Hike to Heart Rock Falls: A Love Story
Somewhere in my closet, I have a valentine from my 5th grade crush with a lemon-flavored Lifesaver stuck to the back. The front is…
A Sand Castle for Giants: Shredding the Kelso Dunes
Over winter vacation, I found myself wanting to feel like a kid again. I had two weeks off of “school”, and I was going…
Dance Lessons at the Cowboy Palace
I grew up in the small town of Chatsworth, California. You may know Chatsworth as the porn capital of the world, but I know…
My Brother, The Pirate
Since I began Shoestring Adventures, my brother Mike has been my mentor in trouble-making. Every few weeks, he checks up on me to make…
I Was A Girl Scout Dropout
I was a Girl Scout dropout. I started my own club instead. It consisted of three members, and each of us held high-ranking positions…
Wild Goat Chase: Hike to Three Pools Beyond Seven Falls
In late-September, my friend Rachel and I planned a leisurely hike to Three Pools Beyond Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. Rachel is an exceptional…
Big Sur Jade Hunt: Beginner’s Luck or Fool’s Gold?
For my Aunt Jojo. One day, I hope we can take this trip together. … I’ve known my cousin Taylor since she was born….
Join the Cooking Club at Downtown Women’s Center
I invented at least three new dance moves during the writing of this blog post. OK, so maybe I didn’t actually invent the “Stanky…
Do Some Good: Do Some Bad
Last week I went to the doctor because my left arm and my right leg felt like they had fallen asleep and wouldn’t wake…
Do Some Good: Go Back to 5th Grade
Being the middle child has one major advantage: You get to have a big sister and a little sister all at once! I like…