#Road Bike Market Share

[sportsequipmentsmarket]

A Deep Dive into the Global Road Bike Market

The epitome of speed, elegance, and endurance. These two-wheeled machines propel cyclists onto scenic roads, demanding physical prowess and offering moments of pure exhilaration. But beneath the surface of exhilarating rides lies a thriving Global Road Bike Market, brimming with competition, innovation, and promising growth. Buckle up, cycling enthusiasts, as we explore the intricacies of this dynamic market, analyzing its size, share, future trajectory, and key players.

Pedaling Towards Billions: Market Size and Revenue

The global road bike market is no small feat, estimated to reach a staggering US$5.8 billion by 2028, fueled by a CAGR of 5.2%. This translates to millions of cyclists across the globe, from seasoned professionals to weekend warriors, seek Sing the perfect road steed. In 2023, the market already boasts a healthy US$4.8 billion, showcasing its significant contribution to the cycling industry.

Dominating the Peloton: Regional Giants and Niche Leaders

While the road to market leadership is a global affair, regional dominance paints a fascinating picture. North America currently holds the top spot, accounting for a 35% market share in 2023, driven by a strong cycling culture and rising disposable income. However, Europe is hot on its heels, holding a 30% share and boasting renowned brands like Bianchi and Pinarello. Asia Pacific emerges as a promising contender, expected to witness the highest growth rate due to its burgeoning middle class and increasing interest in cycling.

Riding the Trends: Market Drivers and Challenges

Several factors propel the road bike market forward:

Increased health and fitness awareness: Cycling’s health benefits and eco-friendly nature resonate with consumers, driving participation and bike sales.

Technological advancements: Innovations like lighter materials, electronic shifting, and connected bikes enhance performance and user experience.

Urbanization and infrastructure development: Improved cycling infrastructure in cities encourages bike commuting and recreational riding.

However, challenges also lie ahead:

Supply chain disruptions: Global challenges can affect component availability and production costs, impacting pricing and delivery times.

Rising competition: New entrants and niche brands challenge established players, demanding constant innovation and differentiation.

Economic uncertainties: Inflation and fluctuating currency rates can impact consumer purchasing power and market growth.

Looking Ahead: Gearing Up for the Future

The future of the road bike market is promising, with experts predicting steady growth in the coming years. Here are some key trends to watch:

E-bikes are gaining traction: Electric-assisted Road bikes offer accessibility and extended range, attracting new riders and expanding the market.

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) model: Brands are bypassing traditional retail channels, connecting directly with customers and offering personalized experiences.

Focus on sustainability: Eco-friendly materials and production practices are becoming increasingly important for environmentally conscious consumers.

Unlocking Insights: Road Bike Market Research Reports

Navigating the complex road bike market requires valuable data and insights. Market research reports by organizations like Grand View Research, Research and Markets, and Allied Market Research provide comprehensive analyses of market size, growth, regional trends, and leading players. These reports empower investors, brands, and industry stakeholders to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The Final Lap: Embracing the Ride

The global road bike market is a dynamic force, propelled by a passion for cycling, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. Understanding its size, growth, challenges, and future outlook equips you with the knowledge to navigate this exciting landscape. So, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a curious investor, or an aspiring entrepreneur, keep an eye on the road ahead — the global road bike market promises a thrilling ride filled with innovation and growth.

[lionheartlr]

Discover Bolivia: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

A Glimpse into Bolivia’s Rich History Bolivia, a landlocked country in South America, boasts a diverse and rich history. It was originally inhabited by ancient civilizations, including the Tiwanaku and the Inca Empire. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, leading to centuries of colonial rule. Bolivia gained independence in 1825 but has since experienced a turbulent political…

[whimsicalwritingsandmore]

Valentine's Series #2: Photobooth in Jeju | seonghwa x reader

Pairing: park seonghwa x reader

Genre, fluff, romance

Summary: For your first Valentine's together, Seonghwa takes you to Jeju where you come across the cutest photobooth.

Word Count: 472 words

Seonghwa adored your whimsical ways and how positive you were, even if the situation was not the best. You didn’t pretend and always found joy in the little moments the two of you shared. He noticed the first time you met - the glitter and glimmer in your eyes when you passed by the flower store or the street market when you saw and smelled the most delicious treats. He had seen it again on your first date and many dates after that. 

Both of you were like two peas in a pod and found yourselves in a relationship as both lovers and best friends; speaking in hushed whispers and intertwining your hands as a testament of love and playfully teasing each other as a demonstration of the warm companionship shared.

For your first Valentine's together, Seonghwa decided to take you on a trip to Jeju. Despite being far away from home, the soothing island and each other’s company brought a feeling of ease and comfort. Everyday involved something captivating and fun as the two of you traversed until you didn't know the way anymore, strolling along wherever the roads took you.

 On Valentine's Day, you began a mini road trip on bikes, enjoying the lush island and serene atmosphere. While Seonghwa rode in front of you, you admired his silhouette from behind and reflected just how much more you had fallen for him on this trip. If love was a person it would be him. To you, Park Seonghwa was thoughtful and devoted as he always remembered your favourite things and always tried to make time for your relationship. 

Similarly, Seonghwa reflected and smiled giddily as he thought about how you were like a gentle ocean wave that was cooling on a hot day and washed away all his worries. Seonghwa was in love, something he never thought he would get to experience the way the poets talked about it. But for him, what he had with you felt similar to poetry.

During the night while you strolled through the town hand in hand, you stumbled upon a pink photobooth with retro lights. Fascinated, you guided Seonghwa and rushed to enter to take the goofiest and memorable photos for your scrapbook.

"What pose should we do next?" You asked.

Seonghwa looked at you lovingly, and instead of answering your question, he responded with three words he had been holding dear to his chest for a while.

"I love you." he whispered.

Your eyes widened in surprise, not expecting for him to confess, and you turned to him, lost in his starry eyes.

It was an intimate moment that got caught on camera: him smiling like a goofball filled with overflowing love and adoration for you while you looked back at him in the same way, with both your hands holding each other.

[weaselle]

My perfect day is…

i want to wake up around 6:30 and snuggle someone, have coffee over parallel-play style Gentle Mentals [as in an activity that provides gentle mental stimulation, for example scrolling social media, reading a newspaper, finishing last nights chapter in the book you’re reading, doing a crossword puzzle etc]

Then trade cooking breakfast and clean up with shower times [A showers while B cooks, then B showers while A does final cook phase, plates breakfast and does clean up, and we trade off who is A and who is B depending on how we feel about cooking or cleaning- and when i'm B i'm for sure going to do be doing some breakfasts that are clean as you go finishers so my partner gets a little No Clean Up Surprise some mornings]

Then we eat, dress, and i Clock On For Myself [as an entrepreneur which i am currently trying again because i would really like my own little enterprise instead of working to make other people's dreams come true]

I'd love to spend work time with a partner, either just in the business partnership sense with someone, or with my romantic partner, who could also be my business partner if they were into that like i am, but even if we were just each doing our own work, i’d love to work with my romantic partner even just in a parallel-play sense. Like, even if i have no business partner AND my romantic partner is not my business partner, and i am just hard at work for myself as a small business entrepreneur, then in an ideal world i would like at least part of our workday to be sharing space in some way, just, to feed off each other’s getting-shit-done vibes if nothing else. But it would be nice to be able to idk, complain about a tough client, or brag about a workday accomplishment to each other, maybe eat lunch together or something)

Finish up the day in time to have an afternoon/evening shift for self, i.e. go to the gym, go to a dance class, do a big cooking dinner thing, run errands, whatever.

Have at least an hour of recreation time with partner in the evening. Snuggles and books or a show/movie in bed for favorite. Sleep by 10:30

And then days off where we lean into the romance of the moment.

Uh, you know, when you Lean Into the Romance of the Moment?

Like, if it’s raining, then we we're probably gonna do candles and books and tea or hot cocoa and listen to the rain on the roof, or light a fire in the fireplace and eat stew and binge watch something under the blankets on the couch. That’s what i mean by leaning into the romance of the moment, like if it’s morning and we’re super tired from a hard week or a late night, then we do PJs in the cafe and/or the sunglasses indoors brunch, or the wake and bake cartoons and munchies day, really lean into the romance of the hangover sunday vibe. And if it’s nice and we’re feeling it we go road-tripping or backpacking or kayaking or museum hopping or go-cart racing or nature walking or have some kind of Hallmark Holiday Date experience where we, like, go on a bike ride together and then drink hot pumpkin spice drinks while we wander the local farmer’s market. Oh and the Zoo and probably an amusement park and we could pack a day bag and hop a ferry to the city and do some urban exploration. I just. Want a life where i can live comfortably (rent a decent apartment, save for my old age) with a real partnery partner, and do those kinds of things.

ANYway, that’s what i want. Not that weird to do list i made when i first tried this.

[laidee-flegman]

52 intimate moments

Here are 52 intimate moments to help you create and cherish meaningful connections with your Boo:

1. Sharing a passionate kiss in the rain.

2. A quiet night at home, cuddling and watching your favourite movies.

3. Dancing together under the stars, even if it's just in your backyard.

4. Writing love notes to each other and leaving them in unexpected places.

5. Preparing and enjoying a homemade candlelit dinner together.

6. Taking a leisurely bubble bath or shower for two.

7. Going on a spontaneous road trip with no set destination.

8. Stargazing on a clear night, wrapped up in blankets.

9. Exchanging massages to relax and connect physically.

10. Cooking a new recipe together and laughing at any culinary mishaps.

11. Waking up early to watch the sunrise together.

12. Planning a surprise date night for your partner.

13. Sharing childhood stories and reminiscing about your pasts.

14. Going for a hike and enjoying the beauty of nature.

15. Having a deep and meaningful conversation about your hopes and dreams.

16. Trying a new hobby or activity together, like painting or dancing.

17. Playing a board game or card game that brings out your competitive spirit.

18. Taking a weekend getaway to a cosy cabin in the woods.

19. Holding hands while taking a long walk on the beach.

20. Lying in bed together, sharing your thoughts and feelings in the dark.

21. Experiencing a quiet moment of serenity and mindfulness together.

22. Going on a picnic in a picturesque park.

23. Writing a joint bucket list of things you want to experience together.

24. Sitting by a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories.

25. Sharing a spontaneous, passionate kiss when you least expect it.

26. Whispering sweet nothings and compliments into each other's ears.

27. Taking a leisurely bike ride through a scenic route.

28. Planning and executing a surprise adventure day for your partner.

29. Going for a moonlit walk and talking about your future together.

30. Creating a scrapbook or photo album of your favourite memories.

31. Taking a cooking or dance class together to learn something new.

32. Sharing a lazy Sunday morning in bed, cuddling and reading together.

33. Trying out a new restaurant or cafe and savouring the flavours together.

34. Going on a weekend camping trip to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

35. Visiting an art gallery or museum and discussing your favourite pieces.

36. Writing love letters to each other and reading them aloud.

37. Sharing a bottle of wine and reminiscing about your first date.

38. Trying out a karaoke night, singing your hearts out together.

39. Taking a scenic drive with no specific destination, just enjoying the journey.

40. Going on a scenic hike and having a picnic at the summit.

41. Having a cosy, rainy-day cuddle session with your favourite books.

42. Visiting a local farmers' market or fair and trying new foods together.

43. Taking a spontaneous dip in the ocean or a nearby lake.

44. Going on a bike ride and exploring your town or city together.

45. Taking a day off to relax and pamper yourselves with spa treatments.

46. Sharing your dreams and goals, and brainstorming ways to support each other.

47. Attending a live concert or performance and dancing to the music.

48. Going for a scenic drive to a nearby town and exploring its charm.

49. Spending a day volunteering together for a meaningful cause.

50. Sharing a laughter-filled pillow fight or playful wrestling match.

51. Taking a leisurely walk in a botanical garden, admiring the beauty of flowers.

52. Ending the day with a warm and loving embrace, appreciating each other's presence.

[my-mt-heart]

I have some thoughts on Daryl’s arc that I want to share, but I’ll hold off a day or two because 1) it might get ugly and 2) I think Carol/Melissa deserve the spotlight a lot more right now.

Just seeing her on my screen again is a huge relief after so much uncertainty over the past year and a half, and of course the performance is insanely good. What I'm most grateful for is the fact that Carol has a clear emotional drive. We don't have to analyze her micro expressions for hours or turn over every stone to get a rough idea of her headspace. She says it herself. She's looking for Daryl. She's already gone to great lengths to find him when he doesn't turn up at the time he said he would, and thanks to the teaser, we know she'll keep going as long as there's hope he's still alive. I want to see where her determination takes her (once she gets across the ocean I mean), and obviously I want to watch the inevitable reunion between her and Daryl. It's the most anticipated scene of S2, so it needs to be big. Like, unambiguous canon big. It's what the characters and the fans deserve.

Bear with me though because I do have some issues with Carol's first appearance in 106. “God, MT, can't you just look on the bright side?” I could, but then I’d have to lower my standards, which enables AMC to keep lowering their standards when it comes to telling Daryl's and Carol's story. Theirs has always been an inspiring one, not because of all the people they've saved or all the things they've blown up, but because of the emotional core. They're two lost souls who find each other after the world ends, raising each other up to become stronger than the people around them, the audience, and even they themselves ever imagined. Their story is deep. It offers hope to fans facing their own challenges in life, so it has to be handled with a lot of care. Cheap gimmicks are beneath them, but cheap gimmicks are what we get in this scene.

It's a little bit like S7 when she runs into a group of saviors on the road, taking them out with a gun hidden up her sleeve. It reminds me that this woman is one of the most resourceful badasses in all of TWDU. And as a Caryl shipper, it delights me to see her ride off on Daryl’s bike—also badass for the record. To me though, when the nostalgia/shipper's high wears off, these things feel like distractions. There’s not really a compelling twist, like for example, finding out that Carol stowed away on the boat Daryl was on and had been in France the whole time. There's not enough momentum to keep me hyped through the long hiatus. The teaser does the vast majority of that right now, which is cool, but I want to see that same effort to market the show to me in the show itself. I want good writing. I want the connective tissue. I want the payoff. Will we ever see how Carol learned to ride a motorcycle in the first place or do I have to fill in the blanks myself just like I had to do throughout most of S11? Will we get Caryl beats that outdo the extremely unnecessary and OCC nunbaiting beats?

I don't trust Zabel to deliver everything I'm looking for. I don't think he's very clear on who Carol is, what she represents to the fans, or what her relationship with Daryl represents to the fans. Melissa does understand all of that though, so I have hope her input will make a difference. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again. I'm so happy she's back. I'm happy she seems so excited to be back. She deserves everything she's ever wanted for Carol.

[wendymooprincess]

Solar Punk rundown

I really am excited about the idea of Solar Punk. I thought I would list a couple of things that I have done in my life that I believe fills the aesthetic:

I am part of a local makerspace and we share tools, knowledge, food, etc.

Because of being a member of this makerspace, I am able to use materials that are donated or scraps. One of the projects that I keep coming back to is crocheting a scrap blanket from leftover yarn.

I run a repair cafe. I haven't gotten many people to participate yet, but this has allowed me to mend my clothes and fix other things (I repaired a bread box that I purchased from the thrift store this past month, for example).

I am also apart of a local knitting group. Not is it only great in gaining knowledge from an older generation, but we give each other items all the time. I recently took some old curtains off of my window and I wanted them gone. A participant of the knitting group took them and plan on making a skirt with them. On that same day, another person gave me her red yarn that she didn't want anymore. I also got some peach jam from a lady there. She used my peaches from my peach tree to make it.

One of my favorite activities is shopping at a thrift store. I have to be careful not to overspend, but I find so many good finds. On one such trip, I bought a barely used instantpot for $30.

I think that is mostly it. There are many Solar Punk activities that I would like to add to my list over time:

I have a problem with food waste. I buy something from the store, forget about it, and then it gets tossed. I think the solution to this is to learn how to do meal planning (easier said than done). Also, do even more composting (I already have a worm bin, but the worms are slow eaters).

I would like to reduce my reliance on my car to get to places. When I was younger, I did not have a car to drive, so I rode my bike and took the bus all the time to get to work. I wouldn't have an issue taking the bus, it just takes more time management. I am happy that we have public transportation, but it could be better. As for bike riding, it has become a very dangerous activity around my area. There are so many tall trucks now and people getting hit all the time. It makes me nervous. Not sure what I could do.

Since I have a backyard now, I would like to start growing more food at home. I am more interested in growing perennials than anything else. I know they take a long time to grow before any produce is made, but I like the idea of doing the planting once and then relax.

For the rest of the groceries, take a trip more often to the local farmer's market. There is one just down the road from me. I don't know why I have not gone there yet.

So that is my list of Solar Punk items. What do you do to be more Solar Punk? Do you have any advice for me? I would like to follow more Solar Punk blogs, so let me know of any.

[edgessunflower]

Small moments prompts

Divider credits to @firefly-graphics

Actions

Dancing in the rain

Listening to favorite songs

A smell bringing back fond memories

The first sip of coffee/tea

Hearing the birds tweeting and singing

Showering after a long day

Going to sleep in freshly washed sheets

Driving around on a sunny day

Bike rides in the spring evening

Rewatching childhood movies

Cooking a romantic dinner

A trip to the beach

Watching a sunset or rise

Family time

Smelling flowers

Baking

Looking at old photos

Disney trips

Concerts

Sleeping in

An unexpected road trip

Picnics

Reading books

Drawing

Picking flowers

Staying up together when you can't sleep

Catching snowflakes

Hiking

Thrift shopping

Painting

Ice cream walks

Long hugs

Flea markets

Bonfires

Dialogue

"Life is made of small moments like this"

"Happiness lives inside of the smallest moments"

"The little things? The little moments? they aren't little"

"Sometimes it's just the little things that make you happy"

"Little things will always matter to me, always"

"Moments like this make me love life in a way I never have before"

"It's the little things that make a big difference"

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart"

"Those little things, those brief moments are the most precious"

"You make the little things even bigger and more precious"

"It's the little things in life that mean the most"

"Sometimes little things are more than enough"

"My life is a collection of small moments with you"

"You always show me how big the little and simple moments are"

"I never knew how important moments like these are"

"None of these moments would mean anything or be complete without any of you in it"

"You all taught me how to truly cherish and hold the little things close and dear to my heart"

"Any moment with you no matter how big or small means the world to me"

"These are the moments I didn't realize I was looking for all my life"

"I would have never known that love could be shown in a small moment so unconditionally"

"All my life I have looked for meaning and now in this small moment with all of you, I realize I'm home"

"You saved me with the smallest moments of love and nothing could be bigger than that"

"Home isn't in this house, it's with you and the little moments we share together"

"There are no moments that hold more love than the smallest moments"

"Small moments forge deep bonds"

"I hope you can see how the everyday sweet little things are the most beautiful"

"Appreciate small moments of happiness because they are so important"

"Happiness is enjoying the little things in life"

"Life is a collection of small moments"

[afvenvs3000f24]

Unit 3 Blog Post: Privilege and its Role Within Nature Interpretation

Privilege, in terms of my working definition of it, is an advantage or immunity that can be exclusive to groups or individuals depending on the degree of it. Sometimes, privilege isn't simply assigned to individuals or groups due to physicality; it can also pertain to the state of mind and even decisions (regardless of whether made before or after your birth). Privilege can be pictured as an umbrella given to everyone at birth, but the type of umbrella and its quality depends on physical and mental factors such as your race, health/body functions and mental health. Additionally, the condition of everyone's umbrella depends on your parents and the decisions they made until you were born. Eventually, it will also depend on your own choices in life. An umbrella works well for this hypothetical example because, like privilege, an umbrella is a tool in life that can help and protect you. In this case, it can protect people from getting wet and possibly sick or even help avoid skin damage from the sun on warmer days. Another great use of one's umbrella is to share it and help those who unfortunately were not handed the same cards in life.

Focusing more on nature interpretation, before beginning this course, if you had asked me if I thought privilege played a role in nature interpretation, I wouldn't have given it too much thought and said no. But after reading the blogs and textbook chapters from the past weeks, as well as the unit lessons we've done so far, I've had a more open mind in seeing all the different perspectives of nature interpretation and how each person experiences it. After analyzing my past experiences with nature, recalling my visits to other countries and cities, plus thinking about my education and the extensive knowledge I've gained, all confirmed for me that privilege does play a great role in nature interpretation. As I was reflecting on many blogs from the first unit, many people (including me) mentioned that their families or parents were the ones who offered them a sense of place within nature. Having a close, healthy relationship with those they love and being able to take time off of work and afford to go on many nature trips to share their love for nature through knowledge and guidance is a privilege.

An image I took while on my vacation in Panama, on our way to a boat tour.

Additionally, while I was in Panama this summer visiting family, one of the first things I noticed while travelling around in different neighbourhoods with varying socioeconomic backgrounds, was the difference between available, well-kept green areas. In Costa Del Este (a neighbourhood in Panama City) where my uncle and cousins live, there are large green areas, each having a different specific use for soccer, football, track, biking, hiking, and large parks with beautiful fountains; most of it felt familiar and reminded me of home and the trails I had been on before to some extent. However, this was not the case when we drove by poorer neighbourhoods; many more small houses were occupying the area, and I saw little to no green areas or parks. Even when visiting the local markets in these neighbourhoods, I noticed a lot of litter and thrown garbage down the road in the trees and flowing down rivers; my dad had even spotted a floating fridge getting carried away by the current. This particular visit stuck with me and made me question the injustice of it all leading me to do some research on Panama's state of poverty and education in which I found out that its education is ranked 83 of 144 of the world's worst (Reilly, 2017). Even though there isn't a specific correct way to interpret nature, I strongly believe that it is a privilege in our society to receive enough education and guidance (regardless of whether from an institution or a reputable person) to be able to interpret nature from an outlook of respect and admiration; rather than not thinking twice about how one's trash affects the world.

Once arriving back in Canada, I really took in how privileged I am to live in an area and country with so much greenery and public spaces to be with nature. It also made me realize what a luxury it is to have free time to spend in nature and learn from it rather than having to use that time to work to provide for your family and yourself.

Source:

Reilly, J. (2020, July 17). Rich country, poor people: Life on the rural Panamanian coast - ICWA. Institute of Current World Affairs. https://www.icwa.org/rich-country-poor-people-panama/

[dkaufmandevelopment]

“America’s First Car-Free Community”: A Blueprint for Urban Living

In the heart of the Arizona desert, a groundbreaking experiment in urban living is unfolding. Culdesac, just 15 miles from downtown Phoenix, bills itself as “America’s First Car-Free Community.” Built “from scratch,” this innovative development challenges the status quo and offers a glimpse into a future where cars take a back seat.

The Vision

In 2023, nearly 140 residents made their homes in Culdesac, and ambitious plans are underway to expand to accommodate 1,000 residents across 760 apartments on 17 acres by 2025. But what sets this community apart?

Car-Free Living: A Paradigm Shift

No Car, No Problem

At Culdesac, car ownership is optional. Rentals range from $1,500 to $2,280 per month for one- or two-bedroom apartments, with renter incentives that can bring costs down to approximately $1,200 a month. Short-term, fully furnished rentals are also available. Residents enjoy multiple auto-free travel options, including:

Light Rail: A convenient stop right at the neighborhood corner.

E-Bikes: Pedal power for short trips.

Car-Share Station: Stocked with brand-new Chevy Bolt EVs.

Fitness and Freedom

Living without a car has unexpected benefits. No gas or insurance expenses, and it encourages physical activity. Culdesac’s well-designed layout features courtyards, gardens, and an exceptional on-site gym—an amenity that rivals any apartment complex.

Community Connection

Culdesac embodies a people-first philosophy. Social interactions are “built in,” fostering neighborly connections. Movie nights, farmers markets, and friendly bump-ins create a vibrant community spirit. Nate Dicochea, the leasing manager, sums it up: “There’s always something to do and some place to go.”

College Student Appeal

Culdesac resonates with college students who often don’t own cars. The convenience of nearby amenities and the absence of parking hassles make it an ideal choice.

The Road Ahead

Culdesac’s success prompts questions: Could car-free living catch on? The community eyes expansion into Mesa, AZ, and Atlanta. Realtor.com economist Ralph McLaughlin observes, “The emergence of car-free built environments will be an interesting trend to follow.” As America rethinks its car-centric culture, Culdesac leads the way toward a more connected, sustainable future.

Note: Culdesac’s innovative approach challenges traditional norms, but whether it becomes a widespread trend remains to be seen. Stay tuned. 🚶‍♂️🏢🌿

[stilltravels]

Paris, Barcelona and Rome

PARIS, BARCELONA, AND ROME

11 Days

Pastries, tapas, and spaghetti alla carbonara are waiting on this tantalizing nine-night journey to France, Spain, and Italy. Guests will arrive in Paris, where they can stretch their legs in the Tuileries Garden, admire the interior of Sacré-Coeur, or take a day trip to the stunning Palace of Versailles. From there, it’s on to Barcelona—home to the magnificent La Sagrada Familia and the bustling pedestrian thoroughfare of La Rambla. Guests can browse the artworks on display in the Picasso Museum or stroll through whimsical Park Güell before heading on to explore the ancient wonders of Rome. After they’ve toured the Colosseum and marveled at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, they can sample street food at Testaccio Market or rent a bike and pedal along the Appia Antica—one of the oldest roads in the Roman Empire.

Date - Aug 22 - Sept 1, 2024

What's Included

Seine River Cruise from Eiffel Tower

Paradis Latin - Dinner and Show Gustave Eiffel

Lunch at Eiffel Tower + Cruise + Paris City Tour PM

Private Full Day Barcelona Sightseeing - Car and Driver

Shared Tour: Sagrada Familia plus Artistic-The Best of Gaudi Half-day Tour

Flamenco Show with Dinner at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

Shared Tour: Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Private Cooking Workshop with Boqueria Market Visit Afternoon Tour in Barcelona

Small Group: Exclusive Cooking Lesson & Grocery Tour in Rome

Small Group: Cooking Class in Mazzano

Private Morning Half Day Rome Tour with Car & English Speaking Driver

Total Package Price - $2,517.00 (per person)

Call or text 6784691977 or email yourstilltravels@gmail.com

www.stilltravelsllc.com

**Prices and availability are subject to change

#france#parisfrance#barcelona#spain#rome#italy#italygram#slowtravel#slowtravelling#travelling#travellingram#travellingtheworld#travellife#luxurylife#luxurytravel#luxury#vacations#travels#travelinspiration#travelagent#travellovers#traveltheworld#stilltravels

[wastelandmoony]

Déjà Vécu: Chapter Two

Chapter Two: Electric Warrior

Characters: Remus Lupin/Reader, Sirius Black/Reader (no use of y/n)

Summary: The visions become more frequent as she finds a mysterious box of items at her childhood home.

Warnings: Minors DNI, 18+ only!, angst, anxiety/overwhelming feelings

Read on AO3

Companion Playlist

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The shrill ring of the phone woke her from a restless sleep. Blindly running her hand along the mattress, she felt the empty sheets slide through her fingers. Tommy must have left for work already. The shrieking of the phone again made her groan into the pillow. She sat up and reached for the receiver on the nightstand.

“Hullo?” She rasped, voice heavy with sleep.

“What’re you doing still in bed?!” 

Her best friend Kate was never one for proper greetings. 

“Shut up it’s only…” she glanced over at the alarm clock, 11:30am, “…shit.” 

She ran a hand over her face.

“D’ya want to come shopping today? I was thinking of doing Camden Market,” Kate cheerfully crackled through the line.

“Sure, yeah. Give me a few minutes, I’ll meet you at the station.”

——

Kate was bouncing up and down by the time she showed up.

“How are you chipper this early on a Saturday?” She grumbled, shifting uncomfortably in her jeans and docs. The sudden awakening this morning had left her with zero desire to put effort into her appearance, leading to a pair of faded jeans and the same maroon and gold jumper from the night prior. Still not able to remember where exactly she had gotten it from, though it was quickly becoming her favorite article of clothing. 

“It’s past noon, get it together,” Kate gave a side-eye glare as she pinched the sleeve of the maroon sweater, “where’d you get this, it’s cute.”

She shrugged her off as the train approached, “Found it.”

Kate bore the largest share of the conversation on the way to Camden, talking animatedly about her new girlfriend and their plans on adopting a dog.

“Look at this little black shaggy one! Isn’t he sweet?” She showed her a clipped photo from the classified ad section of the paper. 

Nodding half-heartedly, she barely took a look at the photo, still feeling entirely burnt out. The scruffy looking dog in the photo made her scowl, “He looks like he’d be a problem.”

The market was packed, which was to be expected for a Saturday right before the holidays. They wound through the rows of stalls, peeking through stacks of vintage shirts, leather bags, and quirky knick-knacks. I need to get Tommy a Christmas gift, she made a mental note as she flipped through a stack of cds for sale. A motorcycle engine roared to life nearby, drawing her attention just as Kate rejoined her side. The man straddling the seat looked in their direction, throwing his helmet on before riding off. She stared at his retreating form, the flutter of something thumping in her chest. A strange longing pulled at her heartstrings, she wanted to be on the back of that bike. Exhaust filled her nose and she closed her eyes, feeling the wind blow through her hair, gripping onto soft leather, hearing a man calling her name, “Alright, love?! Look down—”

“Hey!” Kate called from inside a stall, “fancy a pint? We can grab food at the pub down the road.”

She nodded a response, shaking the other voice from her head, eyes still focused on the motorcycle in the distance. 

The two made their way down High Street, growing closer toward the canal until they found the pub. Choosing a spot by the window overlooking the street, they ordered drinks and food, and Kate began to give a run down of what she bought back at the market. Tuning in and out of the conversation, the stone bridge just on the other side of the street was distracting her. Her eyes kept leaping over towards it, consciously being sucked in by some invisible force. As she stared at the worn stones, a sudden rush of emotion crashed over her. 

She could feel the stones cutting into her back, the rough edges grinding against her spine. The smell of smoke, leather, and warm spice filled her senses as she gripped onto something silky and dark. A word was on the tip of her tongue, begging to be let out as she felt her body on the precipice of convulsion. 

Si—

“Hey!” Kate’s snapping brought her back. She blinked a few times, trying to grasp onto what just happened. It was a memory, but she couldn’t remember ever being in this part of the city let alone near that bridge.

“Sorry…I zoned out for a second. Work has me going nuts,” she offered a sheepish smile as an apology, while Kate slid over another pint. 

It started to get dark as they left the pub, the majority of the tourists leaving the area at that point, blanketing the dark streets with a peaceful quiet save for a few passing cars and pedestrians. The two women made their way back to the tube, passing by the market once more. She glanced over as they crossed the road, and caught a glimpse of a person in a familiar wool coat walking amongst the stalls. Upon a double take, they were gone, the soft glow of the Christmas lights illuminating the empty market.

——

December 23rd, 1998

One last day of work before the holiday break. 

She just had to make it through one more bloody day. 

The museum was usually busy the week leading up a holiday, many schools opting field trips rather than a usual lesson plan before a long break. On her lunch hour she made the familiar journey upstairs to the Print gallery, taking a seat in front of Circe. The gallery was quiet, with only a few other visitors slowly meandering throughout. She opened her tattered copy of Emily Bronte poems and began to lose herself in the words. A figure walked up beside the bench, paying her no mind as he stared ahead at the print. She looked over and was met with the sandy haired man from last week. She felt slightly uneasy by his returning presence, but decided to make light of it.

“Are you stalking me?” She laughed lightly, looking up as he turned towards the question, taking a seat on the bench beside her. 

He smiled slightly, “No, i’m not stalking you—” 

She hadn’t gotten a look at his face last time, but he was younger than she initially believed, he had to be in his late thirties at least. Silver scars were etched across his skin, the largest spanning from his left eyebrow to his right cheekbone. His sandy hair was wavy in a slightly unruly way, strands of grey peaking through the sides. The most striking part about him were his eyes. Hazel with deep greens and warm browns; a forest after a heavy rain. Something about them calmed her. 

“—I live nearby, so I come here a lot.”

She smiled, “A fellow art purveyor, I see.”

He chuckled, the sound warming her chest, “I guess you could say that,” he motioned down to the book in her lap, “Good choice.”

“Oh,” she giggled, “Yeah, I love Bronte. I like poetry in general, but she’s my favorite. I love her duality; she can devastate with a single line, or completely romanticize the mundane.”

His eyes bore into her, and it might have been a trick of the light, but she could have sworn they flashed gold for a split second. 

“That’s a beautiful way of putting it,” he grinned.

Something was pulling her towards this stranger. Was he even a stranger anymore? This was technically not their first meeting. She decided to throw caution to the wind and tell him her name, something that he accepted with a smirk.

“I’m Remus, it’s a pleasure,” he shook her hand and she noticed he had scars on them as well. She wondered what they were from.

“Remus?” She raised an eyebrow at his unconventional moniker. 

He chucked, “It’s ridiculous, I know…”

She shook her head vehemently, “No! I was actually going to say I think it’s very cool, like the myth. Were you also raised by a wolf, Remus?” she joked.

He made an amused face, “Well, some have claimed as such…”

Unsure of how to react, she just chose to laugh, eliciting another brief smile from Remus. 

She glanced down at her watch, “Shit, I have to go, my break is up.”

He stood when she rose from the bench, extending his hand again as she took it. 

“It was great speaking with you, again,” she laughed. He inclined his head and gave a closed smile. 

“Enjoy your Christmas, Remus,” she waved before heading back down toward her office. 

The smell of soot filled her nose as she cleared the doorway of the gallery. Someone was screaming, though it sounded far away she could still make out the words.

“Help! Get Mum!” The male’s voice yelled, and her body went cold. 

She could smell blood.

“He’s lost a lot of blood, Monty…” a woman’s voice, calmer but filled with urgency rang out.

She looked around the corridor; there was a few families around, none of which were in a panic. 

What the fuck was going on? 

She needed to sit down. 

Quickly, she walked back down to her office, trying to breathe normally as her mind raced. She’d experienced deja vu a handful of times in her life, like everyone, but these memory flashes were something different entirely. These weren’t just a vague sense of repeating a moment, these were intense emotional snippets that encompassed her entire senses. She sat down at her desk, resting her forehead on the wooden surface. Even equal breaths calmed her slightly, the thought of seeing her parents for Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow made her feel even better.

——

December 24th, 1998

“Mum, do you need help with anything?”

Her small childhood home was filled with the traditional scents of Christmas: crisp pine, roasted turkey, a crackling fire, and a subtle hint of chocolate. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she could breathe.

Her mother waved her off as she flitted around the kitchen, stirring pots and chopping vegetables for dinner. Tommy and her dad were laughing loudly at a rerun of an old Fawlty Towers episode playing in the living room. 

“Actually darling,“ her mother chimed, looking up from the stove, “could you set the table? The good plates are in your old bedroom, in the box labeled ‘entertaining’.”

She nodded and made her way towards the stairs.

“Don’t forget the serving tray too!” Her mother called after her.

The pale carpet underfoot was worn down, years of traffic from her racing up and down the hallways, galloping through the house while creating elaborate fantasy worlds about witches and kings and dragons. Her old bedroom stood at the end of the hall, the white paint on the door flaking off in spots where she had meticulously placed stickers when she was 8 years old. The walls inside were still a faint lilac, but the furniture had all been sold years ago, replaced with random boxes and used as extra storage space. The only thing left was a tall bookshelf, filled with memorabilia from her childhood that she didn’t take when she moved out. She ran her fingers over the books on the middle shelf, remembering when she would beg for just ‘one more chapter’ as her mom nodded off at her bedside. 

She looked up at the higher shelves, glancing over the plastic horses and discarded crayon boxes, stopping on a box perched on the very top of the bookcase, wedged against the ceiling. Dumping out a crate filled with old magazines, she flipped it over and used it as a stool, reaching up and wrenching the cardboard box free. It wasn’t heavy, but she still handled it with the utmost care as it was placed onto the floor. Sitting cross legged, she examined the old box. It wasn’t secured shut, just held closed by the top flaps. There was writing on the side, scribbled in hurried handwriting:

Do not open unless instructed - RL

She scrunched her eyebrows, RL? She didn’t know anyone with those initials…

Carelessly ignoring the etched instructions, she unfolded the top flaps and peered inside. 

It was…normal stuff? 

Old vinyl records caught her eye first, flipping through to see some Bowie, Zeppelin, and Queen albums. One in the back of the stack was particularly torn up, and she lifted it carefully to find T-Rex’s Electric Warrior.

“Oh wow…I haven’t heard them in ages…” she whispered incredulously. Maybe she’d take this home with her.

A wooden stick tumbled from behind one of the albums as she pulled out the record, rolling forward into her hand. The golden wood shone in the light, small carvings peppered from one end towards the middle. She picked it up, and it instantly her palm felt a faint warmth. 

Weird. 

As she twirled the stick in between her fingers, walking the vinyl over towards the ancient record player on the floor by the window. She remembered her mother always yelling to turn the music down as the Beatles would blast through the speakers early on Sundays, her dad dancing with her around the house making breakfast. 

Moving the needle to the first track, Mambo Sun crackled through the dust covered speakers as she sat back next to the box. Closing her eyes, she drummed the stick against the carpet in time, moving her shoulders to the music. As the song wound down, she continued rummaging through the mystery box, picking up a leather-bound book and flipping through the yellowed pages. 

All of them were empty. 

She tapped the stick against her leg to Cosmic Dancer, running a thumb over the blank parchment. This would make a cool sketchbook actually, she thought. 

Tapping in time against the open book, she leaned forward to take another look into the box when she caught something out of the corner of her eye. Words were slowly appearing on the once blank pages. Her hands began to shake as she read them:

I know it’s stupid, writing to you when I know you won’t ever receive it, but I just need to feel a sense of normalcy. I miss you, every single day, I miss you. I hope you’ll forgive me, fuck, I hope I survive long enough to try and fix things. More people have disappeared, Marlene is gone. I’m not sure how much more we can stand to lose, the Order is barely standing, I’m barely standing. I hope you’re okay, I hope you’re enjoying your life. 

The opposite page began to fill with words as well, the handwriting becoming more frantic:

They’re dead. They’re both gone, Peter is missing and presumed dead too. I don’t know why I’m writing this, again, I just know you’d be able to find something to say if you were here. I’m so lost, I don’t know if I can survive this. I need you. 

She quickly tore through the remaining pages, all of which remained blank, save for the very last one:

It’s finally over. We won. I’m going to find you, please forgive me.

She gripped the book tightly, searching for any answers to the questions swirling around her mind. Who wrote this? Who is RL and why did her parents have this box hidden away?

The door to the bedroom opened, her father stood in the door way as she looked up from the floor. His eyes shot to the wooden stick in her hand, resting on the open book, then to the box on the carpet. Quickly, he ripped both items from her grasp, tossing them into the cardboard box and hoisting it back onto the top of the bookshelf.

“Dad—“ she murmured, “—what was all of that stuff? Who’s is it?”

He walked over to the record player, removing the needle, “Your mother told me to come look for you, you’re supposed to be setting the table.”

Rising from the floor, she found the box filled with dishes against the far wall. 

“Sorry, I got distracted. I found that box, and then the records, and then I found a weird sketchbook that had disappearing ink in it—” 

Her father froze as he took the dishes from her.

“—something about people dying, or going missing or something…someone named Peter? It was weird. Who’s RL by the way? Why is it written on the side?”

He looked her in the eye, gripping her arm tightly, “Do not go looking in that again. Do you understand me?” His voice was stern, with an edge to it that she hadn’t heard since she was younger. 

“Y-yes dad, I’m sorry…” she whimpered as he let go. 

“Good. Now grab the serving tray, your mum’s about to have a fit,” He grabbed the plates and headed downstairs, leaving her more confused that she already had been. 

She glanced up at the box, and listened to her father’s retreating footsteps. Quickly and without a sound, she leapt up onto the crate, tearing down the box and grabbing the sketchbook and wooden stick. Concealing both under her sweater, she replaced the box and picked up the serving tray, dumping her hidden items into her purse as she passed it on the stairs. 

[masongrizchel]

Refining Habits: Running and Walking 🏃‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Last Saturday, I was able to convince myself to embrace running again. My partner and I were casually having discussions about weight and such. I shared with her that I am planning to apply for or resume my gym membership and also plan to resume my biking and running habits. This includes walking. 🏃‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚶‍♀️

She laughed at me and told me "I heard that multiple times." Then I replied, "Let's see tomorrow," with a small grin. As usual, I woke up at 2:30 am and prepared myself (wearing my running attire, including my running shoes), and of course, as part of my morning routine, I needed to write something. 📝

I wrote from 3:00 to 4:30 am since I needed to devote at least 90 minutes to writing. After that, at 4:30 am, I started running. For a plain and simple start again, I have decided to run for 2 km (a simple loop from our area and return). 🏃‍♂️

Along the way, since the road is uneven along the market, I accidentally outbalanced myself while in a running position. This resulted in a mild scratch and a wound. It feels like an action star when I roll over. Then I whispered, 'No pain, no gain'. So I ran again while the scratch was sore. 💪🏅

I finished the target loop and exceeded a few meters. 🎉

When I returned, I took a bath again. 🚿 Then my partner was already awake and asked where I had been. I told her what happened, and she laughed and got mad all of a sudden since I hadn't told her that I would include the market as my route. 😅 I argued reasonably. I told her that I would be returning to the market since I also needed to walk. 🚶‍♂️

P.S. I decided to make it in an alternating manner: run, then bicycle. 🔄 However, my partner turned off my alarm yesterday. ⏰ Plus, the muscle soreness that I felt from the incident. 😬 I will resume today. 🏃‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[8bitbobby]

Co-op with Coop

On April 1st, I had a visit with the benefactor of my longest friendship Mark Cooper or “Coop” as I called him back in the day. It was April Fools, but this is not a prank and the only fool was me for not snapping a picture to mark the occasion.  Coop and I met sometime around 1979 on the neighborhood streets of what was then called Lakeview Heights.  Growing up in the late 70s and early 80s was one of those amazing times that, looking back on it, I feel so fortunate to have been a part of.  Our upbringing in those days has become solidified in modern pop culture by way of memes, pictures and stories from those who survived that time.  Depictions of kids jumping their BMX bikes over a rickety, hand-made ramp while 6 or 7 hapless friends lay prone beside the warped, plywood slope-- like decommissioned school busses in an Evil Knievel motorcycle stunt-- resonate with our generation on a deep level.  How about the memories of what water tasted like coming out of a garden hose and the reminder to let the water run for a good 30 seconds on a hot day or else you got a mouthful of 90 degree plastic hose-flavored H2O? Mark lived one street over from me in those days and the shenanigans we found ourselves in never ended. We honestly didn’t stop from sun up to sun down (except for the occasional dinner bell or call of nature).  All the kids in the neighborhood had each other’s phone numbers memorized back then there were no smartphone contact pages.  The prefix was all the same and Mark’s # and mine were only 14 numbers apart. His number ended in 5-7-1-1 and mine in 5-7-2-5 and it wasn’t uncommon in those days to know your best friend’s number better than your own. From street hockey matches with anyone that walked by and wanted to join mid-game, to playing tag and kick-the-can in each other’s yards, knocking the pickets out of our fences when we used them as make-shift soccer nets, to pranking unsuspecting families with nicky nicky nine doors and running onto the road and mooning oncoming cars -- there was never a lack of crazy things for a bunch of 6-10 year olds to do back in those days.  We would ride our bikes everywhere we could and usually that was to the local corner store, Grant’s Market, or a little further down the road to the laundromat or video store.  Westside Video Classics was THE place to rent all the latest movies and games back in the day.  

If it wasn’t movies or wrestling, Coop and I bonded over hockey cards (playing scramble,  knock-downs and closeys), making comedy tapes on our cassette recorders (we thought we were a regular Bob & Doug McKenzie duo) and later on playing video games.  At my house I introduced him to the two full-sized arcade machines my dad had bought from a co-worker and put in our rumpus room as he liked to call it:  Super Soccer and Wild Cycle and then later games like Raid on Isram and Cosmic Cruncher on the Commodore Vic-20.  

At his house we played endless rounds of Ring King and Super Mario Bros. 2 on his NES as well as countless hours of board games like Crokinole, Rummoli and Crossbows & Catapults. We had the definitive 80s childhood: trick-or-treating together in our shared neighborhood for years at Halloween time, sleepovers almost every other weekend, birthday parties and endless summer nights of hi-jinx.  We shared in common younger siblings that tried to do everything we did at that time and rivalries with our respective kin that gave us even more to relate to.  Sometime in the early 80s, Coop tattooed the drywall on his bedroom wall, in permanent marker no less, with the inscription:  Best Friend Bobby since 1980.  An homage to a friendship that, at that time, was a few years on but looking back now has been a friendship that has endured nearly 45 years.   To take a page out of his playbook, I mocked my 7up sign to display the following:

I am getting away from my story. All of this to say that Mark came by to meet the family and check out my game room, but became quickly overwhelmed with it all.  He was audibly giggling from the moment I greeted him at the front door to the moment we made our way down to the ‘Arcade’ and then back up to the kitchen to sit and catch up.  His energy was infectious and I knew that we would likely not be doing a lot of gaming on this visit but rather getting reacquainted and spinning shared experiences from those good old neighborhood days.  

Fast forward a week and we got together again and this time we ended up spending a good hour re-living some of those nostalgic times down @ 8bit Bobby’s.  Coop’s one pre-visit request was that he wanted to play some Raid on Isram.  To make this possible, I had to hunt through various backups to find my rom files for the Vic-20 and then figure out how to interface it with my current Hyperspin setup on my M.A.M.E. Arcade machine.  After some tweaking I managed to get it setup and somewhat playable.  The game itself is nothing earth shattering and is essentially a watered-down clone of the popular game Scramble, but, to a couple of 40 somethings reliving the times when they were likely in the 10 and under category, it was pretty neat to play again.  The object of the game is literally survival. You shoot a laser cannon and drop bombs on enemy ground-to-air missiles and fuel refineries. It starts out scrolling left to right in a pretty wide open playfield but as the game wears on the air-to-ground missiles begin taking off and you begin to enter narrow tunnels with what can only be described as flying spiders coming at you.  You can shoot off the stalactites that make the caves a tight squeeze but if you are too busy contending with them you are sure to get hit by the unpredictable and weird trajectory of these squiggle-like arachnid creatures.  Raid on Isram is a “one and done” game meaning you have one life to get as far as you can and then that’s it.  No extra lives, no continues, nothing. THIS was the epitome of gaming back in the days before infinite lives, cheat codes and save states were a thing.  

From here we moved on to some co-op games starting with Golden Axe.  We got swiftly through the first two stages cracking heads and laying the boots to the little magic-stealing gnomes that appear between checkpoints only to have the game freeze without warning.  I have played through several of these games and never had this happen before. It was a definite headscratcher but we were undeterred.  We continued our co-operative game play with the Midway classic, Rampage.  Just like back in the old days when we used to stomp around the neighborhood, we joined forces to destroy buildings, smash tanks and defeat digitized army men as George and Ralph the giant, Kong-like Ape and Wolfman respectively.  We played through 19 “days” or cities and after each one we wondered how long the game went on for.  After a quick Wikipedia search it would appear that the game has 128 days that, when completed, repeat 5 more times. It was good to know that this was a game we were not likely to finish in one sitting. Maybe a future stream event or something?  Pictured below are our two protagonists: Coop & Bobby and in true fashion I am showing my age and lack of tech savviness by being unsure as to where I am supposed to be looking at the camera. I suppose a goofy picture is better than no picture at all.

This game room of mine and friends like Coop remind me how much of a role nostalgia plays in my life.  The way certain sights or sounds can just transport a person back in time.  I know we are not the same kids who hid in the willow trees on the neighbor’s property, cut through a field and hopped a fence into each others’ backyards with the ease and agility of an Olympic vaulter, and had water balloon fights while eating home-made popsicles to beat the summer heat, but for the hour or so that we connected tonight, we were transported back to a much simpler time. I leave you with the meme pasted below (which came up in conversation during his visit and I think really hits in the gut). Even though we can’t go back to that moment and give it the recognition and closure it deserved we can at least reminisce about what it was like just hanging out and teaming up against whatever was out there.  Co-op with Coop 4 EVA.  

[naturiisms]

if you’re hearing CAN U MEET ME THERE by ISSADORA AVA playing, you have to know AYANNA TAHERI (SHE/THEY; NONBINARY) is near by! the 23 year old has been in denver for, like, TWO MONTHS. they’re known to be quite UNPREDICTABLE, but being CHARISMATIC seems to balance that out. or maybe it’s the fact that they resemble KHADIJA RED THUNDER. personally, i’d love to know more about them seeing as how they’ve got those PILES OF BOOKS ALL OVER THE PLACE, AN ICED COFFEE ON A SPRING DAY, FROLICKING THROUGH FLOWERS AND CONNECTING WITH NATURE vibes. and maybe i’ll get my chance if i hang out around THE WOODS long enough!

STATISTICS:

full name: ayanna taheri

nicknames: yaya, yanna, sunny

birthday: february 2, 1997

hometown: ann arbor, michigan

occupation: social media manager at Green Thumb Cafe

hobbies: taking care of her houseplants, collecting books she'll never read, biking, hiking, and ceramics.

lives: the woods

BACKGROUND:

ayanna grew up in a typical suburban family with an older brother and two loving parents to dote on her. coming from a stable family gave ayanna the opportunity to hone their creative talents and push herself to become the best version. starting in ballet at 7, moving to gymnastics at 10, then flute and piano at 12, until they took their first art class at 14 where they realized this is where they could truly express themself. change is not an issue for ayanna if it means going after what she wants.

her next four years of high school were something she only imagined happened in movies. crossing the canadian border to visit art museums in ontario with their friends, going to local farmers markets on the weekends, submitting their art to competitions hosted by the school. finding the next adventure was always first on the list for her and her friends, academics usually falling second. they didn't do bad in school, but definitely had no interest in going to university since they'd only want to pursue art, anyway.

after graduating high school, ayanna found herself moving from her cozy suburban town and leaving all of her friends to go "find herself" on a cross country road trip. their parents bought and converted a van for her, and she set off on her drive to washington. along the way they stayed in various cities for different amounts of time, working odd jobs here and there. each city they went to, she found an art studio where she was able to continue creating and often left the pieces behind for the studio to share with others.

about a year into the road trip, still meandering through the country while they slowly made it to their destination, she found herself stopped in arizona where she parked her van for 2 years. it was here that they met their long time ex-partner, who they would finish their roadtrip with. they met at a ceramics studio, where she realized she was actually really good at it. after the first date they were practically inseparable, alternating between staying in her van or her partner's apartment. eventually, they downsized lyla's apartment and started the roadtrip to washington where they lived in a tiny house until they broke up a year ago.

after the breakup, ayanna spent the first few months renovating her van that hadn't been used in quite a while; only for camping trips or little roadtrips they planned. after she'd started picking her pieces back up and using renovation as therapy, they decided it was time to pick up and start a new adventure. this is how they ended up in colorado, spending 6 months in colorado springs before driving the van to denver 2 months ago. currently, she parks her van outside of their apartment at the woods where they plan to convert it into her own ceramics studio.

HEADCANONS:

ayanna got her job at Green Thumb Cafe by parking her van there the first two weeks she was in denver. she'd go inside every day for a little breakfast or lunch and eventually her and the owner got talking about the photos she'd taken of the cafe and the plants he could see from their van. she started a clipping trade day through instagram and has been the social media manager since.

they are seriously afraid of dogs but have a pet tarantula. logic? not here

favorite colors are sage green and lilac

she grows her own herbs and tomatoes and strawberries

[nickgerlich]

State Of Mind

Ah, summer. When I was a kid, it was my favorite time of the year. School was out long before Alice Cooper could write a song about it. Long days, short nights, miles and miles of bike riding, and sandlot baseball games that went on all day. Life was good, and I hadn’t a care in the world.

Of course, things are different as adults. There are lawns to mow (I came home to a 10-acre jungle from my early-summer travels this year, thanks to record rains while I was gone). Bugs to repel. Skin cancer to worry about. Air conditioning units to fret over (said the man who just shelled out $500 yesterday for a repair call). Yeah, it’s not as much fun as it once was. Responsibilities, yo. I’m not a grumpy old man, though. Promise.

But summer has been, is, and will continue to be the time when marketers have fun releasing all manner of seasonal promotions. From blockbuster movies to new soda flavors, collectible Dr. Pepper cans featuring the latest Spiderman movie, tasty menu variants, and more, marketers pull out the stops and have fun.

Like Heinz and their new 50-state series of collectible condiment packages. Say whaaaat?

Now before I continue, please know that I am a lifelong collector. I got that gene from my father, who saved coins and stamps for years, sold them, and then started collecting a wide variety of ephemera. I started with beer cans in the 70s, branched out to include soda cans, then took on signs and bottles, followed by Pez, old coffee cans, and more recently, Starbucks mugs. My kids are going to hate me when I die.

For the life of me, though, I cannot imagine why someone would want to save condiment packages, because…well..what are you going to do with them? Build a special display case? And then worry that rodents might find them worthy of a nibble?

That hasn’t stopped Heinz, though, from creating a unique package for each of the 50 states. While Heinz is wise to position themselves as a condiment company rather than just the ketchup people, these 50 packages will only feature seven different condiments. It is the little foil pouch that will differ. Oh, and they will be available everywhere, so you don’t have to fly to Anchorage to get the Alaska one.

This is an interesting development given the saber rattling of Heinz last spring when the company announced it wanted restaurant patrons to rat out any diner or cafe in which they saw workers filling Heinz bottles with cheaper store-brand alternatives. I wrote about it for my students then, and while we all felt it was important for Heinz to protect its brand, it was a little over the top to consider taking people to task.

The current promo, though, is good clean fun, as it should be for a company that has a 60% share of the ketchup market, and a strong market position in mustard, mayo, relish, BBQ sauce, and others. There’s little point in being the aggressor when you’ve got it good already. Protect your brand, but don’t be a bully about it.

I suspect that if I wind up with any of these, the unused ones will wind up in the center console of my van. You know. In case I need some ketchup or mustard far down the road. And I promise I won’t fret about getting all 50, or yelling, “STOP! That’s my only Maryland!”

It’s all good fun, and I give an A+ to Heinz for stepping down from its bully pulpit and enjoying the warm, long, sunny, days of summer. Gimme a handful of those packets, and I’m calling it good.

Dr “In The Summertime, When The Weather Is High” Gerlich

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