Happy Birthday Papa

August 2nd is dad’s birthday. He would have turned 61 years young.

My mom’s engagement ring was stolen shortly after Dad died while she was visiting the grave. Because it was stolen, she took dad’s ring, melted it down, and made a ring for herself and the necklace below for me. I wear it everywhere and I love it.

The gold tear drop shape is made from Dad’s wedding band and the stone is peridot, his birthstone.

Mom and dad in Alaska

Overloooking the Grand Canyon

My parents decided to take a two week long road trip out west when I was about 6 months old and in a body cast. They reported that I was the happiest one on the trip.

Somewhere on our westward trail

Redemption

Remember this??? This is the Headache, the splitter crack in Zion that emascualted me. After my hand jam epiphany in Moab, this climb has been on my hit list.




As Anthony and I walked past the cars waiting to go through the tunnel after climbing the three pitches I said, "man, don't you just feel like a B.A.?" An indication that my pride was redeemed.

Canyons: So crooked, so cool

I was able to do two canyons (Pine Creek and Keyhole)in Zion this past week. Something I have been wanting to do since I moved to Utah. I am glad I didn't get to them until the broiling hot month of July though; the water is still cold! I am not much for plunging into dark, stagnant, and sometimes stinky water, but the awe of these canyons far outweighed any hesitation. The pictures do little justice to the splendor of these curving walls.











Thank you Nick, Lauren, and Brandon for taking me along!!

The Golden Nuggets

I had an epiphany when I was 22. I was living out a dream in Costa Rica, until I couldn’t get out of bed and I had to return to Alabama to have back surgery. A month after surgery, I went back to Costa Rica. Five months later I had to return to the states again for another back surgery. My epiphany was: “Life really sucks!"... Profound, I know.

At 28, I continue realizing and experiencing this truth. Life can be outrageously unfair, ugly, lonely, and disappointing. Following this epiphany came the understanding that most things in life and this world eventually change. Most of the time, the tide turns at some point. And, even if it doesn’t, our perspective can.

The trouble is getting through the time when it really sucks. My time in the southeast reminded me of many of the golden nuggets in life that help you nudge your way through these moments, days, and seasons.



Reconnecting with old friends: I went to my 10 year high school reunion and saw dear friends who are doing extraordinary things all around the world. Doctors, lawyers, dancers, inventors, etc. from Birmingham to Palestine. It refuels the soul to reconnect with these kindred spirits.


Rock climbing, of course.





Dogs: Featured here are my Luke, my Aunt Barbara's Lola, and my friend Dave's Nugget (who I am dog sitting this week). Nugget was the inspiration behind the title!


Fanny packs: Ok, not really, but I promised my Aunt Barbara that our matching fanny packs would make the blog, so its a golden nugget for now.


Laughing: I laughed till it hurt playing Taboo with my aunties. They retreat together every summer; it is an exclusive group. This summer I received an invite, what an honor.



Water: Whether riding, swimming or skiing on it (after 8ish years, I discovered that I can still slalom), water is peaceful and inspiring.






Unconditional love from family: Matt and I took Dad's boat out. It was quite the hilarious adventure. Tips: keep the tackle box secured, put the boat in gear when trying to start the motor, don't ask for a tow from an Auburn fan unless you have on an Auburn t-shirt.


Utah: I love the Southwest desert, and particularly Utah. It's weird, quirky, and really beautiful. Friends here give the best "welcome home" hugs. This place rejuvenates my soul.

Oh my sweet Cackalacky

After climbing in WV I got some great QT with very dear friends in North Carolina. My life may be bleak in romantic love, but I live in abundance of love from friends and family!!


Sarah and Morgan have been true friends to me since graduate school. The head popping up in the back is Dan. He lent me his spare bedroom after I returned to NC from AL last summer and had no home.


Morgan and Sarah taught me to sew!


Eli encouraged me to embrace my curly locks in the humidty. So I fluff them up as high as they would go.


I am feeling the love.


The rock quarry in Durham is one of my most favorite places in the world. A storm was coming, but we frightenedly slip in for a quick dip. Lots of good memories from here.






A friend had a self-made glamour shots studio at her birthday party. Just as Elena, Morgan, Sarah, and I are looking, it was fabulous.




Climbing at Moores wall. Thanks Rush for letting me led all the easy pitches! I am feeling more and more comfortable and happy on trad.

New River Gorge, WV

This is where I became a climber. This place inspired, challenged, and soothed me during some of the most challenging points in my life. It's been about a year since I was last there and it was glorious fun to go back. A whole crew of friends came up from NC and we laughed and climbed till our hearts content.


Swimming at Sommersville Lake


Dinner at Pies and Pints



My awesome belay stance


View of the gorge from the top of the climb


We missed our route and got a little lost.


After finally finding the area we were looking for, most of the routes within my range were taken. But, I was determined to lead something. Although, none of the "pull hards" wanted to get on it, I decided this 5.8 offwidth was mine. I took my first lead fall on gear here on a # 5 cam. Though it was totally fine, I would be very happy to never fall on gear again. It's called "screamer crack" and it definitely made me scream!