
where art thou hummingbird?
Hummingbirds are sure sign of summer in the Rockies. From my front porch, as I observe the robins, meadowlarks, sparrows, and swallows bicker and play I wonder where the hummingbirds are. Summer in the mountains isn’t complete without them flitting around feeders and hanging planters. The following is an ode, a calling, for their presence.

unreal views
Another short and sweet note since this week it’s all about the views! Sprite checks a local hike off her Summer 2025 list and shares it with you.

dancin’ in the rain
Often, I’m asked either “Do you miss the South?” or “What do you miss about the South?” My immediate response is dancing to live music at bars every weekend, the food, and summers. Out West, the awkwardness of sitting down to watch live music feels incongruous with how we are meant to experience music and I’ve always thought it was a Seattle quirk but am discovering the absurdity of it is more widespread. How can one sit? I wonder. So when I think about my young adulthood, what I’m most nostalgic for is dancin’. In the rain, in the bars, down the street, on stages, with friends. I didn’t realize this phenomenon was part of my culture! Apparently, it’s a rarity outside of the South and oh how I miss it.

when friends come to visit
What to expect when Sprite plans your visit

Wydaho
Michaela and I chatted over the phone to solidify our plans a few long weeks before the culminating holiday weekend of the summer. We were determined to trek across the Tetons. Ok, I was determined and Michaela willingly supported that dream. After discussing shared gear, food, timing, and routing, I lined up other close friends to drop us off in the park. I couldn’t believe my luck, Michaela was finally coming up for a visit and we were going BIG!

refrains on repeat in my head
More whiskey sunsets, please and thank you.

walking with purpose
My close friend from college, Craig, and I often walked around campus together in the evenings. Despite my short stature, I kept up with his long-legged stride. And he fully appreciated this factor. Even complimented me. He phrased it as such, “you walk with purpose.”
saved by the rev of a motorbike
Death, loss, and the grieving experience

mud season
When the snow melts and the brown of the ground fools you into believing in elapsed time warps. Is it Fall again or simply Winter hanging on for dear life? Will Spring erupt soon or are we destined for unsightly mud for another two months? All of it seems to ring true.

wydaho wildfleur wednesdays
During my Grand and Glorious Summer of 2023, I managed to meet a friend for peak wildflower trail runs on mid-week afternoons and dubbed them Wydaho Wildfleur Wednesdays.

how i plan adventuring
Are you of the plan-n-organize all my summer adventures out in detail by January variety or more of the last-minute off the cuff morning of adventurer type? Possibly a hybrid of the two styles? If you’re in the market for a Spring planning and prep guide, you are very welcome to use my framework.

playlists
The lost art of playlist creation for your friends and why it’s imperative to reinstate these social behaviors

TAJ in Action
A story for your reading pleasure.
my favorite week of the year
A week for nerds of all varieties—literary and mathematical.

truthisms
A backstage pass to my adventure experiences

magic and mayhem
Welcome to my birthday month! The month of magic and mayhem—of the “in like a lion, out like a lamb” variety—women’s history month, math and literary celebrations, leprechauns, hints of Spring (jonquils and crocuses for some of you and more snow for the rest of us), and me. There is something irresistibly mystical about a Pisces woman. Ethereal. Complex. Whimsical. Creative. Ok, fine. Dramatic. Moody. Slightly manipulative in the name of adventure/fun/imaginations/peace/hope/what ifs.

ramblin’ thoughts
Before I rush off to the ski hill to squeeze in some downhill practice before rushing off to frolic in Yellowstone for the weekend, I simply must share some thoughts, words, responses!

Sprite’s Review of Hot Pots
We humans are drawn to healing waters. Deep dive into the true and mythological history of soaking in hot pots across cultures and eons to discover the great lengths humans have engaged in simply for the opportunity to soak within mystical, enriching waters. In addition to myths and legends, many religions or spiritual practices include the use of hot springs. The minerals found in the waters are known to be useful for your health and beauty, errrrr I mean wellness. So why not entertain the extra trek, pit stop, or create a whole itinerary revolving around soaking in these precious pools?!

14ers
Peaks above 14,000 ft of elevation—their allure is mystifying.

Palate Cleanser
Since I haven’t written lyrically for a while I’m going to take the chance now as a brief interlude. You deserve a break from my relentless adventuring just like my legs do. Please enjoy this palate cleanser, a term I also affectionately refer to commercial fiction genre books as, to give your brain a break.