February & March 2025

February and March felt like a runaway train after a dreadfully slow climb in January. 

The past 60ish days consisted of: first birthday parties, 400 dollar winnings at the Craps table, a visit to Denver's Pow Wow, cocktails with friends, snow drifting in empty parking lots, cavity fillings, time with my favorite toddlers, protesting at the Capitol, training for a half-marathon, showcasing style, and general tomfoolery around the greater Metro Area. Oh, and music...a lot of music and dancing.

Eva's First Birthday Party

Our baby Eva is a big one year old. We celebrated at Cochino Taco out in Arvada, and margaritas were had.

This party was to celebrate our baby Eva, but it was also a celebration of her parents Moranda and Joaquin. I am a firm believer that first birthdays are mostly a celebration of the survival of the parents. They did it. The long hours, the restless nights, the complete shift in focus....it's a feat worthy of the highest admiration. I am so proud of both of them and thankful for them bringing this little soul into our family.

My Little River Otter

We visited "The Golden Mill" for Arianna's early birthday party as she will be jet-setting across the world for her actual birthday.

While there, my little sunny boy kept asking, "You wanna go look at the river?!". And I, a fellow lover of the river, said, "Yes! Let's go again!".

I love his enthusiasm for life and his general sweetness. He is truly an angel walking this earth...and he's got the perfect cherub curls to prove it.

Artist: Charley Crockett
Song: I Am Not Afraid

"Now darlin'
I am not afraid to
Not afraid to love you
I am not afraid"

Soul music is at the heart of all my favorite genres and Crockett delivers the soul in his song "I Am Not Afraid". It is so soulful, in fact, that it sounds like it is from another era...one with flat empty plains which are only disrupted by a rambling tumbleweed. It's simplicity and stillness brings a sweetness that marries well with the message of the vulnerability of love. 

The Denver Pow Wow

We caught the "Opening Ceremony March" at Denver's 49th Annaul Pow Wow.

This ceremony always makes me cry as you see all the Natives from their various tribes keep their tradition alive through music, dance, and dress. It is an honor it witness.

We Are Not Defeated

Before the opening ceremony, the men and women prepped their vestments and makeup in the rows of the Coliseum. Watching each one of them transform out of their "daily clothes" into their "holy clothes" was nothing short of miraculous and felt like peeking behind the holy veil of the temple.

While they dressed/prepared, the MC, Chris Eagle Hawk, made general remarks to all who were in attendance. He addressed our current political climate and he said, "I encourage you to not become disheartened. We Natives have experienced the punishing hand of the United States Government, but we do not become disheartened. We do not stop fighting. We are seeds. We grow and flourish even if we may be trampled. He shall not triumph if we all remember what America truly is.".

It was so profound, intuitively perfect, and raised the crowd (consisting of all cultures/colors) to their feet.

Best Dressed

A young boy in his regalia at the start of the Pow Wow. I loved the colors he chose and the handiwork of the tassels. I wish I could have seen him dance because I am sure it bounced beautifuly.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This will forever be my favorite holiday as I am a hopeless lover-girl. I not only believe in the power of love, but that each day should be one of romance....that each day is a chance to fall in love...a chance to fall deeper in love with the life in front of you. And, I think Valentine's Day captures some of that magic. It inspires everyone to create some romance in their life...and I find that profoundly beautiful.

Plus, I look damn good in red. □

Home Away from Home

Spring is here and I'm back at the river. Soon enough she'll see me again in my swim suit and a big fat book.

After School Shenanigans

The weather has turned and we are back to our after school shenanigans of getting slurpees and taking bike rides.

Old School

Spring Semester brought another round of Parent/Teacher conferences. These days are full as they bring the parent/teacher/student community together, but they are also full as they bring very long days.

On these days, teachers are to be in the building from 8am to 8pm. So, on this day, I forwent my usual gym routine and decided to lift at my high school's gym and I was pleasantly surprised to find an old school gym with solid iron plates and dumbbells. I lowkey felt like I was at Gold's Gym from the Arnold Schwarzenegger era.

The gym felt like a playground as I took control of the surround sound and was all alone with the loaded barbell on my back. It was surely a little piece of paradise and I am committed to sneaking in there more often.

New Turquoise

This year, I told my parents that I did not want Christmas gifts, but instead I would want to go with them to pick out a piece of jewelry.

While at the Pow Wow, this new turquoise piece caught my eye. I love how it was a raw and unique embellishment. The turquoise piece is half-moon shaped and capped with a silver crown which results in it looking almost like a chile pepper or even a a pointed knife. Then the oval coral piece perfectly lays within the curves of the turquoise. It feels both masculine and feminine, but ulitmately it is simply gorgeous.

I fell in love with her immediately and I knew she was the piece for me.

She also perfectly matches my beloved turquoise heart necklace. She was meant to be mine!

A South Park Sunset

Spent a weekend away at my Auntie Angie's cabin out in Jefferson. It was a quick yet refreshing getaway.

Porcupine Papi

I saw my first porcupine while out hiking in Jeferson with my dad. Unfortunately, this little guy had met his demise, but it gave me the opportunity to get a close examination of this cute little creature.

Artist: Prince
Song: "U Got The Look"

"You walked in, I woke up
I've never seen a pretty girl
Look so tough, baby
You got that look"

As I sit in my vanity chair, surrounded by a myriad collection of rejected outfit choices, this song frequently plays. It makes me feel powerful as I decide how I am going to present myself to the world that day. And, no matter the outcome, I know that I got the look.

Snow Day Spinning

Some fresh, yet not quite blizzard level snow brought me an opportunity to spin some donuts in my school's parking lot before the kids got there.

I had a solid 20 minute spin sesh and earned one solid thumbs up from one snow plow.

The Best Fun-Pa

Every Friday is "Fun-Pa Friday" and on this particular day Fun-Pa was blessed with his favorite weather...snow. Therefore, he got to take his babies to do his favorite activity...sledding.

I love this photo because it captures my dad's devotion to his grandchildren, but it also reminds me of my own childhood when he would take us out to the biggest hills in Denver to sled with our little red sled. I have many of those memories and it wasn't until I was much older that I learned that wrapping your feet in King Sooper plastic grocery bags to go sledding wasn't something all the kids did....we simply did it because we didn't have snow boots lol.

Baby Cashten

My little baby just turned four months old and this is my favorite age. He is so alert, yet still so cuddly.

During my spring break I was able to spend one whole day cuddling him by the fire after his 4 month check-up which was accompanied by shots.

Here is a photo of him from that day...a rare moment of me putting him down. The cradle was my mother's when she was a baby and the Winnie the Poo bumpers and mattress pad were sewn by me!

Caught with Cavities

Posing with my x-rays as I await my destiny with the dentist.

It was on this day that I was told that I may have the most teeth in the office as I have all my wisdom teeth and I still have a baby tooth.

I said, "I guess that means I'm full of wisdom and still child-like". He then said, "That...and you have a big mouth". I laughed and volleyed the banter by saying, "Someone's gotta bring the jawline angles into the room."

Artist: Chappell Roan
Song: The Giver

“Girl, I don't need no pickup truck
Revvin' loud to pick you up
'Cause how I love is how I touch
And in the strip mall, town of dreams
Good luck finding a man who has the means
To rhinestone cowgirl all night long”

A new drop comes from our Queer Queen Chappell Roan. I love this chick so much. She's bringing true pop back and yet still creating something new by her bending of genres. This particular song starts off with a strong 90s country riff which transports me back to listening to Shania Twain and the Dixie chicks as a girl. Chappell Roan knows how to make a hit and she's embedded in pop culture and you can see it by her choice of visuals for her music video by mimicking an old school Karaoke choice screen. By this, Chappell shows her appreciation for music history, but her bravery in taking us into a new direction. ​

Trivia with Teachers

Trivia at Englewood Tavern was led by the history teacher at my school. Let's just say there were way too many geography questions and obscure questions about forgotten Presidents.

Bernie and AOC

I rode my bike down to the Capitol in hopes to catch a glimpse of the living legends that are Bernie Sander and AOC.

They have been bright lights these past two months and I am so happy to not only have gotten to see them, but to meet so many people who share the same hopes/worries as me.

I knew there would be a crowd when I biked down there, but I had no idea I would be one amongst 34,000. It was an epic day. A hopeful day.

Feh: This non-fiction book was a hysterical read that helped me heal a lot of my own religious trauma. The author discusses his upbringing as an observant Jew and his transition into the complexities of adulthood. It made me laugh hysterically as well as feel a little less alone in the world of post-religious-observance. I'd give it a strong 4.5/5 stars.

I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: This read is a Parisian "Eat Pray Love". She chronicles her adventures in Paris post-covid and lands on topics such as singlehood, dating, adventure, isolation, and fresh starts. It was a decent read. I'd give it a solid 3/5 stars.

John Lewis: A Life: This biography of the Civil Rights Icon, John Lewis, was an incredible read. I knew John Lewis was a heroic man, but this very large biography exposes all the details of his history, passion, and his hopes for America. I picked it up shortly after MLK day, and I finished it within a week. I put it down feeling inspired, hopeful, and ready to start some "Good Trouble". I'd rate it a strong 5/5 stars.

I'll Have What She's Having: I am currently reading this with 11 other women and I am loving it! I've always followed Chelsea Handler as she was a mainstay on late night tv. I found her to be a little too crude for my liking, but it won the vote for book club. And, I have not only found it funny, but I have found her to be a rather enlightened woman. Sure she is wild, but her thoughtfulness that is exposed in the memoir feels so genuine and authentic. I am thoroughly enjoying it and I am loving the convos that it prompted at our first book club meeting. So far, I'd rate it 4/5 stars!

Ms. Mischevious

I have a rather mischevious student who is continuously late to my class.

On this particular day he strolled in fifteen minuets late with a chipotle cup in his hand. I said, "Oh, a long lunch was had I see'. He responded a cheeky reply about traffic as I closed the door behind him. I then gave him his work and told him that now he only had thirty minuets to finish, so he better "lock-in" (as the kids say these days).

He got to work and returned to my desk to do some grading. Then, not even five minutes later he comes up to my desk and smiles at me, knowing I would not approve, and he asked, "Miss, may I go to the bathroom?". I shook my head no. He began to plead like a child. "Please, Please, three minutes". I continued to shake my head but exaggeratedly this time...so much so that my curls levitated from where they laid framing my face. "No. No. No." I said. Then his return pleas. Then my rebuttal, "Nunca. Nunca. Nunca.". We then both began to giggle as we mutually recognized the mischievousness in both of us.

I then stopped, titled my head and asked, "Is it an emergency?". "Yes", he replied. So, knowing the potential for disaster, I said, "Ok, you have three minutes...I'm going to time you." as I started a timer on the projected screen on the wall. I knew this might motivate him as he is a student athlete, but also knowing that this trick works great on toddlers and elementary students.

As the time ticked toward the final seconds, the door swung open and he made the time. I began to slow clap and the whole room joined in a shared triumph as he is one of my students who routinely takes fifteen bathroom breaks.

He waved both hands as if he had just hit a grand slam and walked over to me and said, "Thank you, Miss. This is for you.". He then handed me this little worn ring that you would find in a gumball machine. I said thank you, smiled, and then wondered where on earth he got this in the span of those three minutes.

Teaching is not for the weak of heart, but these moments of building and fostering a community of caring and fun makes a lot of the "other stuff" all worth it.

Artist: Flo Naegeli
Song: Late Night Call

This funky groove only has 3k hits on youtube...it's an unknown jam and I want you to give it some love. It's a song of longing, he's wondering "where the hell you been" because "you make me feel home"; however it's not a despondent longing. No, it's a true daydreaming jam that carries a lightness thanks to the pop melody and climbing electric guitar solo over the bridge.

*Plays "She's a Bad Mama Jamma*

Off to Antarctica

1/3 of the table is pictured here as we gathered to celebrate my Auntie Gina's upcoming escapade to Antarctica!

Her trip itinerary included: A stop in Argentina, a day kayaking with the blue whales, walking the arctic with penguins, and jumping into the freezing waters for a true 'Polar Plunge". She is a badass...and a true inspiration to live with a vibrant vivaciousness!

Lady Luck

After our Antarctica send-off, some of the family members decided to keep the party going by trying our luck up in Black Hawk.

I am proud to say that I was that lucky lady as I brought home 400 dollars from my wins at the Craps table.

I've only played Craps a handful of times, but that day I was feeling lucky. So, I dropped 60 dollars and my stack grew quickly after I rolled for a solid 40 mins. I won hundreds of dollars for the table and I even had some money thrown at me from the other players at the table. I was hot and my number 8 kept showing on the die.

I played for close to three hours that day and I think I found my new favorite table game.

Ready to Roll

Before we went our separate ways to gamble, we crammed into a hotel room to stock the fridge and indulge in some shit talk and seltzers.

Lucky Boots

My Uncle Chris has very refined taste.

"Amatuer" Artists

The students at my school created this wonderful faces inspired by the works of Kimmy Cantrell. They are constructed out of the simple materials of cardborad and paint.

I was so inspried by their beauty that I plan to make my own!

Pow Wow Wow

I found this dress at the thrift store about two years ago. It's a simple wrap dress, but I always receive a lot of compliments when I wear it.

I chose to wear it for the Pow Wow because of its floral/naturalist theme and it's bright colors. I did this intentionally because those outside of the culture may envision animal-hide-tan as the dominant color of Natives, when the reality is that the culture is bright and loves to present the bright colors of nature in their regalia.

My Newest Friend

This is Guyla. She is a para at my school. And, she may very well be the most badass woman in Denver.

She is seventy-one years old and she drinks her Bud Light on ice. She's been riding motorcycles since she was thirteen years old and she hitchhiked across America not once, but twice. She's been shot, kidnapped, stabbed, and thrown 30 yards off her motorcycle. She frequented Sturgees and knows all the best dives in Denver. She's a breath of fresh air. She is confident in her mature beauty, dawns her long grey hair down to her waist, and has the best collection of earrings and Doc Martens. She's everything that is missing in our digital age. AI is no threat to her. She is as real and raw as you can get. And her presence solidifies my own convictions to do the same.

I’m so lucky to be her “Hot Date” on Wednesdays…especially because she self-proclaimed that she doesn’t like most people. When I asked her why she allowed me the honor, she said…”Because you’re the real deal. It’s evident in everything you do. You’re you. No one else. And I like that”. It was easily one of the best compliments I have gotten in a while.

A Wild Fashionista

We are raising a free spirit. You can see it in the way she dresses, the way she unflinchingly picks up inchworms, and in the way she hauls ass down a hill on her pedal-less bike.

Artist: Bad Bunny
Song: Baile Inolvidable (Unforgettable Dance)

"No, no te puedo olvidar"--- No, I can't forget you
"No, no te puedo borrar" ---- No, I can't erase you
"Tú me enseñaste a querer"- You taught me how to love
"Me ensenaste a bailar"--- You taught me how to dance

This new salsa anthem from Bad Bunny sounds joyous via the triumpant trumpet, but it made me weep. The lyrics. The lamenting. The longing for the one who gave him his unforgettable dance.

This is a song of my heart; and I send it out to the one who I taught how to dance Salsa. You are my unforgetable dance. 

Cocktails and Flippers

Found a cool little bar that has creative cocktails and free pinball. My coworkers are nerds...and I support their hobbies. I am truly game for whatever.

Beauty as Payment

As I sat drinking my morning cup of coffee in bed, I felt inspired to capture a snapshot of my private view.

This is the foot of my bed. I love how the sheer canopy of my four post bed framed the cranes of the partition for my closet.

This partition screen has been in my family for over twenty years. It was given to my dad as payment for a side job he did for a family friend. My dad laid some tile for the friend, but he was unable to pay so he gave my dad these partitions that he had gotten from Vietnam shortly after his time in the Vietnam War.

I have always loved them, and once I moved into a large enough space, I knew I wanted to ask my dad to pull them out of storage so that they could receive the proper light and love that they deserve.

They are so gorgeous. The vibrant colors are constructed out of silk threads that have been hand-woven.

Klimt Collage

If you were to ask me my favorite artist, I may very well say Klimt. I adore his use of gold and his refusal to be timid with vibrant color. His work also captures the beauty of the naked body and the universal language of the embrace.

Saint Patrick's Parade

Denver loves a parade. And, I'm a Denver girl.

Frisbee Golf

Our first 70 degree day welcomed the opportunity to play some frisbee golf with friends. I forgot to take photos of the action, but I did snag a photo of this piece of art on Tee Pad #7.

Dive In Bar

This is one of my favorite bars on South Broadway. They have two pool tables, two ping pong tables, one foosball table, and a speed boat in the middle of the bar. Oh, and the drinks are equally cheap and strong.

Star Crossed Lovers

"I don't want to need you, 'cause I can't have you."

I watched this movie as a child, and remembered being struck by the beauty of both Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

But, on a lazy Sunday, I re-watched the movie as an adult and wept like a child. The story of these two star-crossed lovers is a beautiful tragedy about the surety of untimely love. It captures the grief and profundity of the unfortunate fate of falling love at the most inopportune time.

But what is grief, if not love persevering?

Teachers on Spring Break

I spent one of my days of Spring Break protesting at the Capitol with the teacher unions of Coloado.

He Gets It

Several students were also seen at the protest. This little guy was so creative with his sign and had the sweetest smile.

Half-Marathon Training

Living in the heart of Denver allows me to walk out my door, catch the South Platte Trail and sightsee much of my hometown's important landmarks while I log my miles.

Artist: Kaytranada
Song: Be Your Girl

Spring is here. You know what that means...it's the count down to swimsuit season. And, this song puts me in that mood. Catch me outside with my cooler backpack, olive skin, and not a care in the world.

Six Miles; All Smiles

This run was particularly beautiful as we were blessed with a night's rain the previous evening. The air was fresh, the Platte was gushing, and the skyscrapers had a fresh wash.

Can I say it again? I love my city.