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!

Workin and Travelin

After the fam left Vegas, I went to work on the research piece of my job. I also found some time to play and catch up with old friends.


Ian and Camille are dear friends from Eagle Lake Camp. Ian grew up near St. George and they were down for visit. We went to see A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City.


Finally getting some more ladies on the rocks!






I came home to Alabama last week. It's been great to be home, play a little more with the nephews, and kayak with my brother.




It's now time to make my way up to my old stomping grounds of WV and NC!!

An inspiring week

My past shift in the field was inspiring, despite my lack of inspiration going into the week. I had worked with the adolescent girls group for 6 straight shifts, and I was ready for a change from their catty ways. Something changed this past week though and the group found footing. Emotional safety rose and with that came a flood of openness and vulnerability. It was heartbreaking to hear of the offenses acted upon them, as well as those that they had acted upon others. It was also beautiful seeing them step a little closer to reconciliation, peace and freedom.

Below are some pictures from the field, not necessarily from my last shift.

The family comes to Vegas

I came out of field last week to greet my family in Las Vegas. That's right, the whole crew came out!! It was super fun and meant the world to me.


A family friend road in a race in honor of dad. The biking shirts we are wearing are from the race and has the names, including dad's, of all those who are remembered. Matt and I wore them while biking the loop at Red Rocks.

On crack in Moab

Moab was full of good food, old and new friends, cold swimming holes, and cracks. I liked ALL of it, even the cracks.


The car ride. Deidre, Paul, and Anthony rocked it. I tried to work ;)


This is Mark. He is a good friend from NC and recently moved to Moab. Mark has walked me through a few climbing milestones. He taught me how to clean an anchor and he was my climbing partner on my first trad lead at Looking Glass. It was great to catch up Mark!!


After a decent hike in the heat of the day, we arrived at a small swimming hole that wasn't too overcrowded. Don't worry mom, I let lots of other people jump first.


This is the full crew at the Brewery.


Julia and I have worked the last three shifts together. She rocks!


Wall Street Cracks. You can belay from your car, seriously.


Getting excited for my first 5.9 trad lead. It was terrific! A definite highlight of the weekend.