tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59646726006513864982024-02-07T02:49:25.008-08:00Walking BarefootPlanning a wedding that steps lightly on the earth.
(And still loving great shoes!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger270125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-84588640888893102652011-02-21T13:10:00.000-08:002011-02-21T13:10:59.135-08:00Day 16: Internet shopping and letting goDuring the 40 Day Yoga Challenge, we were asked to consider giving up something. Initially, I thought we were going to be <i>required</i> to give up caffeine and alcohol and sugar, but these teachers are embracing a gentler <i>encouraging</i> style (this is Berkeley, home of anti-authoritarianism, after all.) Rather than requiring adherence to a strict set of rules, the teachers have suggested the path we might consider, leaving the decisions up to us.<br />
<br />
In relief that I wasn't required to give up caffeine and alcohol - though I'm consciously trying to reduce my consumption of both - I've sworn off random online shopping for the 40 Days. It's been easy to justify internet shopping, as my wardrobe has slowly been going through a major upgrade from <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/what-not-to-wear">grad student clogs and hoodies</a> to <a href="http://corporette.com/">professional</a> <a href="http://inprofessorialfashion.blogspot.com/">professorial</a> chic. I typically have a hard time finding things I like when I set out to purposely shop, so when I see something that appeals to me, I tend to buy it. Still, my online shopping has been a little haphazard, and doesn't always fill in the necessities for my closet. This little break will allow me to be more aware of what I have and what I truly need. <br />
<br />
These beauties caught my eye today. Maybe they'll find a good home with someone who's not on a shopping ban.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/851/851666/big/pl851666-00vliv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/851/851666/big/pl851666-00vliv01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=49072&vid=1&pid=851666&scid=851666002">Tucker, via Piperlime</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/853/853658/big/pl853658-00vliv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/853/853658/big/pl853658-00vliv01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=853658002">Via Piperlime</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-33674383934834673572011-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:002011-02-19T08:00:00.242-08:00Days 9 - 12: PolaritiesWith teaching and up-coming deadlines, my week felt extra busy. Why was I always so crunched for time? Oh, it's the two-three hours each day required to get myself to the yoga studio, change, practice, drive home and shower. The addition of this daily commitment sent me careening between the polarities of stress and stillness. Sitting in rush hour traffic, cursing the car trying to make a left turn ahead of me, I had plenty of time to contemplate the cosmic irony of getting stressed out on the way to yoga class - and the phenomenon of getting <i>more</i> stressed by doing more yoga. By adding an extra commitment to my day, yoga was creating more, not less, stress.<br />
<br />
I don't think it's supposed to work this way. I suppose there's a reason why so many enlightened yogis in India were renunciates who had given up their homes, occupations and families to wander and meditate. Unperturbed by the many distractions of daily life, they had all the time in the world to practice postures, breathing and meditation, until - POOF - they became enlightened.<br />
<br />
I've always appreciated the Tibetan Buddhist path that claims the way to enlightenment is not to <i>escape</i> from the world, but to find peace and enlightenment within it, and within the practice of daily activities. This path seems so much more practical to me: not everyone wishes to renounce the usual aspects of their lives, but everyone can seek enlightenment <i>within </i>their lives. I'm hoping that will be my experience of the 40 Day Yoga Challenge - a retreat from daily life <i>within </i>daily life. I started this challenge with the hope that the additional structure of going to yoga class every day would require me to become more structured and disciplined in my daily life. (God knows I need it when my task for an entire day is "write article." That clearly needs to broken down into more manageable and accountable steps.)<br />
<br />
The retreat from daily life <i>within </i>daily life is working, but I'm not sure that I'm a calmer, more compassionate person outside of yoga class... when I'm stressing about getting to the next yoga class. Sometimes, I feel like a recovering addict, constantly looking for my next AA meeting, and scheduling my days around when I can get to a meeting. "No dear, I can't meet the plumber then, I'll be at yoga class... Can we push back the dinner? I have to go to yoga class first."<br />
<br />
Today, I decided to take a break, using my one 'day of rest from asana' per week to go to the climbing gym inside of yoga class. I was pleasantly surprised by the strengthening and conditioning effects this first week of regular practice has had. Perhaps next week will bring the mental calmness I was expecting...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-73333245538922217202011-02-17T20:22:00.000-08:002011-02-18T20:26:30.888-08:00Day 8: AccountabilityI really didn't want to go to class tonight, even though it was my favorite teacher and a class I usually go to. I was exhausted, feeling wrung out from the week, just wanting to veg in front of the tv.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, another 40 Day Challenger said to me yesterday evening, as we parted ways, "See you tomorrow."<br />
<br />
Such simple words. And just enough to get me to class. <br />
<br />
It got me thinking again about how we show up for one another in the world, and how simple actions of being present can inspire others to reach higher.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-15177229258946316022011-02-12T17:00:00.000-08:002011-02-18T19:47:33.077-08:00Days 7: Yoga on SkisDuring the 40 Day Challenge, Saturdays are reserved for group meetings of the participating yogis. We get information on diet, deepening the practice, staying motivated. I'm missing this week's Saturday meeting to play in the snow.<br />
<br />
I've found a local yoga class so I won't miss a day of yoga. But it turns out yoga and skiing are actually quite similar. Cross country skiing is actually just a series of Forward Lunges, over and over. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.winthroppt.com/images/ski_yoga_pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.winthroppt.com/images/ski_yoga_pose.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.winthroppt.com/yoga.html">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Afterward, downward-facing dog is always a good resting pose:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THcL4nDVyLk/SZOaH6lt9BI/AAAAAAAABkE/n0HYn7bUci4/s640/IMG_3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THcL4nDVyLk/SZOaH6lt9BI/AAAAAAAABkE/n0HYn7bUci4/s320/IMG_3664.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tAGGZsoLRs94BJNPP0zSIQ">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Followed by headstand to relax tired legs:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sfl.org/beachy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.sfl.org/beachy.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sfl.org/beachy.jpg">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eventually, I'll work my way up to Dancer on skis:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bigskyyogaretreats.com/images/istockphoto/yoga_dancer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bigskyyogaretreats.com/images/istockphoto/yoga_dancer.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bigskyyogaretreats.com/retreats/pages/yoga_skiing.html">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-11133255465221200982011-02-11T23:34:00.000-08:002011-02-18T19:48:17.960-08:00Days 5 & 6: Gift Waves<div style="margin: 0px;">Each week of the Forty Day Yoga Challenge has a theme. This first week's theme was Presence: we were to start tuning into what is going on in our bodies, with our diet, with ourselves in the world around us. A week of Paying Attention, not zoning out. We kept track of our meals, noting when, what, and why we ate, and how it affected us. (Turns out I usually eat when I'm hungry, and feel more energized afterwards. That suggests that my diet's in pretty good shape, I think.)</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">The synchronicities of the week were rather amazing. At work yesterday, a colleague spoke about her grown daughter's presence as someone close to them died. During a lengthy period of decline of this loved one, the daughter stayed nearby, unwaveringly observing the present moment and witnessing the decline without flinching or turning away, promising to stay nearby, even though she lived across the country, until recovery was achieved (which turned out not to be possible). My colleague said that while others were undone by the death, the daughter remained calm, though sad, because she had fully embraced every moment of the decline. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">The story was an incredibly moving reminder to pay attention to the important moments that are happening all around us, everyday.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Another colleague told me that in the Tibetan language, the term "presence," especially that of a lama or enlightened being, is literally translated as "gift waves." I love the idea that our focused attention on a person or situation might be felt emanating outward as gift waves, that attention itself is a gift. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-56842472503450210852011-02-09T17:00:00.000-08:002011-02-18T20:14:44.718-08:00Day 4: On showing upWhat does a yogi or yogini look like?<br />
<br />
Tall, thin, buns of steel, guns perfectly defined, exceptional limber, beatific smile upon the face, eyes dreamily half-closed, rad dragon tattoo over the shoulder. Right? That's how a yogi - an American yogi, that is - looks in my mind's eye.<br />
<br />
Then there's the Indian yogi in the loin cloth, long grey hair, and marigold mala. Perhaps with some colorful paint on his face. Possibly with a bit of a belly. Still with the beatific smile, though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://psdasyogapathy.com/images/gurus-lahiri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://psdasyogapathy.com/images/gurus-lahiri.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like 19th century <span class="body-text"><a href="http://psdasyogapathy.com/spiritual.html">Yogavatar Shyama Charan Lahiri</a>, also known as </span>Lahiri Mahasaya, described in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Yogi-Reprint-Original-ebook/dp/B003QTDDXS?ie=UTF8&tag=walking0a-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Autobiography of a Yogi.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=walking0a-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003QTDDXS" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Matching neither of these descriptions myself, I've never identified with the name. A yogi was someone else, someone who had practiced for a long time, someone who went on retreats, someone who practiced at home. Someone who used the term 'practice.' I was just someone who went to yoga class.<br />
<br />
But when I had to introduce myself to the other 40 day challenge yogis, I realized that eleven years is quite a bit of experience with yoga, and studying in India did make me rather dedicated. Then when the instructor of the first class during the Challenge identified the "40 day challenge yogis," and the rest of the class applauded, I realized that maybe the flexibility, and slenderness, and tats didn't matter so much. What mattered was showing up.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-72124845465484308812011-02-08T22:56:00.000-08:002011-02-18T20:14:00.457-08:00Days 1-3: You say you want a revolution.... Ye-aah, we all want to change the world.<br />
<br />
And starting within, with the self, is where change begins. I saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak about world peace years ago. Much to my surprise, he spent most of his talk focusing on how to develop <i>personal</i> peace, through calming the mind. Only toward the end of his talk did he explain that world peace is impossible without personal peace and equanimity within, and that family, neighborhood, regional and global peace flow outward from the peace within.<br />
<br />
I'm kind of on a yoga high in these first few days of the yoga revolution. Although it's a bit tricky to find time for class everyday, I leave feeling lighter and more energized.<br />
<br />
However, I fear I'm making the world at large <i>worse </i>from my yoga practice<i>.</i> Why? Because I have increased my driving a hundred-fold, at least. I normally <strike>bike</strike> walk* to the train to get to work, bike or walk to do errands, and, like that famed little old lady, only drive my car once a week - usually to yoga.<br />
<br />
But now I'm schlepping seven miles across town, typically in morning or evening traffic which is slow and congested, to attend yoga classes every day. It's too dark and cold in the evenings to bike, and with connections, the train takes nearly an hour. I hate to think of all the extra carbon dioxide and other pollution my car is spewing into the world so that I can be a calmer, more centered yogi.<br />
<br />
This is the kind of transport I need:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.moillusions.com/wp-content/uploads/photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5639/2020/400/Flying_yogi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://www.moillusions.com/wp-content/uploads/photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5639/2020/400/Flying_yogi1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Environmentally-sound yogic transport, as seen in Amsterdam, <a href="http://www.moillusions.com/2006/08/flying-yogi-illusion.html">here.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Why not just find class in the neighborhood? When I find a teacher I like, I am shockingly dedicated. I have tried other teachers in the past few years, but always end up going to back to the same teacher, who seems to offer the perfect balance of physical challenge and spiritual practice. When I go to other classes, I'm like Goldilocks: that one's too slow, that one's too fast, oooo, this one's JUST RIGHT. <br />
<br />
The benefit of the yoga challenge is that it forces me to branch out a bit, since my favorite teacher doesn't teach every day. Last night, I went to a class by a new teacher, that I normally would have passed by. The class was both intense and restorative - entirely different from my usual teacher's style of teaching - and the teacher had an incredibly soothing voice. I left the class unusually calm and energized. A really pleasant discovery.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I <i>did</i> bike until stupid thugs stole my locked bike right off the front porch. In broad daylight. While I was home! I didn't answer when they banged on the door, and when I came out, the bike was gone. Joke's on them, though, because the 15-year-old mountain bike wasn't worth $50. But it sure was handy for tooling around town.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-50090156758827609662011-02-05T13:29:00.000-08:002011-02-18T20:14:27.657-08:00The Revolution Begins...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.ffffound.com/static-data/assets/6/708e3dc7d5208e08b69d5a3c018da84db1e558a5_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://img.ffffound.com/static-data/assets/6/708e3dc7d5208e08b69d5a3c018da84db1e558a5_m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ffffound.com/image/708e3dc7d5208e08b69d5a3c018da84db1e558a5?c=4189040">Who I want to be when I grow up. via FFFFOUND!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nearly 25 of us - lycra-clad, pony-tailed, mostly women, ranging in age from college students to grandmothers - crowded into the smaller room of the yoga studio to begin our 40 Day Yoga Challenge: Revolution from Within.<br />
<br />
The program of 40 consecutive days of yoga, meditation, dietary changes, and calm focusing is based on noted yogi Baron Baptiste's book, <span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Days-Personal-Revolution-Breakthrough-Radically/dp/0743227832">40 Days to Personal Revolution: A Breakthrough Program to Radically Change Your Body and Awaken the Sacred Within Your Soul.</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Days-Personal-Revolution-Breakthrough-Radically/dp/0743227832?ie=UTF8&tag=walking0a-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="40 Days to Personal Revolution: A Breakthrough Program to Radically Change Your Body and Awaken the Sacred Within Your Soul" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0743227832&tag=walking0a-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=walking0a-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0743227832" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">Big promises for a program of just over a month, but my long-time yoga teacher, in whom I have great trust, promises that it is "ahhhh...mayyyyzzzing!" </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">Having felt a bit like a hamster on a treadmill for the past few years - unsteadily balancing grad school, fieldwork, personal life, work, learning to be a wife - it felt like time to reclaim a bit of spaciousness and sanity in my life. And fitness. I spent a month over the holidays doing nothing but eating delicious foods (probably as a come down from the hectic pace that preceded the holidays), and a month after the holiday fighting off a vicious cold (ditto). Time to ratchet back a bit and take stock of the moment.</span><span id="btAsinTitle"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">There wasn't much active, hatha yoga in the two hour orientation today, though we were all prepared with our stretchy pants and yoga mats. Instead, the teachers invoked the Four Directions to watch over us and purify our practice during this program. I often feel a little itchy when well-meaning white people employ Native American practices, and today was no exception. The invocation seemed to be be half prayer, half instructions to the students. I would have preferred them separately. Also, I'm unclear on the connection between an ancient <i>eastern </i>Indian practice, and the Native American tradition.... is there really a match? Had we started off chanting in Sanskrit, I would have been more at ease. However, I'm trying to calm my judgmental, hyper-analytical mind, and what better time to begin than the beginning of the first class? Judgment noted and set aside. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">The teachers gave some instructions on food choices, and noting our mood and energy level when we eat. I think that will be helpful. Even more, I need to note what I'm doing when I <i>don't </i>eat. During the week, I often get so caught up in meeting a deadline that I forget to eat, ending up grumpy and lightheaded hours later. I'm not really sure why this happens, and I know my days would be more pleasant if I ate healthy meals on a regular basis. This is a good reminder to pay attention to that.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">Finally, we were released from our cross legged positions for a few Sun Salutations. I was ready to move, it felt good to stretch. But after only two Sun Salutations, we sat down again to proceed with introductions, facilitated by a Native American (again??) "talking stick." Yes, it helps group process to have an item for people to hold as they speak, but this east-west mashup is bugging me. Several people shared trying personal circumstances that had brought them to the class. Tears flowed. People shared their goals and desires for the class - for me, a greater sense of spaciousness and ease in my life, and a deepening of my yoga practice. Two people had been signed up by others - a husband and father, respectively - and the lone man in the class was there because his wife was also there. So many different motivations brought people to this program, and now we set out on a journey together.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">I think the biggest challenge will be simply getting to yoga class six times a week. Usually, I go once or twice a week, and practice a few days on my own. Now I need to carve out time to get across town every day, and to meditate for five minutes each morning and evening. I'll try to write about it each day, and share my progress.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-61506986621994063992011-01-12T11:26:00.000-08:002011-01-12T11:26:13.690-08:00Eat less, weigh moreAt this time when zillions of people resolve to lose weight in the new year, a friend of mine is wondering how to <i>gain</i> weight. Especially now that she's cut sugar and all meat but fish out of her diet, she's having a hard time keeping her weight up. The months of nausea that have made all food unappealing haven't helped either. Like many women, she struggled with keeping her figure trim in the past. Now she's struggling to avoid looking skeletal. <br />
<br />
In one of those cruelly unfair twists of fate, my friend, athlete, non-smoker, and mother of two small boys, has been undergoing cancer treatments for more than a year. She attended our wedding with her family just after finishing the first round of chemotherapy. I was too caught up in the whirl of the day to notice how gaunt she was. The treatments, along with the changes she's made in her diet to maximize nutrients and minimize toxic chemicals, have made it difficult for her to sustain her normal weight. <br />
<br />
Her current search for healthy, nutrient-rich foods made me realize how much I take my body and all it can do for granted. I can feed it junk, I can feed it vegetables, still it (mostly) does what I want. (Though as I get older, I definitely feel more sluggish and spacey when I gorge on refined sugar and white flour than when I eat Brussels sprouts.)<br />
<br />
Like so many other people, I resolved to get into better shape in the new year: lose the seven pounds I gained over the holidays (an extended bout of the appetite-killing Demon Cold seems to have taken care of that), stop eating fattening foods, eat more vegetables, get into aerobic shape, do more yoga.<br />
<br />
When my friend wrote looking for advice about what foods could help her gain weight, I had an inspiration. I am going to "give" all my rich and fattening foods to her. Since she wants to <i>gain</i> weight, and I want to<i> lose</i> weight, I am going to "give" my nuts, cheeses, ice cream, pastas, etc. to her. Whenever I want to eat these foods, I'll symbolically pass them off to her, imagining her gaining weight and reclaiming her former strength and vitality. And I'll grab a carrot.<br />
<br />
This will help me be more conscious of what I eat, and it will remind me of healthy, hearty foods that I can suggest to her. And hopefully, the constant stream of positive thoughts in her direction will have a positive impact on her health. At least, I hope so.<br />
<br />
What are your favorite weight-inducing foods? Leave them here - even recipes! - I'll pass them on to my friend, and your diet will be lightened for the year. My friend doesn't eat sugar, so the ice cream, cookies and chocolate (my downfall) are still yours to handle.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-8349559806734137752011-01-08T18:30:00.000-08:002011-01-08T18:30:24.072-08:00Simply elegant silk wedding dress for saleIt's a year on past the wedding, and I'm cleaning out my closet....<br />
<br />
My first instinct for the wedding was that it would be a super-simple, no-fuss affair. Accordingly, I found a lovely ivory silk dress, by Tadashi, one of my favorite designers, that seemed perfect for the beach.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgH_mQm5hmlUSuEgOXWhV8MzVzajtBfPfkIGUF0TkkAVKRhX8iM2397KD9FO47b36cj0psmNLe-tfynsoMRKpChyxypdBwR8fL6TKOoid6IqqcpcGJ6YgWEZmDiInFpq0NDdL-T0fkttK/s1600/tadashi+dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgH_mQm5hmlUSuEgOXWhV8MzVzajtBfPfkIGUF0TkkAVKRhX8iM2397KD9FO47b36cj0psmNLe-tfynsoMRKpChyxypdBwR8fL6TKOoid6IqqcpcGJ6YgWEZmDiInFpq0NDdL-T0fkttK/s1600/tadashi+dress.JPG" /></a></div><br />
That was before I got in touch with <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2009/02/weekend-of-wedding-planning.html">my Inner Fairy Princess Bride</a>, and realized that I needed something with much more drama and oomph. Simple was not to be.<br />
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Now I'm selling this first dress on <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190488552593&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT">ebay</a>. Check it out, and let me know if you have any questions. The fabric is actually much more ivory than it appears in this photo. It's really lovely 100% silk, with a polyester lining.<br />
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I still think it would be perfect for a beach-side or mountain-top wedding...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-71494863862820404922010-11-10T00:21:00.000-08:002010-11-10T00:24:58.087-08:00Breath-taking<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBt8PWJzUSrAfdGq1jua7azE6X0iuZJ7ZrBxExwoQJrEtAR5okN_Y1GbuucWqcm4r6t7UbbWGZ07YbjVhTKRD-mA8pVrFe8G-b2g2t-XEdeTMixFo_u5sHOmkDcY_Afm4D6BvKFCk-gfIy/s1600/libweldondayof023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBt8PWJzUSrAfdGq1jua7azE6X0iuZJ7ZrBxExwoQJrEtAR5okN_Y1GbuucWqcm4r6t7UbbWGZ07YbjVhTKRD-mA8pVrFe8G-b2g2t-XEdeTMixFo_u5sHOmkDcY_Afm4D6BvKFCk-gfIy/s400/libweldondayof023.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ourblogoflove.com/index.cfm?postID=481">Our Labor of Love</a> <a href="http://simplelovely.blogspot.com/"></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm pretty much over reading wedding blogs, but today I clicked over to this via <a href="http://simplelovely.blogspot.com/">Simple Lovely</a>, and was astounded at these gorgeous images. <br />
<br />
To be wed in Marrakesh, amid camels, candles and loved ones... now there's an adventure! More here.<br />
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Oh, and: the bride didn't wear white! Check it, <a href="http://brokensaucer.blogspot.com/">Sera</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-61299817769489536822010-10-29T11:58:00.000-07:002010-10-29T12:04:32.684-07:00Not what I expectedOur first anniversary, in my imagination: us, together.<br />
<br />
A funky-chic B&B in the redwoods. Fancy clothes, frozen cake. Sipping Champagne on the deck, watching the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://chamber.sunnyfortuna.com/images/redwoods.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chamber.sunnyfortuna.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chamber.sunnyfortuna.com/images/redwoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Our first anniversary, in reality: me, myself, on a plane, somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, headed for Asia. Delay-plagued Skype calls home. Meetings into the evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pdro8W-mdZ7aBTGaCY8WEvIpVoD4cGEkwLkeJIZGxq8Obp9MJVb7OLTX7QfwA4OSGrbO8Mj9hoI8ibYZaD05j5jxQup3pFGQARo1OCddKlH8nERNhULj8DFJtlSTOHvB27tgPOTsOGcj/s1600/P1010055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pdro8W-mdZ7aBTGaCY8WEvIpVoD4cGEkwLkeJIZGxq8Obp9MJVb7OLTX7QfwA4OSGrbO8Mj9hoI8ibYZaD05j5jxQup3pFGQARo1OCddKlH8nERNhULj8DFJtlSTOHvB27tgPOTsOGcj/s400/P1010055.JPG" width="356" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Remembering the words of advice friends shared at the wedding:<br />
<blockquote>"Love does not consist of gazing at each other (one perfect sunrise gazing at another) but in looking outward together in the same direction."<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Anne Morrow Lindbergh, <i>A Gift from the Sea)</i></span></blockquote><blockquote>"... And stand together, yet not too near together,<br />
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,<br />
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow."<br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(“On Marriage,” from <i>The Prophet</i>, Kahil Gibran)</span></div></blockquote><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>This is the lesson I learn again and again: It won't look like you expected. It may not bear any semblance to your imagination. It may be better than you ever imagined. It takes audacity to shape a marriage into your own.<br />
<br />
(The redwoods and frozen cake can wait...)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-52383682011823525852010-10-27T11:31:00.000-07:002010-10-27T11:31:12.026-07:00A honeymoon 'duSuppose you were to go on your honeymoon to Nepal. You would choose autumn, of course, because the skies are the clearest, and the chance of rain the lowest. On good days, you would glimpse the snow-covered high Himalayas from Kathmandu Valley.<br />
<br />
Before trekking around Annapurna or up to Everest Base Camp, you might choose to stay at the <a href="http://www.godavariresort.com.np/">Godavari Village Resort</a>, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, where you would find splendid views of idyllic rice paddies and hills, and possibly the high peaks glistening in the distance.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvd1in58vnPPhNwwjzJHq9Fi3WfFzRYAlLe3c6TsS88zMOcDEkcaXuckuHHBGK4zx6QwFILUQiGDqc9UoDaDY2R_RwGDiRrarvSWeSWSFBxCNUgsOymJZisIDROnP2wc_UrBx9_x4_1cq2/s1600/godavari+landscape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvd1in58vnPPhNwwjzJHq9Fi3WfFzRYAlLe3c6TsS88zMOcDEkcaXuckuHHBGK4zx6QwFILUQiGDqc9UoDaDY2R_RwGDiRrarvSWeSWSFBxCNUgsOymJZisIDROnP2wc_UrBx9_x4_1cq2/s400/godavari+landscape.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
You could go for a morning walk through the mist, as farmers prepare for their day's labors in the fields.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkqklN5ryetuvuZmWiFlaa4agdT-P37j35gfIxNufzT6K-pVi-JqpNVxkIWGYVx-Ixrcg-e_82WSQ5mKzLOwNVD7d4n5_TsjocTmiK49kfeU70EN3oHbHFDo9Ev2u_vfgzqfEeNP9xBtH/s1600/misty+morning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkqklN5ryetuvuZmWiFlaa4agdT-P37j35gfIxNufzT6K-pVi-JqpNVxkIWGYVx-Ixrcg-e_82WSQ5mKzLOwNVD7d4n5_TsjocTmiK49kfeU70EN3oHbHFDo9Ev2u_vfgzqfEeNP9xBtH/s400/misty+morning.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On such a walk, you might come across a fertility temple, where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingam">Shiva lingams</a> bless those hoping for children.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzTxMh9KMXImK57BH3iLI2DkBg_VhmyiX98kEuSEVr5P1dVVvd2Uu9GHd_qK-nkALKt93DSBNAO80hUA1rUvqBolKSSI4JZc0wzznSwVLAvjc9qniSph826174pqcmoiVLUXUGk68Kwmp/s1600/fertility+temple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzTxMh9KMXImK57BH3iLI2DkBg_VhmyiX98kEuSEVr5P1dVVvd2Uu9GHd_qK-nkALKt93DSBNAO80hUA1rUvqBolKSSI4JZc0wzznSwVLAvjc9qniSph826174pqcmoiVLUXUGk68Kwmp/s400/fertility+temple.JPG" width="313" /></a></div><br />
Making your way back for breakfast, meandering among the rice paddies, you could marvel at the mysterious placidity of the landscape...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3H6bnuOs4vSe67dVjW6NZJCbsMvNj2e1QBNpYD0tWqV5c1h6gAQQ2C2Qda8yzNZVBIEP63vqRRsgqMZC7JG4r8hGaytd_uEn_Lha_F03c9lHSB-Cb0NCFwMHggDxWY5FxIJ1P9dDQHf8/s1600/a+river+runs+through+it.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3H6bnuOs4vSe67dVjW6NZJCbsMvNj2e1QBNpYD0tWqV5c1h6gAQQ2C2Qda8yzNZVBIEP63vqRRsgqMZC7JG4r8hGaytd_uEn_Lha_F03c9lHSB-Cb0NCFwMHggDxWY5FxIJ1P9dDQHf8/s400/a+river+runs+through+it.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And wonder if you might stay a bit longer to savor all the delights of a magical land.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-73149431269585423702010-10-21T23:56:00.000-07:002010-10-21T23:56:15.799-07:00I do, I do, Kathmandu!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Newly-hatched ducklings fall for the first thing they see - mama duck or not - and will follow whoever, or whatever, this being is wherever it goes. The ducklings imprint on the first being - dog, duck or human - they lay eyes on, and that becomes central to their understanding of the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or so I learned in high school biology. This theory may have been overthrown by now, but at the time I was fascinated by the idea that one brief experience could so profoundly shape the trajectory of the duckling's life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKyXWsEGR4doibxxhGXw793IcNkFfOPvMU7nnX1rISpeRrZNCQYvvMpe4L_7C61Jlgng1kztHD2U5hG3UIl5Iul2a02OMKcYB9nWH4N_-0raznAP3OVYg6IJq6yTPupi7TYZIRMElGFvw/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it's the same with international travel. Wherever you go first, as an impressionable young thing, shapes all future approaches to travel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKyXWsEGR4doibxxhGXw793IcNkFfOPvMU7nnX1rISpeRrZNCQYvvMpe4L_7C61Jlgng1kztHD2U5hG3UIl5Iul2a02OMKcYB9nWH4N_-0raznAP3OVYg6IJq6yTPupi7TYZIRMElGFvw/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oddly, my first significant overseas trip (beyond the family jaunt to England when I was six) was to one of the least developed countries, half a world away. It now seems strange that growing up in a midwestern suburb, I would set my eyes on Nepal for my college semester abroad. Couldn't I ease into foreign travel, like my friends who studied in Florence and London? No, my rationale was that those places would always be there, but I would only be young and adventurous enough for the remote corners once. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56_9guGLR0NnetP0J5Mn3JVsGSxoW7W2iGMsAM1ygZdnhDl3KQvOHxvanN0zC7h_83I4HBV4kR9vv8GSKRSfpVzjXJAMOJl7AenwQqHEQkE9rwCF4yKRxyhmhb-YP-iCVZhbwk3XW8r5F/s1600/sunrise+over+Ganesh+Himal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56_9guGLR0NnetP0J5Mn3JVsGSxoW7W2iGMsAM1ygZdnhDl3KQvOHxvanN0zC7h_83I4HBV4kR9vv8GSKRSfpVzjXJAMOJl7AenwQqHEQkE9rwCF4yKRxyhmhb-YP-iCVZhbwk3XW8r5F/s320/sunrise+over+Ganesh+Himal.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I dove into the deep end, a distant place, foreign to my experience in every way, that expanded my brain until my ears were ready to pop off the sides of my head. The city was green, cows and bicycles vastly outnumbered cars, huge smiles lit the faces of everyone I met. I was in the thrall of the exoticism of the place - fragrant smoke from temples and kitchens hung in the air, around every corner lay a surprise, some curiosity I had never dreamed of - and being so far from home for the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISyZ7IxFVWqPVfcX4J9k2pqAo3MsHTz9X_pvmaZ6M_nj19Df-hcPRXqdeIebdmv1BVEtMdXuVHthC1QtS4-mTCAw1Ih_IMukt6G4IoAUgs039WpKRxLAS5TKPvkuQsWGzyRx5i1DXh19R/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISyZ7IxFVWqPVfcX4J9k2pqAo3MsHTz9X_pvmaZ6M_nj19Df-hcPRXqdeIebdmv1BVEtMdXuVHthC1QtS4-mTCAw1Ih_IMukt6G4IoAUgs039WpKRxLAS5TKPvkuQsWGzyRx5i1DXh19R/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since then, returning to Nepal, and especially to Kathmandu, feels like a sweet, crazy reunion, like re-meeting an exotic, jet-setting spinster aunt, whose bracelets jangle and whose sentences never quite make sense. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More than a decade after my college experience, a research fellowship granted me a year in Nepal, during which I kept a flat in Kathmandu, and spent months in the mountains. I fell in love with the city, even as it had grown choked with villagers fleeing Maoist rebels in the rural areas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Car and motorcycles clogged the streets, the two-stroke engines causing a thick pall of pollution to fall over the bowl-shaped city in the winter. White shirts were grey by the end of the day, and a trip into the city center would result in hacking up black phlegm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The friendliest people in the world were now suffering a deep depression as a civil war wracked the country and the throngs of tourists stayed home. No one wanted to take a vacation in the middle of someone else's war, much to the detriment of the Nepali economy. Despite the violence, pollution, curfews, and demonstrations, Kathmandu was still magical, the colors of <i>saris</i> and <i>salwars</i> a delight to the somber Western eye, the juxtaposition of religious monuments with urban squalor a constant reminder that enlightenment would not happen at some future place or time, it had to happen in the midst of the chaos of life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS_sCFXRFepG7ppXqRZ9qJgZ9S3ATQAVSDDyUp6m5HeXBuPTKmmnG4TyXOJjsloCPEQL6SYwFzyrx4AVL-taseY4SpLVQlj63RXgc2Y2aKxdv4LEvIPXcUDX2gHwN1L2I0Ld-7BODQWPH/s400/IMG_2313.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Everest, the world's tallest peak, viewed from a plane.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS_sCFXRFepG7ppXqRZ9qJgZ9S3ATQAVSDDyUp6m5HeXBuPTKmmnG4TyXOJjsloCPEQL6SYwFzyrx4AVL-taseY4SpLVQlj63RXgc2Y2aKxdv4LEvIPXcUDX2gHwN1L2I0Ld-7BODQWPH/s1600/IMG_2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few years after that, I returned again, for a winter holiday break from my Himalayan research. Kathmandu, with its cosmopolitan tourists, banana pancakes, North Face gear, and trendy restaurants was the best approximation of home I could devise. I meant to attend a friend's wedding as well, though, confusingly, information about the date and time never materialized. These things happen in Kathmandu. Time is a malleable concept when living in the present. On New Year's Eve, the streets were packed with revelers from all over the world. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKyXWsEGR4doibxxhGXw793IcNkFfOPvMU7nnX1rISpeRrZNCQYvvMpe4L_7C61Jlgng1kztHD2U5hG3UIl5Iul2a02OMKcYB9nWH4N_-0raznAP3OVYg6IJq6yTPupi7TYZIRMElGFvw/s400/IMG_2349.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve, 2007, Thamel, Kathmandu</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKyXWsEGR4doibxxhGXw793IcNkFfOPvMU7nnX1rISpeRrZNCQYvvMpe4L_7C61Jlgng1kztHD2U5hG3UIl5Iul2a02OMKcYB9nWH4N_-0raznAP3OVYg6IJq6yTPupi7TYZIRMElGFvw/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>A week in the big city, receiving the ministrations of an <a href="http://www.ayurveda.com.np/cgi-bin/bin/index.pl?lang=en&id=215&gh_noAdminMode=0">ayurvedic spa</a>, eating <a href="http://www.mapmandu.com/cafe-mitra.html">good food</a> and <a href="http://yasminedesigns.com/autumn_winter.php">shopping</a> for <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1586230">gifts</a> left me considerably restored and ready to return to work after the holidays.<br />
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Now, once again, my bag is nearly packed with two methods of water purification, a voltage adapter, an unlocked cell phone, sunscreen, layers, long pants, and plenty of books to keep me busy on the 14 hour flight. Kathmandu, here I come!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-56523387227642523542010-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:002010-09-20T07:00:02.156-07:00Wedding Guest Hat-astropheThe latest wedding invitation calls for "Kentucky Derby hats" in honor of the bride's home state. Hmmm.... I haven't been to Kentucky since I was a kid, and have no idea what's stylish at a horse race.<br />
<br />
A quick Google search reveals that<br />
1) Kentucky Derby hats are the size of UFOs<br />
2) They are best worn with sundresses or linen suits,<br />
3) It's hard not to look matronly in a huge hat unless you're British, and<br />
4) All the best Hats are made in the UK. When we threw off the yoke of monarchy, we also lots a fair bit of our style.<br />
<br />
I quickly concluded that I would not be purchasing a full-on Kentucky Derby hat that would get worn once and gather dust in the closet. Maybe a fascinator is the way to go, but the ivory one I wore nearly a year ago screams <i>wedding</i>.<br />
<br />
I turned to my best friend Etsy, which did not disappoint...... For brides who embrace color, some of these could be fun.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.174492444.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56330383/hayley-fascinator-navy-and-jade-green">CherylatHatLover</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.174492444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> Amazing! And British. Like I said....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.73520650.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="253" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/25881250/royal-blue-wedding-fascinator-hat">Hatsbycressida</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Oooo, even more fun! I love the wild festiveness of this one! But, with a week before the wedding, I don't think it will get to California from the UK in time. Maybe for the next party....<br />
<br />
The closest thing I found stateside was this lovely from Pegasusmaiden.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.144378461.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47008618/madelyn-dark-brown-and-silver-grey">Pegasusmaiden</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.144378461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Flowers could be nice...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.115295866.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38316100/yellow-orchid-and-feather-fascinator?">lovelygifts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.115295866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>This would be lovely for an ethereal forest nymph style wedding.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.174941069.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="250" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56466796/rina-multi-layers-of-beige-coco-brown">CastleMemories</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.174941069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Finally, I remembered that Satanica was all over the Interwebs when I was looking for wedding finery. And not everything they make is white.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.174939539.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="296" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56466329/memento-mori-peacock-sword-feather?ref=v1_other_2">Satanica</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.174939539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.175556535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.175556535.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56650395/ultra-glam-deco-peacock-feather">Satanica</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>In a similar vein, for only $13, I like this headband from WeeGardens.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.134827213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.134827213.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44044043/aqua-blue-and-grey-peacock-feather">WeeGardens</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>More peacock feathers at LovMely.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.168698911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.168698911.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54598586/ashley-peacock-feather-headband-or-clip">LovMely</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Disco Flower is always fun, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/1615154/300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/1615154/300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.handlespout.com/product/purple-disco-lily-headband">Handle & Spout</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>What about you? Are you wearing fabulous headwear? What's your favorite source? Have you done the hat/ fascinator look for a night out?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-83326386717351202032010-09-15T16:46:00.000-07:002010-09-15T16:46:01.383-07:00Why can we walk barefoot on beach and not on mountain?This search query made me giggle, so I wanted to share it. <br />
<br />
I'm not sure that the author of that question could find the answer on my blog. In fact, I would advocate walking barefoot on the beach, on the mountain, wherever your wandering feet take you... as long as there's no broken glass or hypodermic needles. Some of the best rock climbers climb barefoot.<br />
<br />
Just for the record, I don't advocate walking barefoot at work (except in the privacy of your own office, or <i>maybe</i> at an off-site, outdoor retreat). Nor do I suggest walking barefoot on public transit (though I've seen it done), in crowded dance clubs and bars (smashed tootsies), or in restaurants (against health code). You can probably get away with it at the symphony, though, if you wear a long down/ floor length pants.<br />
<br />
Here ends today's public service announcement.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-49862618486873018012010-09-13T15:05:00.000-07:002010-09-13T15:05:00.774-07:00The dilemma of the modern wifeWith the light slanting to indicate autumn, and the Bay Area temperatures finally approximating summer, I am transported to this time last year, and eagerly anticipating our first wedding anniversary six weeks from now.<br />
<br />
During that week, Eric and I both have work-related travel scheduled. I was adamant that we should be together at least <i>some time</i> during the weekend on which our anniversary falls. He'll return from the east coast a day before I have to depart for an annual departmental retreat.<br />
<br />
But wait! I've been invited to a week-long planning meeting for a really interesting project <i>in Asia</i> the same week. Participating in the meeting would mean missing the departmental retreat, and leaving the US two days before our anniversary. This, after I insisted that he get home in time to celebrate! <br />
<br />
The timing feels like a cosmic joke: take the romantic route, choose to celebrate your anniversary on the actual day; or take the professional route, and jet off to Asia instead. To be clear, Eric is absolutely fine with me grabbing this opportunity now, and celebrating our anniversary with a long weekend up the coast later in the fall. <br />
<br />
I'm the romantic here: we have a first anniversary only once, and I'd like to eat thawed wedding cake and dance around in my wedding dress on the <i>actual </i>day. The practical and ambitious side of me knows this is a great opportunity, and I'd be foolish to pass it up. Still, do they have to be on the <i>same day? </i><br />
<br />
What would you do, oh recent wives and brides-to-be???Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-58887224829427679502010-09-12T14:44:00.000-07:002010-09-12T14:44:06.262-07:00If you must give wedding favors....A Green Revolution wedding might forgo favors to prevent unnecessary waste - how many people really eat those little almonds wrapped in tulle???<br />
<br />
Or, you might show your good taste with gifts that can be used again and again...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ayFW33fAl3E/TIVhyRJ6x3I/AAAAAAAACxU/IPtQzgMTbPg/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ayFW33fAl3E/TIVhyRJ6x3I/AAAAAAAACxU/IPtQzgMTbPg/IMG_0035.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
A brightly-colored reusable tote, and fresh local organic produce will counteract too much cake and boozin', and remind your guests of your thoughfulness every time they go to the supermarket.<br />
<br />
Thanks to <a href="http://usuallystephanie.blogspot.com/">Stephanie</a> for the photo!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-48429457141815858622010-08-24T12:23:00.000-07:002010-08-24T12:23:57.637-07:00Telling storiesWhen I started teaching, I was alarmed to learn that a female student had been dissuaded from particular areas of study by a senior professor who suggested that women were too enmeshed in the pragmatics of daily life to do the abstract theorizing necessary for higher scholarship. All my years of egalitarian experience slammed into the brick wall of outmoded attitudes about bodies and gender. As if living back in the Renaissance, scholars were supposed to be disembodied minds, removed from the material world, while women were consigned to the material world through the necessity of their bodies.<br />
<br />
Apparently, this professor hadn't heard of the theorizing that arises from personal experience. Somehow, the notion that <i>the personal is political</i> had not infiltrated that particular ivory tower.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, though, the blogosphere gives us a broad platform for telling women's stories - not only of weddings, but of marriages, careers and daily lives - and showing,through concrete example, how the personal and political intersect and shape one another. Telling stories is a concrete form of activism, a way of taking up space, giving voice to our experience, and saying that it matters.<br />
<br />
Today, there are two spectacular stories about power, and change, and women's lives. You must read <a href="http://www.thethirtysomethingbride.com/imported-20100102151706/2010/8/24/how-love-can-heal.html">How Love Can Heal</a> and Anna (of <a href="http://accordionsandlace.wordpress.com/2010/08/24/small-things-grow/">Accordians and Lace</a>) on <a href="http://www.thethirtysomethingbride.com/imported-20100102151706/2010/8/24/how-love-can-heal.html">Idiosyncratic Skills</a>. These are stories of the hardscrabble lives of women who probably have more useful, world-changing wisdom and insight in their little fingers than that ivory tower professor accumulated in countless years of theorizing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-60499436766804923182010-08-23T07:00:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:00:04.264-07:00What a difference a year makes!Psyche! This is not a wedding anniversary post. For that, you'll have to wait a couple more months.<br />
<br />
This is a <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2009/08/doctor-is-in.html"><i>doctorate</i> anniversary</a> post. Equally significant in my mind.* The last academic hurdle: now I get to learn to be the expert. Sure, there are other hoops to jump through: tenure/ contract renewal, <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2010/06/on-doing-what-you-must.html">The Book</a>, this #@$)~*%# article that's been torturing me all summer. For now, it's nice to know that I've got the Seal of Approval, entitling me to take on such projects.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-year-of-careening-crazily.html">Last year</a>, I didn't even know it was summer. The only evidence of change was the creep of the afternoon sun up my office walls, where I was cloistered, 12-18 hours a day, pounding away at the dissertation that I had rashly promised my future employers I could complete in a year.<br />
<br />
That hasty promise, made months before I began writing, before I even began analyzing the data, while I was, in fact, still in the field <i>collecting data</i>, came back to bite me in the butt** last summer as I typed furiously to meet a deadline that my advisor had initially said was impossible. I met it without a day to spare.<br />
<br />
As 18th century author and lexiographer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Johnson">Samuel Johnson</a> said, the prospect of a hanging concentrates the mind wonderfully. Indeed. I've always been deadline driven, and the biggest writing project of my life was no exception.<br />
<br />
But, I missed some of my favorite things in life: ice cream on warm evenings, chatting with friends over cold drinks, travel, mountain hikes. All was put on hold for the tyranny of my final academic deadline. The constant panic and anxiety I felt spurred me on to work harder - when it didn't paralyze me. I was happy to have wedding planning as a constructive distraction when the dissertation felt just too weighty.<br />
<br />
This summer, though, this summer... it's SUMMER!*** Though Eric had his own major deadline this summer, we've made the most of our freedom from strict schedules. We started out here, in May, following a work-gig that took Eric to Milan:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuZ1gnIdYj-Ms5jDbSuBoUqksi9Zy0L8J8022q16IjFUoUVMH3KOiaHigTY6gOxXLVft5QhyphenhyphenmkyEwrnQYSCbJ__5TmXAqD6l_wkia0mI5jnG8PuoDmOiKpEimSfJiHJiGEvN4Exs5KUZO/s1600/P1000611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuZ1gnIdYj-Ms5jDbSuBoUqksi9Zy0L8J8022q16IjFUoUVMH3KOiaHigTY6gOxXLVft5QhyphenhyphenmkyEwrnQYSCbJ__5TmXAqD6l_wkia0mI5jnG8PuoDmOiKpEimSfJiHJiGEvN4Exs5KUZO/s400/P1000611.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus points if you know the locale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnKX0wN_u8BD4qzj0zVULab3j0ys9vZtGcB8ZDe8HlLsvxjCkcTI2w2XC_x6Whm1mEXocCdIVBNTTXRMShzoHoTSVzVsLo9uOxopdWaFyM_DwL0vhUqOkSPNLNGvuxiqVZ6z620SILfb6/s1600/P1000629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnKX0wN_u8BD4qzj0zVULab3j0ys9vZtGcB8ZDe8HlLsvxjCkcTI2w2XC_x6Whm1mEXocCdIVBNTTXRMShzoHoTSVzVsLo9uOxopdWaFyM_DwL0vhUqOkSPNLNGvuxiqVZ6z620SILfb6/s400/P1000629.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apracticalwedding.com/2010/08/and-it-was-mind-blowing/">Hint.</a> (They clearly have great taste!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFLc0FT9T5P8rdYEuT1wIzyciDV8hQ-tSk7chmz21cvoltPXAf4kc-QLNA4FDl7pZeNYLDkkLzTcqNUQnMzdYrLVpld5NDhLNeJSxZy3J1vz_uH-hOqlRhY2e7eTXfoUFbGzPeINk0z2P/s1600/P1000666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFLc0FT9T5P8rdYEuT1wIzyciDV8hQ-tSk7chmz21cvoltPXAf4kc-QLNA4FDl7pZeNYLDkkLzTcqNUQnMzdYrLVpld5NDhLNeJSxZy3J1vz_uH-hOqlRhY2e7eTXfoUFbGzPeINk0z2P/s400/P1000666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
By early June, we were soaking in art in Florence.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfH1WdNNtA_ASkwMpwW0V3BXw57jcypCCwjJnarSa4FSC3fSVFO_fj8gB5cPx8tkWnwc2tYf1uzSUmUvMBrCpq31Ap-ScRes_1uNQn1jVgK1onOBVl48WBIIYScU8QtW4qpYH9wvX-FYd/s1600/P1000723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfH1WdNNtA_ASkwMpwW0V3BXw57jcypCCwjJnarSa4FSC3fSVFO_fj8gB5cPx8tkWnwc2tYf1uzSUmUvMBrCpq31Ap-ScRes_1uNQn1jVgK1onOBVl48WBIIYScU8QtW4qpYH9wvX-FYd/s400/P1000723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>On a tour of a Tuscan castle winery<a href="http://www.verrazzano.it/en/"></a>, surrounded by a bunch of 20-something honeymooners from the States, we realized that it wasn't too late to consider our trip Part III of <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2010/06/honeymoon-part-iii-how-to-choose.html">Multi-part </a><a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2010/06/honeymoon-part-iii-how-to-choose.html">Global </a><a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2010/06/honeymoon-patagonia.html">Honeymoon Tour</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-0zTt-YwFwGGHlWOVt_CCnRtz1ztBbiIf7yO5gVPn0gLjwCPTp2i-Mfth0pDt1e3vJRKSJHjekt6bTiRJGOrsNZICVwi53nGXGyf4YjoWBvTkiZqb9VZDPSZgAS81zZMbMpMA1XgrAR0/s1600/P1000788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-0zTt-YwFwGGHlWOVt_CCnRtz1ztBbiIf7yO5gVPn0gLjwCPTp2i-Mfth0pDt1e3vJRKSJHjekt6bTiRJGOrsNZICVwi53nGXGyf4YjoWBvTkiZqb9VZDPSZgAS81zZMbMpMA1XgrAR0/s400/P1000788.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former family home to the namesake of the <a href="http://www.verrazzano.it/en/">Verrazzano Bridge</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Next stop on the Global Honeymoon Tour was Seward, Alaska, where the food didn't exactly live up to that of Italy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WsQnFFyw1pbluUZRFcPNPt0Etb9gIxLevtU-lL-zw5ml-sN29Hbz9tBr1mU-9CPOR9deCkO0xfzQrx5pZtaMtWmTsesMOcbLRiCwbijdXqhUG06YUqs7TJG5qeqaqSfsWpse8XRR4YCZ/s1600/DSCF0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WsQnFFyw1pbluUZRFcPNPt0Etb9gIxLevtU-lL-zw5ml-sN29Hbz9tBr1mU-9CPOR9deCkO0xfzQrx5pZtaMtWmTsesMOcbLRiCwbijdXqhUG06YUqs7TJG5qeqaqSfsWpse8XRR4YCZ/s400/DSCF0447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.sewardalaskacabins.com/SalmonBake.htm">The best and biggest dinner around</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We earned our dinner by hunting the ever-elusive Loch Ness Monster...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TlH3NghS7xDnM4N3uXZAhLs5mS0IQLWq1H3yMZ-17nyPm7u8yd_fsKNM03azsa8ra_00jeR6x1AlijOVIIo1J95OmdpAJOOcB0vLsiAgjbw7hyphenhyphenzH96TTZrokC6Kis099he6nMHFKxNxD/s1600/19+loch+ness+monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TlH3NghS7xDnM4N3uXZAhLs5mS0IQLWq1H3yMZ-17nyPm7u8yd_fsKNM03azsa8ra_00jeR6x1AlijOVIIo1J95OmdpAJOOcB0vLsiAgjbw7hyphenhyphenzH96TTZrokC6Kis099he6nMHFKxNxD/s400/19+loch+ness+monster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>(Ok, you got me. It's really a mother and baby humpback whale playing. Nessie prefers the Atlantic.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b_6jEGJpnbgoQNfAAO17bC_nfJt262zuZYo8aaTDz5X40hZbXmcpPtgtp-5q11qJsmafxaatWo3NVavzcLlEpO2Xfrn84yjyMHa-24MDQkk2adxxlVYKyVNr3iwfW8YDE1FtNui44Qpx/s1600/41+full+frontal+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b_6jEGJpnbgoQNfAAO17bC_nfJt262zuZYo8aaTDz5X40hZbXmcpPtgtp-5q11qJsmafxaatWo3NVavzcLlEpO2Xfrn84yjyMHa-24MDQkk2adxxlVYKyVNr3iwfW8YDE1FtNui44Qpx/s400/41+full+frontal+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>....communing with friendly marmots (which apparently could <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128699903">grow to super-size with climate change</a>)...<br />
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and visiting yet another <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2010/06/honeymoon-patagonia.html">receding glacier</a>****...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDBWxD4o4vVcShqbVvsbMZTH2H8Py9FyH9kkewQApe_J4qnTTUNOTEIjbMN6dQtaFCK9oZVhBNZBzoce3ryiHchDXTrjkeeVKta18Nt7fZ6zRw0ju3Jbwt2nGK0CgivTDiMCCx3KigFiw/s1600/24+path+where+glacier+was.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDBWxD4o4vVcShqbVvsbMZTH2H8Py9FyH9kkewQApe_J4qnTTUNOTEIjbMN6dQtaFCK9oZVhBNZBzoce3ryiHchDXTrjkeeVKta18Nt7fZ6zRw0ju3Jbwt2nGK0CgivTDiMCCx3KigFiw/s400/24+path+where+glacier+was.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where it was in 1926</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfrG_onXibCYfS07S5eZumJEI-KWeWWNgBURDSgHtGgrOZmMd7AQCekGX6WbGyXsK1T4dU4Ekhx24chyphenhyphenDbg-ghKQu5DJAA2dJhTJXkD7hrPBavJVEkU9xzRTxSRCQ6Av111w3_k9paevU/s1600/35+exit+glacier+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfrG_onXibCYfS07S5eZumJEI-KWeWWNgBURDSgHtGgrOZmMd7AQCekGX6WbGyXsK1T4dU4Ekhx24chyphenhyphenDbg-ghKQu5DJAA2dJhTJXkD7hrPBavJVEkU9xzRTxSRCQ6Av111w3_k9paevU/s400/35+exit+glacier+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Seward Exit Glacier today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my work projects this summer took me to this spectacular spot, where people live off the grid, dependent on the sun for all their energy, and the mountain snowmelt for their all their water, including for the organic gardens. I was able to unplug from internet and gaze at the Milky Way each night for an entire blissful week. What a treat to have work that requires being in these beautiful mountains!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ911Fbi_IuhQrkd8hNPVuKJnpF4vgsaj1VRq7govKS7x9xB-5I50s0U3jKdqwqheL8naOb7ocsWB-24hnseZhgbEacVPcUDMmc1FKAKpXj3fiZRHBcNXLvPSIwRkms_kWHIaAsJ8SMxdL/s1600/lama+dome+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ911Fbi_IuhQrkd8hNPVuKJnpF4vgsaj1VRq7govKS7x9xB-5I50s0U3jKdqwqheL8naOb7ocsWB-24hnseZhgbEacVPcUDMmc1FKAKpXj3fiZRHBcNXLvPSIwRkms_kWHIaAsJ8SMxdL/s400/lama+dome+window.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lamafoundation.org/index.htm">Lama Foundation, New Mexico</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, back home, we took in some local nature, at the awesome National Seashore just north of our wedding site.... more on that tomorrow.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* And all the sweeter (and way more bearable) for having someone to share it with. I cover my ears when <i>he</i> makes noises about getting a PhD. Does he really want to enter that special hell???</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Quite literally. I developed a tailbone injury from spending so much time sitting! My one break from the desk chair was to see the physical therapist who <i>insisted </i>that I get more exercise.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*** You'd never know it from the foggy, chilly weather here in the Bay, though.</span><br />
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**** The cynical among you may be asking what my contribution to climate change is, with all this flying around. This issue continues to vex me. My work and family life are both international in scope, and it's hard to reconcile keeping up with my family and my field while being worried about climate change. When I'm home, I rely on my bike and hope that it offsets my plane travel a little.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-11817667306303698592010-08-20T07:00:00.000-07:002010-08-20T07:00:03.581-07:00From the land and back again: A Virginia farm wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><i>Let me present Exhibit A in my case that weddings can be gorgeous, green and environmentally-conscious. Marisa, who blogs at <a href="http://notreallyblogmaterial.blogspot.com/">Park & Belmont</a>, responded to <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2010/07/green-really.html">my call</a> for stories and inspiration about planning a consciously sustainable and eco-friendly wedding. Oh boy, did she ever succeed! The flowers for the wedding, and much of the food, were grown on her family's farm, where the wedding was held. Even better, the biodegradable cutlery and plates went </i>back into the land as compost<i> after the wedding. Talk about coming full circle.</i></div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPpcV15t49FaybXGpdoYYuhcB_7xNaO9ymMMB0WkKErCC9Di0AhyqnJxTMkwE_OwvvNmJmOyB0umRvdwEsdCU4twmwZaR0kWBJApyuc6rJEeGJdTze4Km2bxy-DNPel5Qs7AQMQOk-MH4/s1600/Martin-Day-4X5-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPpcV15t49FaybXGpdoYYuhcB_7xNaO9ymMMB0WkKErCC9Di0AhyqnJxTMkwE_OwvvNmJmOyB0umRvdwEsdCU4twmwZaR0kWBJApyuc6rJEeGJdTze4Km2bxy-DNPel5Qs7AQMQOk-MH4/s400/Martin-Day-4X5-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>We spent about $12,000 on our wedding for 250 people which took place on my family's farm in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_1">Rappahannock County, Virginia</span>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>The Place: A family tradition</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZLQmY3DudP9DHaGriVTlzl8bnuVti5KCZznUIFCdEsb1DiDucO7gkHy5q9bdY1IRY7bfuZvnIKt2McNqT3__LIfQavh4XAOunGtU5RgVyYLx_sINhawVo5PQxUbBvYM960sw5aRrWfXg/s1600/farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZLQmY3DudP9DHaGriVTlzl8bnuVti5KCZznUIFCdEsb1DiDucO7gkHy5q9bdY1IRY7bfuZvnIKt2McNqT3__LIfQavh4XAOunGtU5RgVyYLx_sINhawVo5PQxUbBvYM960sw5aRrWfXg/s400/farm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Padua is an extremely important place to our family. It originally was owned my great-grandmother and my grandmother, and though my parents are the primary "owners" of the house and the fields, when I refer to "our family" I'm also including my father's 8 brothers and sisters and their children (my cousins). It is an important and wonderful place to all of us, and I hope a few of my cousins will decide to get married at Padua as well.<br />
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While the venue was taken care of, it look a lot of sweat to get the farm in order. We spent many weekend planting and seeding the garden and building rock walls. Getting the farm in order was hard, but it was also a moving experience as both sides of the extended family came to help on several work days. <br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74BhjnDMdT6ABcnVKtdpCdmFCzC2kEirzGIrq_7whE9CstRfkxssHY7Z4Cc3haMfYbYgRwmW_Oe6o3poFeVCOQ18mZ1mf7YaVijlp_jlMD6kWkwU4ArAb-FO7MtfOKdnAs6tmcoVUQsQm/s1600/Marisa-Jon-223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74BhjnDMdT6ABcnVKtdpCdmFCzC2kEirzGIrq_7whE9CstRfkxssHY7Z4Cc3haMfYbYgRwmW_Oe6o3poFeVCOQ18mZ1mf7YaVijlp_jlMD6kWkwU4ArAb-FO7MtfOKdnAs6tmcoVUQsQm/s400/Marisa-Jon-223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div></div><div>Jon and I are up there quite a bit (though not as much as we were prior to the wedding). It is a small farm, but it is functioning. My mother sells her produce, flowers and pies at the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282031131_2">Charlottesville farmers market</span> every weekend and we have six cows which roam the numerous acres at their leisure and which will eventually become organic grass fed beef.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The Wedding Vision</i>: <i>"Local, seasonal and beautiful" [and clearly a ton of fun!]</i></b></div>Our primary goal, was that our wedding be local, seasonal and beautiful. We also wanted a wedding that was laid back, fun and inviting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><div>My dress was J. Crew and came from OnceWed. It was a steal ($58!!!!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdJEql_EKA1W-dYeftNn46ep8LejHiEEulMM1G1_s4IyJ8K_EgvUKyf8sPVTQWtEZw_Yvb9v8TlRqVw7O-2_Z-ZaLhXiXDq15x3xXg175gnu2OPNw6YZ3sLLkOB-Jn01TUg8ZNSg9I7Fo/s1600/bridalflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdJEql_EKA1W-dYeftNn46ep8LejHiEEulMM1G1_s4IyJ8K_EgvUKyf8sPVTQWtEZw_Yvb9v8TlRqVw7O-2_Z-ZaLhXiXDq15x3xXg175gnu2OPNw6YZ3sLLkOB-Jn01TUg8ZNSg9I7Fo/s400/bridalflowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
My mother, her two best friends and my <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_2" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">maid of honor</span> created all 11 <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_3" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">bridal bouquets</span>, all 28 <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_4" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">table centerpieces</span>, and "aisle" flowers for the wedding. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-66hv91o6zazoQD3Jum4iVVBOIvyvpp4xUZfJHMlBR9kwuJWWTT0k9qtZ2DNxW4RyYJ861JklgYunjGk9hC58e73xbW3ouK6FBt0n1iXW2KGFYYrK1XoPoiDpgFBL1Or9k3sO6GYgb9Lx/s1600/preflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-66hv91o6zazoQD3Jum4iVVBOIvyvpp4xUZfJHMlBR9kwuJWWTT0k9qtZ2DNxW4RyYJ861JklgYunjGk9hC58e73xbW3ouK6FBt0n1iXW2KGFYYrK1XoPoiDpgFBL1Or9k3sO6GYgb9Lx/s400/preflower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
All of the flowers were seasonal and were grown locally by our family or my mother's friends. They were absolutely stunning. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The Food: Regional delicacies</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>We have large families and good food is important to both sets of relatives. Having good food was definitely the most important aspect of our wedding. Jon's family is from <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_5">Wisconsin</span> and so our appetizers were Kewaskum cheese and summer sausagues, driven down from <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_6" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Kewaskum, Wisconsin</span> by Jon's amazing aunts and uncles three days before the wedding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHZ2kiExG067WPraxhZ8WjnS5ar0E9S3NuuN3EqJCsD5BvTX-uRKcTPA5aFiXduuWE8FAlw_XswkkQWLQEGlfzheX9LtL2y_yTl5bwnUiyYI-2kdQ0Li0v0aB5PVEFsoxgcMvyC3PhCWo/s1600/centerpieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHZ2kiExG067WPraxhZ8WjnS5ar0E9S3NuuN3EqJCsD5BvTX-uRKcTPA5aFiXduuWE8FAlw_XswkkQWLQEGlfzheX9LtL2y_yTl5bwnUiyYI-2kdQ0Li0v0aB5PVEFsoxgcMvyC3PhCWo/s400/centerpieces.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>We hooked up with a local county caterer who used lots of veggies from our late August harvest in her recipes, thus discounting the total fee and ensuring the food was local. Rather than serve one main course, we had pulled pork barbque and 20 different salads. We had pie for dessert, all baked by my amazing and awesome mother, made with apples from Nelson County, Virginia. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Seriously, so much love went into the food - it was the best part of the wedding and there was more than enough food for everyone. The beer was <a href="http://www.starrhill.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_7">Starr Hill</span></a>, brewed an hour and a half away in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_8" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Crozet, Virginia</span>, (the brewery provided biodegradable cups), and the Wine was <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/wineries/gabriele-rausse-winery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_9">Gabrielle Rausse</span></a>, a Virginia vinter (and luckily a family friend) located just outside of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_10" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Charlottesville, Virginia</span>. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The Special Touches: Edible, Reusable, Decomposable</b></i></div>We had clearly labled [composting] bins that were obvious to even the tipsiest of guests. The day after the wedding was spent properly composting the plates and cutlery with my brother in our family's garden. <i>[Eds. note: Call me a green geek, but this is my absolute favorite detail of the wedding! I love the idea of the party leftovers returning to the ground to enrich the soil at the family farm.]</i><br />
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</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlVUulDy0_HvIHJ2v1kdqOP58-XyhXhCjSdcLXz64UcUdF28kWMUus-KgiStbCUUUXLrGOvEsYf9fJV2Msaz2MjCaqse-cZrLK6IfdtUR3z8geQJnBDu_gHcvtDmC-rue0tE8wAn5Q9S5/s1600/loveis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlVUulDy0_HvIHJ2v1kdqOP58-XyhXhCjSdcLXz64UcUdF28kWMUus-KgiStbCUUUXLrGOvEsYf9fJV2Msaz2MjCaqse-cZrLK6IfdtUR3z8geQJnBDu_gHcvtDmC-rue0tE8wAn5Q9S5/s400/loveis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Our wedding would have been squat if it wasn't for our family and friends. They helped us so much- our DJ was a dear friend, and his wife (one of my bridesmaids) made chocolate covered pretzel favors for guests.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdXjLAWmUIUHgiN01qOWzkg74zaOM4MJSvniEu_u-UtwSR1iYuMg3U5b-MB64-nm3ffyu90r3n-ifStUpbw0cGxnBRvAERpfQH4eMYxRETU68jIUCDahO-TK5In2KIiO9FCSiYwC1yWaQ/s1600/pretzels2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdXjLAWmUIUHgiN01qOWzkg74zaOM4MJSvniEu_u-UtwSR1iYuMg3U5b-MB64-nm3ffyu90r3n-ifStUpbw0cGxnBRvAERpfQH4eMYxRETU68jIUCDahO-TK5In2KIiO9FCSiYwC1yWaQ/s400/pretzels2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The majority of our guests camped out, but those who chose not to were bused in and taken home at the end of the night, thus reducing the number of cars on the road and preventing DUIs and accidents.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSAb8bawr_5-kbWb5yH8CK8GyTrF1Oq4MvGha3-1-GPDEnB8DVKYGKGu8ySi-8suSWSmCtZyK6XEdUd057auFnQlMojw7SCy6sPNfIuuuQbcuMKNl_HjC8jnDbud5rTfdSHrsYv3lPIMi/s1600/campers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSAb8bawr_5-kbWb5yH8CK8GyTrF1Oq4MvGha3-1-GPDEnB8DVKYGKGu8ySi-8suSWSmCtZyK6XEdUd057auFnQlMojw7SCy6sPNfIuuuQbcuMKNl_HjC8jnDbud5rTfdSHrsYv3lPIMi/s400/campers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div>Again, our wedding would have been nothing without the love and support of our family and friends. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjWtr8t8Cs0xgnNxRK9WyFzsWRxD8iRZvmv0krUrDKUpfjHCFngQJIGxEripKw5K3XA3PN5VK1B7WXJNNN8i4VuMbkTgVuW7qJrHrVzUa5J9_cH9uxPBXiJ-4Ts7hjkkvjpliypqsCxqZ/s1600/bridesmaidflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjWtr8t8Cs0xgnNxRK9WyFzsWRxD8iRZvmv0krUrDKUpfjHCFngQJIGxEripKw5K3XA3PN5VK1B7WXJNNN8i4VuMbkTgVuW7qJrHrVzUa5J9_cH9uxPBXiJ-4Ts7hjkkvjpliypqsCxqZ/s400/bridesmaidflowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The amount of effort that goes into creating a sustainable, practical, local wedding is huge. Not only was September 5, 2009 the day that Jon and I promised to love and cherish each other for the rest of our days, it was the day that two families came together as one community, and had a rocking good time :). The fact that everyone participated and enjoyed themselves added even more value to this already important day. Jon and I felt so unbelievably loved it was incredible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKhHcN_RQFnYt8v9pp0FSXTSTVeLJFtlLYOSJd7_yi61PyM0o_URtcsJBPsCDzlAO7PphFVXVzHZhQqTwHWqJc4OfEyP9C6Im4PNW1roTCZlorCrKVXYmOFXCBYwrOGsQbcGejt__itGv/s1600/tent--night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKhHcN_RQFnYt8v9pp0FSXTSTVeLJFtlLYOSJd7_yi61PyM0o_URtcsJBPsCDzlAO7PphFVXVzHZhQqTwHWqJc4OfEyP9C6Im4PNW1roTCZlorCrKVXYmOFXCBYwrOGsQbcGejt__itGv/s400/tent--night.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Our photographer, the wonderful and amazing <a href="http://www.dennyhenry.com/wedding-photography/marisa-and-jon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279850206_11">Denny Henry</span></a>, is a former co-worker of mine, and did a fantastic job capturing the mood of the wedding.<br />
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<i>I asked Marisa what prompted her to plan her wedding with an eye to environmental sustainability. She said:</i><br />
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I don't think anything really prompted us to take considerations for a green, local, sustainable wedding--it is just who we are, as a couple and as a family. My parents have always tried to live and create a sustainable lifestyle and it has rubbed off on me...lucky I have married a man who embraces sustainability whole-heartedly. Growing up in Charlottesville, we had a large garden and chickens in our back yard (for eggs), we never had a dishwasher, always recycled, composted and always sun dried our clothes (my mother has never even owned a dryer, and I don't think even knows how to work one). As a kid, I think I was sometimes embarrassed of how "into sustainability" my parents were, but now that I'm older I'm so grateful that their values have been ingrained in me! The wedding just was the way it was because that is how our family operates, we are frugal, like our food and flowers fresh and local, respect the earth, and are blessed with amazing and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282031131_3" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; cursor: pointer;">creative friends and family</span>. I don't think Jon and I could have had a wedding that was any other way. It was just us. We felt comfortable, we felt like ourselves. It was beautiful.<i> </i><br />
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<i>Beautiful, indeed! Thank you so much, Marisa, for taking the time to walk us through the details of your gorgeous wedding, and for sharing inspiration for other sustainability-minded brides and grooms! </i><br />
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<i>This wedding has so many wonderful sustainability-oriented principles and practices, not the least of which is giving the guests a place to camp overnight, so they don't have to worry about drinking and driving. And, composting = love! </i><i> </i><br />
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<i>I'm looking forward to sharing other examples of weddings planned with environmental sustainability in mind. If you've got something to share, please send it my way. </i><br />
<i>Green smooches to all!</i> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-63691144356634622542010-08-18T07:00:00.001-07:002010-08-18T07:00:00.147-07:00Sustainable wedding, sustaining marriagesEver since a certain fancy inspiration blog got my dander up by being nominated for <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2010/07/green-really.html">best "green" blog</a>, and I wrote a post calling for a <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2010/07/green-revolution-in-weddings.html">Green Revolution in weddings</a>, I've been thinking about 1), why someone would take environmental and social responsibility into account in planning their wedding, and 2), what those terms, bandied about so freely these days, mean, or could mean, in relation to weddings. These days you can find the labels 'sustainable', 'green' and 'eco-friendly' on the most unlikely of products - just another marketing tool - so it's worth trying to parse the meaning a bit. There are some good tips around the internet (<a href="http://ecoyogini.blogspot.com/2010/08/eco-wedding-wish-lanterns-and.html">here</a> and <a href="http://ecoyogini.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-choose-right-green-product.html">here</a>), as well as many others, no doubt.<br />
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For now, I want to take on the first question: Why would someone plan an eco-conscious wedding?<br />
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Four reasons occur to me (chime in with more!):<br />
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1) <b>The economic reason:</b> Economists know that wasteful processes cost more, so businesses seek efficiency with materials and labor. Applied to a wedding, the economic reason might mean cutting down on unnecessary or expensive items (inner envelopes with invitations, aisle runners, favors for guests, <i>number </i>of invitations, number of <i>guests)</i> to save money, and consequently create less environmental impact. Cost-cutting measures that decrease the amount of <i>stuff consumed</i> at the wedding (one-time-use stuff - see, e.g. the wedding dress!) are essentially also eco-conscious measures.<br />
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2) <b>The outdoorsy reason:</b> It's fashionable these days to get married at a spectacular outdoor site that bears some connection to the couple's personal interests - skiing, hiking, swimming, being outdoors. These outdoor sites often end up providing much of the decor through their own inherent beauty. If the sites are remote or difficult to reach, it may mean that less 'wedding gear' is transported to the site. Couples may choose these sites as a statement of their values and interest in enjoying and protecting the outdoors. Of course, outdoorsy sites can still support the full-on splash-out, with imported flowers and decorations galore.<br />
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3) <b>The values reason: </b>Though not necessarily separate from the other two reason, this one is the most interesting to me. Traditionally, weddings were held in houses of worship that represented the couple's cultural and religious traditions. Holding the wedding in such sacred space, and adhering to the traditions of that space honors the values represented by the religion: faith, hope and charity, and the like. The religious traditions also offer teachings about honoring and <a href="http://www.earthcareonline.org/bibleverses.html">caring for Creation</a>: stewardship for the Earth, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikkun_olam"><i>tikkun olam</i></a>, repairing the world. So I'm wondering if any couples are planning sustainable weddings as an expression of their religious values?<br />
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4) <b>The future reason: </b>Along with meeting my darling nephews, getting married has been the rite-of-passage that has put me most in touch with time unrolling into a distant future. Suddenly, rather than planning a day ahead (or a week at best), I was making a promise for the rest of my life. And when I thought about the time stretching in front of us, I really, really wanted to know that the future world we and our families would live in would be just as gorgeous, diverse, vibrant and full-of-life (if not <i>more so</i>) than the one we inhabit now. But I think we, or our parents' generation (maybe grandparents'?), were the first to have to contemplate that the glorious future we could imagine might not come to pass. With the unleashing of the atom bomb in the 1940s, our parents and grandparents realized that absolute destruction of life was possible. Now, with climate change (wacky weather suggests that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/science/earth/15climate.html">it's already happening</a>) and the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8449506.stm">global biodiversity crisis</a> (species are going extinct at 100 to 10,000 times the usual rate in what scientists call the Sixth Mass Extinction), it appears that the world of the future might not be quite as rich and lively as the world of the present.<br />
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When I think about sustaining my marriage into that future - whatever it holds, richer or poorer, better or worse, on the local or global scale - I feel ever more called to do whatever I can do <i>right now</i> to make that future more positive. This for me is the most compelling reason for planning a sustainable wedding: as a solid foundation, and a vote of optimism for a sustaining and sustainable marriage.<br />
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Just like I've become better about flossing my teeth since we got engaged - how embarrassing it would be to lose my pearly whites! - I've become better about riding my bike around town (the exercise will keep me around, and prevent the drowning of another polar bear) and seeking out local, organic, whole foods (let's eat our veggies now, rather than deal with a chronic illness in the future). I realize that none of these steps is a guarantee against calamities that could happen in the future, but it feels better to do something positive than nothing. And that's what I want my marriage to be about, too: doing something positive and sustaining.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-81329470035176273222010-08-17T14:32:00.000-07:002010-08-17T14:32:00.154-07:00Notes from the field: Haven't we been here before?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A year ago, I went to <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2009/05/notes-from-field-croquet-bocce-and.html">Data Monkey and Mountain Man Mike's wedding</a> at the gorgeous, redwood-clad Pema Ose Ling, in the Santa Cruz mountains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Today, I go to another wedding in the same spot. I've never been to the same wedding venue twice. I'm so curious how it will be different.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4rd8gdAe6xEMcwy1u0j_MjFuRYKK4b9gSQaO-ltjvF3m8J2ZUcEA84jtyekdxmlcp7nAiHzN05qyLfbvPRSMNP8SrEq5lnyzsJDPwZ5LsveXuy1ZYxBhpB4tFl3JLquB4FCxtLhAmaLI/s1600/redwoods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4rd8gdAe6xEMcwy1u0j_MjFuRYKK4b9gSQaO-ltjvF3m8J2ZUcEA84jtyekdxmlcp7nAiHzN05qyLfbvPRSMNP8SrEq5lnyzsJDPwZ5LsveXuy1ZYxBhpB4tFl3JLquB4FCxtLhAmaLI/s400/redwoods.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It will be different for me: I'm going stag, because Eric has to work. I haven't gone solo to a wedding in quite a few years. I thought that was over, now that I have a date-for-life. <br />
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But I'm not about to miss a good party, where I'll get to see some of my wedding gear have <a href="http://onebarefootbride.blogspot.com/2009/10/another-decor-score.html">a second (or third) life</a>. So happy to keep the wedding co-op going.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-34723382924180343312010-08-16T22:54:00.000-07:002010-08-16T22:54:18.638-07:00Quite a surpriseApparently, my little piece o' blog-estate has been noticed <a href="http://www.onlineschools.org/top_wedding/about/">readers and a panel of 5 judges*</a>, who have determined that it is one of the <a href="http://www.onlineschools.org/top_wedding/">Top 50 Wedding Blogs</a>**.<br />
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Wow. Thanks, folks. I'm honored that someone took time to notice this little blog, and commend it... 'specially since I haven't been so on top of posting lately.<br />
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I've added a neat-o badge over there on the right to commemorate this auspicious day in the life of my blog. (We're growing up, honey. Survived that first year, got past the post-wedding doldrums. And now our persistence and pluckiness has been recognized. The sky's the limit!)<br />
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This is good motivation to get back onto a regular posting schedule, too. After all, we can't rest on our laurels. Got to live up to our new rep. With that in mind, I've got an awesome oh-so-sustainable wedding to share with you, as well as some updates about my jaunts this summer (you can see a lot of the world when you're not obsessed with wedding planning!).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This award is given by Online Schools, which appears to be a clearinghouse for information about what we in the academic world call "distance education," a topic about which I have mixed feelings, as my department considers how we might expand in this area. Online Schools also sees <a href="http://www.onlineschools.org/">"individual blogs as classes, and the posts as courses, and the bloggers as professors."</a> So, welcome to class! Although academia doesn't tend to value this kind of informal writing (heaven forefend if my department knew I blogged about something as commonplace as weddings), the Intertubes do, and I'm glad to have this outlet. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Yeah, even your personally-biased author here knows that's a bit of a stretch, but it's nice to be mentioned in the same breath with the big girls, like <a href="http://www.onlineschools.org/top_wedding/">A Practical Wedding, Wedding Cabaret, Offbeat Bride and SMP</a>. Holy cow! Thanks again!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964672600651386498.post-77864411209598909782010-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:002010-07-27T07:00:01.491-07:00Recap #7: From Inspiration to Reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I was cleaning out the no-longer-needed wedding inspiration files on my computer and browser, I was pleased to see how the inspirational images I'd saved - mostly, I think, from that bottomless jar of eye-candy, <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/">Style Me Pretty*</a> - were born out in reality. Though I despaired of ever creating a wedding that could live up to the ethereal images on SMP with a down-to-earth budget, these show that a little ingenuity, and a <a href="http://www.khpblog.com/">great photographer</a>, can converge to bring on the pretty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Inspiration</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZMVkar1vt8iiFXUk1XcxJcvhQmB3OoQ6UoqVHxhkcXOREQlvj0mk3jy-B0D1aK19yPQS6oAqM4DQLbixHsdP-W48EgVYPwxIACuYjPLER8tkw1W_pI_ql2jiBqJiGD1WlSXoxoyAu5iA/s1600/beach+pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZMVkar1vt8iiFXUk1XcxJcvhQmB3OoQ6UoqVHxhkcXOREQlvj0mk3jy-B0D1aK19yPQS6oAqM4DQLbixHsdP-W48EgVYPwxIACuYjPLER8tkw1W_pI_ql2jiBqJiGD1WlSXoxoyAu5iA/s400/beach+pillows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The relaxed, familial, beach-party feeling of this was just the vibe I wanted...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Reality</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23QDOY0uiFzN2Z-G7lkClP0t1iAHIjerzbVXJNTNlin419YzPCSEUIVc0KFsgkXa4Gk6IJtl93OODcbZyxFO7GQNwne8TGToWcEW3_JLBB3Wjd-8wjE8cnbu4JZu0SEnuugHqHBZP8YTt/s1600/IMG_0604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23QDOY0uiFzN2Z-G7lkClP0t1iAHIjerzbVXJNTNlin419YzPCSEUIVc0KFsgkXa4Gk6IJtl93OODcbZyxFO7GQNwne8TGToWcEW3_JLBB3Wjd-8wjE8cnbu4JZu0SEnuugHqHBZP8YTt/s400/IMG_0604.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We rented enough chairs for all the adults, and spread out beach blankets for the kids. They got to have fun digging in the sand during the ceremony.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Inspiration</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FIMGdzkDnQRNzvEkT7vn49yC0kM-T_TCfDM6AEzihCyu758VKgF57fHNHlAcARqV7BahKG0d3t5vnIh_33KkRdUsAtp0iInbYq8E4XONbmYy18PjRV4RxFi3_8tdUkrNR27bm2ZLY4yr/s1600/blue+beach+flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FIMGdzkDnQRNzvEkT7vn49yC0kM-T_TCfDM6AEzihCyu758VKgF57fHNHlAcARqV7BahKG0d3t5vnIh_33KkRdUsAtp0iInbYq8E4XONbmYy18PjRV4RxFi3_8tdUkrNR27bm2ZLY4yr/s400/blue+beach+flags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Oooo... the way the blue flags pick up the moody water of the sea....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Reality</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhrICEPaUgTy1ZXrM1Zynoy4npNJ3lnF_tZ58v1d6WH9FluyJuPUicNQkZzONL9FS9FkAuU8s3mS_EjS-gsLirnCUJjThUUr50QBsFfPR4EAUnQ4tLxdX6rl9Fqs6-6UrfjnppmEneBrh/s1600/IMG_0470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhrICEPaUgTy1ZXrM1Zynoy4npNJ3lnF_tZ58v1d6WH9FluyJuPUicNQkZzONL9FS9FkAuU8s3mS_EjS-gsLirnCUJjThUUr50QBsFfPR4EAUnQ4tLxdX6rl9Fqs6-6UrfjnppmEneBrh/s400/IMG_0470.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Yes, with some bamboo poles from the hardware store, and some flags stitched by Mom (one of our few DIY - or DIFMP [for me, please] - projects), the flags define the wedding space without an altar or other religious symbol.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Inspiration</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmYIQdLkf4r54wvMO0inMOTiGfWKMzyxlr8LbyhcdwprTIarKDcEI4EZkZps6SRy-lwpbtrpArjSTaL8DXHo3ysg7pLugA_xy2TrWRJ7Jdy5dX5jWWf0SV_RvwDR-wMUsC-HE-qdG_iez/s1600/boutinere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmYIQdLkf4r54wvMO0inMOTiGfWKMzyxlr8LbyhcdwprTIarKDcEI4EZkZps6SRy-lwpbtrpArjSTaL8DXHo3ysg7pLugA_xy2TrWRJ7Jdy5dX5jWWf0SV_RvwDR-wMUsC-HE-qdG_iez/s400/boutinere.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Sweet, simple bouts. I'm not so much a fan of roses, and lavender wasn't allowed on the beach because of invasive species restrictions, so we ended up with rosemary (for remembrance) instead.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Reality</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzAxT8XzSMRtjRtI-qANCCC4O9gVr56pUNcZuzmV_fRCOBYf9i0Arn9f_E9BFj_cy912ZuezDCpFF7JqipvYW0696bAhEu4dtV2rpI8nCLdnKkjhN35lnbvt_zAJxWjPaC7mJ1oEj4Ozr/s1600/bout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzAxT8XzSMRtjRtI-qANCCC4O9gVr56pUNcZuzmV_fRCOBYf9i0Arn9f_E9BFj_cy912ZuezDCpFF7JqipvYW0696bAhEu4dtV2rpI8nCLdnKkjhN35lnbvt_zAJxWjPaC7mJ1oEj4Ozr/s400/bout.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Inspiration</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgFXBeMCep_iVmRYx3DlfW5PRjKa4FGDTpUBRc6weZIoMd-PjRuHsvdCpu0cGlO7U7-JPVv-W8nCdqTJS-m71Gj0XwZSyZS_iqzOFJLNSJF22ZZ1fJm_3F7tJIQ-yDYzFSRcWCJ5uCaEt/s1600/brightcolorbridesmaids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgFXBeMCep_iVmRYx3DlfW5PRjKa4FGDTpUBRc6weZIoMd-PjRuHsvdCpu0cGlO7U7-JPVv-W8nCdqTJS-m71Gj0XwZSyZS_iqzOFJLNSJF22ZZ1fJm_3F7tJIQ-yDYzFSRcWCJ5uCaEt/s400/brightcolorbridesmaids.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>I'm a big fan of bright, non-matching wedding party outfits. My Women of Honor decided that they wanted to match. For the rest of the ushers and readers, we suggested the wedding colors of persimmon, pomegranate and cobalt blue. They looked great!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Reality</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJtMQy-N-mvsUo_sYwhXW21Jhn6MeHK7oyEYRp6YcaijU6DVXKPgz9Uzk9SMymeOukTOBv_UDWJDxNfPzJLe8oQ4gQ9imo7jPVBHzKulTecXtBrjRRs1WgkD5pd036bEJ3At8mb2zweRo/s1600/IMG_3637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJtMQy-N-mvsUo_sYwhXW21Jhn6MeHK7oyEYRp6YcaijU6DVXKPgz9Uzk9SMymeOukTOBv_UDWJDxNfPzJLe8oQ4gQ9imo7jPVBHzKulTecXtBrjRRs1WgkD5pd036bEJ3At8mb2zweRo/s320/IMG_3637.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Inspiration</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1oJk9iLFkvDmPxiq_eLbHEBTl2-KIQ7z_vIfy7jRkNLz2_b2DcywjplEtgyKZsz055C1-u7xUGaZbMfe2Phrgd8Tr_FKlb4RL-cXuW5i8GH1O4tHMRF_f_CnLk8lqTqjn1LPy7eiwE8D/s1600/Copy+of+boutinere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1oJk9iLFkvDmPxiq_eLbHEBTl2-KIQ7z_vIfy7jRkNLz2_b2DcywjplEtgyKZsz055C1-u7xUGaZbMfe2Phrgd8Tr_FKlb4RL-cXuW5i8GH1O4tHMRF_f_CnLk8lqTqjn1LPy7eiwE8D/s400/Copy+of+boutinere.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bright, bold blooms would energize the rustic setting, and echo the wedding party's bright colors...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Reality</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXa83rNJ_7YSXV2UKw_OGIT1B_BSmrDh0yCqr71GRV0F8SkiOZazyz4dT9oqnCsWadUcioRtkLYNyp6I9dgmqZ8XCfWMjKq9yAMg7oJDQbtxJHptogqq4_a8aVf9a8bh5NkN9j3XQL2wwL/s1600/small+vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXa83rNJ_7YSXV2UKw_OGIT1B_BSmrDh0yCqr71GRV0F8SkiOZazyz4dT9oqnCsWadUcioRtkLYNyp6I9dgmqZ8XCfWMjKq9yAMg7oJDQbtxJHptogqq4_a8aVf9a8bh5NkN9j3XQL2wwL/s320/small+vase.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dahlias were lush, local, and seasonal!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Inspiration</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzEkKcpwz_mCXHLM76ax5YLzZuZlq9As0e3otH7SYujLGOLqJ9TrVYRgCh8Hlpb717JKGtO3RZlO4X7PJQsATZvU7r-P0Jz4Uhd-vb-WbCvy2WqrG37ekDOyUME1MZDgVJl8WpftbrppX/s1600/great+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzEkKcpwz_mCXHLM76ax5YLzZuZlq9As0e3otH7SYujLGOLqJ9TrVYRgCh8Hlpb717JKGtO3RZlO4X7PJQsATZvU7r-P0Jz4Uhd-vb-WbCvy2WqrG37ekDOyUME1MZDgVJl8WpftbrppX/s400/great+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Reality</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YNKBYOBnHu3FLyCINTvGRgI6No1N7mEvCEEvoB5GmHX-cfqhwxiUr4FKAOewQZs3qDk1706JS8BQ9zMH6lZ7melTn1-kqoFoi6JZo52BTZ3PY_h_UwrD3XFhqq0HkmMounk35WPtnucF/s1600/big+vase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YNKBYOBnHu3FLyCINTvGRgI6No1N7mEvCEEvoB5GmHX-cfqhwxiUr4FKAOewQZs3qDk1706JS8BQ9zMH6lZ7melTn1-kqoFoi6JZo52BTZ3PY_h_UwrD3XFhqq0HkmMounk35WPtnucF/s320/big+vase2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, one <b>big</b> difference between a SMP wedding and a DIY/ DIT one is the bushels of flowers. I think we vastly under-ordered on the flowers, but they just weren't important enough to spend gobs of money on.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Inspiration</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7Mj1I60xke_B5dai1medw2nGcDnkZkU7VwxqMI3mSWAhRsk-vLIyEHRQk-I2yHqoerkcL6V-cCk_66ilwgbEA9ZWZavTydXxn44cPR57If7vuQhaYjgGK6xZecCZKVyzhMaHAvWk1Kr2/s1600/yellow+%26+orange+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7Mj1I60xke_B5dai1medw2nGcDnkZkU7VwxqMI3mSWAhRsk-vLIyEHRQk-I2yHqoerkcL6V-cCk_66ilwgbEA9ZWZavTydXxn44cPR57If7vuQhaYjgGK6xZecCZKVyzhMaHAvWk1Kr2/s400/yellow+%26+orange+flowers.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Reality</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYKOSPk-oRH4VGBveWRQk7ubwoY0mG5ZgHkoJHky5RVBoh9Y2pfjJ1v2g2VXj1Fspbp9hk1NjXzbFxbiPE5pixGUSaep_7keg5nqRd1QKf_EDYGvSMeGKhEi_1IMVyBOHVMMNfL42zI4m/s1600/bouquet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYKOSPk-oRH4VGBveWRQk7ubwoY0mG5ZgHkoJHky5RVBoh9Y2pfjJ1v2g2VXj1Fspbp9hk1NjXzbFxbiPE5pixGUSaep_7keg5nqRd1QKf_EDYGvSMeGKhEi_1IMVyBOHVMMNfL42zI4m/s320/bouquet.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">In the final analysis, though, I like my bouquet even more than the inspiration photo! Even more so because our florist adapted to the strict National Park restrictions to ensure that non-native plants could not invade the park. (It occurs to me that I have absolutely no idea what happened to it after the wedding - flowers are so ephemeral. Against all bridal tradition, we might have composted it! Hopefully, the nutrients are returning to the soil, so that they and the love of that day can nourish flowers for someone else's wedding.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I no longer have the links or correct attributions for the inspiration photos. If one of them is yours, please let me know and I'll post a link or remove, as you request.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2