Rough 22 months.
A tremendous roller coaster of grieving, emotions, post-30isms, new career path. New, old, lost friendships. Moving, hair, past, future and somewhere in there I decided to return to this blog.

I had considered this journey done and over with for about a year. And that’s OK.
I almost didn’t ride my bike and unsure of when or if I ever will. And that’s OK.

Sharing photos, observations. And minute pieces of me.
Slowly.
A different take on life. An indubitably different perspective.
Thank you for reading, thank you stopping by.

To see parts of the city, Velcro, caffeine, to read.
Whatever it is that keeps you coming back.
Sudden explorations with often short and concise observations.

I hope it is inspiring to you, and that it sparks curiosity into creativity in your surroundings, making your day a better moment. A better memory.

Grateful for what a beast and a dove of its own 2012 was, and that it is almost over.
Happy holidays and wish you all a grand new year 2013.

See you sometime in January.
Gracias, Meli.

Aldous Huxley style.

Here are a few local places, good last minute ideas:

Firehouse 8
The coffee here is superb, but what I have liked most about stopping by now a few times in this old +beautiful firehouse, is the rotating vendors each time. 


Earrings, accesories and scarves, look at those old-school beautiful San Francisco ones by the Molte Cose:

Super lush US Made +designed shoes, here is Frank of Beneduci.

Had a chance to chat with Frank briefly a couple of weeks ago. He is very passionate about the shoes he designs and what it means to have a good, well made pair of shoes, all of them are made in California. It was very nice meeting you Frankie!
Beneduci is having a weekend sale, per indicated on Firehouse8’s FB page




[drool]

And upon leaving, an accessories vendor just setting up:

Nooworks
Visit my friend Gwen over on Valencia’s locally made cutest things and pieces to put on you body: Nooworks and you are sure to find something even for your new hot momma friend.
Seksi tip: they have super cute shoes +bags, mis GF’s approve.
Check out those snuggle onesies!

//Nooworks is on 395 Valencia st. (415)829-7623 SF, CA.

Photojojo
Local company photojojo has a not-so secret pop-up store: via missionmission

The Inner Richmond
Stumbled upon this window display off Clement on 6th and it was late night, but took some phone-fotos. I’m not sure what this is called but it looks cute and they will have tea tasting on Saturday. 

[Richmond Plaza had been vacant for quite sometime]
[googlemaps https://maps.google.com/maps?q=clement+on+6th&ie=UTF8&hq=clement+on+6th&hnear=&radius=15000&ll=37.782635,-122.464522&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=h&layer=c&cbll=37.783473,-122.464469&panoid=PHSs8LPYj0ACgu_TCLDWlA&cbp=12,257,,0,-10.68&source=embed&output=svembed&w=425&h=350]

Rosebud was a bike
When in doubt, just head over to North Beach. At Citizen Chain, you’ll be sure to find a classic bike bell, or wind up with a classic baby to gift or to keep for yourself.

Texas
This isnt local, but it is my absolute favorite on etsy. Planning for shipping it may be a bit tight, but you can treat yourself to a new piece of bikey jewelry by handmade by GTO of GreenGoatDesigns on Etsy:

Chain Ring Bronze Earrings $25

Bikes and the City: Posters

Well, and you can always support your favorite caffeinated local woman by buying a set of posters (40$) from yours truly 🙂

“Christmas doesn’t come from a store, 

maybe Christmas perhaps 

means a little bit more….”  

– Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Well, yes far from that happening 🙂
BUT music, fluffie snowflake confetti +other activities at the Academy of Sciences, details here: calacademy.org/holidays

/Almost Snowfall by Tom Carmony, on Flickr
T/H via Richmond Blog

It has not snowed in the city since the 70’s but when it’s nice to see hail accumulate to pretend to be patches of snow, from time to time. Last heavy hail I remember, was around this time in 2008:

Kelly S. San Francisco:
Black Intense Slopestyle bike more info: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/3483572302.html

Not sure why I get this catalogue since I have not once shopped there.
$6,000 copper bike. Wonder if this on that anthroparodie blog yet?

It’s pretty, sure. But who buys bikes from a catalogue of overpriced dresses and dishes?
6K could instead go towards purchasing a bike from fine bicycles made in the USA +have plenty left for an investment in your education (the best of investments!), charity, savings.
That would not only be brilliantly green, but rather brilliantly smart.

To be honest, I thought it was a miniature bici desk piece like Panchito (below) or a tree ornament.

I attempt to briefly extend the lives of lonely and often ignored paper catalogues by letting Velcro ninja surf super pounce on those dismissed recycling archives. No catnip, no problem.

Well, anyways.
+Thanks to Ramona for the swan bike illustration reminder, the golden bike has come to life and it is Dutch 🙂

DIY golden spray paint projects are waiting to happen..
Any comments or thoughts my wise shoppers, what do you think?