February 2014 in an Instagram

February 2014, you were full of some really big UPs!  

I mean just look what you were full of:

- Love

- Snowmageddon

- Time with family

- Adventures with The Kid

- Signs of Spring

- AMOS LEE!!!!!!

Thanks for the great times February... see you next year!

How was your February?  

Anything in particular you are looking forward to in March?

Playing a little catch up

I feel like like I say this with every post, but wow it's been a long time since I've updated!  I haven't been consistent with blogging - unless you consider not posting consistently to be consistent. Ha!

I've been striving for a bit more routine in my life lately, and blogging regularly falls into that intention. I intend to create space for personal reflection and introspection.  I've realized recently that a lot of change has happened around me which tends to effect where my attention is spent.  My attention being elsewhere causes me to eventually walk into a wall and only then (when smacked in the face with the awareness) do I realize a shift needs to be made.

So anyhow, that's all at the forefront of my awareness right now.

As for the recent past, here's what's been going on:

If we're friends in real life or on social media you probably heard that my brother was in a bad motocross accident last month.  His pain is lessening, his spirits are well and his relationship with God, family and friends is being forged stronger.  This is a long road for him though and while it's definitely effecting him, his wife and daughter most, seeing it effect them and my parents is really, really difficult for me.  I'm a 'fixer' by nature and knowing I can't fix it is hard.  We trust our God though, and while we're hopeful the wheelchair is only temporary, we know His plan is perfect and take solace in that.

In all things there is good, and there is joy in finding the silver lining.  For me that has definitely been the opportunity for more family time.  I love Portland, but moving here has taken time with my family from near-daily to once every few months at best.  In the past month I've had the opportunity to travel home twice, and am already planning to return in a few weeks.  Can't complain there!  I mean look at this munchkin, how could you not love time with her...

In other news a huge bucket list item has been crossed off recently...

I SAW AMOS LEE LIVE Y'ALL!

Yes, live.
In person.
In the flesh.
In all his sexiness.
I saw Amos Lee.

Oh what a glorious night it was.

The show was great!  So full of energy, and that voice.... oh that voice.
Simply perfection.

So there you have it.  Some ups, some downs, and lots of recognition of needs and intentions. 

How has life been for you lately?  

Weekend Update | The Good Life

After a crazy busy week I decided to really do the weekend up right.  In the spirit of embracing "now" I chose activities that I've either been putting off, or been wanting to do for some time and just haven't had the time.

This weekend included:

• The first meeting of The Ladies Who Brunch, Book Club.
• Time relaxing with family (snuggly baby included!)
• Yoga
• Church (the first time I've attended church in about 5 years)

I loved every minute of my weekend.  Everything about it was good for my soul.

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything to embrace 'now?'

My Word For 2014 | NOW

The past year brought me many great things.  I experienced love and heartbreak, growth and loss, and discovered much more about myself and the strength I didn't know I possessed.
2013 was a great year, but I'm ready to put it behind me.

Moving into 2014 I knew I wanted to choose a word to title this year.  I wanted a word that I could focus on when the going (inevitably) gets tough, and a word that I could use to celebrate and embrace the positive.  Many words came to mind, but one circled round time and again, and I knew it was my word.

NOW: adverb | at the present time or moment.

Now doesn't mean forever and it doesn't indicate the past.  Now is the present.

How do I feel now?
What is best now?
When do I need to act?  Now.

The other day I caught the most beautiful sunset at the coast and had to pull my car over to really take it in.  I was amazed by the light, and how it seemed to make all time stop.  The perfect light at sunset lasts less than a minute as the sun kisses the horizon for a mere moment and then dips beneath it altogether. As I was struck by the beauty of the moment, I couldn't help but think how perfect that particular now was.  I can't help but think that each now is perfect in its own way.  It may not be as obvious as that now was, but it's perfect none-the-less, and I look forward to the many perfect "nows" 2014 has to offer.

Do you pick a word to focus on during the New Year?

What were would you pick if you did?

Closing Out The Year | December in an Instagram

December was a great month!  Lots of times with friends and family and traveling to Idaho and back.  December was also a time of reflection mixed with looking forward as I closed out 2013 and started planning 2014.  It was a month of ups and downs emotionally, but luckily it always ended on the upswing as I looked to each situation as a moment for growth.  

I spent a bit of time decorating my apartment and being intentional with some furniture additions.  It was entirely new for me since I've lived the past 10 years as minimalistic as possible.  I like being minimalist, and still strive to live simply and at my means, but I'm enjoying nesting in my home.  Previous to this apartment the longest I lived in one place was 9 months.  I've been in my current home for 18 months with no plans to move.  It's a lovely feeling to be happy with my home.

As I move into 2014, I'm excited to continue being intentional with my relationships, health, and finances.  There's some huge additions to my professional life that I'm really looking forward to developing, and enjoying the growing pains that I've experienced.

Cheers to a wonderful December and moving forward!

Discovering my Desires in 2014

As I wrap up 2013 and gear up for the amazing year that 2014 promises to be, I'm taking time to focus on my intentions.  I'll be sharing what my intentions are for the coming year just after New Years, but thought in the meantime I would share a few of my favorite resources for goal setting.

Rachel over at Tossing the Script shared an amazing PDF resource with me during our goal setting meeting on Sunday.  You can find the workbook here and the author's blog here.   I'm slowly making my way through the prompts and LOVING it!  I can't wait to share some of my discoveries, and would love to hear yours as well!

Another great resource that I stumbled upon today is Danielle LaPorte's "The Desire Map."  I ordered a copy from my local library this morning and am excited to spend some time figuring out what my Core Desired Feelings are.  (Which I will be sharing of course!)

This video interview of Danielle speaking about her own Core Desires and the process of goal setting is a bit of time commitment, but completely worth it.  One of my favorite take-aways from it is something she says within the first few minutes: "It's not about the goal, it's how I want to feel when I get there."
I love it!

Are you setting goals/intentions for the year 2014?

What do you think your Core Desired Feelings are?

November 2013 in an Instagram

How is it December already?!

I mean seriously.

November was an event filled month!  It started off with my first ever art show (a month-long gallery even!) and ended surrounded by family for the Thanksgiving holiday!

Here's some of the highlights:

• My art show in Newberg
• Girls Road Trip to surprise my family over my niece's bday weekend
• Danielle and Joie visiting Portland 
• New glasses
• Spending 4 days with my whole family over Thanksgiving
• Finding out the family is growing!

Did you see family over the holiday? How was your November?

Here's to a great December!

So I'm A Mom Now

Hello everyone, meet Zulu, the newest addition to the "Macey Perseveres" family!

Zulu came home with me a little over a week ago after The Kid and I met her at the Oregon Humane Society.  I wasn't planning to bring a cat home, we were just going to go visit the animals and get the lay of the land because I had been contemplating getting a cat "eventually."

Well I met Zulu, fell in love, and realized I couldn't leave without her.  End of story.

Since then we've had a few ups and downs, but for the most part this is how she's spent her time...

Can I get a collective "awwwwww."

Do you have a cat or kitten?  Any advice for a new feline mom?

Portland Half Marathon Recap

Well, I did it!  I crossed another item off my bucket list and completed a half marathon in my new hometown.  The 2013 Portland Half Marathon was a great experience made all the better by completing it as a member of Team and Training again!

My mom flew into Portland to spend the weekend with me and be out on the course cheering me on. We had a great time spending time together, just the two of us, at the coast the day before, and she got to join me at the inspiration dinner the night before the race to get a taste of just how awesome this group of people are.

I didn't smash any records on race day, but I proved to myself once more that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, and felt good carrying all my reasons for running over the finish line with me.

I'm already planning to join the group again next year and tackle the San Franciscan hills once more at the Nike Women's Marathon.  I just love the positivity of this group!!

Wordless Wednesday | Zen Gardens

Throwback Thursday | Perseverance Baby!

So apparently "Throwback Thursday" is a thing.  I'm cool with that.  I love looking back over photos and remember 'the good old days.'  Today I decided to throw it back to 2010.  The year I proved to myself that with dedication and perseverance, I can do anything - even finish a freaking marathon!

I have a few things in the works right now (HUZZAH for goals and passion resurfacing!) and am excited to share all the deets in do time.  Until then, I'm focusing on my intentions and reminding myself that as long I keep moving forward, everything will be just as it should.

What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Weekend Shenanigans | Oregon Coast Edition

Ahhh... the weekend.  Can we have it back please?  I love my job, but this last weekend, I could seriously relive that one again and again.

It began with a six mile run/walk with my TEAM along the waterfront of Portland.  Is there any better place to be on a walk than a beautiful city, along the water with great company to chat with?  I think not.

I've been really proud of myself this past month for sticking with my plan of more movement and healthier nutrition choices.  It's not always easy, but seeing the payoff has made it all worth it.

Saturday afternoon/evening I took off for the Oregon Coast with a couple of friends, Jenn and Shannon.  Jenn had scheduled a few photo shoots through her studio and Shannon and I were tagging along to help hold the reflector when necessary, and just have fun really.  It was a BEAUTIFUL day on the beach, and running around in the sand and ocean was just what my soul needed!

Sunday was spent reflecting, meditating, and chatting with a couple of great friends I haven't seen for a while.  It was also a day my soul (and heart) needed.  Tears were shed, hugs were shared, and all of it was necessary.

I'm linking up this week with Sami to share my weekend shenanigans.  Check out her site and link up too!

What did you do this weekend?  Was it a good one?

Watch Your Back Cancer!

I made a comment on my post the other day that I had signed up with Team in Training again - this time to complete the Portland half marathon in October.

If you're not sure exactly what Team in Training is, allow me to let you in on the best organization ever... TEAM is a nonprofit organization that coaches endurance athletes for an event (marathon, half marathon, century bike ride, triathlon, etc) in exchange for fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  I ran my first full marathon with them in October 2010 (recap post here) and fell in love with the people and the mission.  I'm beyond excited to be a part of the TEAM again, and would love to have your support!

My goal is to raise $1250 for the LLS by my birthday (September 18th).  If you have $5, $25, or even $500 lying around just waiting to be put to good use, please consider putting it toward saving lives....

DONATE HERE

I'd like to share with you a story I posted about back in February 2011.  It's the story of my introduction to Bailey, the sweetest little 2 year old you've ever met, and just one of the many people I run in honor of...

I just had my head shots taken for Eagle Magazine (I'm a writer on their publications team) by a young man I had never met before.  While setting up for my session, I noticed his shoes.  They were the same shoes I wore to train for, and eventually complete, my marathon in October.  I pointed this out.  Here's how the conversation went:

Me: "Hey, I have those same shoes!"
Him: "Yeah?  Don't you love them?"
Me: "Yes!  I ran my first marathon in them in October.  So know that they will hold up for you."
Him: "Wait, are you the staffer that wrote the story about the man who runs to raise money for people with cancer?"
Me: "YES!  That's the group I trained and ran with!  We train for endurance events in exchange for raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Have you heard of them?"
Him: "No.  But my daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia in October."

SLAM

Me: "Oh, I am so sorry to hear that!  How old is your daughter?"
Him: "2."

DOUBLE SLAM

Stories like this are all too common.  It breaks my heart to hear that his daughter is living her life in a hospital, hooked to machines and receiving medication that causes so much good, but so much damage in her little body.  I hurt for his family, having to be strong, but having to deal with the unknown- what does this mean for her future, what does this mean for her family?  I can't help but focus on the fact that she is the same age as my niece.  Her father shared with me her blog that her mom is keeping as a journal.  I visited it after he left, and sat with tears at my desk.

She instantly reminded me of my niece.  How would I handle getting the news that my niece, this little bundle of love that I treasure so much, is sick?  I pray that I never have to know.  I pray that no other parent, aunt, grandparent, cousin, brother, sister, friend or otherwise will ever have to hear that someone they love is sick.  I'm tired of it.  I'm ready for the world to be rid of cancer.



This is why I train.  I feel like I have to do something... anything.  I feel like by raising this money, and staying focused on the task at hand, I can somehow make a small difference.  And with the thousands of people across the nation who are making this same small difference, it adds up to one BIG difference.   

Together we can help.  Together we can make a difference.  Together we can save lives.

Would you like to make a difference with me?  Please...

DONATE HERE

Perseverance | The Long and Short of It

If you're my friend on social media (or in real life!) you've probably gathered that The Guy and I are no longer together.  I'm not going to focus this post on our breaking up, but I feel I owe it to myself to write down a few of the things I'm feeling.  This has spurred a large growth opportunity for me, and I want to remember why.

So in bulleted form, here's where my mind and heart have been focused the past few weeks:

• I truly believed that he and I were together for the long haul.  And even more naively I believed that he felt the same.
• I focus on the "frills," "fluff," and "good" in life.  Reality hits me hard.
• There's something in me that doesn't believe I deserve a loving and fulfilled relationship.  I can finally admit to myself that I seek out partnerships that are unbalanced and unhealthy, and I'm sick of it.  I've started counseling to work through this.
• My pattern is to focus outward and take care of others, especially when something goes "wrong." In the past I would change jobs, move, or seek a rebound relationship to focus on.  This time I am forcing myself to sit in it.  Learn from it.  And forgive myself.
• I've decided the healthiest thing I can do in all of this is focus on me, and what I need.  I joined Team in Training and began training for the Portland Half Marathon.  I'm walking and running more, starting to work with a nutrition counselor, and strength training at least twice a week.  I'm already down 8lbs.  This is going to be good.
• I've also realized that I have the best girl friends a person could hope for.  Each and every one has been there for me and their individual strengths and love for me have shone through.  I am eternally grateful for them all, and so very blessed.

So there you have it.  

The past few weeks have housed the most difficult, emotional and painful days I have experienced, ever.  At the beginning I couldn't imagine my life without communication with my best friend and his two amazing children, but over time I've realized that I'm stronger than that.  I am a whole and complete person, and I will persevere through the shit.

___________________________________________________________________________

Now on to the positive stuff!  I had an amazing weekend!

Friday I met up with the lovely Miss Heather at Le Happy.  Le Happy is a cute little hole in the wall creperie that quickly became our favorite when I moved here a year ago.  Whenever we need to girl talk, celebrate, or console, Le Happy is our place.  We had lovely discussions, and while sitting outside with the perfect breeze blowing, a glass of wine in my hand and smile on my face... I remembered just how blessed I am.

Saturday was wonderful as well!  It began with meeting my new TEAM and getting 4 miles in on the training log.  My new coach, Sue, has the most contagious energy and it was wonderful to chat with her and get to know her passion for the mission!  She insisted on taking pictures of me with my new TEAMmates along the course, so the following images are courtesy of her:

*As a side note, it's not often that I have photos of myself since I'm usually the one behind the camera, but I noticed a difference in my body and face in all of these.  I still have a ways to go, but I'm genuinely happy with my progress!

The rest of Saturday was filled with chats with my friends Bee (The Spicy Bee) and Kayla (Fit Life Forward).  We started out at Grand Central Bakery in Multnomah Village and chatted over coffee and yummies, after a few hours we moved on to Ikea and got lost in inspiration and the excitement of new home decor.  During this healing process I've decided to make over my apartment.  I met The Guy the day I received my keys, and he's been the only one who's spent any real time here, so everything in it holds a memory of him.  Going to Ikea was the perfect motivation for fresh memories and decor.  I've started with new bedding, a few picture frames, and a Dragon Tree named Drake.

The red and white striped is something I wouldn't normally choose, and therefore it's perfect!  I have big plans for the front room too, so stay tuned on those changes!

Sunday was spent with all my blogging friends at the Portland Blogger Family Picnic.  It was a great turnout with sunshine, blue skies, and lots of yummy picnic foods.  I always love when we all get together, especially when families (aka adorable babies) are included.  I was the event photographer, so be on the lookout for lots of fun photos on my studio blog soon!

How was your weekend?  Any exciting news to share?

Escaping Reality

It's been quiet around here the past few weeks, and for that I apologize.  I've had a bit of a rough go in my personal life, and have needed to process before posting about it all.  I'll be back soon to write it all down and let you in on what's next for me, but for now I'll leave you with this thought:

"Enjoy the little things in life, for someday you will realize they were the big things." - anonymous

Perfect Summery Evenings

*WARNING* this post is picture heavy

Saturday evening was spent with 3 of my favorite people.  We enjoyed time at the park playing basketball, softball, frisbee and just generally being silly.  It was a beautiful evening.

I had been hoping for some warm sunlight for Magic Hour (the hour prior to the sun setting) so I could practice taking pictures in the orangey glow.  Unfortunately the light didn't cooperate, but I had my camera in tow anyhow.  I took some pics and let the kids play a bit too.

Here are a few of the images we came away with...

Outtakes...