ignite the spark

Inspiring me this week is this guy in the picture above
Together we dream up big ideas and take the leap  
He listens intently
Thinks deeply, and challenges me with bigger and better ways to make it happen
He never says no, and thinks in the "how can we" mindset
He pushes me further than I ever thought I could go
Encouraging me to take that next step
He is always there
Ready to help me jump 

The Love Notes Postcard project would be nothing without him
Our brainstorming together solidified the idea that I couldn't put into words
I am so grateful to have him in my life
He is my inspiration
He ignites my sparks
And fuels the fire along the way
This weekend we are taking on our next adventure
I am thrilled to be doing this together
Follow our journey  on Instagram

Without him I would still be me
But with him life is a little bit sweeter
Who ignites your spark?

your path

You are traveling down your own path
Where are you headed?
Which direction do you want to go?
Are you ready for whatever is around the bend?

There is adventure and wonder
A chance to explore
Dream and be
There is a moment of only going forward

It is to far to turn back
You must embrace what is ahead
Let go
Drop all your fears and worries

Where do you hope your path will lead you?
What tales and stories do you wish to tuck into your pockets?
Who will take with you?
How long will you be gone?

This is your one wild and precious life
Live it up!
Jump onto that path with a  great big smile
And choose your next adventure

stories heard

As I make this journey towards training for the marathon and raising money for the Sloan Memorial Cancer Center I have heard so many stories from people who have been or are currently affected by this terrible disease.  Mothers, Fathers, Aunts, Uncles, good friends . . . . the list goes on and on.  

Cancer doesn't discriminate.  It touches across all races, all borders, men and women.  There is no age limit.  It can happen to anyone at any time.  This terrible disease has affected my family as well.    

When I run on November 2nd I will have the names from all the stories that have been shared written on my arms.  As I struggle to run up another hill or take another step it will be a visual reminder for why I am doing what I am doing.  It is for each story heard, each heart broken, each life lost that I am running this NYC Marathon.  I am doing it for those who cannot and for those who are suffering.  

Join me in my fight against Cancer and donate to the Sloan Memorial Kettering Hospital today!  Your donation will go towards research and assisting those who are currently fighting.  Every dollar is a step towards hope.   

together

Here we are
Nestled beneath the shade of the tree
Sun kissed and smiling
Your arms wrapped around me
As I snuggle into the nape of your neck
We talk about our next adventure
The things we want to see and do
We take a trip down memory lane
Laughing deeply as we relive so many wonderful times
You and I 
Beneath the shade of the tree
The world spins on
But it is only the sound of your heart beat that matters
I could stay in this moment forever
With each giggle I fall more in love
Leaning into you
Saying yes to this life 
I am so grateful we found one another
And are on this journey together
 

summer wind

There is one month left of summer and I want to savor every moment of it.  This is my favorite part of the season because he is off and we get to spend more time together.  To kick August off with a bang here is a list of things I want to do in the next 31 days. 

* Walk under the stars on the beach hand in hand with the one I love
* Go for a long drive to no where in particular
* Walk the high line
* Ride my bicycle over the GWB
* Laugh with my nieces along the waters edge
* Stay up late, planning, scheming, dreaming
* Laughing deep into the night with my brothers and sisters
* Cheer for a baseball team
* Spent time on the porch
* Creating along side a good friend
* Picnic in the park
* Swim under the stars
* A photo walk with my love
* Drive in movie theatre
* Mini golf
* The driving range
* Drinks on the water
* A spontaneous weekend getaway
* Hold hands
* Snuggle in close

What about you?  What would you write on your summer list?

Summer Wind first recorded by Wayne Newton in 1965 but is most known by Frank Sinatra which was released in 1966 in his album, Strangers in the Night.

A little summer wind to kick off August.  

shadows

We all have shadows
Things that we stash way deep down
Avoiding, pretending, not wanting to acknowledge  
Yes we all have shadows
We try to run from them
But they always find us
Showing up day after day
Take a look at your shadows
Pull them out of the closet
Air them out
Free yourself from their chains
They no longer serve you
And you no longer have to carry them around
Wave goodbye as they walk away
You are so much more than your shadows