Ninja Bones

Sam was so excited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony today at Ninja Park in Albuquerque.
Josh Kronberg and Garrett Takach built the obstacles themselves. Josh is a 4  time America Ninja Warrior contestant, and tester for the Ninja Warrior Show final competition course.  Ninja Park has something for everyone of all ages. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ninjaparkabq.  Josh, Garrett, and Jessica are marvelous athletes!!

Josh and Garret cut the ribbon.

Here are some links to Josh's American Ninja Warrior experience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7dkKWPf1Gc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEvJUGdYXP4
What has impressed Bob and me the most, is that each time Josh has been on the show and not made it to #1, he's been inspired to learn from his experience. His determination and resilience give us the courage to try again in our own lives.

When we left today,  the kids ages 5-8 were participating in  an obstacle course designed for their age. All through the day today there are different age categories competing, and this evening the adults have their hard core competition. We  couldn't stay all day, but wanted to.  And for families who have kids, this is a family venue.  Josh's wife, kids, and family as well as Garrett's family were all there helping out.  It took a lot of heart and hard work to bring this vision to completion.  We were thrilled to be there and see it all, and see the excitement of the participants.

Their address is 2420 Comanche. Just off I25. 505-883-9203.

Best to all of you at Ninja Park. Thanks for having Sam!  She wants to come back and try some of the other obstacles.


Each day is a gift-open now!
xo, Suz....and Sam





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Sam Gets A New Ride!

This time with 4 wheels. 

Kevin and Jeff from Uptown Volkswagen

Sam and I rode all the way home with the top down in 40 degree weather. At least 10 people honked at her. An Albuquerque Police car followed us all the way to the city limits. I also saw him taking a picture on his phone.  Sam is going to love riding around town with the top down in warmer weather!


Kevin and Jeff were provided great service, and even picked Sam and me up from the house.  I recommend Uptown VW: http://www.uptownvw.com/?gclid=CPiQvJuF9LsCFU9ffgodYCIAzA
Thanks Guys!



Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz

Parade Pictures: Sam's People

Day of the Dead Parade is call Muertos y Marigolds. Always the first Sunday in November.

So many great skellies. Sam and Sam2 were really with their people.  Lots of cool low riders. One even had it's hydraulic system break in back, and ended the parade with half it's back end in the air. We are already planning for next year.
Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz



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Day 365: That's A Wrap, Sam

Day 365

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Today seemed like a long time ago when I started this project.  Seeing if I could take a picture every day for a year was my challenge to myself. Having the backbone to carry a skeleton around in public straight faced, like everyone was doing it- was the fun part. Travel, airlines losing Sam, areas with no wifi, computers crashing, camera lens breakage, illness, death, all were road blocks.  But became speed bumps for Sam and me. 

I have fallen deeper in love with the bone than I ever dreamed I would.  I met so many skeleton lovers, and many who were not.  I love that people have begun to associate me with skeletons, and post pictures on Facebook, or text me when they see one.  As I have said from the beginning: "the art is in the experience."  It really is.

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Our wrap party. I am wedged between Sam and Sam2. Thanks for coming with me on this adventure.  I ran out of calendar days before I ran out of ideas, so you will see more of Sam.  I am lining up her travel schedule for next year, as I feel she will be my muse for life. I now have 8 full size skeletons.  I think the party is just getting started.

Remember: each day is a gift. Open now.
xo
Suz and Sam, Sam2, Karl Olga, and the Costco Brothers

Day 364 Halloween Night

Day 364
And so tomorrow will be my last blog in the 365 project.  I'm a bit sad, a bit relieved, and delighted to have done this.  There will be more Sam.  And of course we have the Marigold Parade on Sunday where it all began.

Sam and Sam2

The other Costco brothers, and Karl Olga in her jogging suit.

Each Day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz



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Day 361 Where is Karl Olga??

361
She's right here! Sitting on Bob's bench waiting to have him epoxy her head together.  And checking out his WIP (work in progress).

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz

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Day 355 Get Me Outta Here!

Day 355
Sam didn't like it when I tried to stand her in the trench that runs the entire length of our driveway.  We are converting from propane gas to natural.  So at the moment there is a 3ft. deep trench where the pipe was laid.  Sam refused to stand or lean for me. I wanted a photo of her crawling out of the dirt....but no.  She was like: "I'm not going in the ground!"

Silly skellie.

Each day is  a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz





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Day 348 On The Fence

Day 348

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Sam stands at the fence which is the border between El Paso and Juarez Mexico. I was impressed with the amount of Border Patrol officers and vehicles I saw when we were there.  I can't imagine anyone in the daylight trying to cross here.

We were greeted by an agent who was absolutely delightful.  I explained the project to him and he said it was cool to take the pictures there.  He also explained that after we left he would have to sweep the sand so our footprints would be erased.  This is an aspect I had never thought of...looking for footprints.  I was more concerned with getting a soft light, and shadows from the fence.

Years ago I worked on a movie called "Trade" with Kevin Klein about human trafficking between Mexico and the US.  So I have always wanted to see a real border site. This looked nothing like the movie version. The fencing here was very low tech.  There were other places where the fencing was very elaborate, and much more foreboding.  I still would not want to try and cross the border this way. I am always moved by stories of people who swim, crawl, and climb there way into the USA.


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz

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Day 347 Seymore Cash and Bump

Day 347
Sam was so fortunate to have adorable hosts in El Paso.  "Seymore" Cash is on the left, and Bump is on the right.  My dogs are not nearly as well trained as these two are.  They posed like professionals. 
XO to Cindy and Andy who are their loving owners.

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Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz



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Day 346 Costume For A Skeleton

Day 346

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Sam has been trying on different costumes for Halloween.  She can't decide what she wants to be.


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz

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Day 344 Sam Goes For A Ride In The Stroller

Day 344

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She likes it, she likes it! 


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz



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DAY 343 LIFE IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR

Day 343

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Sam in our backseat, taken with my phone, in the rear view mirror.  Pretty silly looking!


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz

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Day 342 Stranger Factory, Albuquerque

Day 342
We heard about an art show in Albuquerque, that features the "odd" at Stranger Factory.   Sam really liked the art of Katie Carillo (top photo)  and Ryan Singer (bottom photo).  They had lots of skulls and skeletons that she admired. 

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copyright 2013 polkadot magpie

Ryan Singer has a great web page: http://www.ryansingerart.com/gallery.html, and you can find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RSingerArt.


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz

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Day 341 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2013 Souvenir

Day 341

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Can you tell how happy the Balloon Fiesta made her?  She wanted a light up mohawk wig, but at the last minute changed her mind and thought the bow would look best.  I agree.


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz

No photos from this blog may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the blogger and polkadot magpie.

Day 340 Up, Up, And Away!

Day 340

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Such a natural, that Sam.  She fires the jets of the hot air balloon.  Thanks to the owner of the balloon.  I will put his name in when I get it.  Sam made lots of friends at the balloon fiesta. She had a blast (no pun intended.)


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz



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Day 339 Hot Air Ballooning

Day 339

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Sam is invited into the gondola of a local balloon! 



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Day 338 Balloon Fiesta 2013

Day 338

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Sam at the Albuquerque 2013 Balloon Fiesta.  Doesn't she look happy? She loved her new ride!



Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz


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Day 337 Wheels!

Day 337

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Sam's borrowed some wheels!  Thanks Wendy again!  Now I need a jogger to push her down the street while I take the picture.  Off to Balloon Fiesta...cross your toes the weather allows a glow tomorrow night.

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz




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Day 335 Punk

Day 335

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Hey Sammie, you're looking kinda punk.  More studio time.  Weather looks as if it will cancel our night shoot tomorrow at Balloon Fiesta.  Stay tuned! 

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz

No photos from this blog may be reproduced in anyway without the written permission of the blogger and polkadot magpie.

Day 333 Da Fez

Day 333

copyright 2013 polkadot magpie

This is such an honored gift from Mark of the Usual Suspects Knife Forum.  I now want to have Mark and Sam together wearing their Fez's!  Really!
Thank you Mark xoxox!

Each day is a gift open now.
xo,
Suz