Let's say you're on the hunt, be it for a vampire w/ to-undie-for hair, or a wolf who's a little rough around the edges. You live in the Pacific Northwest. What would YOU wear? Something rugged, feminine, equally at ease in the lodge before a roaring fire, or hiking thru the woods? Maybe... something like this?

tween 1: ohmigawd, i can't believe you shopped at ambercrombie!
tween 2: iknow,right?!

I have a friend who is an amazing artist. I mean, seriously talented, and I always find myself pausing in her home, looking at the artwork she's painted, or how she's decorated her home. And so many moons ago, I mentioned how I'd love to have a painting of a tree in each of the four seasons, and this developed into a sketch, which has now been turned into a fantastic painting. See more here.

I'm blown away. It's currently sitting on our large dining table, and we hope to hang it over Thanksgiving weekend. I'm simply thrilled, and want to publicly and repeatedly say Geneva - thank you!

I'm online browsing ~ and who doesn't love a good sale?~ when I came across the iron headboard, and wanted to see what kind of room I could build around it. And I found it very difficult to pick anything except this color scheme. I love it. I keep going back to it for bedrooms. Enjoy!

I've been in recovery mode since my last cross race. And boy has it payed off! I'm feeling much more human, more relaxed, and better able to deal with the ongoing stress of work. Yesterday the race team went out on an endurance ride in weather so chilly I almost wished I'd embrocated my face. While the speed wasn't challenging, it wasn't slack-off-easy either. And I stayed right with the pack on every rolling hill - thru areas that I'd historically fall behind. It felt great. Then, over a bump that threw the fender strap into the spokes, and I had to stop/fix/sprint back on. And even that felt good! Okay, so by the third time this happened, I was feeling a bit fatigued and had a much longer chase to get on... but Matt or Bob and Kender were there to ensure I wasn't on my own.

I won't say that my legs aren't sore. On Friday Laura put in a lot of work, particularly on my over-tight left IT band and calf, leaving the legs feeling moderately bruised. I know it's pain that must be worked thru, but this is manageable and leading to better, stronger being.

Matt and I also met with Upper Echelon's Russell & Tina, as we start to set goals & plan for next year. I've also contacted Lynn, and am looking forward to training w/ my Bike Central friends again.

Today I'm thinking I'll set up the rollers, and play with the fixie. If my legs were a little less achy from yesterday, I'd brave the rain & cold for a PV team ride.

First off ~ the artwork. These original art paintings are by the super talented Dianne of Derbyshire Dales, England. Her ETSY shop is HilltopPaintings, where you will find both prints ($20) and originals ($75). It was this artist's rendition of the English Country house that inspired a story that I've started working on. The art is so lovely that I also decided to build another wardrobe around it. Enjoy!