A Prolonged Post About Life & Stuff.

I spent the morning with a group from an outdoor store I love called Out & Back. Many of the humans that attended were nothing shy of rugged granolas. Riding their bikes to the meet up spot, huskies attached to their hips, hair down to their shoulders & beards big enough to house a small family of birds. We started our hike early & trekked into the afternoon. I found myself making conversation with one of the gentleman whom I had carpooled with. He was one of those people that gives you hope & makes you realize how big & inviting this world really is. As he talked to me I kept attempting to make a mental list of the amazing things that he was telling me. Hoping to jot them down when I got home & honestly try to live by them. To my dismay I can hardly muster together half of the wonderful things he shared with me but I will do my best to write a few thoughts that have stuck with me.

We talked a lot about travel. He had been everywhere that I could possibly imagine & he had an admirable respect for so many different cultures. He gave me a lot of tips, things that would help me when I make my way around the world but the thing that he couldn't stress enough was the people. "Places are as neat as the people that dwell upon them." He told me that building relationships with the people is the key to breaking the tourist mold. 

He spoke of the simplicity of nature which was something that I was more than able to understand. I appreciated him. His experiences working for national forests and his gratitude for what surrounds him. 

We chatted about literature. Thoreau mostly. As a teacher he knew a lot. More than I could ever dream of retaining. 

This man was more open to different religious views than anyone else I have ever met. He said his favorite thing to witness is people worshiping. Regardless of their beliefs. As long as they are passionate about it he finds it touching. He spoke of his Hindu beliefs, as well as his bishop, all the while talking about the beauty of his temple tours in India. He cherished a higher power & that was rad. 

When we were driving home he started spewing Italian & that lead to an amazing discussion about communication & the importance of variation. 

I made one of my classic "This old body doesn't work the way it used to" comments & he was very quick to tell me all about the beauty of aging. He said something along the lines of "The way I see it you are just becoming vintage." He told me that he has enjoyed every single year of his life more than the previous. He prompted me not to cram events into my life but also not delay feelings or desires. 

He shared with me a few of his hobbies. Some were strange really. I was very interested by the fact that he made wine & cheese not because he was the classiest man on earth but because he was all about learning the process. He simply enjoyed knowing how.

When I told him that I was considering studying architecture he introduced me to Teds Talks. I've spent the last few hours watching them. They are amazing. I highly recommend them. But then again they might turn you into an over thinking freak like myself. 

In conclusion I just want to let you know that I have not turned into some dirty hippie. I just liked this guys style & think I have a thing or two to learn from him. Maybe you do too. Until next time folks! 

You Realize It's Real Life.

It's Early. At least for me. I woke up this morning earlier than usual & went on a little run. [Need some new running jams try this or this.] Then I got a good morning I'm on top of Half Dome in Yosemite phone call. Which was cool. I've spent most of this last week trying to figure out my life but there has been a few perks. 

The rooftop concert on Friday was an especially good one. I got to see Joshua James in the shortest shorts known to man & chat with Isaac Russell for a second. 

On Saturday I headed to Salt Lake & walked around Outdoor Retailer. It was ever so dreamy. Then I met up with Tate & we did Salt Lake stuff such as eat Bruges Waffles & Frites[Which I'm 87% positive was one Man Vs. Food at some point.]

Tuesday night I went & saw Bombay Bicycle Club again. Holy cow they are unreal. I had huge expectations after L.A. & not to be pessimistic but the set list was a bit short [lacking a lot of my favorites] and the venue needed some magic. Didn't make them any less impressive though. The night was so funny & I had a really good time dancing as usual. Except I'm pretty sure half of the posse that surrounded me thought I was faded. I got some good looks but I could care less. It was a delightful time. That's what concerts are for, people need to lighten up. You know it was a good night when its been two days & your neck is still sore. Bombay all day every day! 

Lady On The Water.

Alas. Life is moving far too quickly. July was busy. Here's whats up.. 

I was lucky enough to spend a fair amount of time in STG. The biggest highlight was my birthday. It was seriously so lovely. I got to shop, eat Durangos, have a picnic in Pine Valley & enjoy a heck of a birthday party thrown by the wondrous JennaKaye. 

I feel like I will never be a real human until I learn how to whistle. 

I went to Jackson Hole with my family for a week. It stole my heart. It was easily one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been in my life. I want to work for this river rafting company out there next summer. We hiked a lot (The Tetons were my favorite), we rode four wheelers, we ate good food, we walked the darling little towns, we went to lakes, we went river rafting, we went to drive in movies, we played card games and mostly we just had a killer time. I sang this song the whole entire time. 

Some little bird surprised me with tickets to The xx. Wowza. 

Olympic super fan speaking. I have yet to go a day without watching. I've laughed, I've yelled and I've cried. MERICA!

I thought this picture was a bit magical. 

Sometimes homeless people break into vehicles. 

I almost had a breakdown when I received a letter saying that I was getting my license taken away on August 1st. Fortunately I was able to meet with my probation officer (obviously I just call him that because he is the guy I meet with regarding my probation) and I get to go to driving school instead. Best news ever!

I went to a super rad llama festival. 

I've been riding my bicycle a little bit lately. I'm afraid it may become an addiction. 

I was in love with this mirror at IKEA. Next purchase? 

I want grand gestures. I hope that doesn't make me a brat. 

Lastly, this street art makes me happy every time I pass. We should make it a more regular thing.