It was a good day: cross-country skiing along Tahoe’s shore, then snowshoeing on the same route later in the day cause it was so beautiful. And what did I find as I retraced my tracks but a smiley face that jumped off the underside of my shoes. A good omen I think.
With my family en route tomorrow, the cutest Christmas tree ever (its trunk is so small it fits in a carafe) and another stellar gift-wrapping performance by Chris, I’m considering myself lucky this year! Happy Holidays!
Frigid times and holiday crowds here in Tahoe call for this specimen from my collection that I am in awe I still have. Yep, when it was sent in 1993, I was a mere 11 years old.
FROM: Vail Village, Colorado
PHOTOGRAPHER: R.C. Bishop
SENDER: Laurel, who wrote of shaky handwriting induced by 32-degree weather and posed this question: “Did you know your real name is not Elisabeth?” No, I didn’t know that.
DATE: October 12, 1993
(or wanted to drive 6 hours round-trip this weekend)… I would so be here.
The latest Tahoe Quarterly is all glossed up and getting out on the streets.
In this issue, I cover the latest local avalanche technology (Squaw follows Mt. Rose in bringing in an avalauncher) and South Shore oil painter Kit Night, who was a delight to meet and such a talented and beautiful person. Check out these behind-the-scenes shots I took while visiting her studio—I especially love the white brick fireplace and random yet organized trinkets and wall art with which she surrounds herself.
FROM: Beautiful Bum-Fuk Egypt
ARTIST: Blue Barnhouse of West Asheville, North Carolina (these guys make some great—and provocative—letterpress goods)
SENDER: Lynx (we’ve regularly traded postcards for years), who was traveling at the time and said “I currently have no address to be reached at other than general delivery, care of the front o’ the card.” awesome
DATE: November 7, 2008
* note: this postcard states in its stamp box that “you don’t need no stinking postage.” hehehe…
Oh joy! Things went great at my craft fair debut!
Though I was expecting the worst due to the raging snowstorm that blew in yesterday, there were plenty of folks who braved the snow to support local vendors. I had a variety of customers, but the couple who bought a 20-pack of my cactuses for their holiday cards made my night. Thanks to all who came out, and especially to Beth and Lengua Viva for being such great hosts. Stay tuned for my Etsy shop (where I’ll sell my block printed creations year-round) coming soon!
Very excited for this month’s Moonshine Ink (on stands today) as I profile oil painter Brooke Bishop in my DiStill Life column. As you can see, her work is extraordinary… layers, textures, color, the whole shebang. Check out her work in person on the 18th, when Spirit Gallery in Truckee hosts an opening reception for her “Path to Heart” exhibition, 4–8pm. (*the exhibit runs through January 3)
Also, this month’s edition marks a new milestone for me and Moonshine as I’ve taken on a new role to edit the Wellness & Learning section. Check it out and let me know what you think!
My craft fair debut is approaching, and I’ve come a long way with my block-printed creations… can’t wait to reveal them in full on Saturday (hint: they’ll have some holiday fixins)! Just to remind you, here are the details:
Holiday Arts and Fine Crafts Gathering at Lengua Viva (10070 Frates Lane, behind Ace Hardware, in Truckee), this Saturday December 12 from 4–8pm.
Sharing my booth will be: DumpTruck hats by two amazing North Tahoe locals, felted slippers by the fabulous Zan Larkins of the West Shore and letterpress cards from Fancy Ink.
FROM: Braselton, Georgia — not sure of its original origin as no artist or company name is printed
SENDER: Daisy, who noted she found the card in my great-grandmother’s things
DATE: April 26, 1999
* note this postcard only cost $.20 cents to send back then!
Snow has fallen, the ski resorts are open (some of them at least) and the winter crowds are due to arrive any day… my latest handiwork in print form, the Lake Tahoe Traveler visitors’ guide, has hit the streets just in time for it all. Pick up one for free around the lake!
My stories include: Lunch on the Run, detailing the best food and where to get it at local ski resorts; Kidding Around, options for family fun; and a run-down on the season’s latest and greatest outdoor gear.
_____smith 