its been absolutely beautiful here in Manali as of recent. The sky has been clear and morning hikes have been lovely. I've never felt quite this good in my body. A few days ago we hiked to the top of a mountain near by - sat on a big rock, and I could see the big, rocky himalayas laying beyond our wussy grassy mountainous foothills. It was really lovely. Then I showed simone a waterfall I had found a few days before, about a four hour hike, all in all - but incredible. The vista is clear and perfect, and the water is fresh. Privately tucked up into the hillside, at least 500 meters up from where anyone travels, it is completely sacred feeling. I washed and sunbathed on the rocks, overlooking the hills. Nice.
This morning I hiked out to Vaschist for another bath. Had breakfast with Chhape, and enjoyed an apple, picked fresh off of our apple tree. The sun was out, I saw a woman on her porch combing and braiding her daughters hair, and by the time I hiked back all the children were walking through the mountain trails to school. I was the blonde one in the middle of the pack.
Have had a chance to spend some more time roaming about and making some friends. Got to spend a little more time with the Italian guys from the soccer courts - and Marco took me on another motorcycle ride... I'm getting to be a better passenger! I've now made enough good friends with motorcycles that I'm training myself to be prepared to take a tour with one of them... riding on the back. Eventually, I'd like to learn how to drive one, but I'm being patient with that longing!
In terms of work and such, it's been a pretty eventful week. I had an interview with the founder of Boticca (www.boticca.com) an online independent designer shop - promoting awesome designers in fashion, handbags, jewelry, accessories, etc. Anyhow, his partner is helping her mom with a Gallery in Paris - so I'm working to get my portfolio in order to share with her! We're interviewing them to feature them on the networking site - and they are going to be contributing some content for us! It's always great to find partners in our venture - find people who are ultra motivated and want to collaborate... it's so encouraging!
I also have organized an interior sculpture for Manali! While the first bar I came over here to work on is a bit on the backburner, I decided to search out other opportunities. I will be doing an installation in my favorite Restaurant (with my favorite owners!) Drifter's Inn come October!
Also, Alistair (simone's boyfriend and our 3rd business partner) got in town yesterday. I went out for a walk - and the whole house was turned upside down! They rearranged all of the furniture, and it looks really great. So the buzz is alive.
Also, I'll be out of town for a bit on business. Keep a look out for words from the road!
Don't leave til next week, but I don't know if I'll post again before then - so - just FYI!
OH YEAH!
And, My roommate from College, Ms. Sarah Starr was published in Newsweek recently, please check out the following http://www.newsweek.com/id/210895?tid=relatedcl its on our college experience - well done my dear friend!
Well, All, BIG LOVE
and a HAPPY HOG ROAST TO THE HOOVLER CLAN!
AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA MARY!
ahh, the lovliness!
Zoe
ZoBo! Hey dear! I've been keeping tabs on your through Twitter and now I subscribe to your blog! Anyway, I read your friend's article it was good, definitely could relate...I mean us cornfield Indiana girls know how to pick some good friends! I hope all is well! It sounds like you are having the time of your life!
Love ya!