When I was in Mrs. Frazier's class in the third grade we all took a chance at predicting the first day of snowfall in Provo. The award for the winner was a glorious two-foot snowman made out of candy. CANDY!

I thought that competition was so awesome I've never forgotten it. How do you get out of your head a two-foot snowman made out of CANDY?

With the weather turning all chilly, I was thinking maybe we could revive Mrs. Frazier's game right here on my Provo blog.

So, anyone want to guess the day of the first snowfall for Provo?
(Valley or benches, mountains not included).

Winner gets a dozen Provo Bakery smiley face cookies (because where am I going to find a two-foot snowman made out of candy?)(CANDY!)

I am only going to say this once, if you live in Provo and do not visit South Fork this week you will be very sorry indeed. My recommendation is Big Springs Park. Take a picnic or try the trail (moderate, perfect for the whole family!)

I wish I could link you to a wealth of information, but Provo City has yet to accomplish the feat of setting up a decent web page for their parks.

(Maybe a new mayor could remedy this?)

But there is this (also the photo source).

Head up Provo Canyon. Turn South into Vivian Park. Continue up the road for several windy miles until you see Big Springs Park on your left. The trailhead is at the top of the park.

Go soon, I am not kidding.

After some positive feedback of my weekend date plans I've decided to keep up the good work.

Here are some options for this weekend.

Option One:

For an early dinner, go to La Carreta a Peruvian restaurant by the University Mall. Get any of their plates with the fries. My brother Steve said it was just like the plates he ate on his mission in Lima. Maybe even better. If you are disappointed it is your fault. Buy a big bottle Inca Cola and get your evening started off right.

After dinner, go see Charlotte's Web. The director, Christopher Clark, is a man I know well. In fact, I was birthed from the same uterus.

Here is what he has to say about the play:

The other day I was standing in line at the post office and this guy is complaining to his friend about how he's dying to see a solid theatrical production about pigs and spiders, but never gets to. His friend agreed, and added that he would really love a good pig and spider show "specifically if they used puppets." Can you imagine their surprise when I told them about Charlotte's Web, a production I've just directed at Utah Valley University? And that we are using life-size marionette puppets for the animals? All this happened right there at the post office!

I guess there really IS a demand for pig and spider puppet plays. I wanted to pass along the info to you through my sister cjane, who always seems to have her finger on the pulse of what's hot. Trust me when I tell you: CHARLOTTE'S WEB IS REALLY HOT RIGHT NOW. It's for kids, but it's also for the kid at heart. I think you will love it. Please come!

September 17-October 3
Noorda Theatre
7:30 p.m.
Matinees on September 19 & 26
more info here.

After the play head to head back up University Parkway to Hello Yogurt and make your own yogurty creation. Then, write and tell me about your experience because I've never been there.

Option Two:
Here is what production designer Megan has to say about the movie:

It is a comedy about a family that was filmed in Utah--primarily in Sugarhouse, but there are some scenes that were filmed in Provo. My brother Dave Boyle is the writer/director, I was one of the co-producers and did the production design. We both live here in Provo, as do many of the crew members.

"White on Rice" opened in LA two weeks ago, then San Francisco last week and it is coming to two theaters in Utah starting Friday, September 25. In Provo, it will be opening at the Cinemark 16 at Provo Towne Center.

The film also stars a Provo local, Justin Kwong (an 8th grader at Centennial Middle School). He was recently given the award for "Outstanding Newcomer" at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

There will be Q&A sessions with Dave Boyle (the director), Hiroshi Watanabe (the star...also in "Letters from Iwo Jima") and Justin Kwong.

You can catch it down University at Cinemark on Friday at 6:45 pm, or 9:00 pm. (Also showing on Saturday 11:55 am, 2:10 pm). Or find out more on the website.

After the movie head north on University back the way you came. Hit up Maestros Cafe for hot chocolate. Sit outside on the tables and watch the nightlife. Heck, Provo has nightlife.

Email me and let me know how it goes.

But remember: loose lips sink ships.

Of course, you could also try your luck at being seated at Communal for their Friday night official public opening. And for that, I wish you the best of luck.

(More Communal news to come!)

Sloan Robison was always the boy up the street from the most musical family in town. He was in my kindergarten class and I liked his blond hair. Then our dogs Chucka and Tuffy somehow mated. Chucka (our dog) ended up pregnant. One night when the puppies were squirmy and newlyborn Sloan and his family came down to celebrate the event. Sloan and I sat on the carpet, each with a yelping, hair-less, blind puppy in our hands. I had a really hot face, because I was sorta embarrassed about the whole thing. Then I looked over at Sloan and his face was red too. That moment bonded our friendship.

We were born within days of each other, later we shared grade school teachers, music classes and met in the halls of church. There were embarrassing Junior High moments and awkward social outings and when we were 16 we spent our first legal date together. But because of typical growing pains in high school, there was a dramatic change in our relationship. I thought he was too cool for me and it killed me. Mostly because I was prideful. I couldn't even talk to him.

Because he was the boy up the street, we stayed in contact through friends and family post-high school. Then, when I found myself a young divorcee, Sloan rescued me from lonely times. He helped me gain some confidence, took some roadtrips with me and my family and stayed up nights psychoanalyzing the history of our lives. (All of which helped delivered me to the doorstep of a certain hero by the name of Chup.)

Chup wouldn't go with me to my 10 year PHS reunion (didn't want to be visited by the ghost of my high school self--I didn't blame him) so Sloan and I went together. It somehow mended that part of our friendship that didn't endure in high school. We were friends after all.

Years later, Sloan fell in love with Sonna. A graceful, elegant woman with a beautiful singing voice. The day of their wedding they had an intimate brunch for a few family and friends. Chup and I thought it was perfect. I was so happy for them both I cried all day. Not much compares to being so in love yourself, and seeing those around you just as happy.

But, perhaps the best moment of my friendship with Sloan was the day we walked around a wet Wall Street. Under an umbrella, we made our way around the narrow streets as rain poured down the alley ways. By chance we had ended up in New York City at the same time, so we met for lunch.

"I think you should start writing." Sloan told me.

"And you should pursue music." I replied.

Then we talked about getting older, being brave, and having new perspectives.

When I got home from that trip, I started writing. And Sloan chased after Sonna--a world away--and they became a duo, called Tangled.

This weekend they are coming out with their first single, called Make Your Way There. Sloan sent me a link to the video with an email that read,

"we're finally releasing our first single and vid. could it really be true that we spend our lives trying to please the people we went to elementary school with? "

I think he has a point. I will always wish for the day I felt as cool as Sloan. Until then, it made me proud to watch his video and see him doing what he has always wanted to do. If he aimed to please, I was pleased.

If you'd like to see the video you can do so by going to Tangled's facebook page and while you are at it, become a fan (why not? Surely you are a fan now.)

Congrats to Sloan and Sonna!

I will not cry while I write this post.

(I will probably cry while I write this post.)

A few months back, in the midst of all the fundraising for my sister, there was an auction for a "One for Me, One for Nie" party donated by Dear Lizzie. The idea was that the winner of the auction would be feted by the magical world of the Dear Lizzie boutique and bistro, while winning a party for my sister as well.

We aren't sure who won the auction, but we love them.

On Saturday night, while the rest of Provo was lamenting the big loss, my sisters and some nieces headed to Highland for our Dear Lizzie party. The entire store was open just to us while we were waited on by owner Laura and her attentive staff.

They fed us dinner--tomato bisque, spinach salad, pesto-turkey hors' d'oeuvres with two cheeses. They presented various sandwiches for the main course washed down by curvy glasses of red and white Dizzy Lizzies (their signature happy beverage.) All dishes were served in antique tea cups and on rose petaled plates. There were balloons and flowers and gift bags and there was a bell we could ring if we wanted more.

But we didn't ring the bell because we were giddy. Down right giddy.

We were stuffed, so Laura suggested we take sometime to walk around the store to find a treasure. With our party came gift certificates in the perfect amount for a personal gift to ourselves. Some picked pearl bracelets, some went with shiny necklaces. Yours truly picked up a Halloween headband and is now counting down the days until the holiday.

Then we were ushered back to the bistro where cookies and cakes awaited us. We were joined by Laura, her daughter, sister and party planner. Laura told us her inspiration behind Dear Lizzie and her passion of womanhood. She said a lot of things I needed to hear and more things that gave me goosebumps. Laura is amazing.

When it was time to say good bye we hugged like long-lost sisters. There will never be enough thank yous. We drove home still under the spell of the whimsical boutique and the spirits that live there.

On drive home, my nieces Emma, Olivia and Emily sat in the back and laughed so hard they could hardly breathe. The night had such a party-effect on them, the world was suddenly happy and humorous. I loved it.

Was it possible for me to have dreamed up the whole evening?

Laura sent me home with an issue of Romantic Homes from May 2009. There, in the features section was Laura and several pages of highlighting her Dear Lizzie. I read the article this afternoon during nap time. As I read, I couldn't believe the luck of having had this experience, but even more so, having this experience so close to home.

Dear Lizzie is open as a boutique, a bistro (with a lunch menu) and will also host your next party if you let them. Baby or bridal showers would be perfect. Or your next family or friend party. Which means you can have the same experience as we did on Saturday night. Laughing certainly included.

Everything you need to know about Dear Lizzie is on their website here.
(You can also shop online.)

P.S. If you do decide to have a party there, will you invite me? I will even wear my Halloween headband. You'll love it.

Thanks to Dear Lizzie and our anonymous benefactor!
We'll be back soon!

Page and Lucy convinced me to drive around town in Page's van on Tuesday honking and waving for my Dad's campaign. This is something I would've loved to do in high school, but I am turning into a grumpy thirtysomething. Page then promised me she'd feed me lunch before, so I agreed.

We drove to upper Oak Hills, down to 9th east, over on Timpview Drive and down University. We headed west on Center, up to Grandview, stopped at Beelsey's Goldsmith through Bulldog Boulevard and around BYU campus.

Page kept honking.

Lucy kept saying, "That is enough honking!"

Page kept honking anyway.

Betsy slept.

The Chief cried and cried and fell asleep.

Page's Vivian asked if we could stop at Day's Market for cheese sticks.

But Page just kept honking.

I yelled out the window to encourage people to vote for our dad. Only I called him the wrong name. Twice.

(It was nap time.)

Some people honked and waved. Many people gave us crusty looks. And one kid flipped us off.

But Page kept honking.

Did you hear us?

My siblings have been so sweet to write tributes to our dad before tomorrow's municipal primary (Matt, Steph). So, you know, to keep up with my status as favorite child, I guess I should do the same.

When I was in high school I thought maybe I'd run for some public office someday. You know, follow in my old man's footsteps. I decided to apply to Girl's State. There were forms to fill out, a background check and a rigorous interview. Somehow I passed, and months later I was on a bus headed to SUU for a week.

I really thought I was going to love the experience. Making friends from all over the state sounded exciting. It didn't take long for me to get extremely homesick--even though I had done these sorts of excursions before. The week was so lonely, and it dragged like Saturday night. I called home every evening, trying to sound like the strong political hopeful I wanted to be, while fighting the blubbering voice inside.


The point of Girl's State is to introduce young women to the invigoration of state politics. There are mock elections throughout the week, and at the end of it all a governor is elected. Point being, to prime future civic leaders. At some point I decided to run for a representative in the house (the position my dad currently holds). Somehow I gathered all the pride left in me and threw myself at people to get their votes. Pathetically I somehow won.

On the last day of Girl's State there are commencement services. Some female big wig from Capital Hill comes and cheers on the female political form! Hooray! Parents are invited to attend and it was noted that I would be sitting on the stand for being a state representative. At that point, there was nothing I wanted more in this universe, not a boyfriend or a Polo wardrobe than I wanted my parents to come down. To see me on the stand, to show them that I did my best, won an election, and then TAKE ME HOME.

Growing up in the middle of a big family didn't always guarantee that my parents could drop everything and drive three hours down state to pick me up and drive three hours back. Especially when a bus was headed that direction anyway. But when the day came, I sat on the stand and looked out in the hot events center to see my parents waving their programs back-and-forth across their faces.

On the way home my Dad expressed how proud he was of me. How I bucked up and didn't quit. He taught me that even though it is hard to put yourself out there with your pride and your hope, it is worth it to be a public servant. To help people and communities. His approval, and that discussion made the whole week worth it.

I feel the same about him and this mayoral campaign. I am so proud of him.

Vote Steve Clark for Mayor tomorrow!

Check out Haley Warner's abode.

It is on the market.

And you could be neighbors with my brother Topher.

Who wouldn't want?

Oh Neighbors.

I can't sleep at night due to the high level of Provo politics on my brain. Last night I sat blinking in bed thinking about all the good we can do together. You and me, east side west side, student, resident. Why am I not running for something?

(I can't resist pulling this little link to connect you with the Preserve Rock Canyon campaign and their endorsement of my dad for mayor. Read about it here. Save Rock Canyon!)

Anyway, I hear you might be going on a date this Friday (September 11th) and so I came up with two options:

Option One: Go get some orange roughie at Magelby's Grill and Oyster Bar. Eat slowly so you can also masticate the breadsticks. (Those breadsticks will served at my funeral--my last gift to mankind.) After dinner, walk over and see the Provo produced movie Broken Hill at Wynnsong next door. Feel good about seeing a romantic and moving, coming-of-age movie while supporting the local movie industry. Head back to Magelby's and get a slice of chocolate cake to go. Drive north a mile or so with your windows down to Ron Last park a small little spot of grass on the river. Eat your cake picnic style on a blanket. Enjoy the stars. The rest of the night is up to you, my friend. Keep it clean.

Option Two: Around 5:30 head to Pizzeria 712 in Orem for some delicately made designer pizza. Have time to enjoy the meal because a fast-eaten meal leads to date gas, and that is horrible. The worst. Around 6:30ish head south on state street to the Scera Outdoor Shell (bring blankets!) for the Ryan Shupe & the Rubber Band concert benefiting the Now I Can foundation. Feel good that you are supporting children with cerebral palsy. After the concert, hit up Coney's Frozen Custard further south off State. Chup recommends the Cookie Dough. I recommend that Chup is the best and I am sorry you are not going out on a date with him. Oh well.

By all means, pass this free information on to whomever needs a good Friday night. And that is everybody isn't?

Especially me. All this Provo politics is making me dizzy.

Your Cupid-esque Neighbor,
c jane

I am sitting in my house right now listening to the constant reveling going on up and down 9th East. After the game, my also family jumped in their cars and paraded all over town with honking, screaming and Cougar paraphernalia. Provo is alive with celebration!

One of the biggest wins in Cougar history!

GO COUGARS!




One hour later: Now I am hearing blaring music, fireworks and more reveling! And to think, all of this without an ounce of alcohol. We are crazy.

I went for a walk around the block today and thought about the Cougar football season. Here we are on the eve of starting a new season and what are we hoping for?

To beat Oklahoma?

To lose to Oklahoma gracefully?

A MWC championship?

A perfect season?

A BSC berth?

I think I've asked too much the previous seasons. I've asked for the golden trophies and the national acclaim. So this year, I am hoping for this:

I want to go to one home game this season. A cool day later in the schedule, a steamy cup of Creamery hot chocolate in my hands. A couple layers of warmth on my body. A seat next to Andrew and Jesse. A nice half time from the band with the Cougarettes dancing to some jazzy music. Popcorn popping in student section. A great view of a colorful Wasatch Front and purple sky. A first have full of Max Hall/Harvey Unga/McKay Jacobson connections. And a second half laced with Jan Jorgensen sacks and interceptions made by an upcoming star. An easy win for an easy afternoon.

Just one.

That is enough for me.


Go COUGS!

Early in the summer, Lucy and I headed on up the old interstate to attend a charity denim event in Sandy. Doesn't that sound fancy and casual all at once? We sifted through piles of designer jeans and tried them on in funky stand up tents and looked at jeans for our husbands and darn if we didn't have a good time.

Before I left I planted a little seed in the minds of the organizers.

"Bring your tent to Provo." I said.

And guess what?

My seed bloomed.

Behold I give you Provo's Only Charity Denim Event:

Brand New Designer Denim Event. Proceeds benefit the Utah Food Bank!

September 3-5


Thursday: 3-7pm
Friday: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-7pm


Coleman Studios
117 North University Ave. Provo, UT 84601


$25 - $80 per pair
Tops from Anthropology
Jeans from
True Religion Brand
Seven For all Mankind
Hudson
Joe's
Citizens of Humanity
Tavernitti
Antik
and many more

Womens, Mens, and Childrens Jeans!


Bring 2 cans of non-perishable food and receive $5 off your jeans!

Want to win a free pair? See here for details.