FLATLINED

Note:  This was a post from 2014, my last post, until now.  A LOT has happened between now and then.  I fractured my shoulder in three places, lost the use of my right arm, took nearly a year to recover from that.
I just was able to log back into my account today after months of technical difficulties.  This was a draft from 2014.  I also have access to my previous blog, http://sketchmonkeyblues.blogspot.com/
I am glad to have my blog back!  I am also back in my art studio working with mixed media and collages.  I plan to revive my blog and post my art regularly!  I also now have an Instagram account.  More about that later.  I am just happy to be back!


In 2004, I flat lined from a heart attack.   Had the paddle burns to prove it. Boy was I surprised when I woke up in intensive care after stent surgery. That brought me to physical therapy at UMC Hospital and my first experience with a recumbent indoor exercise bike.  

Around the same time I was out and about when I came across a gentleman riding a wonderful recumbent trike. I had never seen anything like it outside of the gym.   He was kind enough to let me try it out.  I didn't hesitate to hop on it even though I was dressed in a skirt.   It was incredibly fun.  I was hooked.

I headed to our only recumbent dealer, Ajo Bikes in Tucson.  I bought a two-wheel recumbent which I thought was more practical than a trike at the time.  I started riding to work from Snyder/Houghton to Country Club/Speedway area, just short of U of A.  I rode on weekends in Tucson as well as down in Patagonia, Tubac and surrounding areas.  It was as if I was seeing all of these areas for the first time.

After "training" with  physical therapists at UMC, three months later I was able to ride with the Greater Bicycle Association (G.A.B.A.) on their annual Parker Lake ride (now called the Tumaccacori Century).   I rode round trip from Sahuarita to  Tumacacori.  I was the slowest rider but I was thrilled.

Years later, due to downsizing,I sold my beloved recumbent.  I missed it terribly.  

Eventually I  discovered that HP Velotechnik had created a compact folding TRIKE!!   My problem was solved.  It wheels into my house just like luggage.

Last year, I rode basically the same G.A.B.A.-sponsored ride.  It was a bit longer this time with a fun detour through Arivaca.

 I have found people to ride with by joining two local recumbent groups (one on Yahoo and one on Facebook).  G.A.B.A. now has a meetup group too.   I also meet trike riders out..  I am happy to say that trikes are quite popular now!

 We also have more choices when it comes to where to ride.  There is The Loop, a wonderful multi-use path where you can ride without worrying about cars!  Plus there are more bike lanes in Tucson.

Pedal the Petrified, A 60-mile ride Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook , AZ

 

I drove up from Tucson to participate in Northland Pioneer College's "Pedal the Petrified" 60-mile bike ride to help raise money for student scholarships.  They also had a shorter version.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I stayed in this great RV park in Holbrook, AZ.  They had cute cabins available to rent.  I loved the swing and it also had a picnic table in front.

 

They had a GREAT cowboy cookout with steaks or chicken.  I would go back up just to enjoy the cookout.  I brought my laptop with me so I could do some work while waiting for my dinner to cook.

 



I was so excited.  I was the first rider to show up at the event.

The riders participating in the 60-mile ride get to go first.  I was the only trike.

I almost stepped on this little guy when I pulled into a SAG stop.  You have to look closely to see him!

This was a wonderful event.  I got in just before a storm hit.



 

 

On my way home I caught this triple rainbow.

Finding Balance - My Goal for 2014

  I have so many projects going that I barely have room on my drafting table to work any more. 

 

 This is my new Moleskin planner - I decorated the cover. 
My goal is to find more balance in my life and art in 2014!
Stay tuned....more projects to be posted!
 

 

First complete projected for the New Year!

I started this in 2013 for a friend and finally finished and delivered it yesterday.  It went through a lot of changes from the original concept.  I did love working with the mini canvases.  I would like to do more of those.  I also enjoyed making the houses and plan to do more of those as well.

Let me give my friend a plug:  Malea Norris at Cadden Realty!  If you are looking for a good agent in Tucson or Green Valley, Arizona, give her a call!!

Here are some close ups ( LOVE the little SOLD sign on the For Sale Sign):

Miniature Book necklace and heart key

I made this sweet necklace for the book lovers out there.  Black ribbon and cord and a red miniature hand-made book dangles from red beads, with a small key that matches the lock on the book.  The lock is heart-shaped as well as the top of the key.  The book opens and functions as a small book.  I have been making book marks and this was on my to do or should I say my wish list.  I made it red for the holidays but I can do special orders, different colors also. 

If you look at previous posts you can see book marks I have made with miniature books also.

Ta Da! It is finished!

I finally finished my doodle of Madison's name!  I started it quite some time back and she saw it in my studio one day and said I should finish it.  She was six then, she is now seven.  So I finished it! 

It started out strictly black and white with the red balloon lifting the letter "I".  Then I added the blue blue bird and then I couldn't quite coloring.  Of course, I was inspired my my new copics.  They are wonderful.  I can't wait to try air brushing with them. 

I found the perfect frame for this.....I can't wait to give it to Madison.  I love the little snail and caterpillar.........I am actually going to miss doodling on this.......

Chris and Ebony riding in San Diego

Look at that recumbent grin on Chris.  That is Ebony in the pouch.

I met Chris and Ebony while riding my trike in San Diego on the multi-use path along Mission Bay.  Ebony was trotting along with the trike.  We stopped and chatted for awhile and Chris gave me a lot of information about riding around San Diego.  I told him about the Loop and he plans to come and check it out. 

Ebony is a real cutie!  When she tires of trotting along she just scampers up with ease and hops into her pouch on her own!