Moonrise Kingdom

 "...even smart kids stick their fingers in electrical sockets sometimes."

{Bruce Willis as Captain Sharp}

"I love you, but you don't know what you're talking about."

{Jared Gilman as Sam Shakusky}

---

Moonrise Kingdom:
a film I will watch many times into the future, & still come away w/ something new every time
Magical. Subtle. Romantic. Humerus. Quirky. Authentic.


Cheers to 
the dysfunctional family plot line
infused w/
deadpan humor
suspension of disbelief
reasonable adolescents 
amongst unreasonable adults
w/ a well matched musical score.


Cheers to
another Wes Anderson triumph.


-Abby

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Embracing the Summer Solstice

summer

invites one to stay home a little less.

days passing

on patios

 on beaches

 sun-kissed shoulders

in parks along farmer's markets

noses delighted by

scents of fresh flowers

baked goods & tomatoes eaten like autumn apples.

summer

invites one to delve into pages.

novels traipsing through the mind 

long after epilogues

 final words

& concluding messages conveyed.

summer 

invites one to passion.

sweaty sheets & beaded brows

hands caressing curves

curling pink painted toes

in the early dawn.

summer 

invites one to the road.

leaving work & unpaid bills 

beyond the rear view mirror

 laughter & leisure dancing on the air

as tire tread

presses against hot unfamiliar pavement.

summer invites you...

{it's official}

embrace.

---

Love summer?  

Click here to see how Underlined and Bold embraced summer in 2011.

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Ray Bradbury

Like many,

i've been thinking of this man.

this writer.

this wordsmith.

flipping through pages

feeling soft paper under my thumbs

finding the text that tugged my heart

that tossed around in my mind...

"...when you're my age, you'll find out it's the little savors and things that count more than the big ones. A walk on a spring morning is better than an eighty-mile ride in a hopped-up car, you know why? Because it's full of flavors, full of a lot of things growing. You've time to seek and find. I know--you're after the broad effect now, and I suppose that's fit and proper. But for a young man working on a newspaper, you got to look for grapes as well as watermelons..."

 {Grandpa in Dandelion Wine}

 "I don't remember anyone winning anywhere any time. War's never a winning thing, Charlie. You just lose all the time, and the one who loses last asks for terms. All I remember is a lot of losing and sadness and nothing good but the end of it. The end of it, Charles, that was a winning all to itself, having nothing to do with guns. But I don't suppose that's the kind of victory you boys mean for me to talk on."

{Colonel Freeleigh in Dandelion Wine}

Rest In Peace

thank you for honing your craft

sharing your gift w/the world

W/gratitude,

Abigail

Image via.

The Trail to the Lighthouse

{Australia Challenge Day 7}

Two and half hours later, I returned to my hotel room. My feet sloshed around in my sneakers as droplets of water hit the floor from my clothing. I grabbed my towel hanging in the closet and wrapped it around me for warmth. I plopped on the bed and kicked off my sneakers to rest my feet.

"How was the hike," my roommate asked in a concerned but curious voice.

Smiling I replied, "Great!"

 I had just completed the popular trail to the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse. A midday storm hit the seaside town during the descent of my hike. But the trail's scenic complexities play to the senses, easily distracting hikers from physical discomfort felt from weather fluctuations and the steep uphill climb. 

Below are few pre-storm photos from my time on the trail. Enjoy!

The Truth of Our Choices.

Atlantic Byron Bay
@Byron Bay, Australia February 2012

"It is our choices, Harry, that shows us what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

{Australia Challenge Day 5}

Travel at its core is a person or group of people making a lot of choices.

Choosing destinations. Choosing lodging. Choosing modes of transportation.

{trains, planes, automobiles}

Choosing w/whom your travels will be spent.

Choosing urban versus rural. Choosing souvenirs. Choosing guide books.

{Lonely Planet =)}

Choosing clothes to be stuffed in your pack. Choosing shoes to comfort your feet.

{as they pick up particles of life on every road you take}

---

  Analyzing the choices I made in Australia has been an interesting process. The choices I made are concrete evidence of my preferences and biases. If I want to understand who I am and what makes me come alive, I cannot hide from these choices.

One choice I've reflected upon was my decision to avoid "party" hostels.

During the first week of my travels I stayed in Melbourne, and crashed with friends. While traveling alone outside of Melbourne, I chose {subjective to my ideals} cozier accommodations. 

One example would be my stay at Atlantic Byron Bay. This hotel sells a few shared rooms for the same rate as hostels, but is adorable and quiet. No late night disruptions. And my roomies were women just a bit older than myself. One from China studying yoga in the area. One from Germany on a two week vacation mostly involving reading. I absolutely loved this arrangement.

The choice on the surface seems simple. I either wanted to party or I didn't. Right? But I am also a person who enjoys recommendations and getting the inside scoop from those who have gone before me. This led me to discover opinions mostly pointing to one essential component of visiting Byron Bay; party hostels. 

I mauled over the decision for a few days. I scoured the internet reading hostel reviews. I asked more people's opinions. 

"Why am I struggling so much with this decision?" I asked myself. I was struggling because I wanted to go against the dominant advice. My being wanted nothing to do with the "party" hostel. My being wanted quiet. It wanted the beach, the sun, and the ocean. It wanted a massage. It wanted a novel and pen to paper. It wanted trail running, and flora and fauna.

My being wanted a glass of wine {or two} coupled with live music at the end of each relaxing day. For the record, I am not inherently opposed to evenings of debauchery. {Just ask my friends.} But for me on that trip at that moment; it wasn't the experience I was looking for. 

So I chose what I yearn to do more often. I honored my inner voice. I discovered a piece of myself. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

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Travel, Reading, & Book Club...

{Australia Challenge Day 2}

While traveling in Australia I read the Salinger classic, Franny and Zooey. The words pulled playfully at the corners of my mouth and moved me to put pen to paper. I saw Australia through an altered lens because this paperback was my traveling companion.

Last week my lovely book club ladies and I met to discuss Salinger's words. I was able to share and express all that I had kept to myself while seeking adventure. The evening was joyous. The flow of discussion moved seamlessly as the group showed academic engagement with the text. We chuckled at the characterization of the mother, dissected the obsession with the ego, and disagreed with SparkNotes concerning the interpretation of the ending. We also came to believe that the stories were relevant to the contemplative words of Howard Thurman:

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

What makes you come alive? I would love to hear your thoughts, so leave 

comments below!

image via.

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Twenty-Five.

My lovely Chicago friends who came out to celebrate! Thank you ladies!

I turned twenty-five while traveling in Australia. I celebrated. It was awesome.

My friends, a little over a week after my return, generously threw me another bash at one of my Chicago favorites. It was also awesome. 

And just what I needed. 

-

Confession Time: 

I feel as if I shouldn't complain, considering I've just come home from an amazing trip, but I'm going to do it anyway. My transition back home has been a bit rough. My sleeping patterns are completely out of whack (4 hours of sleep at night, long naps during the day or immediately after work), the figurative off button to my inner monologue is broken, and focus is fleeting. I have not pinpointed the exact causation for this difficult juncture, but it is here occupying my attention for the moment. 

 I know I will find my rhythm again soon. But I cannot resist feeling incredibly impatient, letting my inner critic win. Allowing pessimism and futile thoughts run rampant.

Then again, it maybe good that I am unable to find my old rhythm. What good is a trip to the other side of the world, if it doesn't shake you up a bit?

Today, I leave you with a quote I've been contemplating.

"Life should be lived on the edge of life. You have to exercise rebellion: to refuse to tape yourself to rules, to refuse your own success, to refuse to repeat yourself, to see every day, every year, every idea as a true challenge- and then you are going to live your life on a tightrope."

-Philippe Petit in Man on Wire

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A Few of my Favorite Things {2011}

Upon examination of my life in 2011, beyond running and travel, I quickly discovered this has been the year of B's. 

Beer. Blogs. Books.

Below is a list of my five favorite from each category in 2011. Enjoy!!

Beer

This year I decided to move beyond being a 312 Goose Island beer guzzling Chicagoan, and expand my horizons. Below are my five favorite beers I sipped on this year {in no particular order}. 

• Three Floyds: Robert the Bruce {Scottish Ale}
• Revolution Brewing: Bottom Up Wit {Belgian Style Wheat Beer}
• Schlafly: Hefeweizen {Unfiltered Wheat Beer}
• Brasserie Bockor: Bellegems Bruin {Belgian Brown Ale/Lambic - Sour}
• New Glarus Brewing Co.: Spotted Cow {Farm House Ale}

Blogs

Creating this blog last January spiked my interest in the blogging world immensely. Below I've listed five blogs I've been reading regularly each week, that also touch upon my varying interests. {This is in no way inclusive of all the bloggers I follow and love, but illustrates the variety of blogs I enjoy}

• Shut Up + Run: a running blog that always makes me laugh and keeps me motivated.
• AWG Chicago: a left leaning political blog always making me think.
• THE FLYBIRD: a travel blog featuring adorable couple Kylie and Spencer, and their amazing photography & videos.
• Jeff Goins Writer: a blog inspiring me to become a better more consistent writer everyday.
• The Anchor & The Bird: a blog featuring a lovely New York gal named Carolynn doing inspiring creative good deeds all around the city.

Books

After college, reading suddenly became a choice instead of a "must-do" activity. For me, in order to feel full-filled and whole, the choice has been clear; reading would still be a priority in my week-to-week routine. Here are my five favorite books I read this year{in no particular order}.

• I Knew You'd Be Lovely by Alethea Black
• Born to Run by Christopher McDougall {click here to read my favorite quotes}
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett {click here to read my personal reflection}
• Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
• The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley {click here to read my personal reflection}

I would love to know about your favorite Beer, Blogs, and Books in 2011.

Please leave comments below!!

the last week of every year.

i think of all the events of the year. 

faces.

places. 

philosophies.

i think of connections;

intimate and close. 

i think of intermittent relationships;

my fallen autumn leaves.

i think of joy. 

smiles. 

compassion. 

glances; 

knowing and warm.

the moments that put the wind back into my sails...

i think of nail biting

anxiety.

vulnerability.

habits;

compulsively displayed and delivered

without change, despite yearning...

that this time might be different.

i think of boldness;
staring fear dead in the eyes.
i think of passivity;
cowering in the shadow of the unknown.

i think of goals. 

resolutions. 

predictions

from last January;

laughing at thoughts my mind conjured up.

i think of all the events of the year.

faces.

places.

philosophies.

Post-Marathon Update!

I'm smiling because of all the yummy food I just consumed! =)

It's been two weeks and five days since I ran my first marathon.

For those of you wondering what happens after race day; below is a little recap of life thus far.

Week 1: 

I was sore as all hell! For the first four days after the race I hobbled around, stuffed my face with food, and tried not to scream anytime I had to sit down, stand up, or use the stairs. As for working out, I walked hobbled a lot to keep muscles from stiffening up too much, and attended one restorative yoga class.

Week 2:

I felt fatigued and low on energy.  I grew concerned I was getting a cold, so Emergen-C Immune Plus naturally became my best friend. My workouts were scarce due to my lack of energy {and maybe because I continued to indulge in some post-race celebrating}. I did manage to attend one of my favorite yoga classes, squeeze in two 45 minute walks and one quick two mile run.

This Week: 

My priorities lie with hanging out with friends, Chris, and my family. I am starting to feel a bit sluggish; so I am definitely eager to begin lacing up my shoes again for a good sweat. I anticipate my first solid run since the race to be this Friday. I'll be back in Ohio where I'll have a treadmill handy in my parent’s basement, and runner friendly streets baring many childhood memories.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that having a few lazy weeks after the race will keep me injury-free as I begin to rev up my running schedule again.

-------

Lastly, with the New Year on the horizon, I am currently creating running goals for 2012. Thus far, I've decided I will participate in two half-marathons and one full marathon. I also want to run a few races of shorter distances to dramatically improve my speed.

So for now, it's off to do some racing research, and relish in holiday cheer{translation- eat more cookies}!

Happy Thursday everyone!!

What races are you planning to run in 2012? Do you have any race suggestions for my 2012 schedule? I would LOVE to hear from you! Please leave comments below. =) 

Journey to Race Day

Approximately twenty seconds before crossing the finish line on the field of Autozone Park.
Memphis, TN. ::: December 3, 2011
Photo Credit: Chris Coons

"Beyond the very extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own; sources of strength never taxed at all because we never push through the obstruction."

-William James

I am filled with glee to report my first marathon finish. Tackling a marathon was never something I thought was in my reach as a runner. After finishing my first half marathon in Cleveland this past May, my confidence grew. I began to think differently about my physical abilities and limitations. In July I nervously revealed to Chris my desire to join him in Memphis to run the marathon. A few weeks later we signed-up for the race, and I made out my training schedule.

Throughout my training I had serious doubts about completing the race. At the beginning, I had issues with my left IT band, and pain in the ball of my left foot. With the increase of my weekly mileage, failed workouts became common. My asthma and severe fall allergies interfered with scheduled runs. I would set out on a six mile run, only to return to my apartment after a mile and a half because I couldn't breathe.  With each roadblock, thoughts of quitting would arise. But as with most of life, I didn't want to go down without a fight.

I clung furiously to moments of joy and excitement that arose on my training journey. My speed increased on shorter runs, and my form radically improved. I began to understand my body's needs. I understood when it needed rest and when it needed to be pushed. I completed my three hardest weeks of training injury free and happy. Heck, I even began to really look forward to hitting the pavement three to five days each week. My body transformed. Muscles strengthened. Endurance improved.

Mentally, I felt a shift. Running was no longer just a way to stay in shape or find common ground among peers. It became the time in my day to find clarity. It became a metaphor. My approach to running mirrored my approach to life. Thus, I could see my strengths and weaknesses in and out of my running shoes more clearly.

Reflecting upon this weekend, I can confidently say participating in the 2011 St. Jude Memphis Marathon proved to be an amazing experience. I can also confidently say, the race journey not race day changed me the most.

Over the next week I will focus on allowing my body to heal. Yoga, warm showers, a pedicure, hydration, lots of sleep, and good food will all be a part of my recovery. Then, I will lace up my shoes again and define where my feet will take me next.

I am filled with glee to report my first marathon finish. I am filled with glee to report that it won't be my last.

------

{More race day photos and reflections, as well as a peek into my adventures in Memphis to come! So be sure to check Underlined and Bold for further updates this week!} 

Gratitude "that we are here"

yesterday i expressed gratitude. gratitude for holiday cheer. gratitude for the life i am blessed to live.

 below is a poem by Philip Booth. as the November days rolled by, i read it over & over. each time feeling more grateful than the last. read. savor. enjoy!

Presence
after George Oppen
by Philip Booth

That we are here: that we can question who
we are, where; that we relate to how deer

once small have grown bold in our back garden;
that we can ask, ask even ourselves, how

to the other we may appear, here in the always near place
we seem to ourselves to inhabit, who sleep toward

and wake from steeped hills, the sea opening into our eyes
the infinite possibility of infinity

we believe we're neither beyond nor shy of,
here as we are, without doubt, amid then, there,

and now, falling through dark into light, and back,
against which we cannot defend, wish as we might, as we do,

Still, the physicist said, the mystery is
that we are here, here at all, still bearing with,

and borne by, all we try to make sense of:
this evening two does and a fawn who browse

the head lettuce we once thought was ours.
But no. As we chase them off mildly, and make

and odd salad of what they left us, the old stars
come casually out, and we see near and far we own nothing:

it's us belong to all else; who, given this day,
are touched by, and touch, our tenderest knowing,

our lives incalculably dear as we feel for each other,
our skin no more or less thin than that of redwing,

rainbow, star-nose, or whitethroat, enfolded like us
in the valleys and waves of this irrefutable planet.

I would love to know your thoughts on Booth's poem! Please leave comments below!

Want to read another poem I love? Click here.

Image.

i love this time of year

The holiday season is in full gear.  Thanksgiving leftovers are devoured from fridges across the country. Christmas trees are decorated with tinsel and lights. Menorah's are placed on mantels. Resolutions of 2011 are evaluated for the creation of a new 2012 list. 

i love this time of year!

It's a time of hope and light. It's a time for the first dusting of snow. It's a time when heavy blankets are piled on my bed {making it harder to get up from the warmth  & comfort in the morning}. It's a time of hot chocolate, Home Alone, and Charlie Brown Christmas. It's a time for family. It's a time for friends. It's a time of late night evenings with red wine and spiked egg nog.

{did i mention, i love this time of year?}

i feel immensely grateful to lead the life i am.  A life of creature comforts. Loving faces. Travels and exploration. A life of dreams realized. A life of possibilities yet unknown.

Cheers & blessings to all this holiday season.

--Abigail

image.

Judgement, Laughter, Gratitude

Laughter is truly the best medicine!
Photo Credit: Marcus Bernales (Creative Commons)

Picks to Ponder:

A weekly post featuring a few notable items I've found to be thought provoking, and/or a positive influence on my outlook on life. 

{Click here to see where it all started.}

"We condemn in others what we are afraid to see in ourselves."

-Deepak Chopra

On Judgement

I struggle with being judgmental.  I have condemed the materialistic behavior of others with fury and superiority, while watching this video of "Black Friday Mania". I have happily made fun of this pageant contestant without a second thought. And while riding Chicago buses and trains, I have found myself, one time too many, smirking and being dismissive of the behavior of other riders. 

I am not proud of this behavior. Thus, finding alternative view points and constructive ways of thinking about the world in which we live, is vital to my personal growth.

Below I've included some links that inspire me to move toward love and compassion, and beyond judgement. Enjoy!

• Goop Newsletter -November 24, 2011 {a weekly publication produced by Gwynth Paltrow}
• Catherine Forham's Black Friday Letter

On Laughter

It's basically an essential non-negotiable part of life. Here is what I've been laughing at this week:

• Best School Picture Ever!
• Drunk & Brunch. Yes Please!

On Gratitude

Most of my friends do not blog. And most of them lose interest as endless rambles fall from my lips concerning the beauty and inspiration I find among the blogging community. And as Thanksgiving came and went this year, blog posts were filled with candid moving thoughts of gratitude. Thus, I am sincerely grateful for all the amazing bloggers out there. You make me think, laugh, create, and grow.

Want to see some of my favorite blogs posts who helped me get into the Thanksgiving spirit? Click the links below!

• Ashore {A lovely poetic Portland, Oregon blogger who truly has a way with words!}
• the Flybird {Adorable couple, Spencer & Kylie, reveal why they are grateful to be alive via a wicked travel story! Love it!}
• the Daily Muse {If you love animals, this link is for you. No Thanksgiving is complete without an amazingly cute dog video!}

I would love to read your thoughts on this weeks Picks to Ponder. 
Please leave comments & questions below, so we can discuss.

{Missed last weeks Picks to Ponder? Click here.}

5 Things I've Learned via Marathon Training

Photo Credit: Shawn Rossi (Creative Commons)

I've made it!

I've made it alive through my three longest runs for my marathon training. No repeats of my 12 mile disaster. And after a 16, 18, and 20 mile run, I am more excited than ever to tackle the big 26.2 mile race in Memphis. Wahoo!

I am injury free and in good spirits.

{And if you're wondering, my sore ass ankles are still tired, but nothing to worry about.}

I really couldn't ask for anything more at this point!

So without further delay, below are a few things I've learned from the last three weeks of hard training.

1. Bring on the Hydration & Shot Bloks

With hot muggy summer days behind us, training during this amazingly mild mid-west autumn has been a blessing. The only glitch, water fountains on Chicago's lakefront trail are slowly turned off for the winter this time of year. During my 20 mile run, I only found one working water fountain around my mile 14. When I finally made it to that fountain, I practically made out with it.

Despite hating extra bulk on my runs, I will be placing a handheld water bottle or hydration system on my "Things to Buy" list in the near future.

Also, I am loving the strawberry flavored Cliff Shot Bloks at the moment. Totally yummy!! Totally refueling!!

2. Chocolate Milk + Bananas = Better Recovery

When I trained for my half marathon this past spring, chocolate milk was not consistently part of my post-run recovery regimen. During my marathon training, I have followed every long run with chocolate milk {and a banana}.My experience with soreness and fatigue have been greatly reduced in the days after those runs.

3. I've got a Sweet Spot!

Miles 7-13 are my favorite. Muscles are warm, a rhythm is established, and movement feels effortless. It feels like I'm flying.

4. Moisture from My Eyes is Inevitable

On my 16, 18, and 20 mile runs, I cried right before embarking upon the last two miles. As my body moved into unfamiliar territory each week {as this is my first time running these distances}my eyes weld up with tears. The tears didn't stem from physical pain. Rather, I felt as if my body was cleansing itself of tensions and emotions from the past. Running really has become therapeutic.

5. Yelling, Grunting, and Mantras.

When combating fatigue, yelling and grunting are go-to tricks to psyche myself up to finish strong. Shouting "You can do this," and a simple "Come on!" can snap me out of any rising doubts about finishing. It may attract a few stares now-and-again, but it totally works for me!

I also combat fatigue with simple mantras. Recently, this quote has really helped me keep my spirits up. I also will repeatedly say "leave nothing out here," to remind myself to always give it my best.

Have any tips, tricks, or revelations about running? I would love to hear from you. Leave comments below!

A 12 Mile Disaster

Confidence Shot.  Depressed.  Shivering. 

it all. 
just felt.
so impossible.

In a comfy reclining chair, I replayed the late afternoon events in my mind. I was suppose to spend the evening at an art gallery, but weakness and fatigue plagued my body. Thus, a blanket, hot tea, and the Rolling Stones doc, Gimme Shelter, were my only company.

I started my 12 mile run feeling as if someone attached twenty pound sand bags to my feet.  The culprits: four hours of sleep and one too many glasses of wine the previous evening. The sun was shining though. And while others waited impatiently in traffic, my legs roamed free on the open road with very little stop and go. I felt, despite lassitude, this to be my victory.

Explosive waves crashed on the shore as I hit the Lakefront trail. Trees, butterflies, and graceful runners passed my sight line. Moving my legs continued to grow tiresome. I glanced at my watch. Time was the hare. I was the tortoise. But I believed this to be my consequence. And I believed with the beauty of the southern skyline view of the city, I would persevere. Even if it was slow and painful.

Bold and formal, Buckingham Fountain stood on my left as the once welcoming blue skies faded to a distant memory. Black clouds overshadowed the blue quickly. Frigid gusts of wind nearly knocked me to the pavement. And rain drops began to plummet from the sky, five miles from my final destination.

Legs still moving, the torrential downpour forced old make-up into my eyes. They burned with a vengeance. Squinting ahead, I looked for shelter to find relief. Clinging to puny trunks, I found others huddled under trees. As hail nailed me in the back, I joined them without hesitation.

As the rain raged, a friendly couple allowed me to share their umbrella. I trembled. As the rain raged, dampness and cold were making a home in my body. I trembled. As the rain raged, I yearned to shout obscenities and curse the world. But instead, I trembled.

When the rain slowed to a trickle, I jutted north. I knew of shelter less than a half mile down the trail with a bathroom and hand dryer in-toe. My body ached and eternity seemed to stretch over the next ten minutes.

Battling tourists down the Pier, I found the bathroom. I maneuvered the stream of hot hair up into my shirt, trying to force out the dampness and cold. But they would not budge. They clung to me. Intense. Unwavering.

Trying to ward off the feeling of failure, a part of me wanted to continue. Instead, with no cash in my pockets, I jumped into a cab. He kicked me out. "No Money, no ride," he announced. He was not taken with me, my stories, my I-Pod collateral, or the promise of money.

A second cabbie showed reluctance, but gave into compassion, pity, or his conscience.  And once reunited with my wallet, I rewarded him handsomely.

Hours passed.  The comfy reclining chair cradled my cold restless body. Deflated. Depleted. Alone. The larger goal of 26.2 miles loomed over my head.

it all.
just felt.
so impossible.


Update:
Since this event (which occurred a couple weeks ago), I successfully completed a second attempt at a 12 mile run. I also completed a 14 mile run on Friday in good spirits. 14 miles is the furthest I've ever run in my life! Holy Cow!


Each of these runs I approached with a healthy fear of non-completion and failure. But with some coaching, a good nights rest, and an increase in my spaghetti consumption, I met the challenge of each of these runs with surprising ease.


Thank you to all those who have shown support as I continue moving toward the big Marathon day. It means more than you know!


Light & Love,
Abigail


P.S.- Clueless about my journey toward my first marathon? Get more info. by clicking here.

Eating In-Season Food!

Photo Credit: Natalie Maynor

In attempt to improve my eating habits, I've been referencing a web site called Sustainable Table. Sustainable Table is a tool aiding consumers in buying local in-season food to decrease environmental degradation and help local farmers.

(Click here to check out the fabulous blogger who informed me about this great site!)

My biggest in-season meal success, thus far, is Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas via my favorite recipe blog, Fresh365. Living in the mid-west the main in-season ingredient is the sweet potatoes.

It is absolutely vegetarian, and absolutely delicious! Click here for the recipe!

Northeast Adventure's Bits and Pieces Part 4

The Final Post.

There are no happier people on this planet than those who decide that they want something, define what they want, get hold of the feeling of it even before its manifestation and then joyously watch the unfolding as, piece by piece by piece, it begins to unfold. That's the feeling of your hands in the clay. 

- Abraham Hicks

I want to travel. 

I want to see the world;

its diverse landscapes and people.

I want to taste unknown fruit

and hear sounds for which I have no words. 

I want my nostrils to know confusion 

and eyes to stare in wonderment and awe.

I want faraway sands to filter

through my fingers

-- upon arrival home

find it swishing around in my shoe.

I want to witness the sunset 

at a thousand angles, 

slowly watching the night stars fill the sky 

with brightness. 

I want to listen to the rain make peculiar noises 

under an unfamiliar roof.

I want to travel

I want to see the world.

As an adult, I have found deciding what I want is not a simple task. 
For me it ceases to be simple because there is so much I want and yearn for. I only have so much time in a day. I only have so much money to spend. Understanding these facts, despite my best efforts to ignore them at times, I know decisions must be made. I know I must move certain interests aside, allowing others to take center stage and come to fruition.


One of those decisions I've made is to travel. A choice that involves scrimping and saving for such experiences. Forgoing luxuries of a car, new clothes, or even a fun night out with friends. And sometimes that is hard. But I know something harder. Not buying the plane ticket. Not climbing the mountain. Not visiting faraway friends. Not eating my first lobster roll. Not flipping the truth I've known on its head. Not seeing how others live out their day-to-day lives. That would be much harder for me.


So onward I continue.


Below are the last remaining highlights of my Northeast Adventures. 
If you missed my Northeast Adventures Bits and Pieces Part 1 click here , Part 2 click here, Part 3A click here, Part 3B click here, Part 3C click here.


And be sure to visit Underlined and Bold tomorrow as I reveal my next travel destination! 


Happy Wednesday Everyone!!


Light and love,
Abigail 


Local. Local. Local.
Unique small local businesses are on every corner of Portland, Maine. Placed prominently in front window displays are "buy local" signs. Guides books to "Keep Portland Independent" are easily located throughout the city. As American landscapes are taken over more and more by big corporations, Portland shows a strong stance against that norm.

I LOVE THIS!

Click here to see the work of a talented local artist.

Yoga is for everyone.

Yoga is an integral part of my life. A source of spiritual guidance. A light where darkness lingers mentally and physically. I believe it can serve as such in anyone's life.

My goal: to visit at least one yoga studio everywhere I travel.

In Boston I had a delightful experience with Back Bay Yoga Studio.

In Portland, I attended a one hour "Mixed Flow" class with Shannon at Lila East End Yoga. Shannon is a hands on teacher with strong cuing. Her presence is light and fun, making me feel right at home among her regular students. After class we spent an hour chatting about yoga, and her journey to becoming a yoga teacher. She truly has an amazing spirit! If you are in the area, drop into one of Shannon's classes and tell her I say "hi".

Shannon!

Camping with a porcupine.

As day slipped into night, a porcupine decided to join Betsy and I at our campsite on Hermit Island. Running around our tent with baby in tow, it eventually decided to sit on the branch directly above our tent. She kindly reminded us of her presence by pooping and dropping tree bark all night.

Embarrassing Fun Fact:  As Betsy and I hid in the car, I called my boyfriend Chris to ensure we were not going to be viciously attacked by a porcupine. He informed us, to our relief, that porcupines are docile creatures.

Bathroom Wisdom.

Henry Ford and I shared a meeting of the minds while I tinkled in the Hilltop Coffee Shop bathroom. 

Strengthening Friendships.

There is something truly magical about visiting friends who no longer live near. Details of their new locale may penetrate your imagination via phone, e-mail and/or Facebook. But there is nothing like seeing where they walk, where they sleep, and with whom they find companionship with in person.

I have had this experience repeatedly in my life.

 I feel immensely blessed.