August 15, 2013 In BLR Play It Forward 2013, People, Photos, Vermont

to you, mom

In light of recent sad news of some friends who’ve lost their moms suddenly, the fact that you are the one who gave me life, and generally that I feel like the luckiest kid on the planet because I feel so loved by you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- I wanted to write to you- on my birthday today.

Thank you for always being there for me, through the good, bad & ugly:

Me and Mom!

Thank you for shared meals, shared time, and always good conversation:

Me and Mom!

Thank you for laughing with me and toasting with me:

Me and Mom!

Thank you for always being my first call on my Birthday to remind me of the exact minute I was born, and to tell me for the millionth time- that you love me.

Thanks mostly though, for fully supporting every hope, dream, and goal I’ve ever had (even when they sound crazy), thank you for being selfless, honest, genuine and tell-ya-like-it-is, thank you for never questioning me or my instincts, thank you for helping to make sure I always keep a mindset that anything is possible, and thank you for teaching me what truly matters are the people and time together, doing things that mean something real:

Me and Mom!

If every kid was so lucky to wake up every single day of the year like me, and feel so loved, supported, and happy to be alive because they had a mom like you.

I’m living my dreams, Mom. I’m laughing, I’m loving, I’m trying, I’m doing, I always fight the bad days away because I know the good ones are there. I’m having fun and I am happy. I can do all these things because of the strength and heart you’ve instilled in me. Thank you for the life you have given me. I promise to never take a day for granted. Ever.

Thank you, Mom. It is indeed a very happy birthday today. I love you so much.

Why do you love your Mom?

#ItsMyBirthday #MyMomRocks #LoveYouMom

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August 13, 2013 In Inspiration, Live the life you want to live

today is the day. what are you waiting for?

It’s 9:29pm, just a day-ish before I ring in my 35th birthday, and I have just gotten off yet another phone conversation (2nd one in 2 weeks) about a friends young mom dying suddenly (as in- out of nowhere, healthy; one in their 50’s and one in their 60’s.) That’s in addition to cancer news from one of my best and longest life friends who is exactly 1 week younger than I am, and simultaneously texting with yet another friend who had a parent commit suicide. I am far too young (anyone is at age 34) to have this kind of regular weekly news happen yet- right? UGH. Shaking my head as I wipe tears, so I can see the computer keys clear enough to type this. Sudden devastating news like the aforementioned is that in which changes lives and rocks you to your core in a way you’d never wish on your worst enemy, and it is the kind of news I absolutely hate.

I think this all warrants a; WHAT. THE. F*CK?!

Every day since 8/18/1994, “life is short” has been on my mind. It’s something that is burned into my every day and will never go away. I created Blue Lollipop Road in honor of the friends I lost on that day and keep it all up because sharing my life and stories with the world help me manage my grief and sadness on a daily basis. Fighting to focus on “Things That Are Awesome” and finding adventure in the good each day has to offer, helps keep myself in check when I want to piss and moan about little things that do not matter one single bit. I am so thankful for this outlet (and running, and travel, and family & friends) because if I didn’t have those things- I’d probably be in a ditch somewhere myself. I often wonder how others- who don’t have outlets like I do- even cope to get up and function on a daily basis. I just hope they never feel alone. I hope if whoever that may be, might be reading this- they will feel like someone can relate, and really thinks it sucks total ass too- that life is so unfair sometimes.

So as this news has made my head hurt, and my heart hurt for some friends I know that are going through hell right now- I will close this by by begging anyone out there who is waiting to be or do something, to wait no more. Things happen suddenly. People are ripped away from us too soon. Tomorrow will come for some of us, but not all of us. Don’t wait for permission, don’t be afraid, don’t put off anything or anyone that is important to you.

Today is the day.

Be, do, say, what you want to- before It’s too late.

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August 13, 2013 In News & Updates

amore!

Italy is my favorite. As in the feeling, the food, the wine, just all things Italian. (Ok, maybe It’s mostly just the food and wine, but..) I’ve always been in love with the romance in the air there, the cobblestoned streets, lazy long wine-sipping lunches, and feeling of just enjoying life. When I find my ultimate partner in crime, he better like all things Prosecco, Pinot grigio, Sangiovese, bread, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, espresso, and affogato– or we are going to have a serious problem fulfilling my fantasies of spending a few weeks each summer eating, drinking, and frolicking through the Italian countryside.

(Take note guys.)

So how did I- the slightly Italian obsessed girl (woman? Do I call my self a woman now that I am turning 35? I dunno, it just sounds a bit stodgy and boring for myself…) not know about Ferragosto until last week? I mean- It’s on my birthday for pete’s sake!

Ferragosto:

An Italian holiday celebrated on August 15. In the past it was common for businesses to close and the entire month of August which was then taken as a holiday and leisure time in Italy in honor of this feast day. In present days, Ferragosto is mainly a short holiday (for those who are not on a longer holiday already) when most Italians take short vacations at the beach, and enjoy large communal meals.

A day of rest that Italians take to the countryside or beach to enjoy relax time, and partake in big meals with friends and family?! Sign me up! Hello I have the best birthday date ever!

Guess who’s already planning a trip to Italy for her 36th?

L’Italia o busto per il mio trentaseiesimo compleanno!

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