tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88000026675695144732024-03-05T19:02:48.147-05:00Bow Meets GirlA love storyAmanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-74157088057848276662015-03-07T09:39:00.000-05:002015-03-14T07:29:29.563-04:00Women in archery. Not just for gatherers anymore...<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> <i>... women are on the hunt.</i></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpRcVdD0TnXrqYY2eVpXoLUE96ZWdCzbzK14Z6dq2qopDRvaf7lTK8mK3MwneFjSynWt8S5m-RpWxhDw23KJXYaZgH2DxFNv9TW5tcYYH3qxg5amD-mgX2KNe6uYp85RZvXIdtvr0scs/s1600/prois-women-hunting-apparel-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpRcVdD0TnXrqYY2eVpXoLUE96ZWdCzbzK14Z6dq2qopDRvaf7lTK8mK3MwneFjSynWt8S5m-RpWxhDw23KJXYaZgH2DxFNv9TW5tcYYH3qxg5amD-mgX2KNe6uYp85RZvXIdtvr0scs/s1600/prois-women-hunting-apparel-logo.png" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Kirstie Pike is the founder of <a href="http://www.proishunting.com/" target="_blank">Prois Hunting</a>, a growing technical gear company that started in 2007 when she went to buy hunting clothing one season and only found capri pants and baby doll tees offered in the women’s section. Built on Kirstie’s cheeky and positive sense of humor and a dedication to filling the gap, Prois has continued to have an impact in the hunting community by helping people understand the seriousness and passion for hunting that women also have. Customers are adamant fans of what Kirstie and her staff have built. “Prois defines me as a hunter. It defines my passion and pride in my sport,” and it makes Kirstie proud to hear that her ideas have sparked with so many women alike. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“When we started Prois, there was literally no performance female hunting gear on the market. You could buy men’s gear or cotton lifestyle clothing. It was odd to me when all other sports had gear for women - skiing, mountain biking, running, etc. We just kept tinkering and doors kept opening.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The hunting arena is still somewhat of a bastion of good-ol-boy attitudes, but Prois continues to work on breaking that barrier by offering specially designed gear for western big game hunters. The terrain is rough, the weather can be tougher and that demands gear that may save your life when you get caught in it. The men that value the virtues of a silent, breathable and warm merino wool jacket or pants automatically understand what Kirstie has set out to do in the women’s space and support it. But according to her, there are still unfortunately men out there that will never consider spending a higher price point on camo for their wives or girlfriends and she just assumes that these guys either don’t like their wives or just don’t want to hunt with them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When asked her ultimate goal for Prois, she laughs and says, “World domination. Too much? I want to provide the highest quality shooting gear available for women. Period. And want Prois to be necessary and relevant for the long haul.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Camo everything has become popular culture in the past few years and you can find everything from wedding dresses to sheets and pillows, to camo bikinis and yoga pants. The women drawn to Prois find a high end look and feel with technical features that rival the best men’s hunting gear. No bikinis, though. Just the gear</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> that keeps you </span>warm<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> and dry. The catalog and site are </span>noticeably bimbo-absent. No pink here either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For Kirstie, the greatest surprise out of creating Prois has been finding the sisterhood of ladies out there with similar minds and passions.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“I never would have predicted that eight years ago these ladies would become my very best friends and supporters. I love connecting with women and bringing them together. There is much more to Prois than selling clothing (although that is what pays my bills), it is about being a voice, a sounding board and an avenue for women to come together and enjoy their love for hunting and shooting!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">PS. Kirstie Pike is one fantastic lady. I highly recommend saying hello if you make it to a trade show!</span></div>
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Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-47394962842285760322015-02-28T11:57:00.000-05:002015-02-28T11:57:46.665-05:00Chasing Cabin Fever<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qn_mdsyBlpj8qsRE1dREjJeLjnPkTFrTawEM1Ar6JOusLzfwhfoLkUF1IDtqakSbwRfNeW58I_mLNN-J93gfABBF3L5ohzhf1LyeEbjR0GdaCObWAFlbnKekCzQwIejJ6U1Lxm33MVk/s1600/5479378757_0a77b66f1d_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qn_mdsyBlpj8qsRE1dREjJeLjnPkTFrTawEM1Ar6JOusLzfwhfoLkUF1IDtqakSbwRfNeW58I_mLNN-J93gfABBF3L5ohzhf1LyeEbjR0GdaCObWAFlbnKekCzQwIejJ6U1Lxm33MVk/s1600/5479378757_0a77b66f1d_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heck yes! Anyone have a husky that needs some exercise??</td></tr>
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You know it's been a tough winter when you decide to go out and work up a full bodied sweat without a hat and it's only 15 degrees. And it feels reasonable. There's actually blue sky and sun today and even though we've had 45 inches of the white stuff so far, the fields out here are so wind scoured that the drifts are hard packed like beach sand ripples and it's down to bare grass in some places. I've been able to ski and snowshoe more this winter than ever.<br />
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Crystal Gavin, someone that I have grown to admire more and more, posted a pic last week of her outdoor target and a snow blown path to go pull arrows. Time to work on outdoor distances already. A club shooter here, Mike Chadsey, just did something similar and is shooting in an unheated breezeway to get some distance practice in. Insanity. It's 6 degrees. He's just opened the doors for his own <a href="http://archersparadox10x.com/" target="_blank">archery biz</a> and is going full steam ahead for the Gator Cup. At some point, you have just say f-u winter, I've got stuff to do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG47Nl608CW23muwbgbnOhKR99YTbLva-pP54RIsk3ugWNTi6AMg6h1IwEgIxY18-UTzgBQu_leS5ulkY0B2unw1ibrEpIgQMj41PK4ucgaySf0B3MYr60dgDsg6HkiYkoS2xfrzpKPBk/s1600/snowshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG47Nl608CW23muwbgbnOhKR99YTbLva-pP54RIsk3ugWNTi6AMg6h1IwEgIxY18-UTzgBQu_leS5ulkY0B2unw1ibrEpIgQMj41PK4ucgaySf0B3MYr60dgDsg6HkiYkoS2xfrzpKPBk/s1600/snowshoes.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>It's been a good indoor season. Have had to miss some of my usual shoots, but am shooting better than I have in a while and building back some confidence. Just need to build back some muscle. Gym motivation is tough to come by for me this time of year and I just need to get back on the horse. One of the guys in our club put together this great training video for recurve archers. I need to just go do it and ixnay on the whinging.<br />
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This morning's ski was great, not only for the sun which is surprisingly warm, but the woodpeckers and chickadees making it sound like the world was still alive out there. How they've managed to not freeze and find food is amazing. The six or so deer beds deep in the snow are full of new snow and fox tracks behind the windbreak. My ski got rid of my grumpy mood from not moving enough this week and got some cold oxygen to my brain and got me thinking about the past week or so.<br />
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Tonight is dress up and go out to a new place with friends. Not sure this place will let a yak in, it's on the swanky side. I miss my cute shoes. But it's March, so maybe by the end of it...<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><br />photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15174316@N02/5479378757">Skijoring 13</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a></span>Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-86643100809619452092015-01-25T09:38:00.001-05:002015-01-25T09:38:58.078-05:00Lancaster Classic Recap<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Hpt28uf28BGOs_vM30EGrm5lEfF8IYKpSO2FYFxlkGccoigCJM4AyVqppwGf08EGOoTnl5LfbB4hhqaqw77MDaLn7kFPokkHtvEC_NIDFbbFEas2Cb79MuEibrFl5Er9W69sUg7mUGA/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Hpt28uf28BGOs_vM30EGrm5lEfF8IYKpSO2FYFxlkGccoigCJM4AyVqppwGf08EGOoTnl5LfbB4hhqaqw77MDaLn7kFPokkHtvEC_NIDFbbFEas2Cb79MuEibrFl5Er9W69sUg7mUGA/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just the 12:30 pm Sat line. Did I mention this is a BIG shoot?</td></tr>
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So it's been a long time since we packed up our gear and headed for a tournament with more than 20 people. At 850+ archers, this qualified as a BIG shoot. Held at their new venue, the Lancaster Host Resort, it went very smoothly, and offered seminars, buses to the mothership and a free BBQ dinner to all who shot that weekend. Lancaster makes a concerted effort to be sure everyone has a good time, and it shows. If you have the the means, I highly recommend it. They did separate the recurve men from the women this year, and there were some elite women there who set the bar really, darn high and then flew off to shoot Nimes this weekend.<br />
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One of the best things about this shoot are the number of people that you will run into from home, so there are plenty of people to hang out with before, during and after. We ran into friends from out-of-state and made some new ones as well. Steve and Mike from PTTC, and Sue was there in her stripes to ref on our end. PJ Charette from Ohio was on the bale next to me (and got himself into the shoot offs - GO PJ!). PJ comes up to shoot at our home club with his FIL, who was also shooting. Ricky Smith, who shoots with the pros, was there with his new girlfriend, Amanda. Heidi Miller from CT was on my card, a fantastic person to shoot with and we discovered that we run in the same professional circles (marketing and publishing in the optics & photonics industry) and know some of the same people. Two very small circles colliding first thing in the morning. Later that day, I got a great intro to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PinnacleAthleticCampus" target="_blank">under construction archery mecca</a> that is going up in Rochester, NY from Jason Minnamon. Watch for more on this in Summer 2015.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PJ is second from the left, and Heidi is the blond ponytail.</td></tr>
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Didn't make the cut for Sunday, but was happy overall with how I did. Only one stupid mistake, and fought some giant butterflies for the first few ends, but once I settled down, did reasonably well. It's always interesting how nerves will put my elbow back in "compound" mode and the challenge becomes letting go of the tension and breathing properly. Breathing = no shaking. You could see it in quite a few of the recurve shooters in the beginning (or if the camera was right behind them), including me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6qRTU6m-N8wFCRrNLpJvNhbryQHUjDDf4jQGkzA8PsD3fIR81-tUj_KfInMM_nF-MfG4snsdi4dBQYnCqA9G5PeNpk43R3M3hRHI3CwFJPjJ9HnFb1s7ZTnwVwkqrhyM-hB1LMe759s/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6qRTU6m-N8wFCRrNLpJvNhbryQHUjDDf4jQGkzA8PsD3fIR81-tUj_KfInMM_nF-MfG4snsdi4dBQYnCqA9G5PeNpk43R3M3hRHI3CwFJPjJ9HnFb1s7ZTnwVwkqrhyM-hB1LMe759s/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, cameras. And that darn elbow. (photo from Lancaster Archery)</td></tr>
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Cameras. Yeah, they were everywhere. My single and only complaint was that the video coverage on my end of the line was almost nonexistent. I would have been happy to see what my form was doing in order to better understand how to correct for nerves the next time. All of the "good" shooters were somehow in the center and so that is where the cameras were predominately. One of the best things about this event is the live scoring on tablets right at the bales. Not only did it eliminate math errors (mine) but you knew exactly where you stood at any given time during the weekend.<br />
<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-51965987329897906272014-11-23T08:52:00.002-05:002014-11-23T08:52:37.657-05:00Meet Vero Navarro - Illustrator<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Art should make you feel something. As in Buddist practice, all emotion is not good or bad. Same for art.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19HCmWkL7BdieEp7kBnVec3Py7e_auZe77p7A8AeIQH0zvopo-qjHUCJcQLjKo9a3RBxSDj_8wZe_WvKtGc8iZ_40y3k_Ek0-AhZ7kt5RPDBuB7gWomYIiikuHL8jBJLbUD80K6o0h_s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-23+at+8.40.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19HCmWkL7BdieEp7kBnVec3Py7e_auZe77p7A8AeIQH0zvopo-qjHUCJcQLjKo9a3RBxSDj_8wZe_WvKtGc8iZ_40y3k_Ek0-AhZ7kt5RPDBuB7gWomYIiikuHL8jBJLbUD80K6o0h_s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-23+at+8.40.28+AM.png" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, Vero Navarro's work does that partially because it's done in beautiful colored pencil, in part from the subject matter, struggle, reaching for something else, worry. At the same time, she makes whimsical pieces of bird boys playing guitars and dancing that would be suited for children's bedtime tales.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her official bio goes like this:</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>"Vero Navarro is a freelance illustrator from La Mancha, Spain, currently living in Madrid. In 2006 she earned her degree in Fine Arts from the University of San Carlos in Valencia.<br />
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Her body of work encompasses delicate and realistic renderings of human figure, fauna, flora, architecture and everything in between. In her works she tries to tell us stories about human condition using characters in constant struggle with their inner selves.<br />
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She is an enthusiast of coloured pencils in one hand and digital techniques in the other. But is not odd tho find both techniques mixed together in her pieces."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the few things I took from my art school years was that the more personal you make your art, the more universal it becomes. I wanted The Everyday Struggle the second I saw it, and recently was able to get a copy for myself. And am more than a little excited about it to arrive, honestly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out her Etsy Shop for prints - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/veronavarro?utm_source=transactional&%3Butm_medium=trans_email&%3Butm_campaign=convo_html&campaign_label=convo_notifications&utm_campaign=convo_notifications_010170_10683759063_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1415837973&euid=Doi317PszsOuwWftozvSuHO7Bsuw&eaid=17760703807&x_eaid=02aec44d9d" target="_blank">Here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good art does not mean outrageously priced. Go check out <a href="http://veronavarro.co/" target="_blank">her full portfolio here.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/veronavarroillustration?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook here.</a></span><br />
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Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-69928158061365242182014-11-01T13:41:00.001-04:002014-11-01T13:45:44.427-04:00Why you should stop using pink to sell to women<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZHvaqBYc9ly68Ey0yVaYLQ7s7B8QMlenSEl9LQrhKFQ3AmWmCWfluHDfYn6HxRoFjvt7oVHa1eJkGTaCI4iWtWJAC-C8Suv3rEGQ14beOgyWxEa7A8U4uLTFUt0gaB-ZTR3FISuZCXo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-01+at+1.23.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZHvaqBYc9ly68Ey0yVaYLQ7s7B8QMlenSEl9LQrhKFQ3AmWmCWfluHDfYn6HxRoFjvt7oVHa1eJkGTaCI4iWtWJAC-C8Suv3rEGQ14beOgyWxEa7A8U4uLTFUt0gaB-ZTR3FISuZCXo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-01+at+1.23.24+PM.png" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup don't even wear pink.<br />
Ok, maybe just a hint.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Not that we hate the color per se, it’s just … for girls. Girls, as in being not grown up enough to make their own choices and are ok with one option. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When you limit choice, you limit the chances that someone will pick your product. Don’t know about you, but when I am offered one choice which I don’t like, I go find something better, someplace else. It may cost a bit more, but hey, I’m worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Are some women ok with pink bows, arrows, cases, and armguards? Sure, but quite a few don’t want to look like My Pretty Pony. Would you sell more merchandise if you had something else to offer besides pink or pink camo? Highly likely. Archery gear is a personal statement. Go to any decent sized tournament and see what women are shooting and what color. We like our gear to represent who we are and I haven’t been ten years old with unicorn stickers on my notebook for a while now. Pink does not state with confidence, “I am about to kick your ass at this.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Look at the numbers. The ATA turns out a wealth of survey information and <a href="https://www.archerytrade.org/news/survey-says-18.9-million-archers-are-active-in-u.s"><span style="color: #0433ff; letter-spacing: 0px;">makes it available</span></a> to you for free. In the last survey, they learned,“18.9 million participants in archery and one-third of all archery participants in 2012 were women, and that 4 million women were involved exclusi</span>vely in archery.” That's a lot of archers that want an adult color. <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Also of note, that target archery appeals to women more broadly than bowhunting. Not a stretch really.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bowhunting shows are meant for guys to watch and buy sponsored products. The busty blonde sidekicks shoot pink bows, because that is what they are handed to use. The huntress, Eva Shockey, is in her 20’s and young and adorable enough to wear as much pink as she wants. She’s also a class-act and darn good shot.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Where we live there is a healthy target archery community and I see women getting started in the sport together with their kids. None of them would be caught dead with pink equipment. Ms. K is a glamour editor and writing a book on 1940’s Hollywood fashion. She shoots barebow. Not a pink flake for miles. Ms P shoots recurve with her daughter who is 11. Both are serious about their sport and neither have a stitch of pink on their gear. Red? Black? You betcha. While my sister can glam it up and mix with the high rollas, she has a matte black bow to go with her camo pants. Because black is slimming and never goes out of style.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Is there a place for it? Sure. What women want - it’s simple, really. Equipment that FITS, performs to standard and allows us to shoot at our best, whether in the field or on the range. In a color that represents who we are.</span></div>
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Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-63251047372273924552014-09-22T21:51:00.000-04:002014-09-22T21:51:46.298-04:00Flip Side<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLUdGrOfc1YSaeflLaSzx2oHJ_BIXiNu-N-Q60melf3PX3LN9FdF8cu4rGg5RAlhoQpocBlASCov7vDUs0rDf7mQvsJQlYVBr2nL-6AkD6v-iHWcKCsXTs9BaHKsqAQ7QhcIig0nf4xA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-22+at+9.40.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLUdGrOfc1YSaeflLaSzx2oHJ_BIXiNu-N-Q60melf3PX3LN9FdF8cu4rGg5RAlhoQpocBlASCov7vDUs0rDf7mQvsJQlYVBr2nL-6AkD6v-iHWcKCsXTs9BaHKsqAQ7QhcIig0nf4xA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-22+at+9.40.20+PM.png" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream bed in the Rockies</td></tr>
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You know sometimes when you look back over 10 years or so and you are surprised with how things were at the time, how things have changed and what's endured. This isn't really about archery so much as where I've been and last week, was near that spot again. I was out in Boulder for work stuff last week and was able to carve out some time to drive up to the Park and get in some Nature, with a capital N. The light is different there - not all chock full of smog and fog like back East. The shadows are deeper and more serious.<br />
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A few years ago, I got all-up serious about painting and took a couple of week long classes from <a href="http://www.johnfawcettstudio.com/" target="_blank">John Fawcett</a> in Clark, CO, spitting distance from Wyoming. John and his lovely wife Elizabeth live up on a ranch with a view to kill by and to paint by as well. His Western art career is well documented and he teaches as well as he paints.<br />
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The couple of plein air classes I've been lucky to take there were in September where it frosts overnight and you're sunburnt by 3. Those were fun days, as you spent most of the day soaking in how to get the shadow behind and in front of a front knee proper, the correct nappy ear attitude and taking turns as horse handler, which is basically getting slobbered on while keeping the pony du jour occupied and reasonably still. You had to work fast and loose and keep your watercolors wet in the dry air. After some lecture and critique, we'd head out for a good ranch steak and beer. Yeah, it was a rough trip all around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAL-Uj3_bCBEKkGVgwEJbkSwC9Q0Oh8Bh_V4g_MIfJj2LQGtdxvCJsn7HeYJ86kKc6SLrOe17j70z5JY4xCXMTCO5yZstV_lTPKBes0YBGjIityF8lTov8qNyZp0aLUX46NApXNHPE10/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-22+at+9.29.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAL-Uj3_bCBEKkGVgwEJbkSwC9Q0Oh8Bh_V4g_MIfJj2LQGtdxvCJsn7HeYJ86kKc6SLrOe17j70z5JY4xCXMTCO5yZstV_lTPKBes0YBGjIityF8lTov8qNyZp0aLUX46NApXNHPE10/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-22+at+9.29.06+PM.png" height="320" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me measuring hip ratio while John pony wrangles this sleepy horse. <br />Yeahh, it's an old pic of me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3qVIusZtjEKUH9WxIkieo06sQEmqh_4mco2hNbR0MJ63eCy6lldg3mmBZifvwqUHxvvtkbHC6a1aqBMXSBkVp3k1VyIIrvhOoJ6Af3lKAlgh96ZytgThsIPrHD8phm-TPe9mTxPWCk4/s1600/chestnut+watercolor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3qVIusZtjEKUH9WxIkieo06sQEmqh_4mco2hNbR0MJ63eCy6lldg3mmBZifvwqUHxvvtkbHC6a1aqBMXSBkVp3k1VyIIrvhOoJ6Af3lKAlgh96ZytgThsIPrHD8phm-TPe9mTxPWCk4/s1600/chestnut+watercolor.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and just look at that gorgeous hip study there!</td></tr>
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I guess I am surprised mostly by how much I've let this go and how much I do miss it some days. I'm also surprised by how much I like the stuff I created. One of these days, maybe they'll get some light and frames on them.<br />
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-43136734474156541402014-07-27T15:32:00.001-04:002014-07-27T15:32:47.947-04:00The Early Riser Gets the ... Target<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ya'll remember the Kite Eating Tree from the Peanuts?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuZ4ONf0cpqQdPvfpK_X8NGzN2GnCJQ02CM0QpmByS5ZkXBcHrJBr9ASkPkuci3rmoQkiA6bd2VX6C-FzDPXuyafpWyL2ZNzMK17UiuqbplKcO9folb2oG7qV506anVx4bElFLIipmnU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-27+at+3.30.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuZ4ONf0cpqQdPvfpK_X8NGzN2GnCJQ02CM0QpmByS5ZkXBcHrJBr9ASkPkuci3rmoQkiA6bd2VX6C-FzDPXuyafpWyL2ZNzMK17UiuqbplKcO9folb2oG7qV506anVx4bElFLIipmnU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-27+at+3.30.50+PM.png" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyeMlTD1YU6Y1jSugywpKN1QfJouCAvofQ29boElGFlgOGd1UTXGUuON2D8rux7Fujyvrk8SnOY4f9ynpmk97iT3uTha2e-YSbOUSquDkoV7A5wMSongJrSVfIzCBj2EAub1G1GWJ0hs/s1600/405060arrows_flipped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyeMlTD1YU6Y1jSugywpKN1QfJouCAvofQ29boElGFlgOGd1UTXGUuON2D8rux7Fujyvrk8SnOY4f9ynpmk97iT3uTha2e-YSbOUSquDkoV7A5wMSongJrSVfIzCBj2EAub1G1GWJ0hs/s1600/405060arrows_flipped.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>This morning's <a href="http://www.rochesterbowhunters.net/" target="_blank">field practice</a> was along those lines, with Paul and Matt scraping back dripping wet trees and brush to locate my errant arrows. Some were found, some not so much. Wreaked a couple as well, but at least they are fixable. Hoping that nobody gets poison ivy because of it. The flying piranhas held off until the end, and it was a gorgeous day to be out with my compound, the hubs and our friends that we don't see much of in the summertime. And there may have been ribs and brats later. Is that a way to spend a summer Sunday morning or what??<br />
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It's probably time to buy a copy of the <a href="http://www.pinwheelsoftware.com/about.aspx" target="_blank">On Target</a> software to calibrate my sight and just be done already. My lines were off and I was shooting arrows for my other bow. Meh. Ended up sticking to the baby lane to get some shooting in and not lose any more expensive gear. I realize this is part and parcel of the game, but it always gets under my skin when it happens.<br />
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Always fascinated with how easy it is for me to swap back to Cricket and shoot without the mind games and angst (aside from the dumb arrows I lost). It's really just a relaxing walk in the woods.<br />
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-56158187440732081132014-07-20T09:17:00.000-04:002014-07-20T09:17:42.574-04:00Christmas in JulyHere are some fun things you won't find at Lancaster, or likely even at your neighborhood shop. Now that archery is more mainstream, these were all found on Etsy. Click on the photo to order if you can't live without one of the below.<br />
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So much more fun than lighted nocks... actual fire. Crazy Czechs. :-) These would be phenomenally fun for our bbq. Maybe not mixed with alcohol, though.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggap6VfEai4Qts2SPGMnfcUaEHen3ult-Axh8Z7XHsWKvxez6u7AAm4cUfFG7muwQGfKcblL0UvdISZjz8h-qHgpRnnQcIx-VQq5mhZPqjGRHpu7q32qQq5n813mhDdzPX_Q71HVu1U5w/s1600/arrow_firetips.png" height="320" title="lighted arrows or girl on fire?" width="274" /></div>
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Offered by the same person as above, I actually would like to try shooting into one of these, although I don't think they would stop a compound arrow. They are just more esthetically pleasing and have a natural center if you are blank bale practicing. Nice, lightweight design. Maybe not combined with the above product, unless at the end of the season. Hehe.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/152633295/target-stand-with-straw-target-suitable?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=straw+archery+target&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuWeY0Y2vg2OW-qYVlE-didKBGt6-xrYi4P3voQHh9axXTf-yFauO50Vfhq6y284SScvwgjXdLbim42D4oosggIW_1c2S1O_ybOo52hdVOAeNFmVZro7XR7DEeXCIn6feof5uGfEZMTA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-20+at+8.51.33+AM.png" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>
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This one is just for fun and for any of you who do take your practice seriously.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194942518/eat-sleep-shoot-archery-vinyl-sticker?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=archery&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ517hHAxiQmkqSeaDQc4MVGFWyV6WeOns70G90HgLhXjEOkLigPk-oF0XjybxRzL2t3AmTkKFr6clke7gUlW51YW4RGdLzfqiF8ssnDbDYs_UdzATNzgDvfDKmKfSWhBDT2JUEbQyGKQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-20+at+8.59.37+AM.png" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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For those of you with a more traditional bent, these are really beautiful and look quite well made. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123349407/traditional-wood-archery-arrow-medieval?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_query=archery&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cFuSwWBaObNcY54K7Kr8eJdJKvLdr32e2rNTCQ6XIigB2Rr68A2A5vMR7ybGS2A3k4WNjSh89mdd0Pl2bibYBrFk7sUxYEIB8OzWYsqkIrAlErDP9tLoeNCwDliFZRQoosVj0LI3UsE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-20+at+9.12.36+AM.png" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
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(Caveat - I've not purchased any of the above, nor do I know the makers.)</div>
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-9413835081694243682014-07-04T14:05:00.000-04:002014-07-04T14:18:26.379-04:00If you build it, they will come.Recently, the hubs and I joined our local bowhunter/ field archery club to try something new and support our sport a bit more. There are more summer events state-wide via this group and its affiliates than the ones we normally go to together.<br />
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This brings me to my main point here. There is a definitely a split between events and clubs that support and encourage participation for both recurves and compounds at the state and local level. I am caught in the middle as I like to shoot both, but want to compete using whatever I am the most comfortable at that time. Most of our friends shoot compound and its a rare event where everyone can come together on the same target. I've posed the question to our largest state club to see if they would please add olympic recurve to the competitions, so I can play on the same line as my hubs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDe2OgcGw8VBvSO-Qh3yQnW0SKUcLFueLKERgpqqW4USB_ssn-j0HmYcXHfFXJ2l7U6BFKbQ7Ms0w8O8TxIj6fx-b4H8E-GI4YUHLiXf6jlonei5z_Nt1pMzlMQU1s3QXzw6pHoQM9IA/s1600/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDe2OgcGw8VBvSO-Qh3yQnW0SKUcLFueLKERgpqqW4USB_ssn-j0HmYcXHfFXJ2l7U6BFKbQ7Ms0w8O8TxIj6fx-b4H8E-GI4YUHLiXf6jlonei5z_Nt1pMzlMQU1s3QXzw6pHoQM9IA/s1600/large.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride 'em slide 'em sans bridle - fabulous!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5Px3nWJB5VgteIGyEG2egwbXTVw0FnbRjCkOye-NT9iyoNt1db9biQR3Iq00-kn5qeN9KxChYg4Ab8FT5UB8FAGvbLKSZ1HiaoXsLyw0G3crcyhaZBpqqgrxJr5vrW_rLXI7kcHgSAc/s1600/ricc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5Px3nWJB5VgteIGyEG2egwbXTVw0FnbRjCkOye-NT9iyoNt1db9biQR3Iq00-kn5qeN9KxChYg4Ab8FT5UB8FAGvbLKSZ1HiaoXsLyw0G3crcyhaZBpqqgrxJr5vrW_rLXI7kcHgSAc/s1600/ricc.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Juliano doing a powerful extended trot</td></tr>
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Barns are just as divided. When I rode, I did mostly dressage at a hunter/jumper barn that was close by and had a great facility. They were always a bit skeptical, but loved it when I would flat their horses and get them round and light in front. It's almost the same as reining vs dressage compared to Blue face vs FITA targets. Both strive to perform a series of similar exercises with utmost accuracy with a horse or bow but to an outsider, look very different. I learned this early on from my uncle who was a classically trained dressage rider, but also turned out sharp and athletic reining horses. Good basics are good basics. Period.<br />
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I've always tried to keep an open mind and pull anything applicable and useful from groups "outside" my current focus. Want to learn to eyeball unmarked distances better? Shoot with a long time hunter and pick his brain. They know the tricks. Want to learn to shoot in the wind at 70m? Shoot with a FITA gal who can tell you how to read the OTHER flags, not yours, to see what the wind is really doing out there. Same deal with riding. You need to sort out how to better ride off of your seat and have your horse carry himself, without leaning on your hands, watch a reining pattern or three. Plus, they are fun to watch and the crowds love to get in on it. Trust me, dressage could use some hootin' and hollerin'. In that same vein, so could archery.<br />
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Someone recently called me a "switch hitter" in jest while I was helping out the compound guys in a mostly recurve group lesson. When I go to see my sis and teach there, I am the recurve gal in the land of camo. Good basics are always the key, no matter the sport and no matter the specialty. If your horse is relaxed and receptive, you'll have a better ride. If you have good alignment and are relaxed (See what I'm doing here?) you will hit the X or the doe.<br />
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My point here is more of a challenge. Extend a warm welcome to the other half of the archers in your area. Include a category for pins and fingers, or sights and releases. Make friends, bee happy.<br />
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Happy Fourth!<br />
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A<br />
EDITED - Just heard back from our state president and found there is some confusion in language in how things are bucketed. If you shoot recurve, you can shoot under "Sight w/ fingers", which sounds like you are shooting against compounds/ fingers. Will try this out in a couple of weeks and see how it goes. More to come...<br />
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-26025656479125603102014-06-26T16:07:00.002-04:002014-06-26T16:08:58.236-04:00#TBT Waffle Round and Zombies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Ominous clouds = you will get drenched later</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5g80kKKVgMQWJYikfQGrVRNyEZoSvydDFYhUqXnRSaONCCPqobegZ1oNfkKNjJYmC-APKLQHIPFt6s1-o_4pU1cIloJ1E7Bhk5b37E4MFHfniwuhrjEXSwXTpr9Cd_lO8QMKlU4s2rs/s1296/goldNGrain_mensline2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Hoo, boy. Well, we had the waffle round last weekend. It was mostly a good time, the weather was dicey, the field well organized and we managed to stay out of trouble (mostly). Having shot 70 m just once before we went, I had less trouble with 70 and 60 then 50m. Have decided I quite like 60, actually. Right now, 50 m can kiss my you-know-what. 30 m - we're good. Do me a solid and have a chat with 50? Much appreciated.</div>
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Midway through the first day, we got a super soaker. As in soaked to the skin, running down your scalp wet, watching your arrow disappear after 10 yards into gloom. As in not being able to hear your clicker as the rain is so loud. As in being SO relaxed, I totally didn't care. <a href="http://abowmeetsgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-singin-in-rain.html" target="_blank">I love shooting in the wet.</a> Then the sun came out and we all dried out more or less. Except for the squelchy shoes.</div>
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Had all NYC ladies on my bale, one who had never seen a cow up close before. Or deer roadkill. Culture shock. Nice people and good to shoot with, though. Also nice to be at a shoot where the recurves outnumbered the compounds. </div>
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I had to sort through some bad habits (again) and then also came to the conclusion that I need to do some bow tuning and sort out some replacement bits and bobs as my groups are not where they should be. Lesson learned. Look out States, here we come. Will be more fun as we will know other peeps there. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Moi in my hot weather gear. Smiling, so must be lunchtime<br />
or at least post-caffeine :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">The drenching continues.<br />
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PS. Just a word to the wise, if you are staying in Sharpsville, PA, avoid the Quality Inn. Run away like zombies are chasing you.<br />
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PPS. I may have, just possibly, snuck out out and put some arrows in the bag this afternoon. Shot better than I have in a long time, so not guilty. :D No States for me this summer. Babying the shoulder, but we're getting there.</div>
Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-53559841769256613202014-06-07T09:47:00.000-04:002014-06-07T09:47:21.789-04:00Bees, please.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For Rent - 10 owners, comes furnished</td></tr>
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In taking my coffee and laptop out on the deck this morning, I almost sat down in the chair with the cold, sleeping bumble bee in it. Being raised around honey bees, I just turned the chair into the sun, and pretty soon she warmed up, stretched, had a quick spit bath and zoomed off to find her coffee without causing any drama or silly waving of arms.<br />
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I like bees. As my dad is a retired biologist/entemologist we had lots of interesting stuff around growing up. Honey bee hives were one of them, and I have pretty vivid memory of helping my dad capture an escaped colony that swarmed into a tree. They didn't have Haz/Mat suits then, but the pith helmets were pretty cool. I was about 10 and my job was to puff the smoker on them and make them dozy while Dad pulled the lids off and checked the hives for diseases and mites.<br />
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Over this past freakishly long winter, Netflix was under heavy rotation. We watched "More Than Honey," which I highly recommend. When you get to the section where you see people in China hand-pollinating their fruit trees because the pollution has killed all of the insects, you start to see the problem on a grander scale. We live in the fruit belt along Lake Ontario and around the corner from a commercial honey producer that's lost most of his stock. I looked up the local honey group in Canandaigua, ordered catalogs of bee keeping equipment and a video on Organic Beekeeping (not worth the investment) and investigated plot planting on a grander scale.<br />
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Fast forward to this spring where I finally ordered my bees. Mason bees. No sticky mess, uber-pollinators. Perfect! Mason bees are friendly little guys that look sort of like a cross between a bee and a fly. I ordered 10 and as well as a little bee house. They came in a very tiny box of very tiny brown cocoons which I stuck in the fridge until it warmed up outside into the 50s. Felt like a kid with a science experiment, which was admittedly pretty cool. Most of the little guys found their way out into the world, but there were two that needed c-sections. Yes, I actually had to look up a video on how to open a cocoon with a pair of sharp scissors. I highly recommend reading glasses during that part, along with some yoga breathing when they start to vibrate in your fingers when the top is cut off. They are alive but too weak to break open the package. Happy, brand-new bees stretched out, got a drink of sugar water and zoomed off within 10 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of dandelions here, no bees. </td></tr>
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My mothering instinct is nil, so all of my new friends took off for warmer, more flowery places. Probably California or possibly Hawaii. I think I got too excited and put them out too early when there wasn't enough blooming yet to support them. The project is a bust. Never saw any of them again, the house is empty and I just took it down. Sadness.<br />
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We have wet property with lots of willows and birch trees. Normally the willows are literally humming with bees when they bloom out. This year, nothing. Eerily quiet. I've seen quite literally three honey bees so far. That's it. The orchards next to us are constantly spraying and spraying. Not sure if this is the sole cause, but if it's black and white and looks like a zebra...<br />
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Email the nice folks at <a href="http://www.crownbees.com/" target="_blank">Crown Bees</a> if you are interested in setting up a few gentle hives in your back yard.<br />
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I'll try this again next year, and be more patient about waiting a bit longer. Do any of you have bees and what have you noticed?<br />
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-65116543496935277422014-06-02T14:15:00.000-04:002014-06-02T14:15:28.881-04:00Back to Basics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's funny how when you run into issues, it's usually because you need to stop and reevaluate what you are forgetting to do that used to be rote.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Sometimes I need to be reminded to relax, not just on the line, but across the board in life. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m on the deck with my laptop and icy iced tea focused on doing as little as humanly possibly on this fine, fine day. Laundry is circulating so I don’t feel too guilty. At least it can be hung up in the breeze. Mani/pedi and lunch with my gf earlier where my feet and calves were pounded into submission and doughy softness by a small Asian man with a disco t-shirt. And drove the hubs' new car around looking and feeling like the old hotty I am. At least guys notice the car ;-) I had to sign a waiver that I would not eat, drink, pick up men, puke, or park closer to anything than 20 yards. Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Signed up for a Level 3 coaches certification in the fall. Kinda wishing it was sooner, and will see an old roommate that I haven’t seen in 10+ years, as I’ll be in her hometown. Her kids shoot at the club where we’ll be and I think their coach is the one who is teaching the class. (Archery is a very small </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">world)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> John Stover has a great </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">reputation</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> as a coach and also as a judge and parent to a high-performance athlete, so am looking forward to what he has to say. Have no idear what I’ll be doing with said information, so maybe will put it to good use in the winter season. Usually when I get a wild hair and sign up for things magic happens, so I'm just rolling with it for now. So unlike me, I know. =D</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Been teaching more than shooting, which is fine with me. I have been enjoying that more and more. Had a chance to teach a few recurve girls at <a href="http://www.tazarchery.com/" target="_blank">Taz Archery</a>, near Chicago a few weeks </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ago and had a great time with them. So fun to be able to walk in and have kids excited to shoot with you. The owner, Tim Zimmerman, is a great guy and super knowledgable about all things with strings. If you are in the mid-West, I encourage you to check them out, you'll be glad you did. If you see a cute blonde teaching that looks like a tall, skinny me, that's my sis. Say "hi" from me. I don't see her enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Speaking of sisters, mine has been working her hiney off with Tim to get </span><a href="http://www.archeryevents.com/" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Archery Events</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> up and running. This well thought out site does some amazing things if you run a club, have events, classes, tournaments and the lot. Best of all - it's FREE. Yes, I said free. Host your club page there, sign up your JOAD kids and have them pay online. Seriously, it works and it's <i>easy</i> to do. Please mention Bow Meets Girl if you contact them, so they know I sent you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Have a great week, ya'll!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">xoxo</span></span></div>
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Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-58851223107555601612014-03-15T08:16:00.001-04:002014-04-03T09:14:57.673-04:00Hibernation NationWell, Hi.<br>
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Bloggs are funny things. You need something to say, some inspiration that you hope will resonate with the people that stumble across these pages. I need to have time and brain space to create something, especially writing. Archery has been on hold for a bit for various reasons. Both my cases are hanging out in the living room, on the off chance I'll have some energy to draw them back. Friends went to Nationals the past few weekends in various locations and I'm somewhat jealous of their commitment and drive to get there. I only have so much and if it gets used up during the day, then no practice. Aside from a way to spend time with family, I had made it unfun. A dangerous thing to do.<br>
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Now that patches of green are poking out of the snow in the front yard, there may be some hope for me yet. Shot twice this week, no scoring. Monday with a baby bow the kids use that doesn't hurt my shoulder. Have changed my grip, my set up slice/draw and am playing around with locking my knees which feels really weird and looks weirder on me. My chin is sporting some string rash for the first time this winter.<br>
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I've messed around with my compound and back tension and decided that even though it's fun and a good break, I still really prefer the feel of just a string. I'm glad that I have the option to play and jump between them depending on what mood I'm in that day.<br>
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One of the girls on my work team also shoots for fun and we are planning to find a way to shoot at lunchtime when the snow melts. Such a good way to blow off stress.<br>
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Spring fever will hit any day now and I'll have too much energy and not enough focus to sit still. My head will be full of ideas for painting and all I'll want to do is be outdoors.Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-24594416752323012672013-09-22T09:24:00.001-04:002013-09-22T09:24:56.226-04:00Archery and Meditation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJnd0x-dmkNhfpe1E5XjpPSu4rucT_BUGNdLAWzgGlxNyTxoJ3MWhiIG9vKhCYweVSsMkgJXjp-nuz1VH0WtLImTrCnQS5PtB15EBUoDzlcXnyClpVCQcZBd_0ajpSf_-pE9If7r0iAk/s1600/heart-divine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJnd0x-dmkNhfpe1E5XjpPSu4rucT_BUGNdLAWzgGlxNyTxoJ3MWhiIG9vKhCYweVSsMkgJXjp-nuz1VH0WtLImTrCnQS5PtB15EBUoDzlcXnyClpVCQcZBd_0ajpSf_-pE9If7r0iAk/s320/heart-divine.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
I don't sit and meditate but when I shoot, especially outdoors on an otherwise empty range, I often get to that place of a clear mind and focus for each shot that is so important for good results. It's also one of the reasons that I enjoy this sport so much and keeps me relaxed when my week gets crazy. Those four minutes of inside head time for each end are only filled with the "run the program" mantra, waiting for the sight picture float into alignment and then boom. Repeat for 60 or 80 or 120 arrows. At the end of two or so hours of practice, you see a big change in most people with heads full of the daily grind stuff, to someone smiling, cracking jokes and shooting well. Some people shoot to practice for hunting season and tune up new equipment, but I would hazard a guess that most of the die hards are out there to escape for a bit before returning to real life.<br />
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If your shots are being affected by distraction or nerves, pick a single word that you associate with someplace calming. A patch of woods up in the mountains, the ocean, a white rail fence that goes for miles. Associate that word with that place and repeat it in your head to bring you back to that mental picture for a couple of seconds. Then go back to your shot process with a calmer state of mind and more focus.<br />
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<i>Zen in the Art of Archery</i>, by Eugen Herrigel, is short read, but I pick up something different each time I read it.<br />
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Do you see your practice time as meditation, or something else?<br />
<br />
Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-53364945847177148622013-09-18T19:15:00.001-04:002013-09-18T19:16:36.573-04:00Cricket meets back tension<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTdbmHOdqr_YtFkFYlejK9uYSXe26n_aLbhxuppH_C2rLhkCzWKNYKF5y_wvEO3ipSqrtsrfHcyIrqUY3om3GnPbOKq5cakkJGlM-XjIhJbHxtvTL9cPn4rCCSF-hrPDA77pxntO7kWQ/s1600/bruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTdbmHOdqr_YtFkFYlejK9uYSXe26n_aLbhxuppH_C2rLhkCzWKNYKF5y_wvEO3ipSqrtsrfHcyIrqUY3om3GnPbOKq5cakkJGlM-XjIhJbHxtvTL9cPn4rCCSF-hrPDA77pxntO7kWQ/s320/bruise.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All in the same spot. Well, at least I'm consistent!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Well, I finally caved. Borrowed the hubs release and screwed up the courage to use it. After shooting fingers for so long, that thing scared the $hit out of me. But, after the first couple arrows (with an audience, jeeze) I sorted out how to get it to go off, complete with flinching, closed eyes and decent groups at a blank bale. Some days I'm such a baby. Haha.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, shooting with the BEST system for a few years makes it really easy to use the right muscles. Thinking about the aim sight picture and not getting the clicker in the right place at the right time = major frustration. So, this may well be the answer. You have the wall (ie. clicker) and you are good to go.<br />
<br />
Pretty sure that Khatuna will be someone to be reckoned with before too long with hers. I have a feeling she will pick this up even faster. :DAmanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-79559841587695410092013-08-24T08:29:00.000-04:002013-08-24T08:29:08.030-04:00Archery Discovered - Guest Post<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98zV-wvwmWzHiyZVYuepeCDcXTYm5NfFgT5szbPe5z6Eo4kBDvNQ3Qq0VrInYv1XfsIdebHQYmVcfojYe_ewxoIWBmX-EQ6mnCPdfyA771Jgn4cQc2hyphenhyphena1ZKoyJJZSVjSdU8I20VeJFA/s1600/karen_shooting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98zV-wvwmWzHiyZVYuepeCDcXTYm5NfFgT5szbPe5z6Eo4kBDvNQ3Qq0VrInYv1XfsIdebHQYmVcfojYe_ewxoIWBmX-EQ6mnCPdfyA771Jgn4cQc2hyphenhyphena1ZKoyJJZSVjSdU8I20VeJFA/s320/karen_shooting.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen about to take down some orcs...<br />or maybe a chicken.</td></tr>
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<i>It's been a while since the blog had a guest poster. This one is by Karen Noske. She is an author, blogger, an otherwise creative lady and one fun person to work with on the range. And she kinda sorta likes archery. ;-)<br />Read her blog here - </i><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.moviestarmakeover.com/blog/" target="_blank">www.MovieStarMakeover.com/<wbr></wbr>blog/</a></span></div>
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When a friend of mine sent me a link to the new
Hobbit film and directed my attention to the FEMALE elf who was busily
twanging the hell out of an orc, I heard a strange, insistent voice in
my (secretly pointed) ears as I watched. It was
my younger self (apparently born in either Sherwood or Mirkwood),
telling me to get back to the archery I’d first enjoyed at a long-ago
summer camp. NOW! When your soul sends a message that strong, you
listen. At least I do. I immediately looked up nearby
archery classes, discovered <i>Points to the Cross,</i> and signed up for a private class the next day.
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Couch Doug informed me—after a brief, action-packed
tutorial—we were going to shoot arrows today. Today?? Nervous but game,
I took ahold of the bow, trying to remember all his instructions.
Instantly, all my nervousness was gone and a weird
calm came over me. The world narrowed to a tiny point at the end of my
arrow. I pulled back; I released the arrow; I felt my heart fly with it.
“Woman,” said Doug, “you’re a natural.” I thought my heart was going to
burst with happiness. Since then, coaches
Amanda MacDonald and Sue have said similarly encouraging things as they
guide me in this most elegant of physical arts.
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I’d sound pretty corny (like I haven’t already!) if
I shared all the sensations that flooded me that first twilight, but I
will confess I cried tears of joy on my way home. I’m so grateful I’ve
rediscovered something obviously more than
a sport to my soul. Archery continues to be a spiritual experience and a
promise fulfilled. Sherwood, your wandering child is back home.
Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-25027684360998619462013-07-28T19:22:00.000-04:002013-07-28T19:22:54.220-04:00The Pickin' Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1WF5X9jLitoEjZrM17X9QfZ9nSFJRMF_bEMZ6hyphenhyphenXM8RXzN82k87XK-9pqa-0sybtO-owNjeCVweLykHaAl2WeFLCaqJm2pP5edwz4LF3Yv0_dkphNapKgw6jSvZ3zBR68Xere4DE1Pk/s1600/blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1WF5X9jLitoEjZrM17X9QfZ9nSFJRMF_bEMZ6hyphenhyphenXM8RXzN82k87XK-9pqa-0sybtO-owNjeCVweLykHaAl2WeFLCaqJm2pP5edwz4LF3Yv0_dkphNapKgw6jSvZ3zBR68Xere4DE1Pk/s1600/blueberries.jpg" /></a></div>
This weekend we went camping with some friends which was great and when we got home, I went blueberry picking at my favorite local patch. <br />
<br />
Picking in the damp early morning before the dew burned off at Moody's blueberry farm in Michigan is a childhood memory for pretty much all of us that grew up in the Mt. Pleasant area. Sadly, they are no longer there along with the highly over-autographed weighing barn where you signed your John Hancock in sharpie - right on the wall! Scandalous! It was fun to find your name from the last year and see who else you knew scribbled up there. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19xuH04bPhEsDQzhL7FP1dwsDHYgMotGhFc4ZY3ME6JGzgcWZVqZBTP3AHRDa3SICbxwK2s5DNH9Xf-UmotIgI0rt3ElQqUy7FR8va370AlZHIeHDG6w_YQ1_pZGrwsIOzZoeUm3o4yk/s1600/bublanina_pans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19xuH04bPhEsDQzhL7FP1dwsDHYgMotGhFc4ZY3ME6JGzgcWZVqZBTP3AHRDa3SICbxwK2s5DNH9Xf-UmotIgI0rt3ElQqUy7FR8va370AlZHIeHDG6w_YQ1_pZGrwsIOzZoeUm3o4yk/s1600/bublanina_pans.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batter Up! <br />Blueberry and tart cherry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My family makes a recipe in the summer called Bublanina, which I guess translates roughly in Czech as "blueberry cake." Monday is my birthday, so I decided to make this one for myself and take one to work. Use your favorite yellow cake recipe, or in a pinch a box mix. I think scratch cake is just as easy. I used my Betty Crocker book circa 1987 for Yellow Cake. Use good eggs. The darker the yolk, the better the batter will be.<br />
<br />
2 C all purpose flour<br />
1 1/2 C sugar<br />
1/2 C butter, softened<br />
1 C milk<br />
3 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp vanilla (I used my homemade batch vanilla)<br />
3 eggs<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 and lube up some round pans with baking spray. This is important, as the cake will stick otherwise when you try to flip it out. Add everything to your mixer, beat on high for 3 minutes after everything is incorporated nicely. Divide into your pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The cherry needed five extra before the knife came out clean. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and have a nice glass of cold milk with your slice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcSFUNR2_izVSHWkf1ESFPjFxXENt02_9j86zmtToBDjSRCk7gUUM9yVAOE-ml8nqHTxnCdFXpgaRY7D0RznxgZ7hpFWcnA8zqx-d9YL2BszY_wVNQc10AtpQnBgoyYxiEFauNIG78J8/s1600/Ibakedacake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcSFUNR2_izVSHWkf1ESFPjFxXENt02_9j86zmtToBDjSRCk7gUUM9yVAOE-ml8nqHTxnCdFXpgaRY7D0RznxgZ7hpFWcnA8zqx-d9YL2BszY_wVNQc10AtpQnBgoyYxiEFauNIG78J8/s320/Ibakedacake.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fini!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-91235156534584155292013-07-20T10:07:00.001-04:002013-07-20T10:29:43.732-04:00It's all in the Genes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJez-BGb0C23F4tIMqw6_E9BGWLx5CQO0_Q3a4qT8N0IJ3ecnhpi2SWOUoytZNfBAmkGZGV98XQLg8ddA59VmldcPqj5aYxaCunrI76R3FzNsviXkGyLok8d7nKo8htLS6VnnNoJgaGQ/s1600/girlsline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HGtIb0WJfqOZuij26fUhVZQnVmwL9T3NNKoOHzHB3CVvRqwXqAylFiLLnOJQ4bSkMcoE9feSU3W66MwMxikKjy0_HzxS2rDrqW2hRO4zcchvFsra5ruEIyn-MQQbbP2R08ARKdCwutI/s1600/Archery+contest0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HGtIb0WJfqOZuij26fUhVZQnVmwL9T3NNKoOHzHB3CVvRqwXqAylFiLLnOJQ4bSkMcoE9feSU3W66MwMxikKjy0_HzxS2rDrqW2hRO4zcchvFsra5ruEIyn-MQQbbP2R08ARKdCwutI/s1600/Archery+contest0001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, how cool is this? Love that everyone is shooting barebow and that's all!</td></tr>
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Archery runs deep in our family, just didn't appreciate how far until recently.<br />
<br />
Over the 4th, we did a family reunion at my mom and dad's place with the cuzin's. It was one of those really long days spent outside in perfect weather, a few red party cups, grilling, and lots of bows and arrows. There were 12 of us there who either shot or shoot (longbows don't fit in carry on compartments). Followed by noisy firecrackers and sparklers at dusk after a big dinner.<br />
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After Mom sent the pics around to the rest of the family, she got these from one of my distant cousins (who I am not sure I've even met!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3NbbFGRLxxpZvnZm0yZFDV0MgRsuPiyL5SpU_2eXssSvpAP51AXM4DH9nYbAUhXdPaqh3wr8xhWNbhdiqS4uHf7X6vhT-9cpm5l2B7HBCrXpavej0RK8sQvFQzbIs5SIRCebz2WJt0Y/s1600/policevs+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3NbbFGRLxxpZvnZm0yZFDV0MgRsuPiyL5SpU_2eXssSvpAP51AXM4DH9nYbAUhXdPaqh3wr8xhWNbhdiqS4uHf7X6vhT-9cpm5l2B7HBCrXpavej0RK8sQvFQzbIs5SIRCebz2WJt0Y/s1600/policevs+bow.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who brings a bow to a gunfight? This guy!</td></tr>
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<br />
We had a variety of bows and archers - kids, moms, g-pas, state-o-the-art compounds and elven longbows.<br />
Our lane was the old garden behind my folks' house, complete with climbing beech that looks a lot smaller and closer to the house now that I'm an adult.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1Z51WZVkXVJ8bfUZaT-3HtzRfI__ZWxHYpIdUhsdNgt-GiDDXdw4eKoV4jfutCce-H_afW9ubFJaZrep-UskUZWVy-y_0uflRi0maQ3qcZt4jDCMMf4bmwyNxIZyyn7eAzVU-u79z5I/s1600/Meridith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1Z51WZVkXVJ8bfUZaT-3HtzRfI__ZWxHYpIdUhsdNgt-GiDDXdw4eKoV4jfutCce-H_afW9ubFJaZrep-UskUZWVy-y_0uflRi0maQ3qcZt4jDCMMf4bmwyNxIZyyn7eAzVU-u79z5I/s320/Meridith.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meredith showing us how it's done old-school</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsfT3V5glfnoASz0UivNbdU77fWjzcme1dGt8Bsj5Dieqq9VlqQyEm_T6qyCrd6X1nkss0cdXPPHLFisukOhwfMsM0miaSq2QfUk8TtK3XtoyA-ZyirysvB4fA8UFzJkNgWbtx6VbMh4/s1600/theboysline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsfT3V5glfnoASz0UivNbdU77fWjzcme1dGt8Bsj5Dieqq9VlqQyEm_T6qyCrd6X1nkss0cdXPPHLFisukOhwfMsM0miaSq2QfUk8TtK3XtoyA-ZyirysvB4fA8UFzJkNgWbtx6VbMh4/s320/theboysline.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boy's morning line</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZxCe7nRrWNUPxzs-p1HtprrzS6LPOLmJW9sbKi9YGIPi__tuj6nh2r9Dqpx8ef_6iotDaMgtFii1_R9aXpKJ_0wZJej3K9f5lPaomhz2j2uflFZLR3dk1Cn4HjIC4kpF79f7CSaz9oo/s1600/MattandCobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZxCe7nRrWNUPxzs-p1HtprrzS6LPOLmJW9sbKi9YGIPi__tuj6nh2r9Dqpx8ef_6iotDaMgtFii1_R9aXpKJ_0wZJej3K9f5lPaomhz2j2uflFZLR3dk1Cn4HjIC4kpF79f7CSaz9oo/s320/MattandCobe.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparing gear</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJez-BGb0C23F4tIMqw6_E9BGWLx5CQO0_Q3a4qT8N0IJ3ecnhpi2SWOUoytZNfBAmkGZGV98XQLg8ddA59VmldcPqj5aYxaCunrI76R3FzNsviXkGyLok8d7nKo8htLS6VnnNoJgaGQ/s1600/girlsline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJez-BGb0C23F4tIMqw6_E9BGWLx5CQO0_Q3a4qT8N0IJ3ecnhpi2SWOUoytZNfBAmkGZGV98XQLg8ddA59VmldcPqj5aYxaCunrI76R3FzNsviXkGyLok8d7nKo8htLS6VnnNoJgaGQ/s320/girlsline.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl's morning line</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi4wcoGvCTERkFznX7Xsa-k975zXyYXaafOBuXAdStN7akgADD-SDQU4fpbuh7OZMowf4eW6WDdMh290f3FTi5S8SN7GIq7U5uSjxSjBk2fqFZmS01rokNgilGUHVFebLBhoEZvY3hQI/s1600/arrows2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi4wcoGvCTERkFznX7Xsa-k975zXyYXaafOBuXAdStN7akgADD-SDQU4fpbuh7OZMowf4eW6WDdMh290f3FTi5S8SN7GIq7U5uSjxSjBk2fqFZmS01rokNgilGUHVFebLBhoEZvY3hQI/s320/arrows2.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No arrows were lost, but a few were broken.</td></tr>
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-64750691694425731222013-07-01T19:26:00.000-04:002013-07-01T19:26:41.804-04:00Waffle Round and Zombies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNi4qxcve1Fb8-ZzYsF9ys0-BGPWAYJ8jZyOfDIlFZeVIA2AFwz9ErN4T-szNycGkCpCpt5CWDWaisTJQc02Y9eQLlDQuXRSAzxhpGZWkLY_daMYy6_5w50JzVhcFk6j5c-y4CrbjEg4/s1296/goldNgrain_clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNi4qxcve1Fb8-ZzYsF9ys0-BGPWAYJ8jZyOfDIlFZeVIA2AFwz9ErN4T-szNycGkCpCpt5CWDWaisTJQc02Y9eQLlDQuXRSAzxhpGZWkLY_daMYy6_5w50JzVhcFk6j5c-y4CrbjEg4/s400/goldNgrain_clouds.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ominous clouds = you will get drenched later</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5g80kKKVgMQWJYikfQGrVRNyEZoSvydDFYhUqXnRSaONCCPqobegZ1oNfkKNjJYmC-APKLQHIPFt6s1-o_4pU1cIloJ1E7Bhk5b37E4MFHfniwuhrjEXSwXTpr9Cd_lO8QMKlU4s2rs/s1296/goldNGrain_mensline2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Hoo, boy. Well, we had the waffle round last weekend. It was mostly a good time, the weather was dicey, the field well organized and we managed to stay out of trouble (mostly). Having shot 70 m just once before we went, I had less trouble with 70 and 60 then 50m. Have decided I quite like 60, actually. Right now, 50 m can kiss my you-know-what. 30 m - we're good. Do me a solid and have a chat with 50? Much appreciated.</div>
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Midway through the first day, we got a super soaker. As in soaked to the skin, running down your scalp wet, watching your arrow disappear after 10 yards into gloom. As in not being able to hear your clicker as the rain is so loud. As in being SO relaxed, I totally didn't care. <a href="http://abowmeetsgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-singin-in-rain.html" target="_blank">I love shooting in the wet.</a> Then the sun came out and we all dried out more or less. Except for the squelchy shoes.</div>
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Had all NYC ladies on my bale, one who had never seen a cow up close before. Or deer roadkill. Culture shock. Nice people and good to shoot with, though. Also nice to be at a shoot where the recurves outnumbered the compounds. </div>
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I had to sort through some bad habits (again) and then also came to the conclusion that I need to do some bow tuning and sort out some replacement bits and bobs as my groups are not where they should be. Lesson learned. Look out States, here we come. Will be more fun as we will know other peeps there. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpve1F-o-2CSj1E71508vnlk9J4zerx4ybRdqjROge9zLiJl_5owP9cijW-Zk8FlE0t_-BCFAAHglxJEJ2ng6U4JvhnuYdEvXjC2AXE-lKbh7O22cOBOkTHN9UpLQomQp_q8d2HqmN8oU/s1296/goldNgrain_me2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpve1F-o-2CSj1E71508vnlk9J4zerx4ybRdqjROge9zLiJl_5owP9cijW-Zk8FlE0t_-BCFAAHglxJEJ2ng6U4JvhnuYdEvXjC2AXE-lKbh7O22cOBOkTHN9UpLQomQp_q8d2HqmN8oU/s320/goldNgrain_me2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moi in my hot weather gear. Smiling, so must be lunchtime <br />or at least post-caffeine :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5g80kKKVgMQWJYikfQGrVRNyEZoSvydDFYhUqXnRSaONCCPqobegZ1oNfkKNjJYmC-APKLQHIPFt6s1-o_4pU1cIloJ1E7Bhk5b37E4MFHfniwuhrjEXSwXTpr9Cd_lO8QMKlU4s2rs/s320/goldNGrain_mensline2013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="239" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drenching continues. <br />You will notice I am under the judge's tent where <br />it's mostly dryish. Matt is mid-way down the line</td></tr>
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PS. Just a word to the wise, if you are staying in Sharpsville, PA, avoid the Quality Inn. Run away like zombies are chasing you.</div>
Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-48037832217703500922013-06-16T08:44:00.000-04:002013-06-16T08:46:04.498-04:00Rain and Waffles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyap8gKET0mCD-J1C_k65UsOkEOXmYFB3o8SLSKlDYThQdRhqQjCCFjetaaQKAo83bTxZig-iptRFCUpy1OfegK9NBUO4PAx4kmhMheW9BBO4tZ4ZvBEXFwbpqCRpLKU58q9dvzpBtF0/s1600/InessanMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyap8gKET0mCD-J1C_k65UsOkEOXmYFB3o8SLSKlDYThQdRhqQjCCFjetaaQKAo83bTxZig-iptRFCUpy1OfegK9NBUO4PAx4kmhMheW9BBO4tZ4ZvBEXFwbpqCRpLKU58q9dvzpBtF0/s320/InessanMe.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fashion forward archers, yes ma'am<br />
Inessa is on the right, I'm on the left in the beez<br />
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Oh, haiii.<br />
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Rain all week, with more in the forecast today. Still shooting, as only two weeks until my first outdoor FITA event. Nervous, as I have a lot of work to do to sort out the longer distances, but have decided this is will be the "first waffle" - the weird waffle that nobody really wants to eat and you just let it go. Just get through it and figure out what's going on and do better at the next one.<br />
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Been working out of the garage at Doug's to stay dry, but got to use our 50m lane at home yesterday. It could stand to be baled, but otherwise, it's pretty cool. The little trees to act as a backdrop and it's mowed behind, so you can find your arrows when you miss.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrPmNOs80djhRk12Oh7S8R6_sOqjiXsiDeAxz_n0CEQYsxkRvsUnllidmaaQ7VfWJPwsMB-dj37Y97l6seFff0otp8DHp4Fo9oyuTFck5nXJEgPaZl0uPvk_fsH7VOzOihwSZDBx1AFw/s1600/30m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrPmNOs80djhRk12Oh7S8R6_sOqjiXsiDeAxz_n0CEQYsxkRvsUnllidmaaQ7VfWJPwsMB-dj37Y97l6seFff0otp8DHp4Fo9oyuTFck5nXJEgPaZl0uPvk_fsH7VOzOihwSZDBx1AFw/s320/30m.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30m</td></tr>
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-43129431541858932402013-05-19T21:18:00.000-04:002013-05-19T21:19:24.441-04:00Sunburnt nose and dirty toes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKig6JgfClBBaEsHptewNYAz3g8o3cNq6SyNeshKeOy8n8lVhNZ19A5Go7aOOHQZ3n6Ti5Ii7fR-O_RYeloby5IqdngHvMLgizpUIQsyGfa829CrxT6Vhh_IE_gOmhM9HsAgQNjkwkOc/s1600/kayak_alaska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKig6JgfClBBaEsHptewNYAz3g8o3cNq6SyNeshKeOy8n8lVhNZ19A5Go7aOOHQZ3n6Ti5Ii7fR-O_RYeloby5IqdngHvMLgizpUIQsyGfa829CrxT6Vhh_IE_gOmhM9HsAgQNjkwkOc/s320/kayak_alaska.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in Alaska. "Here moose moose..."</td></tr>
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:)<br />
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Shot sooo well this weekend. Been doing the extra workouts, even on archery days and feeling the difference already after only four weeks. Went up 8# to my heavy limbs two Thursdays ago and was feeling the connection that I just can't get with the lighter limbs by last Thursday. <br />
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The Hubs mowed the back shooting lane and widened up the whole thing to see if we can squeeze in 70 m. Decided to pick one of the state FITA shoots next door to see how it goes for distance the end of June. JOAD classes are off for a few weeks, so hoping to really buckle down and work in between. Slowly cleaning up my diet as well. <a href="http://stephchows.blogspot.com/2013/04/pb-energy-balls.html" target="_blank">Here is my new go-to power snack.</a> No bake - I put some homemade vanilla in there this time - yum!<br />
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We took the kayaks out on one of the big bays off Lake Ontario this afternoon after all the yard work was done. Windy, kinda wavy. We are both sunburnt, tired, and have dirty feet tonight.<br />
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Must be summer. :)Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-44350228792289799832013-05-13T09:31:00.000-04:002013-06-23T21:33:45.904-04:00Archery is Beautiful!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJrjsU1mHyXgBFWD_CE5oECxGM9nDQORz5z8p-FdDv6Kf50MSC1IkBqsAtb_VQvynMjhvj8Vs7TG5I_1JfnqgbodrxkN0bMzK7H49bsIPY3U25Ph9PCNBHcfpOP0GP5BTbm-M0sbWvyk/s1600/AVM_archery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJrjsU1mHyXgBFWD_CE5oECxGM9nDQORz5z8p-FdDv6Kf50MSC1IkBqsAtb_VQvynMjhvj8Vs7TG5I_1JfnqgbodrxkN0bMzK7H49bsIPY3U25Ph9PCNBHcfpOP0GP5BTbm-M0sbWvyk/s320/AVM_archery.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ok, guys and gals! I need your support here! I just signed myself up for the <a href="http://whatsbeautiful.ua.com/profile/25267" target="_blank">Under Armour "What's Beautiful" Challenge.</a><br />
So like everything else I do to push myself, I didn't overthink it, just jumped in with both feet. Holy Crap.<br />
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Basically, it's a fitness contest, but since this is my fourth week in my fitness overhaul and I'm doing this anyway, might as well get extra credit and maybe win a trip or some awesome workout clothing. My chances are slim, as I'm not a yoga diva or a Tough Mudder chick, but hey, you need to be FIT to shoot a full FITA round with a recurve. No joke.<br />
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So to get through the next 6-7 weeks, I'm asking for your support. Visit my page (link up top there) and let me know how I'm doing to promote the awesome sport of archery on a national (and very personal) level.<br />
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A<br />
<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-30829034748602872262013-05-07T09:53:00.001-04:002013-05-07T09:53:27.665-04:00Meeting at 50 m<br />
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Just a snap from last night's JOAD class, after the kids went home the rest of us kept shooting, as it was waay to nice to go home before dark. Was the first night the targets went back to 50 and 70 m. No bugs, perfect temp. Everything is greening up.</div>
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Time to get the heavy limbs out.</div>
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Grinning.</div>
Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-41196090473652809532013-04-21T09:46:00.000-04:002013-04-21T09:49:17.414-04:00Roller Coaster<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKM5OtSYabRqZ4VDrWcoiHnJHJIUZRSMEeAhgNRibw_8tgc4DHZf8mAOp7MvefQCMdaPvx5STm6HYBkofttxEgpmb5Lulx1F-Vb81_B6R7CA3xSaWG5Lvvi0JISRjTjKPQP1Va2GtLncc/s1600/dog-shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKM5OtSYabRqZ4VDrWcoiHnJHJIUZRSMEeAhgNRibw_8tgc4DHZf8mAOp7MvefQCMdaPvx5STm6HYBkofttxEgpmb5Lulx1F-Vb81_B6R7CA3xSaWG5Lvvi0JISRjTjKPQP1Va2GtLncc/s1600/dog-shadow.jpg" /></a>This was a totally unusual week. Flew to Chicago, watched Boston triumph over insanity, ran a 5K in the snow and wind with some bad-ass girlfriends (not Boston!) and put my dear dog, Brinny, to sleep. Lots of big highs and big lows. Still trying to get my head around some of it.<br />
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This week I had the privilege of listening to <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/" target="_blank">Jonathan Adler</a>, designer, potter and a guy that owns his own empire. Think gay, Jewish Martha Stewart, only wicked funny. Most of us work in a world- and some of us enforce it- where there are rules and guidelines that take an act of God to change. He controls both halves of the brand vs creativity. It's good to be the king. One of the great things about conferences is that you get to open up your brain and shut off the filters and embrace new and different. My intent was to problem solve for my day job but am finding my notebook filling with great new ideas for quiver designs that push the limits of what you can find anyplace. Not sure where that will end up yet, but please stay tuned for more.<br />
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Boston. Still shaking my head as words totally fail me.<br />
<a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/50186/12-photos-therapy-dogs-providing-comfort-after-tragedies" target="_blank">This may make you smile</a>. People and dogs making things better there, one belly rub at a time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG5YpTAyZvqeYYV-3-czmAMGOeZqcTfBRYY9DqRq0f3snybiVszBZOas_Gyi6Ozt9WzCv6loBYR6gIPmfsUBlQ7puGRKRqhbKI1m21sAO0pNnnhIQI9tHwZZF9NRlfGEOI0KSU-6ioMA/s1600/color-vibe-team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG5YpTAyZvqeYYV-3-czmAMGOeZqcTfBRYY9DqRq0f3snybiVszBZOas_Gyi6Ozt9WzCv6loBYR6gIPmfsUBlQ7puGRKRqhbKI1m21sAO0pNnnhIQI9tHwZZF9NRlfGEOI0KSU-6ioMA/s320/color-vibe-team.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our awesome team - before<br />
Don't let the sun fool you, it was crazy cold out</td></tr>
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The Rochester Color Vibe 5K was run in the wind/rain/snow/hail and finished. Still thawing, thank you. Good way to end a crazy week.<br />
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Life is short, do something nice for yourself and the ones you love.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8F_Dx3iNLotqpXHxXIPHoTCSlsWAu-r-aToQ8i1iYv_KTo_zGkD26SNv5n1ssA6VGdZJDa7yaaLcRJiGM-kUgLAQwhrqdb2u9W9GwJzZm8sL-rn68dOOf6N4pkIRM7H9SLnmLHWt56Dc/s1600/ColorVibe-5K-finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8F_Dx3iNLotqpXHxXIPHoTCSlsWAu-r-aToQ8i1iYv_KTo_zGkD26SNv5n1ssA6VGdZJDa7yaaLcRJiGM-kUgLAQwhrqdb2u9W9GwJzZm8sL-rn68dOOf6N4pkIRM7H9SLnmLHWt56Dc/s200/ColorVibe-5K-finish.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me - after </td></tr>
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<br />Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800002667569514473.post-34048654385326156472013-04-03T20:21:00.000-04:002013-04-03T20:21:33.260-04:00Camo Quivers!Now that we have more daylight, I have more brain for making stuff. The most recent is this MOLLE military style quiver with a removable pockety. If you are thinking "Hey, this has no belt or strap? What gives?" Well heck, if you want this lovely piece all for your ownsome, you tell me which way you want to wear this. If you decide it's a back quiver, we can work in a knife sheath too...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGMC_mDdY50IppFJm-1V8HhqYx8Hgq1Py8NecRRMRKaMTKdrBIgX3dAiQ2Y9yonzpiaJO18ajuPB-jGmhIbm_qi8jGbfMJHzTF2-t9X57pH85iTo5QKUWry_Gq2VK1tCvxkWJGikSgsI/s1600/Military-stylequiver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGMC_mDdY50IppFJm-1V8HhqYx8Hgq1Py8NecRRMRKaMTKdrBIgX3dAiQ2Y9yonzpiaJO18ajuPB-jGmhIbm_qi8jGbfMJHzTF2-t9X57pH85iTo5QKUWry_Gq2VK1tCvxkWJGikSgsI/s320/Military-stylequiver.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1WTRw-vxzB_XTQTtwwiSL2ErmjBt6ZE0eSCtC3ZHE1mly1I7PJ1HlY0P1O2u2U1h4nx0qnXVrgQp_SCnY47oQfGWA-dBFq3eDwjCGvxD2FKK-rETmwKSfth4r89IEXe30gE29qJa5PE/s1600/Military-stylequiver_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1WTRw-vxzB_XTQTtwwiSL2ErmjBt6ZE0eSCtC3ZHE1mly1I7PJ1HlY0P1O2u2U1h4nx0qnXVrgQp_SCnY47oQfGWA-dBFq3eDwjCGvxD2FKK-rETmwKSfth4r89IEXe30gE29qJa5PE/s320/Military-stylequiver_closeup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one will be going up on my Etsy site, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenBeeQuivers?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">Queen Bee Quivers</a>, but if you decide you want this one, let me know if you saw it here first. Will give you a deal since you read this bloggy!<br />
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Just bought some henna to apply to my work peeps and another quiver (not at the same time). Should be fun and interesting results. Will post more pics.<br />
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The peepers are peepin', the geese are hogging the pond again and it's snowing like crazy. Must be Spring.Amanda MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432860845746557047noreply@blogger.com0