Blue Lollipop Road

November 12, 2013 In North Carolina, Photos

strategic housing choice

Want to stump a leasing agent? Ask them what direction the unit they are trying to rent, faces.

One of my first questions besides price? Direction of course. During a recent apartment search, when I asked, “Does the unit face north or south?” I got deer-in-headlights, absolute terror filled look as if the agent just witnessed a train-wreck and they were still in shock or something. (I think at one point one of the many agents I spoke to made up a direction they were so confused.)

Compasses for all this holiday season!

This Vermont girl (who often still wonders why the stork dropped her off in the green mountains instead of the Bahamas) needs sunlight and warm to survive, just like a plant, so obviously I am going to ask about direction. After giving up on getting my north, south, east, west question answered, I just made multiple appointments for viewings until I scored and signed on the line for a spot that gets a happy sunrise:

…afternoon blazing sun- even through big strips of clouds:

…and a pretty clean and clear sunset:

It might sound crazy that I passed up a city skyline view to opt in for no skyline and all day blinding southern sun, but I did and I love every minute of the warmth that beams in as I lay in bed in the morning all snuggled up, or on the living room floor as I read or type away on a chilly fall afternoon. (I also have this sky/cloud obsession thing ever since living in Chicago- so lets just say my current home is my “happy place” for more reasons than one.)

What direction do you face?

#OperationCharlotte #VermontGirlInLoveWithSun #Sky #Clouds

November 12, 2013 In Inspiration, Links, Live the life you want to live

ttaa

Talks like this and messages like this.

What do you think is awesome?

#ShareYourself #LetLoveRule #ThingsThatAreAwesome

November 11, 2013 In Great companies, Thank you, Virginia

the world’s best auto shop

Wallace Automotive in Richmond, VA is the shop where I’ve had all of my Honda’s serviced for years now. Every last person in both their locations has treated me like gold since day 1. They are by far the best in the business. I’m no longer living in VA, but I make sure to schedule time to have work done anytime I pass through town, and I always get continued love:

I always like to give props to any company that has consistent service like these guys. Thanks for keeping me safe and sound during all these years and my gazillion miles on the road, Wallace!

What company treats you like gold?

#Honda #HondaService #WallaceAuto

November 8, 2013 In grow, Live the life you want to live

people who make you stop and think

Brave people inspire me. Brave people I know personally inspire me even more:

This morning, a very good friend of mine who is kind, fun, smart, and wise and mature far beyond her years shared with the world a big secret she’s been struggling with for a long time because she was inspired by someone else who shared a big secret. (Love that kind of snowball effect!) Even though I’ve known this person is strong and fearless- and I’ve known of her secret for a while now, I never thought she’d actually shout it from the rooftop like she did today. I am so proud of her! What an amazing and brave young woman. If only we all opened up and shared our struggles a bit more, perhaps we’d realize how similar we are to each other and feel a little less alone during times we feel like we’re the “only one.”

Perspective is good. Just when I think I have enough, I realize It’s probably impossible to have enough:

This morning I also got word that the mother of a good old friend of mine from back home has passed away. This mom was a sweet, funny, supportive mom, came to nearly every soccer game we played years ago, and attended BLR Play It Forward the past 2 years. Her daughter, my friend (and big sister in soccer), has the kind of happy-go-lucky, goofball, fun energy about her that makes everyone love her and want to be around her more. This news of her moms passing makes me sad, but reminds me once again to be thankful for special old friends, to appreciate time together, and the importance of being there for someone during a heartbreaking or difficult time.

Inspiring stories of bravery, and sad stories of loss like these help me stay conscious about how I spend my time, driven to do work that matters, and incredibly thankful for the memories of great people I’ve had the fortune to meet along the way.

What gave you perspective this week?

#ThingsThatMatter #Perspective #Bravery

October 29, 2013 In News & Updates

what should i do with the rest of my life?

I’ve been asked for a second time to speak at a middle school career day in Virginia and tomorrow is the day. I can’t wait! Having a platform to share my stories and encourage young people to find what they love? Awesome. I’ll look forward to posting a follow-up here…

Who inspired you when you were in school?

#Career #DoWhatYouLove #SharingLessons

October 24, 2013 In Links, North Carolina, People, Photos

meet henry

I met henry today at Griffith Street Consignments, and bought this antique trunk from him:

It’s no secret that I like talking to strangers, but today I was on a search and in one-track mind mission mode, not necessarily my chatty self…until Henry came over to ask if I was finding everything Ok.

There we stood near that fantastic trunk for the next 30 minutes, talking away. I started the bartering process (of course– my Mother taught me well!), he gave me a bit of a discount, he asked where I was from, I told him Vermont, he said I was the first person he’d ever met from Vermont. From there we went into full life story speed-share. He’s from North Carolina, retired Army (thank you military men and women!), he used to own a big furniture staging company after he retired and before the housing market crash, I told him I’ve traveled all over the US and beyond, have always lived pretty sparsely, that all my belonging fit in my car, and that I had come to Charlotte because It’s one of the only east coast cities I haven’t explored much of yet. He shared about his time in the military, that he has dogs, keeps a garden, and for years himself- lived very simply and sparsely when he was young, owning few belongings:

“Once during my Army years, I flew in from Germany to Brooklyn and drove back down south with everything I owned, including a parakeet in a cage…all in my Austin-Healey!” – he told me with an adorable chuckle. (The above photo does no justice to Henry’s happy, smiley face in real life.)

(Side note: I love that Hemmings Motor News– which is based in my home town- popped up first when I Googled “Austin-Healey” to get car info.)

I asked Henry if I could take his photo and joked, “unless you think I am crazy of course…” He replied “Oh I am crazy too, so no worries!” We laughed. He was kind, sweet, interesting, and full of life & stories. I could’ve stayed and talked with him for hours.

One of my most favorite ways to spend time has always been to spend it with kind, sweet, interesting people, who are full of life and full of stories, especially with those who happen into your path and make a little mark on your day when you least expect it. What a treat.

Thanks for making my day Henry! I’ll look forward to hearing more stories when I come back to pick up my new (old) trunk.

What kind of people do you enjoy spending time with?

#Connecting #PeopleAlongTheWay #OperationCharlotte #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad

October 22, 2013 In Inspiration

this is why i write

“Miss you! Just read your blog post! I’m wildly uncomfortable too. I hope it leads to growth.”

The above came in about two minutes after I published my last post. I love, love, love when someone reads what I write and shares back a big “Me too!” (Especially when I write about struggle, dirty laundry, or other, she didn’t just say that did she- type things.)

Three cheers for transparency that leads to relatability.

How can you relate?

#PutItOutGetItBack #Uninhibited #Transparency

October 22, 2013 In grow, Operation Charlotte, Photos, Virginia

on this day last year…

…I took these photos:

I run a lot in the morning and have for years. Last fall, I ran and drove but this gorgeous scene daily. Love this set of trees.

This morning like many, as I beat feet in a different place observing my surroundings with my mind swirling in a million directions as usual, I thought of where I was one year ago today and what’s happened since. Lot’s of growth and change. A few things that will always remain the same; A huge appreciation for nature, being thankful I have healthy legs to still run regularly, and a curiosity, anticipation, and excitement for whatever is next to come.

A very odd, unexpected, monumental life paradigm shift has happened to me during this past year- especially in the last few months. I am a control freak who feels out of control, I am a normally comfortable in my own skin girl who’s feeling wildly uncomfortable, and it generally feels like an alien has invaded my body. (So much for trying to be the never faltering, I’ve got this- I don’t need anyone, total badass I try to play on TV!) I’m being forcefully reminded once again:

1.) No one can control everything.

2.) Good and necessary growth is impossible unless you feel wildly uncomfortable at times.

3.) We can’t fight nature, so we may as well embrace it.

As I reflect on a year that seems worlds away from any other I’ve had, I’m trying to keep the parts of myself I know should stay forever, and I’m doing my best to leave behind the ones I probably should’ve let the death-grip go on, long ago.

Here’s to staying true to your old self while growing into your new.

Where were you one year ago today?

#FallColors #Running #NewBeginnings #OperationCharlotte

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

October 11, 2013 In Do good, Inspiration, Links, People

blr supports people doing good

It’s Friday! Want to pay it forward and donate a few bucks to an amazing young woman who’s constantly giving back to her community?

Support my former employee and friend Crystal Collins here for her AIDS Walk Philly Campaign. I just did!

I’ve known Crystal for close to 10 years now. When she walked in the door for an interview with me in 2004, she was a quiet, mousey, college kid who seemed so shy. First impressions can be deceiving! She ended up blowing my mind with her personality, drive, ambition, and work ethic. (And she continues to.) In the years since Crystal worked for me, she’s traveled far and wide helping people in need around the globe, she’s volunteered/worked for countless community activist groups, and she’s mentored hundreds of teens. She never fails to have a sweet positive energy that makes me smile every time I see or talk to her. I feel like a proud mamma watching her grow. She has an absolute heart of gold. This “kid” is really one in a million.

Thank you for being awesome Crystal! You inspire me. I feel honored to call you my friend.

Help me support this amazing young woman and one of her many selfless projects!

Who do you support?

#AIDSWalkPhilly #PeopleWhoRock #InspiringYoungWomen