My sister Becki is busy these days scaling tall mountains, training for marathons, and working as the organizer the team running the Denver Marathon to raise $15,000 for the Easter Seals Day Stroke Program. Normally, you just run the Denver Marathon as a challenge to yourself, but when Becki started working with stroke survivors this past year, I could tell she was immediately inspired by the people at the program. The first story I remember Becki telling me was about a woman named Emily who had a stroke at 32, two days after she gave birth to her first child, a baby boy. After her stroke, one of Emily's first goals was to be able to hold her baby. Becki was in awe at the strength and courage Emily (and others at the program) held, and she soon started thinking about making this race about more than us reaching the finish line.

Becki made lots of phone calls and sent lots of emails, and after a lot of hard work, she finally got the stroke program approved as one of Denver Marathon's official Denver Marathon-recognized chartible organizations. She said that there are so many things out there that would improve the rehabilitation of the people she works with, but as is the case with many programs like this, there are always budget limitations.

In any case, my original purpose for writing this was because Becki came over to help me with my last-minute trunk show preparations tonight- in the midst of her busy schedule! Until I'd become a regular runner these past few months, I had NO idea of the time and commitment it takes to be active on a regular basis. I'm proud that she took on the job of being team organizer, and look forward to having more time to focus on the fundraising once I get back in town. Apparently I don't like relaxing, because I've decided that I'm going to have a Moonwater Designs jewelry auction to benefit the stroke program. Stay tuned!

Here's a sneak peek at some of the charms I've been working on for my upcoming Alice in Wonderland-themed trunk show in Sioux Falls next week.

Happy National Ice Cream Day!

In the photo below, I'm enjoying my favorite flavor, mint chocolate chip. What's your favorite?

Bambi, Golden Retriver/Siberian Husky Mix, Sioux Falls Humane Society

Every once in awhile, I venture out to the local humane society websites. I never thought I'd be this type of person, but every so often (okay, QUITE often) I comb the various local websites and inevitably find that a new dog has captured my heart. Sometimes it's the look on their face or their coloring- a patch of color over one eye gets me every time. A lot of times their story gets me- I want to rescue a dog that has previously known a life of abuse or neglect and show them how wonderful a dog's life can be. If I didn't live in a 1-bedroom apartment, I'm just sure I would have dog(s) right now. A gaggle of them.

For example, how cute is Bambi and her little tongue?

My day started with a 2-mile run with my favorite furry running pal, Koda. It's so great having him around. On days that I don't feel up to jogging, one look at Koda and I know there's a reason for me to lace up my running shoes. I often tell him- out loud- what a great running buddy I've got in him! No matter what time of day, rain or shine, even if he's napping, he's ALWAYS happy to go for a run. He jogged with me this winter when it was snowing outside, and he helped me get fresh air last year during times when I felt like holing up in my little apartment.

After our run today, I went to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival with Brandon. We enjoyed some art fair food, which included a skewer of fruit drizzled in chocolate. At the same booth, they offered frozen cheesecake on a stick. For those of you who don't know Brandon very well, he doesn't eat vegetables, and he LOVES dessert. He's especially fond of cinnamon rolls, strawberry rhubarb pie, and cheesecake. There's a quote out there that says, “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” Brandon embraces this philosophy to the fullest. He got some frozen cheesecake on a stick today, which I feel might be only a step up from deep-fried Snickers. For the record, Brandon's never had a deep-fried Snickers, but if given the opportunity, he says he would go for it.

Since Brandon accompanied me to an outdoor antiques flea market last weekend and the art fair this weekend, I told him I'd go to a movie with him. He's been wanting to see Die Hard and Transformers since seeing previews months ago, so he was kind enough to choose the lighter of the two today- Transformers. I was more of a fan of My Little Ponies and Care Bears back in the day, so was a bit nervous about seeing the movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself laughing and entertained throughout much of the movie.

Plus, I definitely prefer this guy over Bruce Willis.