My 1st Children's Book

A few years ago while living in Tahoe, I was searching out creative work and stumbled upon a writer meetup. I'm a graphic design and illustrator...writers need me!! and I need them!! So I crashed the writer meetup with homemade carrot cake in hand and was welcomed on all accounts.

One of the writers later asked me to illustrate his children's book, which has been on bucket list since I was a little girl. Well, I said YES, of course! It has been almost three years in the making, but it is finally finished and I am heading to Tahoe today for a book tour around the lake.

PRESS RELEASE
Local Author publishes Children’s book about Lake Tahoe.

Gertrude’s Tahoe Adventures in time, a children’s book about the natural history of Lake Tahoe, was recently published. With colorful and dramatic illustrations the book tells the story of Gertrude, a Tahoe girl who meets a magic maiden who takes her on a fast motion adventure through the history of Lake Tahoe. They watch glaciers march, volcanoes erupt and exotic animals graze while becoming forever friends.

Gertrude is authored by long time Tahoe resident Tim Hauserman, who wrote: Tahoe Rim Trail: The official guide for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, as well as Monsters in the Woods: Backpacking with Children and Cross-country skiing in the Sierra Nevada. The book is illustrated by Jess Bechtelheimer, who worked hundreds of hours to create the incredible paintings which are the backdrop for the book. Hauserman says, “When I first saw the paintings, tears came to my eyes. I felt so lucky that she joined me in the project.”

Hauserman says “the goal for the book is to give both children and adults a fun and accessible introduction to how Tahoe became the unbelievable place it is today.

Bechtelheimer says,“We found a way to celebrate and playfully immortalize this place that we love - for those who call it home and for those of us that can't always be here and instead dream of Tahoe from afar.”



SCHEDULE
Hauserman and Bechtelheimer will be available to sign copies of Gertrude on:
August 13th at the Bookshelf in Truckee at 6pm.
August 14th at Grassroots Books in Reno at 10:30am-12:30pm,
and Truckee Thursday from 4-6pm.
August 15th at Ruffles and Ruffnecks in Tahoe City from 11am-1pm.
August 16th at Sundance Books in Reno from 3-4:30pm.

August 23rd at Explore Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe (time TBD)






It is available for purchase at The Bookshelf in Truckee; Ruffles and Ruffnecks, The Store and The North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center in Tahoe City; Tahoe Mountain Sports in Kings Beach; Sundance Books and Grass Roots Books in Reno, and online.

Tuesday Travels - Adventures in Bicycle Thrift Shopping

Riding past a thrift store the other day, I was drawn in to see if there were any treasures to be found. I ended up finding more treasures than 1. I have the money for and 2. arms to carry them home.

It didn't stop me from pushing the limits. I had to do some major rearranging to fit everything. I actually sat outside the store and ate a snack that went from being carried in my backpack to being carried in my belly. It took quite a bit of concentration to balance the very full suitcase on the handlebars and my backpack not only couldn't zip closed, but I'm pretty sure this was the cause of one of the straps tearing.



Aaaah. it was worth it. I and my treasures made it home in one piece. (Funny Fact: Someone sitting on their porch saw me riding by and asked if I wanted to take a break and have a glass of water. I politely declined. I wonder how far they thought I was traveling.)

If I get reincarnated as a children's book character, it will likely be The Cat in the Hat.


Among the treasures were...







matching green vintage luggage





with this rad Bahamas sticker





cool vintage glasses and a brand new donut shaped stone (that I have used to warm up tortilla chips and then sat the salsa in the middle...the best part, the stone stays warm and therefore keeps the chips warm longer!!)





and it looks like I'm going to be painting some more mushrooms (don't tell me you forget about the mushroom shoes). Check out this line up!



Treasures I drooled over, but did not take home...

This very colorful throw





A whole row of super sweet vintage chairs in pristine condition

And this amazing ?game? that had all my favorite retro colors and beautiful illustrations.

I should have just bought it. Really it was a steal for $80 because to me, its a piece of art. If I was driving a car, it probably would have come home with me.

Tuesday Travels: Sabetha, Kansas

A couple weeks ago, I went to our annual family reunion in Sabetha, Kansas.

 

As much as I talk about the beauty of other places, I still find the beauty in the peaceful Kansas countryside.

Also found this fun related post from the past.

Tuesday Travels: Super Secret Sweet Summer Scene

I have been itching to go camping all summer. One of the things that makes Summer my favorite season. The rain let up just long enough for an impromptu camping trip to my favorite lake.

This place won my heart years ago. I use to spend a good chunk of my Summers here. Bobbing around with a Mike's Hard Lime Slushy, jumping off the tower, tubing, sailing, fishing (ok, watching), exploring, stoking and hanging around the camp fire, making s'mores to perfection, and all with some of my favorite people. So many fond memories.

I was beyond excited to finally return. And for those who weren't able to join me...I hope these pictures make your heart swell. I was thinking about you all and hope we can all return here together someday soon. 

Five years away was too long. For the most part, it still looks the same and still has the same magic.

The weather was absolutely perfect. Highs in the 80's. Sunshine. The water was warm enough to actually swim and bob around in for as long as we liked. (I say "actually" because I thought it would be cold due to all the rain, but no. Kansas' warm water lakes did not let my cold blood down). The dam was rushing. It was fun exploring and sharing this magical place with newbies.

Check out this crazy centipede!

To top it all off, we were in the perfect spot to view the Perseid Meteor Shower. It was a clear night with the Milky Way visible and everything. We walked up the road just a bit, and laid down right in the road. It was surprisingly comfy. We probably laid there an hour star gazing and talking and laughing.

I don't think I could have asked for a better weekend. 

Tuesday Travels - Hawaii finale

When I read about this hike I was really hoping mom would be up for it. There were a few shorter hikes we could have done, but this one sounded so awesome. Here's a blurp. "This idyllic 1.8 mile trail unfolds alongside a string of (many more than seven) pools and waterfalls framed by the lush green diversity of the lush tropical rainforest. The dramatic diversity then suddenly morphs into the zen-oneness of an immense bamboo forest. Once released from the bamboo, you’re dropped at the very base of a towering sheer-cliff waterfall worthy of a slow-motion Imax fly-by."

Mom said she was up for it!

Day 5: We started the short drive around 7am to beat the crowds to the trail head and ideally enjoy this hike in solidarity...with each other. =) The drive to the park was so pretty.

There were only 2 cars in the parking lot when we arrived. Yay! Now if we can only keep a steady pace, we'll be able to stay ahead of late comers.

The Pipiwai Trail at Haleakala National Park is a 3.6 mile round trip.

This is what the trail looked like when we set out. (Though it was quite a muddier coming back.)

Isn't this tree amazing!?! If I wasn't feeling pressed by the imagined mob of people on their way, I totally would have taken a leisurely climb on her.

It was pretty darn magical just being there and admiring her beauty alone. In silence. I sent out my love and continued on.

Entering the Bamboo Forest.

(It was a little difficult to get clear pictures in here. I think it was all the vertical lines.=) )

This might put it in perspective. See how tiny mom is?

Almost there. We got our feet wet walking across the stream. It felt really good.

The prize at the end of the journey was a bit disappointing. I think it was hyped up too much, first by what I'd read and then by me to mom. It was a big waterfall, and better than just coming to a dead end and having to turn around. But honestly, the smaller ones along the trail were much prettier. My advice is to take your time and enjoy the smaller ones along the way.

What really mattered, was we made it!! Together.

Now for the 1.8 miles back. It must have rained while we were on the trail because it had gotten muddier. Mom did slip a couple times but luckily only got muddy. And here come all the hikers. We timed it perfect!

Our new mission was to find a fairly accessible pool to soak in and relax. We ended up taking the extra half mile loop at the end, with the promise of a beautiful pool awaiting us.

 ooow

ahhh

 there!

 yeah!

oh yes!

nooooooo!

Total bummer.

After 4 miles of hiking, we jumped back in the car. Charles Lindbergh's grave was near by so we went to check it out.

Back in the car again, we were both still determined to find a pool. Not that we don't love waves most days, but we were just looking to chill. We started driving up and down the streets in search of the Venus Pools I had heard about, though could not find an address for. After driving back and forth way too many times, we went back to the room and decided to just walk out to the beach there. It was rocky and we had to climb around to see if there were any hidden pools. Mom stopped at a teeny tiny puddle and decided that was good enough for her. I kept exploring but came to a dead end there. I headed back and then just kept going. I was wearing only my swim suit and carrying a towel. I walked back to the road and kept going. Venturing down private driveways in search of these hidden pools. Finally reached Hana Bay. And kept going. Stumbled onto a primitive trail and took it. Found caves, and a tiny red beach, crabs, and eventually... the most beautiful spot. There was a little island that was fairly close to shore which sheltered the waters. There were larger crabs and fish swimming. Oh how I wanted to just jump in with them. But I didn't. I was alone and really couldn't be sure of dangers. If something happened to me, no one would be able to find me. I played it safe, sitting on the rocks and splashing my legs in it. I vowed to return to this spot WITH SOMEONE if I ever make it back to Hana. I made it back just before dark. I think we were both in bed by 8. =)

Day 6: Our last full day on the island. We left early to make the journey back toward the airport. I found a really cool hostel near there to round out the spectrum of experiences. From resorty to b&b to old school vacation rental to the hostel, we enjoyed them all. And just in case we had gotten our fill, we stopped at a few more beaches along the way there.  

Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach

Ho'okipa Beach ... famous for kite boarding and wind surfing.

Since we did so well eating up the groceries, it was time for a special treat. 

Mama's Fish House. 

 

There was a beautiful white sand beach right outside the restaurant. 

We checked in to the hostel, into a girls only room that had 2 bunk beds. The bottom 2 beds were both already taken so mom and I were both bunkin up top. Thank goodness she didn't try to go the bathroom in the middle of the night.We had a relaxing evening in the hot tub and then hung out and played cards among the buzz of others bbq-ing, talking, and playing pool around us. There was a familiar community vibe that I loved bringing mom into. And she seemed to enjoy it. 


Day 7: We flew back to California and had a nice evening together. 

The next morning, mom flew back to Kansas with a few more things checked off her bucket list.