I've had a lot on my heart this year. A year marked by so much grief. From losing beloved creatures to shedding things in life that no longer serve me and watching the horrors of humanity's ugliest side, it seems that grief has touched every edge of my life.
So, it's no surprise that there's been a lot of grounding, shifting, and reflecting. It's taken most of this year but I think I may have started to find my footing, even if my toes still have to desperately dig in to keep from toppling.
I now find myself realizing I've stepped into a new chapter. Still daring to hope and love more. I see myself making shift just for me and what I need right now so I can be more resilient for what is looming.
I think it took this brief moment with @weareauraaura over the weekend to hear Eileen's explanation of our aura and connect what I was already seeing and feeling. Thirteen years after our first date, we're looking out from a new peak. While I don't know what the hell is in store for us, I'm pretty hopeful because of the people around us.
@gdgraves : we got this 💛✨
It's taken me a long time to get to these words, knowing that it'll never be what I want to fully say or mean. I don’t know how to summarize a life of 16 years in a mere handful of paragraphs on a page. I know their lives are intertwined with mine forever. I know I don’t remember what it felt like before they came into my life. I know they lived big, beautiful, and adventurous lives that were also so simple and sweet. And I know my time with them has forever changed my life with the endless love and joy they gifted me. It is the simplest and purest love. An innocence and sweetness that never left them, even in their very senior years, when a failing body would lead any human to be the worst version of themselves.
The time passed since they shed their physical selves feels like yesterday and, at the same time, forever ago. We set them free in shoulder seasons. Fozzy in April and Nico in October. Both farewells are now followed by seasons of shifting, grounding, and finding a new way to walk through days that ebb with joy and sudden heartache that washes over me. What else could I expect after 16 years of magic?
Some days my heart gets so heavy with ample love to share and nowhere for it to go. I know I’ll continue honoring them by sharing that love with neighborhood dogs and future dogs that will become woven into our lives as they were. But boy do they have big heart holes to fill.
For now, I’ll take the comfort that comes with long walks and ordinary things we used to do together. As a dear friend shared with me: they are everywhere because they are everything.
Both gifted to this world 24 Feb 2008
19 April 2024: Fozzy leaped into the spirit world for tennis balls, burgers, and beers (pilsners specifically)
21 October 2024: Nico sweetly went to find her brother with nigiri squeaker in tow
Happy February! At our house, it’s Fozzy & Nico month with their birthday on the 24th. Naturally, as a way to celebrate them entering into their 15th year of life, there was no better feature for my @studioonfire calendar submission. I mean, come on, the whole calendar theme is BFFs 🫰🏼
I’ll never be able to articulate the full measure of what they’ve given me over the last decade and a half but I hope I hold onto it forever. 🥹 we have seen and been through so much, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Swipe for some highlights over the last year of magic 💛✨🌞🐕🐕🦺
Snag some art and put your money towards those most affected by the pandemic. @cogrid19 print for Minneapolis benefits #restorenorth. Link in my profile 💛
Always glad to lend my super powers for good, especially alongside some incredible artists/designers in Minneapolis 💛👍🏼
Shout out to @jason_rothman , @hub_gram and @hihellomsp for the opportunity ✌🏼
Exhales of relief and tears shed for more hopeful days to rebuild is what the rest of my day will look like. There is work ahead of us (SO much of it) but I’m here for all of it.
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Repost from @vanjones68
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It’s easier to be a parent this morning. Character MATTERS. Being a good person MATTERS. This is a big deal. It’s easy to do it the cheap way and get away with stuff — but it comes back around. Today is a good day. #PresidentBiden #VotersDecided
Y’all—Election Day is just shy of a week away! I hope this cutie sticker I whipped up for the @Verizon folks, can encourage (and remind!) folks to show up. Spread the word with #CallingAllVoters 💛✌🏼
I don’t know about you but I’m writing more notes to myself as reminders lately. This isn’t something I used to do but I’ve been wondering if they’ll stick better this way.
I probably need this one most days. I hope you’re being kind and taking care of yourself for tomorrow and beyond. 💛✌🏼
For me, it hasn’t felt right to post about work when there are voices and issues far more important. There’s been a lot of realigning for myself, including the kind of work and partners I collaborate with. That said, I’m thrilled to be able to lend a hand with graphics in support of the #TRILLFITpledge. The incredible powerhouse @itsheatherwhite is leading the way with her @trill.fit team to demand a shift in the wellness space that is long overdue. More details below and if you can join their Lobby Talk event tonight, please do—not to be missed! Link is in @itsheatherwhite ’s bio💛✌🏼
—— #Repost @itsheatherwhite with @get_repost
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the @trill.fit team spent July + August synthesizing the feedback and conversations from our Lobby Talk series in June. the result? our pledge for Racial Justice, Anti-Racism, and Equality in the Wellness Industry. I’m honored to share that industry leaders like @mindbody , @bspokestudios , and @classpass are the first to commit to the pledge and join us in this work. link in bio for tonight’s conversation, trust me - you don’t want to miss it. we’re making history. amidst the terror in the streets, it fills my heart to use this platform to protect and heal black bodies and minds. we need it. ✨ #TRILLFITpledge
