Few of my favorite things right now...

Wanted to share some of things that I’m quasi obsessed with currently! None of this is advertising - no one asked me to promote anything- I just wanted to share them because they seem to make my life and health better

 I use these two cook books ALOT. Loads of great information and fast and easy recipes! I got “run fast, cook fat, eat slow” from Amazon and “wicked good” from booksamillion

 I have used many different brands of ghee and this hands down is my favorite - I bought it from Earthfare. I use this instead of butter - I also use it for when I make golden milk- (my go to warm evening/before bedtime drink) and I put it in. My coffee in the mornings

 Omg- y’all- using gelatin like this is a game changer- if you haven’t heard about it’s many benefits PLeASE do yourself a favor and research it- it helps heal your gut- it helps your skin,hair and nails- it gives you tons of protein! And you can put it in everything! I place a serving in my golden milk I drink every evening but you can also stir it into soups! It’s amazing- and you can make healthy gummies for your kids (or for yourself)!


And last but not least- because I’ve raved- about golden milk- this is a mix I like to use-  but you can easily make your own- I bought this from Earthfare as well- tsp of this to 12 oz of unsweetened warm almond or coconut milk- with some gelatin ghee- maybe a little  local honey - it’s money and you will

Sleep like a baby!! 

I hope each of you is having an amaZing day today! It’s little cool out but feels so crisp and exillerating!! Do something good for yourself today! Whether it’s moving around, taking an exercise class, going for a run or walk, eating nourishing foods or even just remembering to take your vitamins!! ♥️

Cutting back hedges, making room for more light in my life

Yesterday was a bear. It was the third day that I spent with my 72 year old dad clearing brush and cutting back my hedges in my landscaping because they had become so overwhelming to me- they were blocking the  sunlight that comes into my house - and also growing up against my house and just making a mildewy mess- I love plants- and at first recoiled at having to trim them back what I felt was severely- but as my dad pointed out- in the long run it makes them grow correctly it makes them heartier and healthier and give me space- so as we were working I noticed the more sunlight and space I was making by trimming- the more I could breathe I literally felt lighter and better- the sheer overgrowth of my landscaping I felt had choke hold on me and I didn’t realize it- I wish I had before and after but this walk way I couldn’t even use before it was like a green tunnel and really mosquito-y in the summer 

Now it’s so open and lovely and I feel I can actually utilize it- so my point is - what other things have a subconscious choke hold on our psyche? Are there places in our life that are so out of control and over grown- we need to prune and trim and cut it back into submission so that it actually works for us  and makes sense again? Just something to think about- but I know I want to make more  space for myself  and for things to look lovely and have access to plenty of sunshine!!! ♥️

I was so tired last night for dinner I made soup again but this time it was my spin of beef pho- but I used  fake ramenoodles soba ? I think so their name (gluten free) sirloin from pounding mill land and cattle ( my parents farm) and I used beef bone broth I had made- if anyone wants the  precise recipe I can post it later- 

It’s going to be another beautiful October day! Clear blue bird day crisp high 60- I’m getting ready to go run 🏃‍♀️- 5 miles then plan to take maverick for a walk-  here are some pictures of the back of my house with maverick this morning- I’m just so happy how everything looks in my yard now ( and that I can breathe) 

 Maverick be like “lady stop taking pictures of me” 

Okay  lastly this is a humble brag - yesterday I fixed my son todds bounce back for lax- it had gotten messed up when the yard dudes moved it to mow around it - and since spring had been under my back porch in a crumpled sad heap- and it drove me crazy- I hated it - I wanted to throw it away but was too afraid I would scratch my truck trying to load it by myself because it was so cumbersome- 

My dad said he would help me haul it away yesterday and I said well let me try one more time to see if I can get it to stand and not fall down-  and for whatever crazy reason and some wd40 I got it to work 

 So I had a happy child

After school who practiced on his bounce back 

Then he practiced cradling and shooting for an hour- so that is a victory  in my book. My goal is just to continue to dig out small victories like the bushes or the bounce back every day - 

Hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!!! 

Gluten free cornbread and pumpkin, turmeric chili

Hi! Just wanted to jump back on my blog real quickly this morning  and share my pictures and recipe from dinner last night! As I mentioned I’m really into baking but Utlizing gluten free methods-  so in my last post I mentioned as an ode to fall I was making pumpkin/veggie broth based chili with pumpkin and turmeric and gluten free corn bread- both turned out amazing and I wanted to share some pictures! 









 I like to  literally crumble the cornbread into the chili - but after stirring it up I think you can really see the pumpkin orange and the turmeric color- this recipe was so yummy.  And I’m going to share it although not approximate 

For the cornbread I got it from the website “gluten on a shoestring” which I really like this site they are simple and informative- 

 Okay y’all I did this recipe except I omitted the honey- because my family for generations has NEVER put sugar or sweetener in cornbread- just no. Lol- but if your fam like sweet corn bread - that option is there (my suggestion is to just bake them a cake- haha)  and I baked it in a warmed and greased (with bacon grease- hello paleo!) cast iron skillet at 400f for 20-25 min

I also would

Suggest adding milk or butter milk or even water to the batter to make it more moist 

For the chili- this isn’t approximate but I use 

One small yellow onion

3 cloves of garlic 

One package of ground beef (I used beef from my parents farm!) bison is a great substitute if you have to buy at store or go the farmers market and get ground beef from there- much better quality 

2tsp of salt 

3tsp of turmeric 

3 tsp of chili powder 

Dash of red pepper (if you like spicy chili) 

Can of crushed tomatoes 

Can of pumpkin (plain be careful not to get pie filling)

Two cans of red kidney beans 

I used a 16oz jar of chicken bone broth I made but you can use veggie stock or chick broth or water - 

Sauté onions and garlic add hamburger salt 

When well done add spices and canned goods and broth stir well and bring to a boil then simmer for 30 min

Be sure to taste! Before serving to make sure it’s salted enough or seasoned enough and voila!! 

Today is going to be beautiful hope you get outside and enjoy the leaves changing and crisp weather Bring to a 

This is my street I get to run on everyday!! 

Decided to add some pictures of my pets! (this is only some of them) Leo the Tom cat

Brocks dog belle the blue heeler

Maverick my dog MY best friend and super pet - I love him so much 

And this is little Alice my snuggle buddy- Abbie meadows gave me this dog in 2013 and she is doing great  happy and loves everyone 

having the courage and stubbornness to keep showing up....

   Today I was driving listening to a podcast and I began to think about the evolution of my use of technology and social media-- and i started wondering about my blog. My poor neglected blog who once I logged in, was right here waiting for me- it's been here all along. This blog was born from my need to reach out and communicate with others, ( namely the running community) I had started a 10k race on the  va creeper trail as a way to annually fund an academic scholarship in memory of my brother Todd Richardson, and his motto was "freedom to be" even at his funeral we had stickers printed up with "freedom to be" on them and gave them to everyone who attended.
  I was a young mom with a toddler, new born-- newly introduced to ultrarunning community and i had ALOT to say- as you can see from the sheer verbiage of my posts.  I loved sharing my adventures  and my thoughts and many times I never placed much thought of who read my blog -( perfect punctuation or spelling-- sorry!) I just pushed it out there into the universe.

That some compulsion hit me today in the truck- so the purpose of this post isn't really to update everyone on whats' been going on with me sine 2016- ( that would be WAY too long of post) but it's more of an attempt to write more because it brings me joy. Share my adventures and thoughts, because for whatever reasons- I really feel compelled to- I'm really trying to intentionally cultivate more of this in my life.

  Since I said it's not really an update- now i'm feeling- that's kinda a lie- how about a super condensed update?  SO here are some ramblings to catch you up to speed with me:

I'm 40 now. how did that happen?  I'm still running- I run every day ( almost) at least 5 days a week - but I don't run as far as I used to- or would like to! I just feel for where I am in my life- I'm healthy- I run to be healthy. perhaps another season in my life will open up for racing, but  after I finished yeti 100 in 2017- I decided I would take sabbatical and not return to racing until I really had a fire and passion for it. SO at the moment. I just enjoy having the capability to run because it feels good.  I run a lot in my neighborhood ( it's very hilly) and on the Va creeper trail, 10 mile-ish trail runs at Mt Rogers or Roan mtn...

My husband brock runs ultras now. say what? yes. in a complete weirdo role reversal- brock has lost 70 lbs gotten mean lean and fast and is training for MMTR 50 in a couple weeks!! he has an amazing crew and consultant ( haha)  I think he has raced 7 ultras in 2018- pretty amazing.

my children are growing much to fast. Jack turns 14 in november and Todd turns 11. A lot of my time and focus is on the boys and their activities - and I don't regret a second of it because I truly feel this is just the season I'm in where the boys need their mom/uber driver - and brock needs his crew/ and my 4 dogs and 2 cats /house need their caretaker. so I have been mommying and domestic engineering hard core.



over the past couple years Ive cultivated more interests and hobbies too- I love to bow hunt, and trout fish, and I'm a very beginner fly fisher lady but I enjoy trying to not get tangled in the trees.  I enjoy being outside.
I really love to cook- and really have had to focus much more on my diet and nutrition that when I ultra ran and had a blazing hot furnace to burn all the unhealthy stuff I ate -
I don't prescribe to any diet but I do try to clean whole foods and bake things with almond flour and coconut flour- have been off gluten for about a month- it makes a big difference for me- I do eat carbs protein and fat- we need it all! but just try to select good choices-

oh I also play a lot of golf and tennis - I suck at both- but enjoy trying to learn and improve.

 I've done some backpacking this year with my cousin who is section hiking the AT.


For my 40th- I went on a trip to Key Largo with Brock- and man, I love love love the keys.  Definitely want to go back to snorkel more. SO fun ( and relaxing)


and I'm happy it's fall. I LOVE summer it's easily my favorite season, but I'm digging the leaves changing and cooler temperatures.  I'm making a pot of chili tonight ( with pumpkin and turmeric so it's so very fall) and gluten free corn bread. ( yes corn meal by itself and grits are both gluten free- it's that awesome?!) that changed my life to find that out.

  Well, Cheers y'all!  I truly hope if you made it through this blog/read this update that your day is amazing. You are awesome. Don't make yourself small to make others comfortable. Lean in and heed the projects that call to you.  I feel everyone has off seasons/winters or periods of dormancy - parts of my has had so much inner conflict and turmoil with myself for NOT producing lately - but then part of me is so proud of honoring and acknowledging that part of myself that was so tired and needed rest. All my creativity and drive and passion- it's all still here- it's my hope that I still have many seasons to blossom, bear fruit and produce in my lifetime.

yeti 100 and other ramblings.

YETI 100  appealed to me for several reasons: first it's 10 minutes from my HOUSE!! When Jason Green ( who is a bristol native) told me several years ago he was going to have a 100 on the Creeper Trail. It kinda blew my mind. uh, OUCH!  The Creeper is a rail to trail system that is 33.4 miles from White top Mtn to Abingdon, Va. I had ran it once in it's entirety  with my friend Dennett in 2012 - and that hurt.  i couldn't fathom running BACK UP white top and then running back to abingdon for a third pass. Its runnable but I knew courses like that are deceptively hard- they can chew you up! but I was intrigued!!  I have used the Creeper for all different kinds of training all throughout my  different running phases- and when I RDed, CTR 10k was held on the Creeper so it seriously holds copious amounts of sentiment and memories for me-- 

 secondly,  I seriously wanted to alleviate myself (for myself only) the monkey on my back of haven't successfully ran a 100 since grindstone 2012- I had collected two dnfs in 2013 at Old Dominion mile 75- and pinhoti 2013 mile 55- and had not attempted the distance since  and pretty much had hung up training and ultrarunning- I made jewelry and taught yoga- but even during my yoga teacher training - I spent tons of time getting quiet and listening -  meditating - and one truth that always came through to me is that I was an ultrarunner in a yoga teacher training- it's WHO I am- running in the woods is MY medicine- it's what helps me process, decompress, and connect with the earth and it energizes me. 

So here I was full circle- I have made this huge journey in four years and felt I was right back looking at 100 mile races but with different perspective and armed with all sorts of life experience, tools, mental fortitude and tenacity I never had as an ultrarunner in 2012 or 2013. It was time. And beyond that I missed my community. (however I grew from my experiences and I feel each made me stronger tougher, wiser and have gratitude for my journey and the tools I received from my ryt 200 are invaluable )  -  and I know how much yoga helped me- it helps keeps me injury free and strong - aids my recovery-  makes me mentally strong and able to focus and I do feel why I became a yoga teacher is it's my dharma to help other runners- 

the ultra community I felt no matter what I did they accepted me- if I raced well- raced crappy- if I  quit racing made jewelry, taught yoga-   Went back to school- whatever- they still accepted me, supported me and were my  genuine friends. Plus I have this knowingness that I love 100s - and think with the right fitness can be good at them.

So I registered! And little by little I gained some fitness-   trained over the summer -   i ran the training run- that gave me some confidence- and that made it 2 times i had ran the entire creeper from white top to abingdon- and it was 90f and humid- in june for the training run. 

I knew my goals for yeti 100 was first and foremost to finish.  Mentally I had to be solely laser  focused on that goal- that it's finish or they would have to drag my dead carcass off the trail- and I truly went there in my mind- I knew not finishing wasn't an option- I took it off the table. 

  During my hiatus of YEARS I had let all my sponsorships and ambassadorships go-  which was fine because i felt I put too much pressure on myself - which resulted in races not being fun anymore- which resulted in me not running or racing much- 

  However, this summer HOKA offered me this grassroots type local(southeast area)  ambassadorship- Based on my social media presence- I explained my past  ambassador experiences and how I felt it ruined things for me- and my running ( my own fault because  my head trips made it killjoy) the rep had an amazing idea  he felt would work: we worked out an equitable  energy exchange I help host hoka shoe demos, lead some group runs, and teach yoga for runners at the demos after the run. I feel awesome and good about that. I feel I'm earning my keep there. We had one at Crozet Running in Sept and it went really well. 

 Then one  past sponsor found out I was running yeti 100-  farm to feet socks -  and I came home

To a surprise box of socks at my door! Made in NC 100% American wool. Great socks- one is even called "Damascus" sock- I felt it was a good sign I got those socks for this race.  And I'm grateful for their gesture of support.  Love y'all back! that was so sweet and thoughtful. 

and I just want to say since I'm promoting both of these on here- you know what would be cool?? if anyone wants to buy hokas- i know locally they are sold at fleet feet, mahoney's MRO in damascus-- Crozet running sells them in charlottesville, etc

for Farm to feet they are sold locally at Mahoney's , MSL, Highlands ski haus, MRO-

and if you aren't in my area- support your local independent retailer- it's good for the local economy- and has so much better juju that internet or big box store shopping ( okay that's my PSA of the day) 

 So fast forward to week of the race. I tapered for 12 days-  played tennis and shot my bow- ran easy- I rested tons- ate plenty of healthy clean food.  I wrote in my journal- I did yoga, I visualized finishing and Jason handing me my buckle and hugging me- Wednesday night I went to sleep at 8:30pm- I felt that was crucial to rest better two days before an event than even the night before. 

I went to pre-race at Wolf Hills got my packet with sweet yeti swag. (Reuseable yeti bag, yeti 100 buff, some zinc oxide cream that's awesome, race shirt, Ultraspire cup)

 I met the legendary Tom Green the original grand slammer and his lovely amazing wife who  kindly snapped this pic for me and graciously let me be a fan girl. 

   and I met allen another awesome uber veteran and great friend of Tom's I ran with allen a lot during the beginning of the race and saw him a lot during the race as well- he's cool.

  

I had been prepping for the race all week- (blowing the dust off my tool boxes and tackle boxes I used for my races years past- ) making drop bags, formulating a plan for my crew and pacers- 

So I came home about 8:30pm- was asleep by 9:30pm- woke up race morning 4:15am had my pre race breakfast of poptarts and coffee. Then Brock and I drove to Whitetop - we took exit 35- rt600- and In the dark saw a bear on the side of the road.- my heart swelled - think it was a sign from my brother Todd I was going to have a good day. 

We got to white top- it was dark but I knew it would be light in 30 min so I didn't use my headlamp- Jason gave last min instructions 

                                                          I'm in the yellow :) and it was so cool to see Lone wolf at the start- Lone Wolf is a thru hiker- damascus resident from rhode island- and also a veteran ultra runner he ran masochist with Tom green and allen back in the day! ( but I digress)

 we were off! I tried to keep my pace nice and easy (which is hard descending white top)  the sun rose and I shared miles with Meredith and Samantha whom I both met at the yeti100 training run in June. 

 I adore these girls we had kept in touch with each other over the summer, and we were excited to be reunited on the trail. 

I ran some with Allen my friend I had met at packet pick up too. He has an easy going demeanor and the miles went by fast. 

Before I knew it I was  at mile 13- I stopped and drank a mini- coke- Brock was there crewing for me at straight branch with plans for him to meet me again at mile 26- I was  drenched with sweat already. It was about 60f but humid. 

It was pulling onto the trail here that  I met two fun, crazy Yeti's - Deano and Keith-  they were on a run walk system- of run 5 min and walk 1 min. I kept leap frogging with them and they seemed like they were having a blast - so I just started running with them! Plus walk breaks! I ain't too proud to gallowalk!! These two kept me giggling. we arrived at mile 18 aid station together (creeper trail cottages owned by my friends buddy and Sean albro- who are AMAZING-- if you ever need a place to stay in damascus stay with them)  and  then we left together-  buddy took a pic of us 

Me with my mouth full of Nutella sammich and two  crazy Atlanta Yeti's 

We continued to run the next 13 miles together where we discussed NASCAR, professional wrestling, spooning with your pacer at a special  tree on the gdr course - 

 we passed a random Pepsi machine that dispensed fireball. yes this is real. 

 And we stopped  dead in the trail and watched dumbfounded the runner ahead of us crawl commando style under an Electric fence  in between Damascus and Alvarado because they didn't know they could pull open the gates along the trail  YES THAT HAPPENED. city folk. lol. I'm sure they figured it out eventually. 

By Alvarado mile 25- I kinda knew I had to say good bye to Keith and deano- because I was starting to feel super overworked - I think our 5  min runs were too fast for me-  felt my HR was too high -( for a 100)  I needed to dial back my efforts so I kinda came in to that aid station freaking out a little ( the boys knew it lol but they were cool about it)  I drank another Soda and refilled my bottle-   - so I started towards Abingdon solo- let the deano and keith charge on ahead.  I just ran my own pace with some walk breaks and got to mile 33 right at 6 hrs and some change -  I felt that was just right- not too fast not too slow.  robin Grossman met me to encourage me and wish me luck- she was leaving town to run her first 5ok at the breaks -  which really gave me a big boost and it was super cool to catch up with her! 

I told Brock 

Soon as I saw him "I'm staying here ten min" and I did- I changed my socks and hokas- and changed my shirt - rubbed a+d ointment anywhere I felt was trying to chafe - I ate fries and a cheeseburger and a soda and off I go for my second pass of the creeper -Jason green took a pic of me leaving 

See? New shirt! So fresh and so clean!

So I then made my way back towards damascus and really enjoyed just Being outside- lost in the task at hand. the miles clicked by- i didn't really meet anyone but tried to smile and wave at everyone I saw- one of my good friends who is a team USA triathlete was out doing a long bike ride and she kept riding by cheering me on-  consequently i was walking BOTH times- lol oh well it is what it is- in the moment it is. 

 Brock met me at mile 42- more soda and lemonade- 

I made it back to mile 50( buddy and Sean's As) in 10 hrs- I had some chicken soup- grilled cheese bacon and I kinda chilled and hung out here  a min laughing and talking-  I was really enjoying just kinda doing my own thing this race I wasn't racing at all - just focusing on finishing but actually enjoying myself- not suffering 

It was a light bulb moment - there is a time for big goals and competition-  and that can be fun or absolute hell- however you want to look at it-  but I seriously ran Grayson highlands 50k this year and that's it- I just needed to do what I was- be sustainable - soak up all the joy from being in the moment with all these great people. 

I got to Brock at mile 55- completely changed my clothes (they were wet) I put on yoga pants a long sleeve capiline - traded out my hand held for a pack and got my headlamp-  and Hoodini/ gloves in case it got cold changed socks and shoes-

I pressed on to taylors valley met my pacer the lovely fleetly Kate white  and she paced me up to white top and back to straight branch. We had a blast! She kept me moving we got to white top- I got my punch on my bib- and Bert Kate's husband was there with a bottle of orange crush Kate had for me as a surprise! It was better than Christmas! I have to say I felt my jacket yoga pants and gloves were all essential for me- I would of been super cold had I not had them - or been in Sweaty clothes- I saw a lot of carnage- glad I had the layers. 

We ran back to green cove-   hiked more from green cove to straight branch as I was starting to feel pukey when I would push too hard. But I could hike 15 min pace so we stuck with that. 

I got to mile 80 at 2am and Brock started pacing me for the next 6 hrs (yep they were slow miles) through the fog back to Abingdon. We had fun though- he kept me moving - we heard roosters and owls- by watagua day broke and I hobbled in about 25:20 to finish yeti 100 and get my Buckle had visualized so many times over the summer being in my hands 

Post race I went home took a shower- napped - watched football and ate Bellas pizza 

This is the first hundred my feet weren't trashed- never got swollen etc- even now recovery has been great it's Monday after the race and I did yoga and took maverick my dog for a walk for 2 miles - 

I have to thank Jason Green and Sean Blanton for getting me to run their races this year and disallowing me from walking away from ultrarunning- y'all truly did me such a favor pulling me back in the way you did.  you helped me fall in love with it all over again- and the  quality of my life and volume of my happiness has increased tremendously.  Very excited to run more of your races in the future! Grayson highlands 50k and yeti 100 are already on my list for next year! Going after the sub 24 buckle! 

Special thanks to all the volunteers- who worked so hard and were so positive and encouraging to get us all to the finish.  thank you to the yeti runner and ultra runner community present at the race- you all were SO LOVELY. I felt SO happy all during the race and it was because it was a super happy vibe there-  people were SO NICE!!  Love my ultra running family. 

And I am beyond grateful for my crew and pacers- Kate- as I have said before you're the real deal- I'm so blessed to have a true blue genuine friend such as you! Love you! i owe you a pacing gig. 

 Brock: thank you so much for staying up all day crewing and then pacing me in the last 20 miles- I had so much fun getting to share the time on the trail with you- but I'm so grateful and appreciative the time energy and great care you took to help me- I love you and so extremely proud of you and your running!

Next up- I will probably take the rest of the week off running- and focus on some bow hunting during my recovery-  on my parents farm! my first season hunting- but def plan on utilizing any game - if i'm successful. 

play some tennis- more yoga etc.  family adventures- 

  run in the mtns for fun!  go to some big group runs all during the fall and holidays.. 

lastly I want to add I'm one of the moderators for East Coast Trail and Ultra Runners group on FB that Sean Blanton started- if you aren't on that group- you should join! tons of great info, pictures, discussions- - there is a podcast now connected to the group that is available on sound cloud and iTunes.   it's about  contributing  and being apart of a community. and the only rule is  BE NICE :) no being a meanie pants-

well, lets try this again..

  The great news is I'm BACK RUNNING! well, I never really stopped running but i did stop ultra training for about a year to pursue my RYT 200 and build up my first business Mountain Primadonna.

 I graduated from my 220 hr Yoga teacher training in Oct-

November, I hired Andy Jones-Wilkens to coach me for the rest of this year and into 2016 to get me ready for my races.  So since then I've been building back very slowly- but I'm SO HAPPY to get to run long runs in the mountains again!!! it's been so fun to have adventures with my friends I love so much!
So far my race schedule is TJ100k , Grayson Highlands 50k,  I would like to run Highlands Sky 40 in June  but haven't registered for it, and then this september I'm running Yeti 100 here at HOME on the Va Creeper Trail- after that... will probably REST.

This past weekend I had the honor to help crew and pace Amy Albu at Hellgate 100k and it was just an incredible experience to get to be back out there in a community of people I love so much. I stayed up all night ran 24 miles of hellgate course in 76F heat and drove home SO energized because   I had such a positive experience and left so inspired by the many many strong willed, driven athletes I have the pleasure of being acquainted.

Its been a journey for me. To find balance with my life, my work, my passion for running, and now yoga.  My personal practice is a daily part of my life, and i feel it not only aids in flexibility and recovery- but yoga is so much more than just the asana- the physical... there are so many healthy benefits to having a yoga practice mentally, emotionally, spiritually...  yoga and running BOTH feed my soul.  I feel the past year truly was essential for me to hit the reset button, and focus on these other areas of my life I had long been coasting through. Making space for yourself is important. Finding that juxtaposition between training/tearing down and recovery/building back up is so vital.

I feel my "second coming" into ultra running, I'm returning with much different goals in mind, and i'm a much different runner- and most certainly one who doesn't take one second of being "out there" in the mountains running for granted.

 AND finally here are some pictures from my world  things that make me happy and all apart of the the big picture for me to be ME.  spending time outside. working on my business,  Family time, yoga, running, time with friends.