…with loud motorcycles driving by:
I was about to proclaim now that the fun has already begun, but I think you already knew that as of about, well- lots of years ago.
Ever think about giving up that “crazy” random dream you have?
Don’t even think about it 🙂
Last week after a 2nd annual chocolate feast with friends at Max Brenner in NYC, we walked out to the packed Union Square.
***(Omigosh! Check this out. Just found it when Googling Union Square to find a link to post here. So cool; The Say Something Nice videos. LOVE this. The podium was in the same spot that Mike above was giving away free hugs. Talk about a few feet of land with some seriously good mojo! My favorite part of the video is around minute 2.5 when the little boy screams “To infinity and beyond!” with Buzz Lightyear in tow while being hoisted up by his mother, and the group of ladies after that singing together inspiring the random guy walking behind them to clap along. This video gives me about 54 ideas for BLR projects I’d like to create, and reminds me why I fight to keep up with posting here every day; In a world that often seems crazy, sad, too busy for fun, stressed out, and unconscious- I continue to find a plethora of happy, inspiring and hopeful people, places and things like these that totally energize and motivate me to want to do more good.)
Ok, now back to Mike and free hugs…
Stuffed from our chocolate chunks pizza:
(Double chocolate melting chunks, with hazelnut bits, bananas, peanut butter and roasted marshmallows. Can you imagine the smile on my face? It makes me all giddy just typing those indulgent words!)
…we planned to walk our feast off for a while, but just a few steps in is where we ran into the Free Hugs crew. Just like we indulged in chocolate, we felt compelled to indulge in a hug too. My friend embracing away:
…and me too:
…plus photo of course!
Is it weird hugging a random hippie kid stranger who’s been on the streets of New York touching hundreds of people and sweating all day? Nah. I say life is short. When your feeling it- live in the moment. Hug hard and mean it.
I totally bought a t-shirt from Mike too. I never do that. I mean ever, but in that moment I felt the need for my very own “Free Hugs” tee. The money supposedly goes to a bunch of nonprofits the huggers raise money for. Who know where my 10 bucks will actually end up and who cares. All I know is I intend to have lots of fun wearing that shirt for years to come.
Thanks for the hug Mike!
Here’s to hugging it out and saying something nice too.
(I’ve been sitting here sipping my coffee for 30 minutes now, letting my thoughts wander- trying to figure out how I want to start this post. Guess it’s time to just start typing…)
Each year this day is an odd one for me with thoughts off loss, and celebration, sadness and elation. So very bittersweet. I think about where I was last year honoring my lost friends and reaching a lifelong goal and it almost doesn’t seem possible yet another year has come and gone. I am so thankful to be here, still typing away on this Blue Lollipop Road. I think about all the people I’ve met on my journey, all the incredible moments I’ve had along with the tough ones, and I feel proud that I still make the choice to focus on the good and possibility rather than the opposite. I was fortunate enough to learn that art of appreciation and joy for the little things from my friends who aren’t here anymore. I never want to lose that. Especially on days like today, I’ll always be in awe of these two girls who lived their short lives so fearlessly, authentically, and completely wide open.
Here’s to never taking days for granted, loving hard, laughing way too loud, and living fearlessly.
I’m off to eat a blue lollipop…
Warm weather, good company, cheese, wine, and laughter. A good way to arrive in the big city and spend a night:
Tomorrow is the one day a year we truly celebrate life, blue lollipops and Strong Mojo. It is a somewhat sad, but special day every year. I’m looking forward to spending it with Coach Traci here in NYC. This will be the unofficial kick-off to the Fall Honda Blue Lollipop Road Adventure.
Here’s to living the life you want to live and cherishing the time you have with people you think are special.
Yesterday was annual Pride Parade Parade Day and my first one in Chicago. It was quite an experience. After I attempted to get close to actually be able to watch the parade and got squashed in the crowd within 5 minutes, I opted to just wander the streets for a couple hours. There were thousands of characters, so even though I didn’t get to see many of the actual floats, there was plenty of entertainment.
As I walked in the direction of the parade, I saw bars and restaurants with signs of pride:
…vendors selling schwag to keep the sunshine way:
…people so excited to be in viewing distance they stood on porta potties:
…and some climbing on signs and poles wearing tutus and Speedos to get a look:
I saw a few floats and signs:
..and LOTS of colorful outfits. Meet Lauren:
She was all about me taking her picture. Then there was this lady dancing in her lime green spandex as the crowd at the bar cheered:
A couple guys thought less was more:
…and even prideful little cutie pie kids:
I couldn’t resist taking a couple videos after spying Tina shakin’ it:
…and a dance party in a Dunkin Donuts parking lot:
It was all a sight to be seen for sure and a fun day for people watching. If you’ve never been to a Pride Parade in a big city, add it to your bucket list.
Thanks Chicago, for making every summer weekend I have here packed with endless events to attend and interesting people to meet!
After seeing the video of the dancing dude in the goggles yesterday, my friend taped his little girl dancing to my post. Watch this and try not to laugh again. What a cutie pie.
Thanks Aly- you are a superstar!
My sister sent this to me last night. It’s is a friend of the guy she’s traveling with- he is in Italy. I need to go to Italy again if this is how much fun they have alone on a Speedo-esque pair of shorts and a bathing cap:
I’ve watched it about 10 times and I can’t stop. My favorite part is around minute 2. My stomach and face hurt. Seriously, the running man, totally straight face, with the goggles put me over the edge. This is freaking hilarious. Ok, I have to go watch this again…
Vinny was the amazing, dancing step great-grandpa from a friends wedding a couple weeks ago. What an absolute riot and adorable spirited 97 year old man…
…channeling some serious Frank Sinatra and even throwing in a little striptease action!
After his dance and the cake cutting, I stopped at his table to tell him I thought he was one fine dancer. I asked if I could have a picture taken with him. He was delighted at my request:
He was also very thankful for my compliments and said: “Well, thank you young lady, the name is Vinny. Vinny Vasta, from East 39th street in New York!” (And they he pulled out his drivers license to confirm his age. He was very proud.)
I have to tell you, it was one of the cutest things I have ever experienced. This man at 97, was more full of life than most 7 year olds. He had that perfect amount of sass and sweet that reminded me very much of my own grandpa who grew up in Brooklyn.
Thanks for the dance and making us all smile Vinny. I hope to be as full of life as you are in 65 years.
It’s South of the Border fun! If you have ever driven I95 you know it’s impossible to pass this place without stopping. Pedro welcomes you. How could you not stop at “America’s favorite highway oasis”?
During my stop, I discovered once again that:
1.) I am the worlds worst videographer.
2.) I am the epitome of classy; I managed to use the words “crotch” and “pee” within 2 minutes of video. (Mom is so proud.)
3.) It takes very little to entertain me.
During my visit, I learned that Pedro could work on his bathrooms a bit:
…and poor Pedros Ice Cream Fiesta looked more like a no-show Pedro party than a well- attended shindig:
A few of the best parts of my South of the Border stop this go around:
1.) Posting real time photos on Twitter and Facebook and hearing responses and suggestions as to what to buy. (Man, people love this place!)
2.) Adding another crazy spot to the BLR-Mobile passport. In less than 6 months, my auto bff and I have driven through half of the country of Canada, all around Alaska, among the grapevines in Napa, 4 feet of snow in Vermont, South of the Border, just to name a few and there are more spots coming. Did I mention not one brake job, break down, or issue? Honda, I love you. If it weren’t for you my life would not be nearly as fun. That is no lie.
3.) Finding out once again, that not much beats a road trip. People do really love cheesy roadside entertainment and the hope of meeting an interesting character.
I’m glad you have now met Pedro in case you have never been to S.O.B before. (Hee hee…S.O.B.) I told you I was going to start posting regular BLR “People.” I never promised whether they’d be human or not 🙂
Off to search for more characters and the world largest jar of Nutella…