bandera mountain

i've been less than active the last two weeks given a massive ankle twisting due to tripping down a few measly stairs in our apartment complex (danger prone daphne does it again!). it was grapefruit size (ok, maybe a rather large orange size) and turned just the loveliest shades of green and yellow and purple for a quite few days. i had to quit all the running training i had been doing which was really hard because going to the gym every night had become such a habit. still, i was in excruciating pain every time i moved it and i knew i had to take it easy for awhile - i didn't want to risk possibly re-injuring it and making things worse or my recovery time any longer. so when our friend suggested we go hiking this weekend i was still a little worried things wouldn't have healed entirely. i decided that i'd go with the attitude that i would attempt it and if i felt any pain i would stop and that would be that. surprising, we made it all the way to the summit with no problems (other than some mild joking and complaining that the trail was going on FOR.FREAKING.EVER and not being able to see the top to give us some motivation). but my ankles feel great. and due to the steep decent, there were points i was actually running because the momentum was propelling us down faster. yay running! so tired but so worth it. and good to know i can go back to my regularly scheduled workouts tomorrow.

i didn't bring my good camera (no extra weight just in case) but my iphone took amazing pictures in the bright sunshine. this is the ira spring trail that we took all the way to the top of bandera mountain. i'm glad i didn't check out the specs before we left because i might have talked myself out of it:

so, yeah, just a tiny 5,400 foot, 9 mile hike. no big deal. ;) good time of year to go too - the wildflowers were incredible - like something out of a dr. seuss book. 

we could see the teeny tiny mt. rainier in the distance when the clouds and fog finally broke.

crazy cloud formations blowing in.

and the most beautiful view after the tricky rock scramble.

great friends, great hike. incredibly gorgeous, awesome day.

engaged. jen + chris (preview)

ocean shores/moclips, wa

our friends, mark and dawn, were staying at a place on the ocean front for the weekend and had gotten a room upgrade with a second bedroom so they wanted to know if we'd be up for a spontaneous road trip...

how could we not?

N8's birthday - part I

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.

- Sigmond Freud

thank you, dad, for all you have done and for all that you still do for me. so much of what i've learned about creativity, work ethic, integrity, perseverance and commitment came from watching you. through all the tears and frustration as you helped me with everything from math homework to learning the guitar, you taught me not to give up on myself. thank you for coaching my softball teams, for making me feel safe on the back of your motorcycle, teaching me how to drive (and parallel park!) and for moving me 2000 miles away from home so that i could be with the man i love. i'm sure it was hard for you to watch me struggle through these later years, but you gave me endless support and let me find my way in love and establish myself in my work. and most importantly, you have set the ultimate example for the type of man i will one day choose to marry. the united front you have with mom was such an annoyance to my adolescent self, but it speaks so loudly now of your commitment to her and to your marriage and your role as parents. if i retain a fraction of what you have taught me, i will be a wonderful wife and mother someday. so happy father's day, poppy. you are loved beyond words.

~rinny


and to ND on this father's day, 
He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

it may not be now, but they will one day know of the love and fortitude you have for them. how you did the best with what life dealt you, that you fought for them, that you continue to do everything you can, despite unfair people in an unfair world. and when they are ready to seek the truth, they will know one day of your hard work, your honesty, your loyalty and your faithfulness. you are an amazing man, and an exceptional father. i am so very fortunate to have you in my life - and so are your children.  

mother's day

for my mom:

-the first person i call when there's news - good or bad
-who is my biggest supporter and cheerleader
-who has the best shoulder to cry on
-who laughs at all my jokes
-who was the best girl scout leader and bake sale baker and last minute homework helper
-who loves me unconditionally with her whole heart and then some
-who always inspires me to be a better person
-who has taught me so much about being a woman, and never fails to astound me with her kindness and wisdom and grace

i wouldn't be half as cool as i am without a role model like you. ;) happy mother's day. i love you and miss you so much.
















and here's the "mega mom mix" i'm sending.

anniversary

two years ago changed many things. the major one was the catalyst for being able to start forgiving myself and learning how to love again. thank you, sweetheart.