happy birthday John Muir

and thanks for your work on forest preservation!

thinking of Yosemite,

lisa liv 

biomimicry... it's for the birds

Actually, biomimicry is a really cool notion- we can learn and work on solving human problems by examining nature and its models, systems and processes.  And, birds flight is a good example of how we realized the feat of air travel.  

I'm attending a seminar at school this week, 'Environmental Responsibility: The role of NGOs and large organizations.'  Yesterday we had a presentation from Bellona and today was a gentleman from Friends of the Earth Norway.  It's pretty neat to see how they work, who they work with and the projects they are involved in.

One of Bellona's projects is The Sahara Forest Project and you can check it out here.  Sahara.... forest?!  I know, interesting stuff!

Our Friends of the Earth Norway presenter showed this video, and I thought it was something fun and inspiring to share.  It is, in large part, about biomimicry.  As we discussed in class, there are some other considerations not covered like costs.  But, overall I think Michael Pawlyn presents some cool concepts and out-of-the-box thinking that, to me, makes a lot of sense.  This is one thing I love about what I'm studying- there is so much amazing research going on with innovative and revolutionary ways to capture and use energy.  Support R&D, research will blow your mind.

If I could mimic something bio, what would I mimic? Hmmmmm.  What about you?

hugs,

lisa liv

I'm still a girls girl

Dear blog reader,

I do, indeed, post a lot of stories about great hikes and weekends in the mountains.  And, I am loving my time in the mountains of Norway.  But, I'm still a girls girl and love pretty colors, baubles, clothes, and the like too.  I have less disposable income to indulge myself these days and am shedding material possessions by moving around (this is a whole other story about breaking bad purchasing habits and learning to do more with less which has all been very positive... I'm sure my father is scratching his head about my claims as he passes my bedroom in San Diego teaming with 'stuff'.. but, I digress). So, I thought I would share something that came through my inbox which is rather groovy and eco-friendly.  Staple another dream to the dream board for me for when I'm gainfully employed and decorating my own place again.  In the meantime, go forth and enjoy if you are in the market for some new adirondacks. 

god natt!

lisa liv 

falling to the earth....

... this is how one of my friends captioned the photo on facebook and I rather liked it.  A few days ago Bea, Vale, Stephan and I took advantage of a few hours of sunshine and hiked one of the seven mountains around Bergen- Løvstakken.  It was a bit of an adventure... indeed, such is life!... and we had some fun with jumping photos at top.  We also brought a little 'one time grill' and grilled hot dogs for lunch before heading down.  Yum!

Vale, Lisa and Bea
Photo credit: Stephan Duffner

looking towards Bergen city center- Bea, Lisa and Vale
Photo credit: Stephan Duffner

Stephan!  aka Charlie hiking with the 3 Angles
Photo credit: Vale on Stephan's camera 

Pølse (hot dogs) time!
Photo credit: Stephan Duffner 

Fun fun in the sun.

Thank you Stephan for all the great photos!

your sunny gal,

lisa liv 

another good, full and satisfying week

Ahhh Sunday.  Sunday tends to be my catch-up day in the sense it's when I skype home to Mom and Dad and maybe with friend... do some chores... ya know, kind of a normal Sunday.  And, I realize it's becoming my blogging day :)  I truly intend to blog during the week as well but I've been having rather full weeks.  And, for that I am thankful!  Life away from San Diego continues to be full of a good mix of life's offerings.

Tuesday some friends and I went to the two-for-one movie night at the kino (movies) because that's the only night students can possibly afford to go :)  We saw 'The Hunger Games' for 55 NOK a piece and a current conversion rates that's about $10.  Imagine what full fair is.. yikes!

Wednesday was 'Lamb-pot' dinner with my flatmates from last semester, and Thursday night I ventured out to play Cafe Opera's jam session.  Below is Cafe Opera.  It's almost starting to feel like Lestat's or Java Joe's to me (for all you San Diego friends).  A little music time is good for the soul.  It's part of me.  Sometimes I can't get songs out of my head however hard I try.  And, that's no good... thesis is priority for the next two months!  So, I figured the best way to get the music out of my head was to play it, right?  The best part about Cafe Opera is that the opening jam band always sits in.  So, I almost always have a backing band.  Fun!  

Cafe Opera. Bergen, Norway

Fortunately, the weekends have been providing nice weather so we've been able to enjoy some of Bergen's beauty.  Last weekend was a BBQ in the park at sunset with some friends after lacrosse practice and a run in the mountains. 

photo credit: Stephan Duffner 

This week is Easter break and Norwegians all head to the mountains.  I might get there for a day too but mostly I'm in Bergen continuing to work away.

Today has been a true fool from the month of April.  It's currently snowing but we also had rain and sunshine today.  Ohhhh Bergen.

klem,

lisa liv