Friday Baby

This Girl Has Come Along Way

 Is time totally flying on by or what??? 2nite is 1st Friday Art Walk & I am looking 4ward 2 it 4 some reason. Not sure what my game plans is yet but I know I will be on MainSt at some point. The Raw Canvas Art Gallery is something crazy & cool. Its tattoo shop as well as a gallery of sorts. Call me crazy but I am so impressed by tattoos these day. The detail is unreal & the portraits are life-like. These artist can pull off contrast w/yellows & greens that pop the art work off the canvas of skin. Way talented.

This Girl Is Amazingly Dynamic 

Brother Jake Hosting Above Ground

I rode down 2 KAFM 2 see Jake & Mariah & it was a small fan fair 4 sure. Ron, aka Old Dog, was there w/Lucy. She is a sweet dog & she was so thin when she came into Ron's world. She even gave me that look like she knew me. She sat on my foot & enjoyed the offerings that I gave. These are the days I truly appreciate at KAFM. Familiar faces that walk by 2 say hi & check in. Faces that you only see at the station. A common factor in play. Community Radio!!!

Another Day On The Bike 4 Aprils Pledge 

So that comment brings me 2 my fear. FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. However, KAFM is in a bad spot in a big way. This little community radio has been on a downward spiral 4 the past 3 years. I place blame 100% on the Board Of Directors. Truth of the matter, a lack of leadership. Way 2 many Indians and not enough Chiefs. The saying should be, too many chiefs, not enough indians but that is not the case here.

I started volunteering at KAFM in 2001 & the station was a magical place. Folks from all walks of life were embraced & accepted. Thats right, accepted. Twice a year, sometimes more, KAFM had a volunteers meeting. Everyone would stand up & say their name, DJ name, & radio show time slot. At one point, KAFM had 335 volunteers. Thats both on air & off air volunteers. When KAFM had a meeting, not just X-Mas meetings, the room was packed. KAFM would offer a full hour pre-mix party because socializing was a big part of the night. Shaking hands, asking about families, & whats coming up soon. 2 weeks ago, KAFM had a volunteers meeting 4 the upcoming Fund Drive. KAFM offered free beer & free pizza & I counted 49 people & 4 kids. A FUND DRIVE meeting & the room was empty. KAFM even introduced 2 new employees & those jobs were never posted. Blown away but I wanted 2 look at the positive side & say," Well, maybe the station IS growing."

Why am I ranting about this??? Because I love the station & always have!! I love this hobby & I have met the most wonderful life long friends from this little community station. Lately, everyone I run into that is affiliated w/the station has had the most negative comments about the direction that KAFM has gone 2wards. 2014, some of my closest friends have given up on KAFM. Hugh & Kelly, owners of Toyota Safari, had their shop radio tuned into KAFM 24/7. Walk in & hear KAFM was a given. Their employees were subjected 2 Big Band Swing but a costumer would walk in & take a trip down memory lane & would share stories. Community Radio!!! Last week, I scored new biz cards, walked into Toyota Safari & the flippin' Moose Commercial Radio Station was on. This is the 3rd local grass roots business that has switched off KAFM. What the hell does that say???

A few rants ago I explained my displeasure of pre-recorded promos. SO, here is a classic. KAFM goes commercial sounding w/very poorly produced commercials & the Moose is now reading live advertisements. Community radio goes commercial & commercial radio goes community sounding. Back in Aug, I shared ( both in person & on my blog ) my anger w/the GM hiring a guy from Miami Florida. I was pissed because of the out of state aspect & not community based employment. Then, we volunteers are informed that this new person is both the Station Manager AND Program Director. Say What?!?! Even I know the PD position is full-time on the phone. How can this be??? Easy, the new person simply pre-records everything. Meaning, if I can't do my show, I don't call a sub, this person plays the computer instead. Do you see anything wrong w/this???? I could see the writing on the wall. The reason I bring this up, during our Fund Drive Meeting, not one, not two, BUT THREE TIME SLOTS ARE EMPTY FOR THE FUND DRIVE!!! During the month of April, as a listener, you wouldn't have any idea that the station is looking at raising $35,000.oo!!! KAFM has 1 lame PRE-PLEDGE promo, I mean lame quality wise. When I walk into the station 2 see my friends, nothing in the whole building says FUNd Drive is coming. Yes, FUNd Drive. The fund drive was FUN. Maybe I am off base here & the station is doing well. Maybe they are hosting art actions & grant writings so the fund drive is just on the back burner because KAFM doesn't need the headache of asking the community 4 funds. Only time will tell.

Please, I beg, please donate your hard earned money next week. Please pledge that you will support a community station. The only theme show that I know of, believe me, I have asked everyone by phone or person while they are hosting THEIR show, whats their game plan during the fund drive, as you might imagine, deer in head lights, the only show w/a theme is the Magic Carpet Ride on Thursday the 17th of April. The Blue Z will be bring in his classroom 2nd graders 2 read stories live on air. Out of all the shows per day on KAFM, thats the only show investing any time into THEIR show. Where is the ownership in the station, where is the enthusiasm, & where is the leadership???

Damn, now I am upset again. Thats It, Shadow Boy & I are headed 4 the Lunch Loops 4 a trail run.

Day Was A Success

Dig This Sculpture

 April 1st starts the beginning of my Bike Pledge, Crunches, Leg Lifts, Plank, & Push Ups….. All Done Successfully Without Pain

On Top Of The Parking Garage 

Dropping Of Bills & Drinking Water

 Check These Little Guys Out!!! Does anyone know the name of these beauties??? I was so stoked 2 come around this corner & find them in bloom.

 I met up w/the WSR group last night. They meet on Tuesday 4 a trail run. They split into 2 groups. In my opinion, both groups are studs, a faster group runs further & the second group runs about 3-5 miles.

                                                                                   

Our Water Stop

I started out a little before the group because I didn't have much time & I knew that they would blow on by me. I followed the Pet-e-kes trail w/the Boy Dog on leash. He pulled me up 2 the top of the trail where Pet-e-kes meets the Tabeguache Trail. Shadow Boy & I began running when we hit the Tab trail. I felt Gr8!! Finding that my legs find a rhythm much quicker than in the past.

 I feel more in control of my body. My foot strikes are more relaxed & I have more confidence in my ability while on the trail. Thats Good.

Shadow Asked 4 A Profile Photo

Oh Wait He Says… This Is My Better Side He Thinks

Can You See Yourself Here Right Now???

Pretty damn stoke that I was able 2 run the whole time 2wards the parking lot. I didn't feel winded & I didn't mind reminding myself 2 slow up & be present. I say this because I began 2 have feelings resurface about Sadie Girl, projects that I need 2 finish, & work ideas. You can call it mind drifting but that is not a good way 2 trail run. Start day dreaming & then a rolled ankles throws you on your face. NOT FUN!! Plus, felt strong when I was in the moment. And Shadow Boy was happy. You can feel his happiness, not just assume it.

Shadow's Interval Training

 And what a beautiful day here in the Grand Valley!! We had some light wind & a few high cirrus clouds. The cool air was perfect 4 our climbing section & the wind was behind me on the return trip.

 Check Out That View Boy!! This is part of the Tabeguache Trail w/the Bookcliffs way off in the distance. This was the section that I happily ran w/ease. Wish I had more time 2 do a time lapse from up here. Sweet cloud formations & gorgeous lighting.

The Lunch Loops, Bookcliffs, & The Grand Mesa in this shot

 Somewhere around this time, I was thinking that nobody had past me. Again, these runners kick A$$. But I was happy w/the pace I was running, stopped twice 2 give the Boy Dog a shot of water, & took the time 2 snap some photos. Thats what I call trail running. I don't think I want 2 be a fast trail runner because I don't want 2 miss the scenery or wild life or wild flowers or a belly rub on Shadow Boy. Lets be real here, I won't ever be that fast. And I am OK w/that.

So overall, the 1st day of April treated me well. I met my goals, did some socializing, & hurt NOTHING!! I will get on the commuter bike here soon & head downtown as 2 fulfill my bike everyday in April pledge. After that, the crunches, leg lifts, & plank position challenge. Then I will find myself in the garden, which I wasn't going 2 plant this year. Classic A????

Best Dog Ever!! Love You Shadow Boy!!

So thanx 4 stopping by my blog. Feel free 2 comment. Feel free 2 share your feelings. Allow yourself 2 enjoy the day. Big Hugs

Sunday Radio

Life Is Good, Life Is Gr8, & Life Has Wonderful Surprises Around Each Corner. In Other Words….. Shadow Boy & I Had A Really Relaxing & Enjoyable Weekend.

Saturday was a sweet trail run. I let The Boy Dog off his leash & I concentrated on relaxing my body while in motion. Totally felt strong & didn't need 2 walk much. The high desert soil was soft & workable. And we were not alone. 27 1/4 RD was packed w/ATVs, Motorbikes, Mt Bikes, A Sandrail, & Other Dog Walkers. The weather was awesome. Then, not long after walking throughout the door & feeding the dogs, my neighbor asked me if I wanted 2 play Pickle Ball. I never heard of it but what the hell. Super fun game & looks like tennis but on a smaller scale. By this point, the wind had kicked up, the temp picked up, & away we played. The games is a mix of tennis, badminton, & racquetball. Most of the strategy from tennis is thrown out the window. I stopped the whole idea of spinning the wiffle ball off my wooden paddle. The 1st game of 3 was me over thinking the game but I claimed victory. Game 2, I skunked the sh*t out of Todd, felt kinda bad. By Game 3, I would just hit the ball at him & he would blast it long or 4 feet 2 wide of the court. But Damn I Had Fun. I Can See Myself Playing A Lot More. Or at least motivating Todd because I don't have 40 bucks 2 burn on a set.

Sunday, I woke up w/the Boy Dog & I spooning & Old Smokey laying on the floor next 2 me. Maybe the wind scared them because Smokey always sleeps in the office by himself. Sure was a nice way 2 wake up. They were both stretching & yawning & all kinds of puppy like. You just know its going 2 be a grand of a day when the dogs are happy.

We spent the day working in the raised beds out back, flipping from F1 racing 2 Indy car, English Premier Soccer w/Everton winning AND Liverpool winning, & some NCAA MADNESS!!! Before I knew it, I had 2 cruise out the door. I was covering the radio show On The Trails. Super fun show 4 me. 3 hours of music that I wanted 2 hear, loads of phone calls, & CrackBook postings encouraging my behavior. Those hours flew on by as the time lapse shows. And yes I recorded the show if anyone wants a copy.

Last night the Boy Dog & I walked our no excuse loop. There wasn't a head wind, THERE WAS WIND!!! I checked noaa & 28mph w/ gust recorded at 52mph. I didn't see any fences down or tree limbs that had fallen but I will check on some neighbors in a bit. We have some old tall trees & I have some very old neighbors that don't get around as well but are always happy 2 tell me how 2 re-do projects 4 them. Funny Folks But Nice Folks.

Can U Believe 2mar Is April Fools???????

                                                                   GOALS

#1 I Pledged 2 ride my bike every day during the month of April. Thanx 2 the Bikes For People Challenge.

#2 Trail Run w/the Western Slope Runners on Tuesday & Saturday. Also, meet w/them on Thursday 4 a timed 5K & do some marketing.

#3 30 Day Planked Challenge!!! 30 Day Squat Challenge!!! And 50 Sit Ups & 3 X 10 Perfect Pushups!!!

My Motivation!! Love This Guy!!!

Radio Time

I am hosting the On The Trails at 3pm…… Cant Wait….. www dot kafmradio dot org

The Boy Dog On The Trail

Trail Running

Somewhere along the line society has been given the message that running is bad for us. If you believe that, then don't even attempt running because it will likely be a huge disappointment for you. On the other hand, if you are willing to drop your biases, then you may find joy in the freedom and simplicity of running. The truth is that running is not bad for us, but that we need to learn to run the right way. It sounds silly since running is something we have done since childhood, but the Western world is honestly pretty poor at it (in general). We are overweight, competitive/results-oriented, and surround ourselves with comforts and technologies. None of those things is particularly good for a new runner.


I found this on the blog STRANGELY ALIVE & this passage totally resinated w/me. Shadow Boy Says," If you hate running or have a preconception about running, maybe you should look at that gut that you are caring around." Now turn off the TV, disconnect from the PC ( Mac or iPhone ), & start walking.

So last night my friend Faith from CB scored me a tix 2 see Willie Nelson's Son at the Mesa Theater. Now you may already know how I feel about the Mesa so I will spare you from that rant. FINALLY, just after 10pm, Lukas started. Again, free ticket!! Lukas on guitar, Cory ( Faith told me the name of a famous band he used 2 play in ) and 2 animal percussionist that made up this 4 piece band. The 1st few songs were pretty good but nothing that jumped off the stage. I really enjoy the cover tunes!! A Jimi song, another rock song that I can't recall the OG band, they ripped a blues-style After Midnight, Smell-A Woman by the Doors, & a kick a$$ cover of Pearl Jams Breathe.

Lukas Nelson is way high energy!! I dig that!! I would recommend seeing this band anywhere but the Mesa. I also give them boys a lot of credit because they are from Seal Beach ( sea level ) California. They never looked winded & NO SET BREAK!! I totally dig that!!! None of that asking the crowd stupid questions. JUST PLAY!!!

ON A SIDE NOTE:

My neighbor stopped by & asked if I would like a game of Pickle Ball. Never heard of the game. "Why Not." I said. Simple overview is a small tennis court & a whiffle ball. Dude, I crushed him. We played 3 games & he only score 7 goal points. After a shucking the 2nd game, I asked him if he wanted 2 just rally a bit. He wanted blood!!! So we played & I worked him good. I didn't mean 2 & I never played before & now he is all fired up 2 play in the evenings & have me play "partners" in a tournament sometime in April. I think I will let him cool his jets & rethink this idea. But hell, if he pays the entry fee, What Else Is Possible?

Feeling Gr8

So Stoked!!

Yesterday was awesome!! Shadow Boy & I were going 2 be timed ( Thanx so much West Slope Runners Group ) again on a 5k. I learned so much from 2 weeks ago. I showed up early, stretched pretty well, & got the blood flowing. Folks started showing up near 5:30pm & before I knew, Mr Tim was saying," Lets Get After It." Something like that.

Now, a little dog & 2 gals were standing off 2 the side, another lady had her dog, I had the Boy Dog. Shadow Boy ran by the little dog because he was focus on the lead dog. I had 2 pull back a bit & call out 2 Shadow "EASY BOY" as I just can't run that fast. Shadow Boy finally relaxed & we had a good rhythm going. As we were running along, checking out the clouds, I saw Mr Tim shooting a quick video of THE WEST SLOPE RUNNERS. My question was this," How the hell did he get up here so damn fast?"

 Just before we went under the train trestle, I had 2 walk. It was time & I am so glad we did. Walking along the river trail is so peaceful. The river, ducks, wind, & oh the wind. Full on head wind which was kinda nice because I cooled me off a bit. Before I knew it Shadow Boy & I were running again. Really relaxed style of running. What does relaxed mean?? It means that I had some slack on his leash. He wasn't focused on other dogs & I felt better about my posture & speed.

We hit the turn around point & I felt as if we were much slower than 2 weeks ago. I even remember feeling OK about this because I just enjoy watching Shadow Boy do his thing in his own world. We off & on walked & ran until the last flat stretch of trail. We began the commitment of running until the end. I noticed that I was taking 4 steps per slab. My body ( Mostly Hips ) didn't feel good if I only hit 3 steps per slab. Shadow Boy & I were on the home corner I was feeling a 41- 45min run. 2 my complete surprise, I pulled out my phone & saw 36:50!!! Then, I felt on top of the world because Mr Tim called out the time & even he knew that we were 2 seconds faster than last time.

After I got Shadow Boy in the car & water was had by both of us…… We just looked at each other & smiled. The way a dog smiles & you know he is happy just being.

I talked w/Mr Tim inside Edgewater Brewery & he told me stories about 100 mile races. Do I see myself running 10 miles???? NOT YET. But 100 miles, oh sh*t no. I couldn't imagine running from GJ 2 Montrose & then turning around & running back. I say this because from my driveway 2 the  Montrose airport its 57 miles. People who run 50, 75, or 100 miles are awesome. They Are. I know that I am rocked after a century ride, but a run. WoW

2day I felt really loose & my ankles weren't sore. My left hammie felt good & walking all the dogs 2day was a OK. 2mar I am going 4 a trail run & hope Mother Nature treats us well. Happy Trails

Awesome Time Being Lost

Little Water Would Be Nice

 The Boy Dog & I started out early 2 explore a trail by the name of More Fun. I totally missed the trail head that connects 2 More Fun. Shadow & I drove until we hit a 4x4 road & him & I agreed that we would stop there. We started off on a 45min climb, during this time, I knew I made a mistake in directions but damn that Boy Dog was happy about living life. Near the top of our 1st climb, I noticed this beautiful valley, the farm lands painted green, the sandstone in the washout areas, the depth of the richness in the juniper trees. We continued along the small ridge & up & over the rolling hills. Shadow & I struggled up the hills, meandered along the downhill, & slowly fell 4ward on the flat lands.

Smokey Distance

Cool Hand Shadow Boy

Looking West 2wards Utah AND NO SMOKE!!!

Love This Dog

We hit a little area where some kind of transmitter is located. The sign said DEAD END. Shadow & I hiked 1hr & 22min at this point. After a look around, some refreshing water, we started back. My legs felt Gr8!! In my mind, it was like a marathon run. I ran the trail very slowly & checked my posture often. I slowed when running uphill & walked when decending the trail. My feel felt strong & my hips were pain-free. So Nice!!! Shadow Boy would get a little ahead of me & find some shade. Then he would fly on by me. It was his interval training. Back 2 the car we went. Shadow & I crossed paths w/a horse & rider. Shadow looked at me like," What Kind Of Dog Was That & No You Cant Ride Me Like That!!"

My 1 little down fall was this, my left hammie locked up. Total Drag!! Just before I took these photos of the Boy Dog, I felt my left ham cramp ever so slightly. I didn't think much of it but by the time we got back 2 the house it felt like a golf ball was under my skin. It doesn't hurt when I use the foam roller but its just sitting there like a damn lump. Should be good 2 go by Wed….. WE HOPE