the think kit

We’ve just launched a fun thing over at SmallBox called The Think Kit, which is an inspiration kit in the form of  30 days of prompts that help you reflect on your year and consider what’s next. The Think Kit prompts start today, and the first one is so easy, I couldn’t resist sharing.

Prompt: Have a snapshot that encapsulates your year? Or one that represents a great moment? Maybe it just looks dang cool. Show ‘n tell time — let’s see those pics!

This would be my favorite photo of this year:

It’s not a perfectly composited and shot photo in any sort of professional photography sense (in fact, it’s a little blurry), however, this photo encapsulates so much for me. It was taken in one of my favorite spots in Indianapolis, a place of peace and rejuvenation. It is a visual representation of the spirit and the attitude I have focused on embodying this year: letting things flow like water. Paying attention to that flow and getting to know the feeling better. This photo is a gentle reminder.

Want to participate in Think Kit? Head on over here to get started!

the interplay of words

I really love the work of Everynone, this video is no exception. It reminds me of some of my favorite conversations I’ve had with friends and the type of conversation I enjoy having the most. One where one person’s story sparks another person’s story which sparks the next and the next… then you’re off and running in a beautiful discussion about ideas, thoughts, funny anecdotes or otherwise that never ends. And you leave feeling full to the brim with meaning and having made deeper connections with each other. It feels rooted in life and requires presence. This is what I love most. And I wish it would never end.

WORDS from Everynone on Vimeo.

an evening walk in the fall

Stars dot the dark sky as the wind picks up a few leaves enough to scraaaatch along the ground. We rush across a busy street into a quiet neighborhood, our favorite place to roam. Isabel prefers regular stops to sniff and instead of pulling her along in a rush, I find myself stopping too. Pausing is more like it. Noting the neighbor’s grass is shorter than last time. One light is out on the porch across the street. This tree has dropped all of its leaves. We meander toward the bigger houses, the ones with stained glass windows and elaborate landscaping. The smell of onions cooking fills my nose as we pass a few houses and then drifts away. Dinner’s on.

rock walking

A few weekends ago, Isabel and I went to see my good friend Carissa in Berea, Kentucky. Berea is very close to the Red River Gorge, a place I used to frequent often for climbing, but haven’t been in a long while. Driving down brought up a lot of memories for me. It’s funny how places can do that. Smells have that effect as well. Wave a bottle of Exclamation! perfume and I will be transported right back into seventh grade.

Anyway.

Carissa took us on an excellent hike up to Pinnacle Rock where we got to do a bit of rock walking.

Rocks! Some fit for a bit of bouldering! What a treat. We also enjoyed a beautiful view through the trees at the top.

It was a beautiful fall day in Kentucky. How’s fall treating you?

things I love about Fall

• Sweaters!
• Brisk evening walks, sloshing feet through fallen leaves
• Finding out I’m inspired to run when the weather is not oppressively-hot degrees
• Hot tea in the evening
• Hot chai in the morning
• The return of my desire to bake
• The smell of campfires seems to happen more
• Living amongst landscape of colorful trees, everchanging!