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Japanese Temari Balls, A New Year’s Tradition
During my holiday shopping, I fell in love with these traditional Japanese ornaments called Temari balls, or “Hime-temari” (silk balls).
Temari balls began hundreds of years ago as a way to use remnants of silk kimono fabric. Mothers and grandmothers would wad up strips of fabric and wrap saved silk threads to form a ball for children to play with. Over time, Temari balls evolved from toys into art. Now, it a Japanese tradition for mothers to make a ball for daughters as a New Year’s gift and hang it over their bed while sleeping so that when they wake up at the beginning of the new year, the daughter will see a bright, beautiful object to bring happiness and good luck.
I found these at the Silk Road, a cute import store at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City, UT.
I wish you all happiness and good fortune in 2011!
Alta + Solitude = Altatude
Here is some eye candy from skiing yesterday morning at Solitude:
Photos by Mike Schirf
I had the opportunity work with photographer Mike Schirf yesterday morning at Solitude – I met up with him and skier, Tyler Peterson. Tyler is an old friend of mine from my days coaching at the Utah Olympic Park. He’s a very talented athlete- he grew up competing in moguls and now competes in the Dew tour and other halfpipe events. He’s also an incredible big mountain and powder skier. I admire his versatility – it’s great to see a park and pipe athlete who can shred the big mountain as well!
I met up with the guys at the base of Apex Express and we headed to Powderhorn II to check out some deep powder stashes on Middle Slope on our way to Summit lift. I had so much fun cruising around the mountain with those guys and checking out all the features Solitude has to offer, enjoying the steep chutes, cliffs, trees, even racing on the groomers! After a good morning, we went into the Stone Haus in the village to grab a slice of homemade pizza and warm up from the cold.
Mike had to bail after lunch, so I decided to head up to Little Cottonwood Canyon to meet up with my family at Alta for a couple of runs. Everyone thinks Alta and Solitude are so far away, but it’s really easy to hit up all the different resorts here, even on one of the busiest days of the year. I met the fam at Watson’s for some hot cocoa and then we went out and shredded until 4:30 pm when Alta’s lift closed. Overall, it was a fantastic day of skiing in the Wasatch with copious amounts of new snow for everyone to enjoy!
Tonight, I’m excited to head up to Alta for the torchlight parade.
Photo courtesy of Alta Ski Area.
Happy New Year everyone.
Lifestyle Photo Shoot at Solitude, UT
Yesterday, I went up to Solitude Mountain Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT to meet up with photographer Mike Kemp for an impromptu lifestyle photo shoot. We had some vague ideas in mind to guide the creative direction of the shoot and our vision was whimsical winter wonderland. Here are some of the shots:
I had a really fun time hanging out in the European style village at Solitude. It is such a magical time of year with the huge snow banks covered in glittery fresh powder and naturally flocked pine and aspen trees. I plan to head back up to Solitude soon to go ice skating on their outdoor ice rink and enjoy the outdoor bonfire with complimentary s’mores!
Today, I’m resting up my legs for the next few days of deep powder skiing. The weather forecast is calling for 11-17” of snow this afternoon, 9-13” tonight and another 6-10” tomorrow during the daytime! I can’t wait – skiing is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays and new year.
I Mountain By Bringing It Home–Ultimate Mountain Gig Video
If you haven’t had a chance already (I’ve promoted the video through Facebook and Twitter), please check out this video I made for The Ultimate Mountain Gig contest at The Canyons.
The Canyons has already selected the top 3 finalists and I’m sad to say I didn’t make the final cut but I am happy to have this video in my portfolio. I worked hard to make this edit that shares my personality, lifestyle and interests. I hope you enjoy it!
