Me, Myself, Friends, and the Rockies

From a night out in Denver to running at 10,000 feet to hiking a one-mile, 2000 foot elevation increase at Manitou Springs...I have to say, my last trip to the lovely and always amazing Colorado was one to be remembered.  I decided to take a solo venture across the state of Kansas to visit friends, run my second half-marathon, and take on the incline...just 8 hrs of driving by myself.  Stopping whenever I wanted too, although there just happen to be a Starbucks at every stop, listening to any genre of music or even just listening to silence...this journey alone was something I had never done. What it turned out to be was something more than expected.

I arrived in Denver during rush-hour, I planned that perfectly...driving through what seemed like never-ending traffic to get to my destination.  I was meeting a friend for dinner and arrived early so I decided to scope out the spot but then venture into downtown Denver to hit up a favorite of mine, The View House. I also timed that perfectly...the Rockies were playing and as drove into the area, I realized getting a seat let alone a parking spot wasn't going to happen.  So back to the Highlands area. I scored a close parking spot and decided I was going to tackle my fear of going into a bar alone, having one hour to waste, I really didn't want to sit in my car.

As I walked into Ale House a Amato's, I felt instantly comfortable. I marched to the bar like I'd been there before, hopped into a seat on the end which meant I wouldn't have to worry about anyone sitting next to me and started looking at the beer menu. The bartenders, both male and female were informative and gave me info about the local beers and offered up samples.  I sat there for an entire hour, drinking a beer...ok beers...and watched the Rockies game.  My friend Katie joined me later and we had an awesome time catching up and enjoying some wonderful food!

The next 4 days were amazing too! I spent my time with one of my besties Alec and her family... I hadn't seen her since last August. We visited the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, my favorite mainly because of the giraffe exhibit, ate lots of food and I was able to get plenty of Baby Cohen time.  We dined at Amanda's Fonda, The Loop (a must), and Narai Thai for carb-loading!

I planned this journey around the Slacker Half-Marathon, which I ran last year as a relay, running 9 out of the 13.1 miles.  This run starts at Loveland Ski Basin and ends in the cutest little town of Georgetown; 10500 feet elevation at the start and ending around 8500 feet.  I decided this year, I was doing it all and I was going to run it faster than last year. My goal was to be under 2:30 and I hit 2:26...the damn bathroom spot wasted about 7 minutes, but there was no way I was going it make it the last 7 miles without stopping...too much water!  Breathing at 10K feet is much different than in Kansas, but this year, breathing wasn't my issue.  I started having left knee pain about 3 weeks before the race, so I started wearing a knee brace to help. The race went well, I beat my goal, I felt good, but I did have issues with my knee...I often wonder if I didn't, what would my time had been? That night, after carb-loading at the Thai restaurant, I soaked in the hot tub...with a view of the Rockies.

The next day, Alec and I decided to tackle the Manitou incline.  I did not know what I was getting in to.  I figured I would go for it, who cares that I just ran 13.1 miles...let's beat another goal of getting to the top! I.almost.died.  A little over half-way, she asked me.."How do you feel?", my reply "I'd rather be running another 13.1!" It was tough and I know I was worn out from running, but one mile straight up, even being in shape, was hard as hell!  But guess what, we did it; 1:20 later and we made it to the top. The only thing left to do was go back down.  3.5 miles down a winding trail and we managed that in about an hour...that tells you how hard going UP is!  I could admit that old, "older" age was the reason for part of my pain...at this point both knees and my left hip was aching, but I refuse! Now, where is my margarita at The Loop?

The next day, I awoke early to get a head start back to Kansas and back to reality.  Another 8 hours of driving by myself meant more time to let the last 4 days really sink in.  I realized I had conquered fears, beat goals, and spent time with people who are very important to me.  You never know what life will throw at you, but I have decided to make the most of mine. I am 35 years old and in the last year and a half allowed myself to take risks...and what I realized is that those risks have paid off. Live your life...no one else can do it for you.

Thank you Carpenter Family...
Thank you Colorado...
Shona

Adventures In Tejas

Texas, one of my most loved larger than life states to visit.  I recently spent a long holiday weekend there with my favorite adventurer.  A chance to get away, relax, and explore.  This place never disappoints and I highly recommend it. If you haven't been, you need to go....But first, cheers to adventure #1.

Night one was spent at the Hyatt in downtown Dallas, a late flight in meant a night cap at the hotel bar, which was a great place to unwind after a long day.  This hotel is a busy one but has some awesome views and the amazing Reunion Tower Restaurant, where we dined the next evening, and as I say, he is my best accessory.

Next up, Dallas South Side...where we checked into the Nylo.  A small boutique-style, loft-style hotel with concrete floored rooms, large windows, sliding bathroom doors, and a rooftop pool with the most fabulous view of Downtown Dallas.  This colorful hotel has a contemporary feel with a balance of art and music.  It was the perfect locale to spend the next two nights.  Across the street was a great little tavern, Full Circle...it was not only convenient, but the people were friendly, the drinks were good, and they served Poutine.  It was my first time trying this famous Canadian dish, and I was hooked.  Double-order please!  Needless to say, we ordered it both times we were there.

The pool at the Nylo was a simple yet gorgeous infinity pool where we spent one whole day relaxing and taking in the city.  It was the perfect day.  A quick trip downtown to eat dinner at a local Mexican restaurant that evening before we moved onto Ft. Worth the next morning.  I must mention, we had a wonderful brunch at The Cedars Social with bottomless mimosas and bacon...must have bacon. We made sure to leave our mark...

We spent the next two days visiting his family and I was happy to be able to meet them.  I felt very welcomed and they were the most gracious and lovely people.

As all vacations do, the trip was coming to an end and I think I can say, neither one of us were quite ready to leave.  But, that just meant, onto the next adventure...stay tuned.

Until the next flight,
Shona

Le Sheikh by Cote Munizaga ~ Colleen Salmans Photography

Sometimes opportunities come your way when you least expect it...

I was at my last clinical day for Nursing School and I received a message from a dear friend regarding a photo shoot for Cote Munizaga by local photographer Colleen Salmans.  They needed a few models to wear her clothing line.  I thought, why not give it a shot? I sent in a few head-shots, not professional of course because well for one, I don't have any and two, I have never really given myself the title of a "model"...

Within a couple of hours they got back to me and just like that, I was one of the ones chosen for their photo shoot.  An exciting new experience and although the day of I was super nervous, the designer and photographer were two of the nicest people I have ever met.  Next up, I did some research on the designer and was amazed at her line.  Le Sheikh by Cote Munizaga is the fashion line and it's full of rich colors, unique designs, hand crafted one by one, using textiles from other continents.  One word, beautiful.

The first location was the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This building has amazing architectural design and is one of my favorite's in Kansas City.  We shot outside and did some really unique photos in the parking garage.  The second locale, Art Alley in KC. If you have never been, google it and visit.  Brightly painted graffiti walls right in the heart of this beloved city, the perfect backdrop for this clothing line.

At the end of the photo shoot, I had done more than just take photos...I made new friends and learned a lot about them too!  Cote invited us to her presentation at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Arts for GUILDit, where art and business fuse.  Cote is not only in fashion, but also an interior designer who was born in Chile.  She came from Israel to KC and brought the fashion with her.  An amazing designer that I have gotten the privilege to know.

Make sure to check out Colleen Salmans Photography on Facebook and IG @colleen_salmans_photography. She is an amazing person and photographer.

Cheers to opportunities...
Shona