Blue Lollipop Road

January 18, 2014 In BLR365, Inspiration, People, Photos, Virginia

365 days of blue lollipop road; day 18

1.18.14

From the Megs Miles Facebook Page sent to me by a good friend a couple days ago:

Meg Cross Menzies was tragically killed by a drunk driver while out for her morning run on January 13, 2014. As an avid runner, member of the Richmond Road Runners Club, and Boston marathoner, she was a member of the running family nationwide. In her honor, our hope is to raise awareness of drunk driving, texting and driving, and overall safety of runners and cyclists everywhere. 

This Saturday, January 18, 2014, no matter what your distance, no matter where you live, run for Meg. Take in the fresh air, be aware of your surroundings, keep your headphones on low, feel the heaviness in your lungs, the soreness in your legs, and be grateful for it–for all of it. The sweat, the pain, the wind, the cold…everything. Be grateful for that moment. 

I’m a runner and I lived in Richmond for many years, surrounded by amazing friends and a wonderful community. When I heard this news I of course wanted to participate in honor of Meg. What a tragic story and another reason to be thankful for the time we have the people we love. Today I have “made” my BLR my run for Meg, in honor of a woman I didn’t know personally, but a fellow runner, and someone who sounds like an amazing person who was very much loved by all she crossed paths with.

Pre-run:

My big smile might look a little too happy, before a bit of a somber run- but all I was thinking when giving the thumbs up, was about celebrating time with those who are so special to each of us. Blue Lollipop Road is in honor of people who were taken from me far too young and far too soon, like Meg- but the spirit of those who we have the fortune to spend time with that are as special as my friends were, and it sounds like Meg was, will truly live on forever.

Here’s to love and support for Meg’s family far away, and to knowing that to live in our hearts, is never to die.

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #Megsmiles #ThingsThatMatter #RunForMeg

0
0
January 17, 2014 In BLR365, Inspiration, Links, Photos, Recommended reading

365 days of blue lollipop road; day 17

1.17.14

I’ve been doing my best lately to read a bunch of books I’ve wanted to for a while now:

I usually read and pass on, but obviously I’m way behind in my homework hours (tsk tsk.) In my attempt to knock out the titles above I haven’t yet, I’ve challenged myself to a book a week until March 1. This weeks book is Start Something that Matters. I’m loving it and It’s given me a stellar Idea for BLR too! Not pictured here, out on a borrow- my recent favorite; Walden on Wheels. Soooo good and a definite must read if you haven’t already. I just might be meeting up with Author, Ken Ilgunas in the next couple weeks. I’m super stoked about that. He is one smart cookie and I love his mindset.

Off to read!

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #BookWorming

0
0
January 16, 2014 In Be active, BLR365, Great companies, grow, Links, North Carolina, Photos, play, TTAA

365 days of blue lollipop road; day 16

1.16.14

I’ve recently started working with a fantastic organization called Soccer Shots. As I was getting my gear in order this afternoon for the kick off of the winter/spring season next week, three letters popped in my head:

Blue Lollipop Road and soccer go hand in hand! Do you know the story? If not, click here to read it.

If you have kids between the ages of 2 and 8 years old, and you don’t yet know about Soccer Shots, run- don’t walk to the nearest computer to find a program in your area and sign them up! This organization is incredibly well-organized, professionally run, and the curriculum is exceptional. Every last person I’ve met since starting with them, really cares about their job and the kids. I am thrilled to be a part of the team, and to have found a company who’s words and actions actually match. Such a rarity! Super bonus? The Soccer Shots mission, method, and motivation are very much aligned with what BLR is all about. Love that!

I started playing soccer at the age of 5 in tiny little Shaftsbury, Vermont at a place called Howard Park. (The same spot I’ve hosted BLR Play It Forward the past two years.) I’ve been playing ever since. The friends I made, the teamwork and dedication I learned, and the fun I had (especially during those young impressionable years), have had a huge part in shaping who I am today. I’m happy to be a part of the soccer community, and proud to be a part of Soccer Shots. To be in the position to coach young kids now, and teach them some of the lessons I learned through team sport, feels totally awesome.

Here’s to the love of the game, and to STRONG MOJO!

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #SoccerRules

0
0
January 15, 2014 In BLR365, Food, Photos

365 days of blue lollipop road; day 15

1.15.14

Maybe I should call this 365 days of food instead of 365 days of Blue Lollipop Road! (Or maybe I have a career in food staging/photography, or something alike that I haven’t thought of before. Hmmm…)

I have a mild addiction to roasted pine nut hummus and carrots. (I suppose there are worse things to have a hankering for every day at that 3pm slump timeframe!) Welcome to my snack time.

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #SnackTime

0
0
January 14, 2014 In Do good, Great companies, Illinois, Inspiration, Links, People, Photos, Projects & Organizations I dig

speaking of food

As I keep playing with food to make many of my BLR’s for my 365 project, let’s go all the way foodie-foodfest and help me in supporting my very good friend, and former soccer teammate- Chef Ryan Hutmacher for ABC’s The Chew! Yippee! Ryan is part of The search for the weightwatchers chef!

Here we are a few weeks ago when I was in Chicago:

Ryan was busy and hard at work, so our lunch catch up was where else? His studio; Centered Chef.

To say that Ryan has been a good friend and support to me, and all things Blue Lollipop Road over the past few years, is an understatement. He is that positive, but no bs cheerleader. The do the right thing when nobody is watching, honest to goodness, passionate, loyal, smart, driven, talented, sweet, and funny guy we all should be lucky enough to have in our lives to keep us inspired. I have seen few people work harder and be more dedicated than Ryan. Blood, sweat, tears, and more, this guy is the perfect example of stand-up, never stop following your dreams, and do work that matters. I hope anyone reading this will join me and  click on this link here and “like” on the Facebook/ABC Chew page to help support Ryan in this competition.

Good luck Ryan! Thank you for your continued support with all my big Blue Lollipop Road goals. You will continue to inspire health, wellness, and that anything really is possible- in all of us.

Here’s to going for it!

#WorkThatMatters #CenteredChef #LiveWell

0
0
January 13, 2014 In BLR365, Food, Photos

365 days of blue lollipop road; day 13

1.13.14

It hasn’t taken long for me to find out during this project that there aren’t many minutes in a day we stop in the rat race, other than meal time. (That’s why I keep playing with my food to make these BLR’s!)

Easy sandwiches for dinner at a friends house and the above was part of the condiment plate.

If you plan on spending any time with me over the next 352 days, don’t be surprised if I grab your leftovers, your straw, trash, socks, or something else random out of nowhere to construct these three special letters!

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #PlayingWithFood

0
0
January 12, 2014 In BLR365, Food, Links, North Carolina, Photos

365 days of blue lollipop road; day 12

1.12.14

Football playoffs anyone?

Today was 60 degrees and sunny in Charlotte. A welcomed warm after this past week of frigid temps, so we joined the masses for Panthers tailgating fun outside. I raided the snack table to make my BLR:

Yep, that’s someones leftover pickle and piece of celery from a bloody mary. Those went into the trash after, but I gobbled up the pretzels (after dipping them in peanut butter & chocolate chips) within 15 second after taking this photo.

Sunday Funday!

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #CarolinaPanters

0
0
January 11, 2014 In BLR365, Food, Food Porn, Photos

365 days of blue lollipop road; day 11

1.11.14

I know this very special Cajun French man. (Did I mention very special?) There are endless amazing things about this person, but one uber bonus, is that he is more than willing to cook up beignets, anytime:

Hello delicious!

We happily destroyed my kitchen this morning with these:

Somehow we managed to cover just about every surface, handle, and dish (even our clothes), with powdered sugar. It was ridiculously fun. No shame for noshing time!

I am one lucky lady.

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #LazySaturdays

0
0