A birthday note, to self

This next year, remember...

There will be days dripping in gold,

and others that are just okay,

and some that are pretty terrible.

Try not to be too scared when the ‘terribles’ come along.

Maintain a positive spirit and a kind heart.

Quiet the ill-intended.

Work through the insecurities.

Don’t let anyone mistake being kind, as being weak.

Take care of your body.

Find something that compels you, 

and dedicate time to learning more about it. 

Don’t be so grumpy about the crumbs around the apartment.

The causer of the crumbs makes you really, really happy.

Be someone who, when mentioned in conversation,

is described as good.

Call home. Call sisters. Send letters.

Let friends know you're thinking of them.

Be a #1 aunt.

Keep travelling. Keep adventuring.

Maybe figure out how to get a dog.

Do the best you can this year.

And have the very best time doing it.

Adventure is Calling

My eyes need a sky full of stars,

my lungs, the deep inhale of sea salt air.

My legs crave the ache of a long day on a dusty trail.

And my skin, the comfort of the desert sun.

Once, I told my little sister that I wished I could go hug a saguaro.

Well, I would tomorrow if I could,

and tell all my secrets to the trees. 

I whispered some wishes to the bay today,

but it didn't quite wash away the nagging need for an adventure.

image unknown

If my grandma had been walking with me,

I am quite certain she'd give my hand a squeeze 

and pose the familiar question, 

'A penny for your thoughts?' 

Oof. So many. 

And so. It's time to plan a trip. 

One for mind, body and spirit. 

Adventure is calling, friends.

And I must go.

Stay tuned.

xo

A Year. In Review.

It will be a quiet close to a relatively quiet year.
Some years are packed with adventures, some are a bit more calm.
2013 was on the calmer side of the spectrum. 

Sure, there are some things I would've done differently. 

The usual things, mostly.

I meant to read more books,
and spend less time in front of the computer.

I didn't ride my bike as much as I daydreamed about, 

or keep as many appointments at the gym that I intended too. 

I continued to throw out dishes that I didn't feel like washing when they piled up. 

Probably should have flossed more regularly also.
The good news is, those are all habits that can be remedied
once I throw them on the ol' resolutions list.
 And for the instances that I had less control over,
the unexpected loss of a job,
the unimaginable compromise of a friend's safety,

the hanging around,waiting too long for someone to realize how amazing I thought they were... 

to realize, how amazing they think I am...

Those situations made my heart ache.

But then,
there were the moments that caused it to swell.
I swam in a lot of rivers,
and I hiked a whole bunch of mountains.
I hugged the biggest redwood tree I ever saw,
counted endless shooting stars as they streaked the night sky.
I got a new job, representing a company that I love.
I danced to some really good music.
I made some new friends, and I tried some new foods.
I saw my first bald eagle circle above me on a crisp fall day.
 I watched my hard work unfold as an entire city and all of it's citizens
came together for the ultimate act of kindness,
in helping a little boy's wish come true.
And so it is.
I'll plot more adventures for 2014,
but I chalk this year up to being 'pretty darn good.'
Happy Christmas.
Happy year end, friends.
xo

On Resolutions

It’s been a while since I shared a tale or two. 

My, how quickly the back half of the year seemed to go.

In an instant, confetti and noise makers signaled a New Year.   

And just like that, we were all granted the chance at a do-over. 

I love the act of making resolutions.

There is something methodical and calming about listing out the actions we pledge to carry out. 

Those that will make us, maybe, a little bit kinder, or a little bit stronger.

 And while some of my resolutions are only for me, too delicate and special to share,  below are a handful of behaviors I would like to enhance in 2013.   

Here’s to continuing to do the things that you give you pleasure with the people that bring you joy.

Happy New Year, my friends.

Speak soon.

xo

image is my own; New Year's Day sunrise

• To drink more green and to read more books.
• To write more letters. And, when asking how someone is feeling, really listen to their answer.
• To recommit to cooking my meals and understanding where the foods I nourish my body with come from.
• To plan at least one epic and awesome adventure this year. Anyone for rafting the Colorado?
• To be mindful that skipping on some ‘spends’ so that I can contribute to a rainy day fund will be the best investment in myself that I make.
• To remember the feeling I have when I run. The fresh, cold air against my face, and how my legs feel strong and my heart feels fierce. To remember that feeling often, and to act on it.
• To be aware of the people around me, and when they might need a gentle nudge, a nurturing hug, or a celebratory high-five.