Vermont

October 16, 2013 In Alaska, Argentina, Bermuda, BLR Play it Forward 2012, BLR Play It Forward 2013, BLR Reunion Soccer Weekend 8/18/12, BLR-Mobile, Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Scholarship, blue lollipops, California, De-lish, Food, Food Porn, Funny signs, Honda, Illinois, India, Inspiration, Live the life you want to live, Maine, Million Mile Joe, People, Photos, South Carolina, Vermont

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY BLUE LOLLIPOP ROAD!

YIPPEE!!!

Today is Wednesday October 16, and this makes b-day number 5 for BLR. Let’s celebrate!

Cupcake anyone?!

This is the perfect time to write about the above de-lish treat (sun drop pound cake with a sun drop glaze and lemon buttercream) that Wendi, Owner of She Daisy Cupcakery gifted me a few weeks ago after she bought a pair of my vintage Frye boots. (Craigslist rocks.) So yeah, I took a treat from a stranger. (I seem to keep breaking all those rules our parents told us to live by.) Wendi was a blast to talk to. She quit a career that was blah, followed her passion to the land of things sweet- and voila a cupcake company! Another good story about a random encounter with a hard-working, inspiring person who followed their heart. I love being able to share about these kind of people here.

Without a doubt the best part of these past 5 years on the Blue Lollipop Road, has been meeting new people, the kindness of strangers, and spending time with those already in my life that I love. What else is there, really?

Ahhh- yes, the people I’ve met along the way, who share similar interests:

…the cities I’ve fallen in love with:

…my various office locations:

…the food I’ve noshed on:

…the places that’ve helped me find the way back to myself:

…the signs that make me laugh:

…the excitement, energy, and adorable kids (and adults) who keep the Strong Mojo alive:

…the adventure from coast to coast and beyond:

…the lessons I’ve learned:

…the special friends I’ve reconnected with:

…honoring lost friends by giving back to hometown female athletes, so they have the opportunity to go out and see a bigger world too:

(Above left 2012 Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Scholarship recipient Hannah Patterson, and 2013 recipient Mercedes Chen at a recent soccer game:)

…events with good friends in beloved landmarks:

…the strangers out there who’re also on the Blue Lollipop Road:

…the freedom I have found and felt:

…the truths I’ve come to know and trust:

…the journeys and daydreaming in the sky:

…and on the road:

…the cheesy places I’ve been:

…and the beautiful:

…the nicknames I’ve acquired:

…knowing that there will always be bumps, so I better strap in tight:

…never losing faith in things that I hope for:

…and to wherever, and whatever- the road leads to next:

5 years ago today I drove down a road in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and “Blue Lollipop Road” popped ever so randomly into my head as I was brainstorming a best way to share my stories with more than just family and close friends. Who knew this is what it would become! I’ve managed all the above on a shoestring budget and with no plan whatsoever. I didn’t grow up with a trust fund, I never spent my childhood jet-setting the globe with my parents (I barely made it out of the state of Vermont until I was 15), I’ve never taken any writing or computer classes (I’m sure that is very obvious considering my regular grammatical errors and other:), and at the risk of sounding so cliche’- I’m just a small town wildly curious kid, that came from humble beginnings, learned in an heartbreaking incident at a very young age how short life is, and since then have decided that every day is a chance and a choice to live like I mean it. During my journeys on this Blue Lollipop Road, I’ve learned things that’ve absolutely changed my perspective and my life as a whole, I’ve seen places that’ve taken my breath away, and I’ve met people I wouldn’t have been able to in my wildest dreams- all because of this platform. Now that is something to celebrate!

I’ve written and shared here in and effort to keep myself in check and awake about what’s really important, to prevent myself from falling into the drone-zone, and to remember all the things that are possible. I hope by visiting here, you stay fired-up about life, like a kid in a candy store too.

Here’s to the next 5 years, and to going for it all.

What are you celebrating today?

#HappyBirthday #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #ThisIsWhatILove

September 16, 2013 In Great companies, People, Photos, Vermont

i love this guy

(I mean- how cute is he? He also happens to be my little brother, Brad:) I took this photo when we were goofing around at the West River Farmers Market in Vermont last year. Brad is a farmer. One among the many who work humbly and tirelessly to grow all that fresh delicious food that keeps us healthy. Check out this article he’s in!

Below is at the same farmers market last year. 3 of the 4 Peacock “kids.” (Oldest ,DJ not pictured.) Youngest in the fam, Erin is on the right:

…she often works at Clear Brook Farm with Brad and the crew between her travels. Yay for amazing siblings! Yay for farmers! Three cheers and hats off to all the farmers out there who work their fingers to the bone to provide our communities with the best food possible.

Where’s your favorite farm?

#FarmerLove #VermontFarmers #LoveTheEarth #SiblingsRock

August 18, 2013 In BLR Play It Forward 2013, People, Photos, Vermont

8/18

Thinking about my girls. 19 years ago today, my life changed forever.

I’m so thankful for every minute I have with the people I love, and with those who make me laugh. I’m thankful for memories I have, that will never die. I’m thankful to have known 2 people that showed me pure joy and zest for life when they were here, and who continue to inspire me to be fearless and live fully every day even though they’re gone.

This is for you Maria & Brandy:

I miss you every day, especially on this day- but the power of the blue lollipop always makes me smile and feel like you’re right here with me.

How do you remember your friends?

#BlueLollipops #MyGirls #Soccer #BlueLollipopRoad

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:

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

Thank you for laughing with me and toasting with me:

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:

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

August 12, 2013 In BLR Play It Forward 2013, People, Photos, Vermont

traci, kate emma, and me

Here are the three of us, all good and sweaty after the alumni game during BLR Play It Forward this last month!

These ladies are two of my most favorite. Traci (left) is my former high school soccer coach, the person who taught us all as young girls this special “Strong Mojo!” you hear me talk about often, and she’s such an incredible artist, mentor, and person- I can’t even put it into words. Kate Emma (middle) is my former high soccer teammate, the person who had the original idea for me to host an alumni game, she has a heart of gold, is one of my oldest friends, and we share a special bond that I can’t put into words either.

As I started uploading this years event photos- this was the first that popped up. How awesome. BLR Play It Forward and the Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Scholarship would have never been born had it not been for Traci and Kate Emma. They not only had the initial idea for a game, but helped me package up and execute my additional ideas that now make up this annual full-scale event. These two helped make a dream come true for me that was years in the making; Honoring our two lost friends by showing their families how much they both still mean to us, bringing former teammates, and community members together to encourage maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, and awarding a scholarship to a deserving student athlete to help her reach her travel goals. Spending time with the people that mean the most to me- those who truly understand the heart and soul behind Blue Lollipop Road, and awarding the gift of travel which I know enriches a life in indescribable ways- has meant more to me than I could ever share.

As the 8/18 anniversary approaches this year, I am more thankful than ever, for all the amazing people I have in my life, and in my memory, that help me never forget how lucky I am to have each day.

Thank you for every minute of support, and love, every encouraging note, and for being two of the most incredible people I know Traci and Kate Emma! I love you ladies!

To the forever Strong Mojo…

July 31, 2013 In BLR Play It Forward 2013, People, Photos, Vermont

2nd annual blr play it forward wrap up coming soon

As I wait on the photographer for event photos so I can write my big event follow-up, here’s one fun photo that makes me smile:

Don’t tell anyone- but we dipped our blue lollipops in champagne after the game:)

That’s Tommi with me. Tommi has come and participated in Play It Forward both years, she used to be my “Big Sister” when I was on the varsity team. She’s still a killer goalie and a total blast. Tommi represents just one of the amazing alumni women who I love to see during our weekend of events. It’s such a treat to experience reconnecting and laughing together, as if a single day hasn’t passed since high school.

Thank you to all the incredible MAU women’s alumni who came this year. Love and Strong Mojo forever!

July 12, 2013 In BLR Play It Forward 2013, Donations, News & Updates, Photos, Thank you, Vermont

it’s blr play it forward event kick-off day!

Wahoo! Could I be any more excited? It’s been go, go, go since my arrival back from the Adirondacks and I am loving every minute of it.

Today is Friday July 12 and time for Play It Forward round 2!

I’ve picked up jerseys (pink and blue) for registered alumni, and the t-shirts (white) we will be selling tomorrow:

(Kids white tees $10 and adult white tees $15.)

I’ve picked the lollipop supply (Thank you for the donation for the second year in a row Willy’s Bakery & Variety Store!):

(We might force you to eat one when you come to the field tomorrow:)

I’ve picked up the farm fresh goodies. (Thank you for the donation for the second year in a row Clear Brook Farm!):

(Of course I had to test out a couple of my recipes last night. Twist my arm sampling such yummy locally grown food! Guests at Howard Park tomorrow get ready for some good healthy eats!)

I have the Vermont Voltage coming tomorrow to hand out free tickets to their July 17th Premier Soccer Club game at Apple Jack Field:

Finally, We have picked a winner for the 2nd Annual Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Scholarship that’s awarded in honor of teammates Maria Green and Brandy Brown who we lost in 1994. This scholarship winner will be announced at 1pm tomorrow during the Strong Mojo Summit at Howard Park before our 2pm Alumni Game. I’m thrilled to give another travel scholarship to a deserving current female soccer player from my hometown, and I can’t wait to reconnect with all the inspiring alumni who come out to play, and all the great old friends, teachers, neighbors, and other wonderful community members who come out to support BLR!

We kick-off the weekend of fun events tonight at the Welcome Back Party at 7pm at Madison’s Pub and Brewery, so come one and all! Husbands, wives, partners, friends, soccer players, non-soccer players, everyone from the community is invited! Madison’s has agreed to donate a % of bar sales after 7pm back to Blue Lollipop Road! Yay!

Tomorrow night (Saturday) we have Celebration Cocktails at Pangea Lounge at 8pm to wrap up our weekend. Pangea has generously offered to donate 10% of all sales from BLR Play It Forward event traffic, so please come out to join us for some specialty cocktails created by their staff just for us!

Donations from all of you out there during the year are what keep BLR/BLR Play It Forward/The Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Scholarship Fund going and growing, so a huge thank you to everyone for such amazing support to help this dream come true again in 2013! Together we can encourage people of all ages to stay curious, to maintain a healthy & active lifestyle, and to be fearless in pursuit of goals.

Here’s to a most fun and memorable weekend for the whole community!

July 9, 2013 In Be active, BLR Play It Forward 2013, Vermont

free vermont voltage soccer tickets to everyone who attends blr play it forward this weekend!

Here’s a sweet deal:

Come out to Howard Park in Shaftsbury, VT this Saturday July 13th, be our guest at BLR Play It Forward and get a ticket to attend the Vermont Voltage game on July 17th- free!

I was thrilled to learn about the Bennington Sports Center as I’ve been spending time back in my hometown this summer. Owner of this facility and the Vermont Voltage Premier Soccer Club Bo Vuckovic welcomed me to drop in for a tour last month after I emailed him about hanging up event posters. The instant I walked in I was impressed; the space, Bo’s vision, his positivity and obvious drive to create this incredible community space for sports and more in Southern VT are in a word- awesome. If you are reading this and are like me, who always had the desire to stay active and entertained growing up as a small town kid but often felt “bored”, you know what mean when I say- I wish this kind of place was around when I was young! In fact, I would love to see this kind of place available in every town in America and beyond! The Bennington Sports Center has taken over a gorgeous old elementary school and renovated it into this clean, beautiful, and inspiring place that I believe will change lives, and keep kids healthy & active for years to come. BLR is all about that!

Bo was quick to offer any help I needed with BLR Play It Forward (for this year and the future) as he toured me around the grounds. I thought the free ticket to the July 17th Voltage game was a perfect idea for this years Play It Forward event. I hope to work with Bo on future BLR events. He is definitely my kind of people. It was very clear to me from the minute we met that he really cares about doing good for the community. Three cheers for that!

Come out this Saturday and cheer us on as we play soccer and award a scholarship to a local youth female athlete at Play It Forward, and get your ticket to go see the Voltage play next week!

Thanks to Bo, The Vermont Voltage and The Bennington Sports Center!

June 15, 2013 In BLR-Mobile, Honda, Photos, Vermont

ILOVERMONT

It’s amazing how when you grow up here, all that’s on your mind is; UGH- this place is sooooo boring. I can’t wait to get out of here!

…Then when you’re a grown up and spend time here, all you think is; SIGH- this place is sooooo beautiful. Can I stay a bit longer?

Saturday afternoons in the summer wandering around like today will never get old for this Vermont kid.

November 6, 2012 In People, Vermont, Videos

meet my brother, brad

Truth and transparency always. That’s how we roll in the Peacock world.

Here’s to hard working honest people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, women’s health rights, marriage equality, and all the other issues we should all think very hard about before casting our votes today.