🌵 Belly Dance ~ RV Life ~ Nature 🌵

👉 Little summer Catch-Up ☀️🌵🐟

☀️ Hey everyone! Summer’s been hot -  not quite as brutal as last year, but close enough. I’ve been keeping cool where I can and experimenting in the kitchen. Tried an online organic meat provider for the first time  - 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised, shipped with dry ice. My box bounced around the West Coast like a ping pong ball, and I thought for sure it would spoil in 115F+ heat… but it arrived solid. I was skeptical, but the meat and fish were so good I almost forgot what real bacon and salmon taste like. 🐟🥓

☕ On the simple side, I’ve been making homemade iced coffee, way better (and cheaper) than Starbucks. Out here a latte runs close to $10, so DIY feels like a small win. And mason jars? I’m hooked -  bought another set, ditched all cups and even replaced my wine glasses with jars. They’re way tougher, great for leftovers and my zip-loc bags have been lasting forever since I hardly use them anymore. 🫙

🏈 Fantasy football season is here, and I’m crossing my fingers I do better than last year. As for my Cowboys… yeah, it’s rough being a fan these days, but I’ve followed them forever, can’t back out now! Last night I started watching “America’s Team” on Netflix and learned a ton of backstory I never knew. A lot of it was way before my time, but it gave me a new appreciation for the team - ups, downs, and everything in between. And hey, I know plenty of you have a love/hate thing with them, so it’s ok to send a few arrows in the comments (just keep it friendly 😉).

Well hello out there! Last week was out getting some camping, paddleboarding and swimming in. I didn’t want to risk taking my phone out into the water, but still had a blast, even though the bluegills kept nipping at me. 🏊‍♀️

🎣 Did watch a fellow camper catch a ton of catfish using… bread balls! Apparently catfish can't get enough of day-old bread, they just go crazy! Who knew?

A couple weeks ago I chucked all my regular cups and replaced them with mason jars, and honestly, should have done that years ago. And as much as I like drinking vino from a proper glass, they break too easily, so I’m now a fan of wine out of a mason jar. 🫙

⛰️ A few days ago I got around to watching “Misery”, and it brought back memories of my old stomping grounds, especially those back roads and views of Lake Tahoe, good times.

💐 Spring is finally here, whoo hoo! The desert is slowly starting to bloom again, and recent temps have been pretty mild, which makes it a beautiful time to get out and enjoy the area. 🌵

🌧 Finally got some rain, and it was so nice. Until recently, the last real rain was last year in February, and it was desperately needed. Hopefully the area will get more over the next couple months. 🤞

A few weeks ago I got my Playboy magazine, and gotta say, so happy to see it back! Still classy as ever, really enjoyed the pics and reading the articles. 📃

Many of you know I'm a huge Tool fan but lately been listening to their newer stuff, especially 7empest and Pneuma. Both are beasts but really challenge my belly dance and zills practice.

❄️ Another week down, and ready for the weekend, yay! Temps are still pretty cold down here, but on the flip side, days are getting longer, and spring will be here soon.

So after some consideration, I’m gonna go ahead and order some Zildjian finger cymbals, and maybe even a tambourine, that should add extra spice to my dance routine. 💃

🐰 Just ordered a copy of both the digital and physical copy of the Playboy magazine (yes, it’s back!) and it’s gonna start shipping out around mid Feb, just in time for Valentine’s Day. So, if you're interested let me know, and I’ll send the link your way.

🥂 Happy New Year! 🥂

I know I’m a bit late in posting this, but I hope everybody had a fantastic New Year. Up until the first week of January, I’ve been under the weather since Thanksgiving. Since there wasn’t much of a monsoon season last year, it’s been extremely dusty, and I’m pretty sure I had two rounds of Valley Fever plus some local crud that was floating around. So far I feel much better, and hoping that’s the end of that. 🌡️

🐰 I've been taking lots of new pics and videos for my page on Playboy, and been extremely happy with the results. The page is doing well, and I’m very proud of how it’s shaping up, you could call it my ‘magnum opus”. I’m taking the extra time with poses, natural lighting, costumes, even learning how to add a splash of makeup (yes, there was a learning curve there).

I had my first real belly dance gig the first weekend after the New Year, and it made me very happy to just express the art and have so many appreciate it. It has helped me overcome that last bit of shyness cause in the past I’ve only danced for myself and a handful of people in small settings. It’s funny how that works, but sometimes you just gotta dive right in. 💃

🥁 Lately I’ve been also working on my zills, which means lots of basic paradiddles and rudiments. I have a very cheap pair, but I need to upgrade because the sound just doesn't travel long enough for the crowd. I’m kinda torn between Zildjian and Paiste, so if there are any drummers out there, I would love to hear what you gotta say about the two (or if there is another brand that is good quality and reasonably priced). If I get a set or two, maybe I’ll do an unboxing clip and post it here.

A short while ago I finally got around to watching "The Song Remains The Same", a 1976 documentary on Led Zeppelin when they played Madison Square Garden. I loved how artistic and cool it was, but I gotta say, watching Bonham play was just amazing. Drummers have a special place in my heart, but I could watch Bonham, Danny Carey and Jeff Porcaro (RIP) play for days. ❤️

🐇 I've been making good use of the cooler weather to take more pics for my Playboy page. It’s really coming along and that makes me happy. 

So far been keeping up on the regular morning hikes, and making good time, about four miles in an hour. I was never much of a runner, but maybe in a week or two I’ll be jogging short distances. Guess we’ll see how that goes, you never know, maybe in a year I’ll be entering a marathon! 🥾

🃏 Past few weeks been learning to play Texas Hold'em poker. I took a crash course on YouTube, and over time I've been able to get the basics down. My game strategy has improved, but I still get a little confused on recognizing all the possible hands, but I guess that just comes down to more time and repetition.

So, I decided for this “poll” I wanted to give a shout out to my favorite bass players. As much as I love drummers, guitarists and awesome singers, I think bass players are underappreciated, but without them there would be no groove! 🎸 

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Dug Pinnick

Flea

Michael Anthony 

Timothy B. Schmit

Rick James

Paul McCartney

D'arcy Wretzky

Cornelius Mims

Walter Becker

Robert Trujillo

John Deacon

Mona Gnader

Greg T. Walker

I spoke too soon about the temps coming down🌡but after another week it should finally drop into the 90s, yay! I’m not one to complain about the heat, but this summer was brutal for RV living. It was so hot I couldn’t even think. My goal was to just make it through the day!

Over the past week I've been getting up early to take a long hike. I’m trying to get back into my workout routine for dancing. It’s been seven days with no skips, so I’ve been feeling really good about it. I’m already starting to notice more endurance. It’s amazing what a little exercise can do for the body and mind. ✨

🏈 I’ve been watching more football this year and really diving into the NFL Fantasy app. I’m doing much better than last season, sort of. I’m not winning many games but at least I understand why I’m losing. 😏 I’m still learning all the nuances of the game, but I really enjoy it. Watching Aaron Rodgers Tuesdays on the Pat McAfee show helps a lot, and those guys crack me up! 

So, here is my new “poll”. I’ve always loved reading, and I usually stick to history or the classics, but a good memoir or biography can really change your life. These were my favorites. Your thoughts? 🤔

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Life ~ Keith Richards

It's a Long Story ~ Willie Nelson

Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? ~ Steven Tyler

Alice in Chains ~ David de Sola

Scar Tissue ~ Anthony Kiedis

Acid For The Children ~ Flea

The 50th Law ~ 50 Cent

Boys in the Trees ~ Carly Simon

Greenlights ~ Matthew McConaughey

Well, hello out there! 👋 It’s been a long time since I posted, but it was pretty much due to the crazy heat over the summer, but now fall has kicked in, and it’s been much more pleasant this past week, so looking forward to getting out there and taking some new stuff.

Also since it’s been much cooler, getting back into the swing of belly dancing and playing the djembe. It’s really helped me get my rhythm back, and although I feel a little rusty (took the summer off from dancing) but I’m sure I’ll be back even better than before.

Haven’t really watched any new movies, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to comment below. I’m a big fan of documentaries and classics, but I'm open to pretty much anything, except rom-coms!😁 On other news, been really working hard on my Playboy page, so, if you haven’t seen it yet, come on over and say hello! 🐰

I really want to do polls here, and I have no idea how to do them or even if it’s possible. So, until I find out if it’s even a reality, the “poll” will be in the style of a regular post. If you like these kinds of posts, let me know, I’ll do my best to churn them out. 😉

Here is my list of top rock albums you can listen all the way through! Did I miss any?

👋 Hello, Hello! 👋

Well, summer might as well be here down in the southwest. Temps are already in the mid 90's during the day, so soon will be in the 100s+ in no time! The desert is still pretty green, so trying to make the best of it. ☀️🌵

Watched "Yesterday" and if you love The Beatles (and who doesn't 😉) you'll enjoy this one. Watched "Frank", and honestly, one of the most bizarre movies that I still don't know what to make of it. But if you like weird music with a band that looks like it's from the island of misfits, then that flick is up your alley! 😆

Lately during some free time, been watching interviews on youtube from Rick Beato. Gotta say, the quality and conversations are top notch, and if you love learning about the back stories of music history straight from the horses mouth, check his stuff out. 🎵

😆 Happy April Fools Day! 😆

Well hello out there! Lately been cloudy and rainy down here in the Sonoran Desert, but I'm sure the blazing heat is around the corner. Gotta say, the Farmer's Almanac was on point this season, it really was unseasonably cooler and much damper than previous years.

Few days ago spent some time up at Joshua Tree National Park. Was a nice change of pace, and was able to get some really cool pics and video. But I did go during one of the busiest times of the year, and it was packed! Even with all the crowds, I enjoyed my time so much that I'm really considering heading back out sometime this summer when the place empties out so I can do some real exploring. 👀

Oh, and if you want something to watch that takes place in the park, check out "Grand Theft Parsons", which has Johnny Knoxville. It's a bit of a dark comedy but based on a true story.

🌧 Rain, Rain Go Away! 🌧

Happy Sunday! Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Down here in the lovely southwest, been raining since 2am last night, and supposed to be just drizzly and cold through Tuesday. I know, can't complain too much since the rest of the country is going through some serious cold snaps. 🥶

Been busy doing some odds and ends, so haven't been watching much TV or youtube, but I'm gonna get caught up on the Dakar Rally (this year it was held Jan 5-19). I'm a HUGE Dakar fan, especially the dirt bike class. If you are not aware of that race, it's almost 5,000 miles of the harshest terrain you can tackle, and you gotta get it done in two weeks! 😲

❤️ Happy Friday! ❤️

Well here we are, first Friday and heading into the first weekend of the year, yay! Christmas was fun, hosted a campout in the desert, and even grilled a duck! 🦆

It's been years since I cooked one, and back when I did, used an oven, so was unsure exactly how to cook one on the grill. Turns out, all you need to do is treat it like a turkey, it's really a no brainer.

The duck turned out so good, I'm gonna start grilling up more duck and experimenting more with spices and techniques. Next time I'll take a picture and post it 😉

Watched a really good series on Netflix called "Captains of the World". It's a nice recap of the 2022 World Cup, and worth checking out! ⚽

So far the weather has been cold, slightly windy but sunny. Had some light rains, but nothing too bad. But I gotta admit, looking forward to the warmer temps in the spring.

💙 Hello and Happy Friday! 💙

*Well, it's raining cats and dogs right now, and it may just hail a bit too. Can't complain too much, at least it's doesn't snow. 😁

I just wanted to say thank you to all that follow me here and elsewhere 😉, you know I appreciate it ❤️ Gonna be a bit busy over the next week, so in case I'm too early or too late, want to wish all of you a wonderful and prosperous New Year! 🥂

💛💚 Good Evening! 💚💛

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that all went well and smooth 😉 Spent the day hanging out at the river and watching boat races. 🚢

The mornings are a bit on the brisk side, but daytime temps are perfect, so been making the best of this fantastic weather getting more pics and video. Been a busy bee, and of course, getting prepped for the holidays. 🎄🎅

I'll admit, it's been quite a year, and so much has happened. I was gonna make an announcement a month or so ago, but been focused on a couple specific projects. So while it’s a bit on the back burner, I'm really looking forward to making an official announcement real soon (here's a hint - 🐇)

A lot of firsts and goals achieved, with more coming next year (and yes, that includes more posts 😉). Many thanks to all who like and comment on my posts, you know I love reading them 😘

🦃🌽 Happy Thanksgiving! 🌽🦃

Yes, this post is a little early, but I'm sure most of you are traveling or getting ready to go be with friends and family, so hopefully it's all smooth sailing.

Temps are really taking a dive at night and in the morning, but daytime temps are perfect. It's like being in San Diego minus the price tag! 😆

🏴‍☠️🦜 Happy Halloween! 🏴‍☠️🦜