Blue Lollipop Road

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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August 13, 2013 In TTAA

ttaa

The way the sun beats off buildings in the early morning. Long Sunday brunches. Homemade postcards that come for you in the mail. Helpful, welcoming people. Fresh peaches. The smell of coffee brewing. People who do epic project and inspire you. Clean water to drink. Dripping sweat after a good work out. FaceTime with family. Mason jars. Putting photos on your refrigerator. Friends who send photos of their kids. Soccer. Laughing with your sister about bad haircuts. Polenta with garlic.

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

traci, kate emma, and me

Traci, Kate Emma and I at BLR Play It Forward 2013

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…

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August 6, 2013 In TTAA

ttaa is back!

This weekend I thought about how long It’s been since I’ve posted TTAA. Way too long! (For those of you who might be new here, TTAA = Things That Are Awesome.) I just did a bit of Googling on myself and this nearly 2 year old TTAA post came up first. It made me smile for lots of reasons, mostly because what I think is awesome hasn’t changed a bit, I’ve just added more items to the list.

TTAA for this week:

Morning runs. Writing a letters and mailing them. Unexpected free lunch. Friends that email to share something happy they’re doing. Pine nut hummus. Stacy’s pita chips. Being happy for people that are on a great vacation. Candles. Chaise lounges. Bare feet. Being able to give advice to someone younger because you’ve been through it. Telling someone exactly how you feel and being completely comfortable with it. Clean white sheets. Books that make you want to be able to read faster. Ceiling fans. Friends that send photos of their kids with blue tongues. Hearing the heartbeat of a friends baby in her belly. Old friends calling to check up on you. Knowing who’s there when the going gets rough. Upcoming reunions with travel buddies. Sitting in the dark listening to the night. Emails from people that say: “You are the only person I know who always sends me a thank you note in the mail.” Having conviction. Maps. Sharpie fine point black pens. 80’s videos that make you laugh. Looking at old photos. Collaborative projects with fun, intelligent, good-hearted people. Recipes in my inbox for Blue Lollipop Nutella Delights. (That’s a special cookie made just for BLR!) Balconies. Wearing sassy heels.

So. Many. Awesome. Things:)

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August 6, 2013 In People, Videos

a badass doing good

My friend Brian introduced me to a friend of his recently: Zoe Goes Running. (And I thought my 30-ish miles a week pounding the pavement was a lot-ha! Next time I’m dogging it or grumbling during my early morning run, I’ll add Zoe to my list of people I think about that inspire me to keep going.)

Check out Zoe’s TEDxRVA talk:

After this, she really did run the route of the Tour de France– and finished just a couple days ago! Run across the US, run the route of the Tour de France and raise $166,000 for World Pediatric Project? Totally awesome. What a badass. Go Zoe!

Yet another person who proves that anything you set your mind to, is possible. What a great story.

#InspiringPeople #RunningRocks #BeBadassDoGood

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August 5, 2013 In Recommended reading

this book is soooo good

Walden on Wheels- a BLR favorite

I highly recommend this read! It’s a fantastic eye opening story, especially for anyone who might be thinking about going to college/university, or those who’ve made big financial commitments to something that may have seemed like a wise and mature decision at the time, but resulted in; I wish I’d had better tools to understand what I was about to get into- thoughts.

Buy the book here and check out author Ken’s website here.

I need to go on an adventure with this guy!

#GreatSummerReads #WhatWouldYouDo #NoMoreLoanDrone

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