Out of the wind

Today I accomplished one of the longest-standing goals on my to-do list: I completed a triathlon. I doubt I would have done it if I didn’t love to swim, but I’m glad I did it. Believe it or not--I had fun! The whole thing was outside, which was a wonderful change to the gym-going habit I have formed.

I’m ashamed to say I completed the entirety of my training in a florescent-lit room next to other sweaty, but air conditioned and tunnel-visioned gym members. The first time my parents brought me outside when I was a little bundle of wrinkly baby, I giggled, smiled, laughed and looked in my element. Later I learned my most natural state is in the water, but if the pool/ocean/lake/bathtub is outside, it’s a double whammy of joy.

No iPod, no running partner, lots of biked hills and passing cars (and ladies 20-30 years older than me -- way to go ladies!) throughout the events. All of these “burdens” and I was in one of the happiest states throughout the whole race. I was outside, riding in the wind, through to trees, jogging on sand, around a lake, next to birds and under a cool, overcast sky. The colors popped out behind other colors in everything I passed.

A week ago, I read that a very fit, 27-year-old man dropped dead after a race. Running around outside today became one long prayer of Thanksgiving. There will be iPod buds in my ears next time I run, but I loved connecting with the outdoors and just existing (and sweating) for a while this morning. Finishing and coming home to write this was another prayer of gratitude, as each day should be.

Earthy Autumn

Something I always look forward to for the Fall is the re-emergence of the flower child in everyone. I just got these new leaf shaped cut outs and I am so excited to use them! I HAVE A DREAM that someone who’s having a Fall wedding will order these with a little colored bead deco or chain.

Otherwise, there can be a lot of non-coordinated lovely ladies walking around with these as earrings, necklaces or bracelets. We don't seem to see as many weddings in the autumn.  Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (believe me, I will post about my love for this movie in the future) was my first exposure to the concept of a June bride. Fifty years later (or one hundred and fifty, depending on how you look at it) that's still the wedding season.

As a future Catholic bride (God willing) and quick, efficient organizer, I'm not keen on a long engagement. I would happily walk towards the tabernacle and my husband in crispy autumn. That was my inspiration for this Etsy "treasury." If you are unfamiliar with Etsy, shame on you. If you are unfamiliar with treasuries on Etsy, you're in for an addictive treat.

I prefer it here.

My sisters and I just got back from NYC a few days ago... I’d take a scene like this over a city skyline any day.

I love to travel (even to gross NYC), especially when it brings me to those little memories that barely matter today, but come back to me in 3 years. Traveling also means readjusting your creative juices. We passed by a few flea markets in NYC where I found a few one-of-a-kinders, such as the intricate metal disks found on my jewelry shop Web site.


Art-blasphemy it may be, but I really don’t like NYC. I feel dirty whenever I leave it and being around people who seem to get out of bed thinking, "How can I take life for granted and be as mean as possible today?" makes me feel gritty on the inside.