ignite the spark

I have always admired hand bound books but never knew how to make them myself.  Watching Stacy Kathryn's video I totally get how to do it and cannot wait to give it a try.  

Oh how I wish that I was in the Subway Terminal when this dance party began.  

Jen Lemen always inspires me and her new venture really has my heart swooning.  What if this was the future of money?

By day she is planning the aisles of toy stores and at night she is making the most adorable cake pops!  Miss CupKates mixes her heart and soul into her creations.  

Going back to April 2010 my own words are inspiring me to keep showing up and putting pen to paper

ready to fly

What I really wanted to tell you
Was that I can do so much more than print out documents
I have ideas
I dig into things
I ask questions, and seek out the answers
I am not complacent
I am not meant to just sit here and wait for something to do
I can make a difference
I form connections
Build processes
Find a new way to do something

What I really wanted to tell you
Was that in those moments when I am not speaking
I am thinking
I am not one to just run my mouth simply to hear my own voice
When I speak there is thought and intention behind the words
There are ideas, questions, and conversation
I am not loud and boisterous
I do not seek out to be the center of attention
I am thoughtful
And show respect
Do not think I do not know when I am not speaking
I am taking in the details
Sorting them out
And putting together the pieces of the puzzle that you haven't figured out

What I really wanted to tell you
Is that I am strong
I am capable
I inspire others and get the work done
Not by calling someone out
But by meeting them where they are
And figuring out a plan
I know I can fly
You just need to give me the chance to spread my wings

nyc marathon bound

In 2010 I stood on the side of the road at the NYC Marathon and cheered on my Aunt Kelly and Uncle Chris as they pushed themselves through 26.2 miles.  I was in awe of their dedication, strength, and courage.  They were running for the Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital with Fred's Team in honor of Kelly's Father who lost his life to cancer.  

As I stood there overflowing with inspiration I said to my cousin, "I want to do this next year!"  Being there in the moment and watching all walks of life push themselves further than they ever thought possible I couldn't help but be inspired.  I was a runner in high school and never dreamed of running a marathon, but on that day the dream was ignited.  

When I got home the excitement of the moment wore off and I realized how much time and dedication it would take to actually train for the marathon and I said, "maybe next year".  A few years have passed since that initial dream was spoken and this year that dream will come true.  

Each year since 2010 either Kelly or Chris have ran with Fred's Team, raising money to support the hospital, doctors, researchers, patients, and their families.  This year I am stepping in to run and give their legs a break.  I am honored to have the opportunity to run for Fred's Team and so grateful for the strength and dedication that Kelly and Chris have shown over the years.  They have taught me that with determination and practice anything is possible.  

Along with the countless number of miles that I will be training I will also raising money for Fred's Team.  It will be a different sort of marathon to raise the money, but each dollar matters and I will be there every step of the way in order to surpass my goal.  

As I train for November 2nd I will be showing up here as well, with stories, inspiration, and the struggles that arise when you push yourself past your preconceived limit.  I hope you will join me on this journey.  Together we can take a step forward to fight cancer.  

You can find my Fred's Team donation page here.  

Please pass this along to anyone you feel would be interested.  When we come together in small ways, big things happen.  Let's come together.  

xo

ignite the spark

Happy Friday!  This week has been filled with dancing, laughter, and so much inspiration. Filling my well this week has been:

This past weekend there was a family wedding and in our family that means dancing!  I was inspired by the photographer from Dove Photography who busted out his moves on the dance floor as he snapped pictures.  There is nothing better than watching someone love what they do, and have so much fun doing it.  

This video from "The Do Blog" is making me think about what it is I truly desire. 

You really can fake it until you make it and Amy Cuddy will encourage you to do just that.  

A couple from Australia is traveling the world for 365 days and capturing 365 documentaries with strangers.  365 Docobites is inspiring, intriguing, and raw.  They just posted videos from NYC and one of the interviews is with Amy and Maya who have a neat project of there own.  

Christine Mason Miller announced a course that falls directly in line with the dream I am currently building.  You will find me in the virtual classroom for sure.  

A dear friend of mine reminded me of how far I have come.  She is able to look in on the outside and see the journey.  Sometimes when you are in the thick of it you are unable to appreciate the lessons you are learning.  But when you take the time to go back you see with fresh eyes where you were and where you are.  As a part of my ignite the spark series I am going to share a post that speaks to me from this week in years past.  

I found the perfect one to start with:  Showing up -- from April 1, 2012.  Reading these words reminds me of how deep this lesson is.  And how each day I need to show up.  One foot in front of the other, time and time again.  

camera in hand

Through the lens you see the world with new eyes
Focusing on the details
Slowing down in attempt to capture the moment

You do not rush to the next thing
You make adjustments
You seek out the perfect image

Connecting with where you are standing
You find the beauty
You seek the light

With camera in hand your pace is slower
Eyes wider
Heart open

If only we could always see the world this way
Soakign in the beauty
Savoring the moment

Each capture reflects where you are
The mood you feel
The light that is shining upon you

In this moment
Right now
What beauty can you capture?

For beauty is all around you
Allyou have to do is seek it out
Open your eyes, and find it

let's talk about the {m} word

When it comes to finances I take two steps forward and one giant step back
I cannot seem to get it under control
Navigating the course is a rough one
And student loan repayment seems never ending
One thing I have learned along this course 
Is the only way to get a good grasp is to put it all on paper
Take a real look at it, instead of my usual avoidance
I need to get into more of a cadence of doing this
Budgeting better
And consciously spending my money
I need to slow down
Take a step back
And learn how to move forward wisely

There is so much shame and avoidance associated with money
It is a topic we don't want to talk about
One we aren't sure how to approach
Yet one we could probably all use a little bit of help with
I would love to hear your thoughts on money management
Favorite tools you use to keep yourself in check
Systems you have adopted
Ways you stay on budget
Or games you play with yourself so you stay on track
All thoughts, tips, and ideas are welcome

Maybe here we can begin the conversation
Ease into this realm and learn from one another
Are you with me?