Fall brings much needed change!

My recycled glass finisher medal along with my now retired running shoes. Thanks for the memories, you were my first pair of really good running shoes : ) Hopefully many more miles in new Mizunos to come!

Hey, there! It has been a bit too long since I have written here! I have been so busy... maybe a little bit too busy, but lots of good energy is happening this Fall. Fall is definitely a season of change and while some view it as sad, because the leaves are falling and cold is coming, I'm choosing to view it as glad because change always brings about a new season and new seasons have new beauties and joys to behold.


Last time I wrote I had the privilege of being a part of the "City of 1,000 Easels" here in Asheville. It was a wonderful experiment in community with many local artists carrying their work and their process out into the streets for all to see! 


The very next week, I got to be a part of another interesting experiment in community here in Asheville by running the Asheville Citizen times Half Marathon! That is right 13.1 miles around the mountainous city of Asheville, NC. I encourage any runners interested in taking on some hills to sign up for it next year. It was definitely the hardest course I have ever run, but to my surprise, it was a personal best time for me! It showed me that I had learned a lot in the last year or so of running, but that I still had some room to grow for myself. In true Asheville fashion we received finisher medals made out of recycled glass! Most beautiful!


I have also been trying to take time when I am able to nurture relationships. This can be difficult because of distance and timing issues with work and such, but planning to make the effort to connect with people is important. Though, I'm not that great at it, I'm working on it and the excuse of "I'm too busy" is not good for my own personal health nor is it good for the health of relationships. So, this is something I'm working on, be patient with me guys ; )


Also, I had my inaugural "Sunday CrAfternoon" with a wonderful friend from work! This is an idea I thought would be fun for some female friends to get together and share each others crafts. She taught me to crochet! Never did I think I would be able to learn and even though I started over on my scarf project close to 27 times, I still had a ton of fun and I look forward to honing this new skill and adding it to my bag of tricks. Maybe you could find someone in your life that has a skill you would like for them to be patient with you to teach you?! It could be the beginning of a beautiful thing for you! Just give it a try and be inspired. Don't be too bashful to ask. If you never ask, you will never know.


Also had the chance to camp out for my 27th birthday this past weekend at the Lake Eden Arts Festival in Black Mountain! I had some wonderful friends travel just for the occasion (thanks, guys!) and we spent the weekend listening to music, hanging out, eating, watching or participating in some acro-yoga, contra dancing and looking at many artists' work! It was a truly inspiring and energizing experience that I hope to carry with me always (don't worry, I'll probably go back next year, you should come along!).


I am also starting a new research position at the Asheville Art Museum, it is part time, but I am so excited to be a part of the project. Along with that, I have begun training for a marathon this upcoming March,  2011. This means lots of lifestyle changes. Much more sleep is necessary (9 hours/night) much more attentiveness to the nutrition (more fruits, veggies, healthy proteins, less cookies!). This will be different because in my food service job, my office is wonderfully placed next to the bake shop! I am still struggling with disorganization, but dang, I am motivated to work on that, so this Saturday I am attending an artists professional development work shop. We shall see! Lots of good changes in the works, lots of exciting things. 


What new things could you try or change this Fall season? 

My beautiful mess of a first crochet project!