliss in unexpected places.  I have two more weeks of my staycation until I am San Francisco bound.  So look out South Florida.. here I come!