More Photos of the Fun!

Trying To Catch Up To Julie

Yes, that really is a wig on my helmet...

And, as promised, a tiara!

Power in Pink

Our DIRTY Diva's!

That was SOOOOOOOOO fun!

I have two words to say regarding our Power in Pink event:

AMAZING- and SoRe!

Thank you ladies for such an incredible ride. Thank you's and big hugs to following:

*Deb for always believing in my crazy ideas.

*Josh Harris and everyone at Stephen Wade Power Sports for your support!

*JorDan Hansen for creating a fabulous course for us to ride.

*Eric and Andy Dodge for your generosity.

*Christy for your courage and inspiration.

And a big warm hug to my main man Steve simply for everything.

Pictures are coming girls!

Guess Who's Joining Us?

Those of you who know elan woman, know when we do something, we do it right. Just to add a little "frosting" to Power in Pink, the charming and talented Eric Dodge will be joining us to deliver High Five's for our courage! And, while he's at it, he may sing us a song or two. We're also producing a DVD of the event...starring YOU - the true elan woman. For further questions or to add a girlfriend along for the ride, call our offices or Stephen Wade Power Sports.

Gearin' Up!

We are less than 24 hours away from Power in Pink! I've been pulling out all my riding gear and anything extra I can share with the girls. Because the Hansen family loves to ride, I do protect myself with the proper riding gear. I mean, for the sake of my sanity, it's necessary. Who would do the laundry if I got hurt? Actually, it's a 50/50 household at the Hansen's...and right now no one's 50% is getting done so it's all good!

So do you need all the gear to ride? No. BUT, girls, you do need:

Helmets, Long Pants, Closed Toed Shoes at least. I also recommend either goggles or safety glasses and gloves (to avoid blisters). Flip Flops are NOT part of the gear but rather the first thing I slip into when I return.

SWPS will have their store open tomorrow morning for us if you need anything.

JorDan scouts from the air for new trails. (Don't worry, he's not allowed to ride Saturday...show off!)

It's almost time to RIDE!

We are approximately 48 hours from the Power In Pink party! Debra and I are thrilled at your support and excitement. JorDan, son #3, child #4 and our 16 year old off road racer, mapped out the course for the event. The past two nights I've been out to ride it...it's going to be so fun...and challenging. Those of you attending Power in Pink are going to feel soooooo accomplished when you're done! JorDan took took Josh Harris, The BMOC (big man on campus) of Stephen Wade Power Sports out on their quads early this morning to check it out. Josh came back totally excited that he was a part of sponsoring such an AWESOME opportunity for women (he also came back a bit winded...it's been a few months since Josh has been riding and JorDan showed NO mercy!).
Thank you to Hotel Park City, Gina Jrel, Fox Gear, Brighton Jewelry, Dixie Regional Medical Center, and many others for providing the "so elan" give-aways!
Don't be left out. We'll make room for a few more ladies if you're interested. The fun begins at 8am Saturday morning. Go to our "escape" link to download the information.

September 11th

September 11, 2001. I was on the Utah PTA Road Trip. Musician, Kurt Bestor was with us as our special guest. As the terror began to unfold that morning, we made the decision to visit the three schools on the schedule that day. We found ourselves in the midst of scared children, worried parents, and concerned communities. Utah PTA was there to support - injecting safety, love and hope. Although we each wanted to be home with our own families, we were in the right place, at the right time, doing what the volunteers of Utah PTA do best...taking care of kids!
On this day of remembrance, I send a warm hug to my dear girlfriend and fellow Utah PTA board member, Margaret Wahlstrom, who lost her mother and sister in laws in the first plane that crashed into the Twin Towers. May we remember, we are one nation, under God. Prayers of comfort to ALL who lost loved ones this day.

Power In Pink - September 20th

It's time to escape ladies! This is a one day'er here in beautiful St. George, Utah.
AND its YOUR chance to ride. You hear or read me talk about enjoying the thrill of wind in my hair and the dirt in my teeth and I want to share the experience with you (I know I've captivated you now!). We teamed up with Stephen Wade Power Sports and Torque Powersport Rentals to give you the chance to ride your own ATV or UTV (or if you have one, to bring it along) and see the desert off road. AND, as women would do, we're riding for a cause.
ALL procedes from Power In Pink will benefit the Dixie Regional Medical Center breast care fund.
There will be product drawings, prizes (including best decorated helmet - mine is sporting a tiara!) and burly boys in PINK serving up lunch in the desert.
Click on "escape" from our home page to download your entry form.
This is a pilot program. Limited to the first 25 women to sign up so hurry and get your name "on the list." For fun. For an adventure. For a cause...
If elan woman is planning it, you don't want to miss it!
Call our offices at 435.627.woman(9662) for more information.

True Love...

At the end of the photo shoot, I asked Mark to jump in for a shot with his "super model." He indulged. As a matter of fact, Val called the next day to tell us that she and Mark had made an entire day out of it, going to lunch together, and spending some time alone...so glad they did! This is how I want to remember her- so happy, so in love!

2008 May/June Cover

photo by skyy mckendry

Flower power...

I envisioned the cover featuring Val to include flowers, emphasizing our theme relating to "color" and because I knew Val loved to garden. So we played around with the different ways she could hold the flowers...I was a mediocre teacher, she was a valiant learner. Here you can see a few of the shots we got while Val showed off her sassy style - and the photo that led to our cover.

photos by skyy mckendry

Photo Shoot for May/June Cover

We shot our May/June cover in March at the Bramasole estate located in Washington, Utah. Val's husband, the darling Mark Imlay, had taken the day off so he could watch his high school sweetheart in front of the camera. Val was a natural...her stunning looks combined with vibrant smile inspired our photographer, Skyy McKendry, to shoot 499 pictures of Val that morning. For only two wardrobe changes, that's a lot of photos.
We even put Mark to work with us, holding reflectors and fanning his beauty. The smile in this shot of Val is as real as she was - she loved everyone. What a gift she has left us all!

Dr. Ellsworth, Val Imlay, and the staff from Red Canyon Aesthetics & Medical Spa

All of us at elan woman cannot begin to express our deepest sorrow in the loss of Dr. Ellsworth and the many staff members of Red Canyon Aesthetics & Medical Spa who were killed Friday night in a plane crash near Moab. Our precious cover girl from our May/June 2008 issue, Val Imay, was among those. I can't begin to see through the tears to type...but over the next few days I will post some of my favorite pictures of Val taken by Skyy McKendry capturing that electrifying warmth she was known for. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives and the communities that will suffer from their passing. God be with you 'till we meet again... Dr. Lansing Ellsworth; David Goddard; Mandy Johnson; Marcie Tillery, 29; Valerie Imlay, 52; Keith Shumway, 29; Dallon Ellsworth, 24; Camie Vigil, 25; Cecilee Goddard, 25, David White.

Time to ESCAPE!

Calling all Dirt Diva's! It's time to "escape" with elan woman and Stephen Wade Power Sports. We're teaming up to ride for fun..and a cure! "Power in Pink" is coming, September 20th, St. George, Utah. Check out our website for the details. Don't miss out on this one...it's a half day of pure adventure!

Bliss...

Another deadline has come and gone - there is such a blissful feeling that comes with this. Each issue we at elan woman have the opportunity to connect with real women doing great things. When we send those files off to print, they go with our deepest of love and admiration for the contributor's who awaken our pages and enliven us with desire. Not necessarily to do more, but rather to reflect on our own journeys and whether or not we approach each day as a gift.

One of the other immense joys we have is working with our advertisers. These are people who really get the mission of elan woman and speak directly to our demographics with quality products and services. Our clients are committed to providing our reader's with the very best they have to offer. Combine their conscious efforts along with our dedicated contributor's and you truly have a magazine that is designed specifically for you.

Personally, the past three weeks have been emotional for this editor. My third child in a pecking order of four was married (a good thing...he married a wonderful girl); my youngest son is pursuing his off-road racing career and finishing his schooling through non-traditional means (a bit hard for me - with two college degrees and half way through my master's, how does one not love school? But, I get it - this is not about me!); and I had a biopsy come back positive which led to the slicing and dicing of a section of my chest. How in the world is it that amidst all this, I still feel peace? I'll attribute it to my relationship with the Lord, my family, my wonderful girlfriends, and you, the supporters of elan woman.

I really am in a blissful state of life, accepting that each of these emotions raise me to be my best self, to love unconditionally, and to not limit those I love to my own expectations. For this micro-managing, dust my house three times a week, tuck your shirt in with a belt, make your bed every day mother, wife, and entrepreneur, adjusting to acceptance of "what is" came about with some resistance. However, by doing so, I have discovered that center of peace that makes love and life feel so alive. The Sept/Oct issue of elan woman sums up these feelings - it's a beautiful issue full of exploration and understanding. Don't miss it on stands September 1st.
As for now, you know that my life is like many of yours...with trials and emotions. And today, it's without make-up! ;)

August 1...Breaking Dawn!

The fan base is international. The frenzy is wild. Women around the world will be gathering this Friday night in anticipation of the release of Breaking Dawn, the final book in the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. elan woman plans to be smack dab in the middle of the excitement! Join us for a celebration at Barnes & Noble, St.George, Utah, from 9:30 - 11:30pm as we party until the midnight hour when Breaking Dawn is released. Bring your most fanatic Twilight Series story and plan to share the adventure. That night elan woman will be pleased to introduce to you Shelly Ashton, the creator of the ONLY Stephenie Meyer authorized "Bella's Bracelet." Winner of the fan story will receive the beautiful "Bella's Bracelet!" For more information, call the elan woman offices at 435.673.woman (9662). Hope to see you there...

It's Here...

The summer issue of elan woman is on it's way to you! If you are looking for an adventure this is the issue for you. The pages are full of vibrant women taking in life with the fullest of breath. Thank you ladies for sharing your stories and emulating courage to "move" through life with a huge splash of excitement.
I am currently on location at the Radisson Resort in Fort McDowell, Arizona - an oasis in the desert. While working on stories and distribution in the area, I'm also taking in my son, JorDan's, 6 hour off-road endurance race (he races ATVs). Fortunately this race is at night...the desert's summer sun is at full strength so the roar of the engines will wait until sunset before hitting the rough course. Racing has allowed me to experience so many places along the highway. Fort McDowell has an enchanting beauty all it's own. Growing up on a reservation myself, I honor the open spaces that the tribes work so hard to perserve.
What is great about Fort McDowell, among other things, is that I get to visit my lovely daughter, Sara, who lives with her husband in the area. We had the opportunity to shop yesterday and I'm proud to say I wore her out. Yes, mom still has it...stamina and dad's credit cards.
Watch for the beautiful July/August issue of elan woman, in stores next week!

DEADline!!!

"There is a reason the week before we go to print on the upcoming issue is called DEADline! The office is buzzing at elan woman - ads are being designed, stories are under edit, and we're choosing photos for stories...as my mother use to tell me, I'll look like, "death eating a graham cracker," when the week is through

(where did she come up with that???).
A visit to Salt Lake City came in the midst of chaos. I had dinner with my forever PTA friends at Archibald's (oh, do I love their green fried tomatoes). Caught up with my girlfriend's Shelly and Angie for a photo shoot on location with Sabina, an artist who is daring, creative and simply a lovely woman. What courage she has..what talent...and what a gorgeous lady, inside and out. Writer Lynda Bernal, will share Sabina's depth and creativity with you in the July/August issue of elan woman.
Thanks to all you Utah PTA ladies who make my life so full, hugs Angie for your great photos...and Shelly, thanks for making me laugh so hard I have to consciously "hold it."

The past 30 days...

Whew! What a RIDE...literally. Just got back from a day in Pahrump, NV. What's there? Spring Mountain Raceway. We featured this adrenaline pumped facility in our Men's Issue back in January. I had the chance to jump into one of only 2 corvette's of their kind (Jay Leno owns the other one) for a "fast lap" around the track with owner, John Morris. WOW...it was either sCrEaM or grab a barf bag...I screamed - what a RUSH! When I stepped out of that gorgeous piece of machine with my heart still raging in fifth gear, I embraced the idea that in the depths of every woman's soul, waiting to awaken, is a desire for adventure, great or small. Nothing too crazy (or maybe) that grants an experience, launching the senses into a twister of excitement. Thanks John for the G Force that momentarily smoothed out the wrinkles! A special thanks to every one at Spring Mountain who granted just that type of adventure to.....hmmm...well, maybe I'll keep HER name a secret - but you can read about HER adventure in the July/August issue of elan woman!

The Outlaw...

So, i know you are all longing to see the pic's from the retreat... but here is a couple of pictures of mom and I at the monster truck rally!!

Darci finished up deadlines and before heading north to the retreat, she made a quick trip to phoenix, for an ATV race, and of course we hit the monster truck show which was also in town!! I thought you might enjoy a couple of pictures of the trucks!!

"escape!"

The first elan woman "escape" held in Marysvale this past weekend was simply AMAZING. I am so in awe of all the attendees. Women with passion, talent, heart, smarts, and a beauty each of their own. All the details will be featured on our new link "escape" but here just let me say, WOW. What energy. What connection. We were all so diversed and yet so similar in spirit. We laughed and of course, I was there, so we cried. Oh thank you ladies for your gift of self...although this event was for YOU, I left completely elevated. Your comments will certainly lead to another elan woman "escape" in the VERY near future!

A Cinderella Story....

Okay, just for future reference, here is a quick background... my name is Sara, i am a Darci's daughter. Occasionally i like to share my random thoughts about the wonderful elan woman magazine. My mother definitely did not pass on the wonderful 'writing gene' to me, so please do not be offended if i don't use the right grammar, and thanks to spell check, hopefully there will be no misspelled words!!!!

So, onto the post!! Here are some fun pictures from the Cinderella Pageant at the Clark County Fair last week. My mom, Darci, was allowed the privilege of being one of the judges of the pageant. Aren't the girls so cute all dressed up in those outfits!! Oh, it would be great to be young again... I love any excuse to get dressed up and wear a crown!!

And the winners are....
Here is Darci and Tracy Rodger, 2007 Mrs. Nevada

Sara Frei, Blogmaster

How fast can you type???

Good Morning!! I was just doing a little blogging this morning, and i saw this little test on someones blog. I thought a few of you computer users might enjoy this, i am addicted!! I did the test about five times and well this was my highest score, pathetic i know, but don't worry i am a hair dresser, and that doesn't involve too much computer usage!!

So click on the link below and give it a try, too fun!!

51 words

Energy Level...

So here I am today in the Salt Lake area attending a seminar on self improvement. In my scurried hurry to drive up just in time for the class to begin, I had a preconceived notion I would be attending another personality typing experience. Well, wrong. What's different about this process is it's connection to nature, the overall oneness that we have with life, and learning to see those connections in everything personal from our thoughts, facial features, how we sit and walk, to even our own doodling style. I am quite facinated! My self discovery moment was that for years I've typed myself a certain way (or may have been "shamed," or "misjudged" to alter my behavior) from that which is my "true" energy level. Who are we really? And why do we shame others for their true gifts? Today, we get to learn to embrace that level of truth as we know it and dress according to it. We've also given this opportunity to a wonderful woman who has never had any experiences of the like. Watch for her AMAZING transformation, inside and out, coming to the pages of elan!

Ever get a "wild" hair???

Okay, so here it is... Darci's "wild" hair!!

Dune Diva

Making time for ourselves is easy to advocate but hard to do. After a full year at elan, I decided it was time for a break. The family loaded up our quads and headed for the California desert. No cell phone. No Internet. Just campfires, grit in the teeth, and sand in the eyes. Oh, I guess I should add paint in the hair. My 16 year old son and his friend got this idea that Steve and I as responsible adults needed a wild hair, so the boys painted ours. Pink for me. Steve boasted blue and orange. The colors photographed nicely and the boys couldn't believe us "fuddy duddies" were so willing.
The daily breeze smoothed the Dumont Dunes for fresh riding each morning. It was exhilarating to feel free from the busy world and just ride. I've somewhat mastered crossing the razorback edge that usually dumps you into what is known as a bowl. In order to "stick" to the wall of the bowl and climb out on the quad, you've got to hit the gas. YA BABY! Well ok, I'm not as fast as my male counter parts, BUT I screamed the loudest. In the midst of a ride, I got a "wild hair" for the May/June issue. You are going to love it - paint and all!

Purpose

Headed south to Mesquiite and Logandale, Nevada today with sales executive, Paula Bell. Enjoyed visiting our clients. High Desert Design has a fabulous show room and lots of STUFF to go along with my living room re-design I'm taking on in the next few weeks.

While in Nevada, I met with a lovely woman that we will feature in the Sept/Oct issue. This beautiful, 51 year old, mother of 8...yes, 8 (with a set of twins in the mix) was such an inspiration to my heart.

As we chatted I pondered her extreme humility in acknowledging her MANY talents. As a matter of fact, when I initially called her, she didn't see herself in the creative light that I had heard of. Sharing some time with her today, my soul was elevated by her kindness and admiration for the work that's been done with elan woman. However, it was I who was inspired by her spirit. "You, a gorgeous mother of 8, so talented in your own right...it is MY privilege to spend this moment with you." Divinely unique, yet like others I've come to know...she was unsure of the question, "what's next?"

Deep in trying to unravel my own evolution, I shared with her what I have learned. "It isn't until we accept the magnitude of the fullness of our purpose can we really know what is next. When you embrace the awesome presence of your existence in this moment, you will become alive and ready to experience what is next." She truly is an incredible spirit...what a treat to have a new girlfriend. I'll share her with you in the fall issue of elan.

Thanks Paula for joining me on a little road trip. I revived my energy source with great conversation, string cheese, and of course, a cold diet coke!

Dirty Jobs...

It has been a fast paced week at elan. We've been designing the May/June issue and it's going to be beautiful. I'll give you a hint...lots of color...hmmm...that could be interpreted several ways so I'll let the imagination run wild. This time of year I think I just feel wild anyway with the glorious seasonal temperatures. However, slipping into a short sleeve shirt I was reminded of the importance of exercise. Some how that part of my life has been skipped since launching the magazine and it shows. The dangling skin flapping as I gave a girlfriend wave to a neighbor was a true sign to pick up the weights.
Yesterday while driving out to Ivins, Utah, I hit a pot hole from road construction. Well, so I don't sound totally blonde, I swerved to miss one hole that led me smack into a smaller hole, puncturing my tire. I pulled over and wasn't out of my car 30 seconds before a young police officer from the City of Ivins pulled up (law of attraction at work). He offered to change my tire. Instead, I insisted he teach me to change the tire on this rather new car that I have. Down on all fours in my flowing silk skirt, I felt like I was filming an episode of Dirty Jobs. When the task was through my hands were black, my skirt damaged, but the good news is, NO BROKEN NAILS! And, I can now change a tire if need be. Thank you to my darling officer in Ivins for taking the time to stop. Of course I sent him off with a hug and a copy of elan!
Today it's off to the Soup N Bowl (I made a bowl...but it's completely unconventional since I decorated it with bling), then dolling up for the Dixie State College "Fire & Ice" gala tonight. Monday it's the regional Women's Conference and somewhere inbetween, I'll lift a few weights, or carry a few grocery bags...isn't that the same?

The Party

As the song goes, "Oh what a night!" The elan woman birthday bash is officially over and this editor is slowly regaining consciousness. The countless details that we fretted about going into the night were completely wrapped around providing an exquisite evening of entertainment for our guests. From the unbelievable food provided by the Painted Pony restaurant (people could not get enough of the variety of options and rich flavors) to the mouth watering V Chocolates - add the sounds of the St. George Musical Theater, all encircled in the spectacular "Bramasole" Parade Home provided by Split Rock Fine Homes and it was truly a night to behold. Some 300+ attendees basked in the elegance of a wonderfully diverse crowd which included business professionals, artists, media, politicians, regional celebrities, subscribers, our advertisers and contributors.
Highlights of the evening including our guests casting votes to officially name the elan woman awards. Our annual event will honor a "Professional of the Year" and a "Volunteer of the Year" - hence forth to be known as the "e-xceptional awards." Making history were our first two honorees. Mary Ronnow, CEO of The Skin Institute was recognized as "Professional of the Year", while the beautiful Julie Hullinger was named elan's "Volunteer of the Year." Both received elan's unique token of recognition, a large, crystal diamond ring paper weight with the elan logo engraved on the face of the diamond - unique and classy, just like our honorees.
So, after all the hoopla of the week, I've taken a number of occasions to soak up the moment. What love and support was present within the walls of "Bramasole." Debra and I have honestly been so fortunate to have connected with extraordinary individuals who believe in elan woman. As our new issue expresses in my letter from the editor, gratitude abounds for the success we share with all those who have become a part of the elan woman family.
What's next? After I finish eating what little was left of the "gia-normous" birthday cake I will begin to take advantage of the amazing southwest weather (70 degrees today baby!). The fresh air and sunshine elevates my soul like no other...and "fresh" is absolutely a part of the creative element necessary for elan woman. I'll squeeze into the jogging pants and hit the park tonight with the girls, Maci and Hannah, my toy poodles. While strolling, I'll offer up my highest degree of humility for this past week and all of the love this life has provided. Then I'll come back and start a load of laundry.

Our New Blog

Welcome to our new blog site. I have always been fairly savvy with the email thing, but overall I would categorize myself as technically challenged. Blogging's simplicity allows this editor to have a space to share what's going on behind the scenes at our offices located in glorious southern Utah. Our location puts us smack center to all the action between the Payson/Dixie Line (south of Provo, Utah) to viva Las Vegas and any adventurous points along the way (ever played on the river in Laughlin?) Our journey to produce each issue of elan woman is full of surprises, laughs, heartbreak, triumphs and chocolate. I look forward to inviting you inside our world and seeing the playful side of our creative environment. It's a mix between The Devil Wears Prada and Legally Blonde (thank you Chris Waddell for thinking of me).

This week we will finalize the many details to our one year birthday bash coming up next week. We will thank our supporters, pay tribute to our advertisers, and announce our very first elan woman professional of the year and volunteer of the year. Oh, I do love a party! The Split Rock group is our host for this unbelievable evening in their Estates at Northbridge Parade Home, "Bramasole" (I love to say that word). That leads me to the real question that must be answered, "What's a girl to wear???" Now the guys will make that simple, grabbing what ever is within arms reach. Their big question is, "What's to eat???" Painted Pony is our choice to cater the celebration - let the taste buds rejoice! As for me, I will head to Bella Donna in search of an LBD (little black dress) and while there grab some of those hilarious new sticky notes with the sassy remarks that June Pace may have coined herself!

So much to do...I need a diet coke with ice so I receive the proper amount of hydration. With the March/April birthday issue off to print, we can take a breath and visualize what's next to unveil that defines elan woman as more than just a magazine. We will allow some of that colorful vision to unfold through this blog. Each day is a gift that is just so fun to unwrap. I love presents...