It seems impossible to encapsulate the incredibly special life of my father and his tragic death on May 9th 2017 using only my words. How can I fully describe a person whose smile, as I’m constantly reminded, could light up an entire room, but who also wrote “I can’t beat the demons anymore” moments before he ended his own life? I live in a constant battle in my own mind memorializing one of the most …
“There’s Always Money in the Budget for Flowers”
I try to make it a regular hobby to keep fresh arrangements of flowers in the home. It was much easier to keep up with when we first moved into our apartment a year and a half ago– I was inspired by living in a space that was my own and that I was completely in love with for the first time in years. I’d make a point to walk to the flower cart a mile …
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My Moth Story: Making it as a Fat Backpacker, Navigating Suicide & Conquering the Camino de Santiago
I kept avoiding putting this story together because I knew it would be heartbreaking-- but as I mulled over all of my stories about travel, trying to think of anything lighter to present, I knew in my heart this story was important to tell for my own healing. It was an incredible honor to come in a close-second to a seasoned Moth veteran when I told this story. I am inspired to participate again if …
The Last Time I Saw You
Written December 29th 2017: Christmas 2016 was the last time I was home before my dad died. I drove over 20 hours from Boston, half of it on a spare tire after I blew one out in Canada, the final stretch through a famous Upper-Michigan snowstorm from the Mackinac Bridge all the way home. After I got in and had been greeted by my mom, brother and herd of anxious Saint Bernard’s, I went downstairs …
The Powerful & Vulnerable Relationships Manifested By Thru-Hiking
Deep, true love doesn’t have to take years to cultivate, for this group it took less than one month to find. I didn’t know it was possible to connect with humans on such a level until we spent everyday hiking, talking, laughing, suffering through pain, being tired & grumpy, singing any song that came to mind & just walking in silence with one another (and sometimes alone) as we reached our goal of conquering nearly …
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Manifest Your Best Life
I have a special life. I’m not afraid to acknowledge that, nor am I afraid of sounding self-centered. People tell me via digital and personal means on a regular basis how they admire the way I live, or at least the way I post about my lifestyle on social media, and although many days are not Instagram-perfect, I truly live a life I am in love with and proud of. Although much of what I have is …
Winter Solstice & Lessons of the Darkness
Last night I set up a ritual bath for the Winter Solstice: winter greens, my strongest crystal, favorite candle & even a sparkly-green bath bomb (because 💁🏽♀️). I started by listening to @sarahjenks Insta-story breaking down the solstice, because she always brings witchy things down to earth for me & if you don’t already follow her you should. Her instructions were simple, to ask yourself “what is the darkness teaching me?” I journaled on this— …
