Bethaney, Jeremy, and Ben Swanson

One of the greatest people on earth, whom I’m blessed to have as one of my closest friends, is Benjamin Swanson. His mother, Bethaney Swanson, discovered she had colon cancer a year ago, and after 6-months of surgery, radiation, and chemo, she was doing very well. Recently, however, the doctors found the cancer spread to her lungs and chest walls. She will be undergoing more chemo and CyberKnife radiotherapy, a series of treatments that costs $40,000 and is not covered under her insurance policy. Friends, families, coworkers, and strangers are rallying together to help provide financial support to the Swanson family. Bethaney and Jeremy have two sons, including Ben, and a daughter. If you would like to contribute to the Bethaney Swanson Cancer Fund, please make checks payable to the Bethaney Swanson Medical Account and send to the following address:

Sharon Brannan, CPA
161 N. Main St.
Williston, FL 32696
(352) 528-6558

If you’re in Jacksonville, Florida on June 8th, you can also support the Bethaney Swanson Cancer Fund by attending the Personnes, The John Carver Band, and Gator Ghost concert. Sure to be a good time!

Prayers are also welcomed!

Poster by Brittany Norris (another friend!)

It’s where books are LOVED!

Happy Monday! How about these gluten-free cocoa pancakes to start off our week? YUMMY!

Recipe and photo via ATX Gluten Free.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. brown rice flour
• 3 oz. sweet sorghum flour
• 1 oz. tapioca starch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 8 oz. water
• 2 eggs
• 2 oz. extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions:

Measure dry ingredients using a kitchen scale, place all in large bowl. Add salt and baking powder. Whisk to aerate dry ingredients. Add in egg, water, olive oil and vanilla. Mix until ingredients are combined and smooth. Preheat skillet to medium-high heat. Make sure it is warm before adding oil. Add cooking oil and pour pancake batter onto skillet in small circles. Cook until golden brown on edges, there will be bubbles around the edges also, and flip to finish cooking, about 1-2 minutes. Serve warm.

Well, folks. This year is the year. I will be doing something I’ve always wanted to do: a triathlon…a sprint triathlon. I’m also considering doing my second half-marathon. I just had so much fun last year. I start my training this week. Wish me luck!

What have you always wanted to do? Make this year, the year…

J.Crew brought up an interesting fashion question on their Facebook page: Colorful socks—chic or geek? Could be a fun way to add some color this Spring and Summer…or could be Steve Urkel front and center. What do you think? If you’re thinking chic, you can purchase a few lovely pairs at JCrew.com. If you thinking geek, disregard this post…

First, James Dean is sexy on his bike.

Second, I love this film by Andrew David Watson about Adam Cramer, owner and mechanical technician at Liberty Vintage in Philadelphia. Adam revives vintage motorcycles and believes greased-stained hands are few and far between because “our can-do American spirit is being lost.” “Our children don’t know the difference between a flat-head screwdriver and a Phillips; and if  they did know the difference, they wouldn’t know what to do with it anyway.”

this bathroom (via Bright Bazaar)

and that staircase (via Wo and We)

Have you ever thought, “If I was able to travel more and see more, my life would be different,  better.”? Or maybe you have experienced life-changing adventures across the globe, and now you think you can achieve those feelings of ecstasy again only if you go far from home. I have often had these thoughts, but this weekend, on my drive from North Carolina to Florida, I realized short trips and even simple commutes can be just as impacting on my life as extended exertions to far-off destinations. I believe our lives can be different and better, and we can experience those feelings of youth, connectedness, and fulfillment everyday even if we don’t have the opportunities to travel as much, as far, or as often as we’d like.

My 3-day road trip included stops in Chattanooga, Tennessee to see a friend; Birmingham, Alabama to climb at Moss Rock Preserve; Pensacola, Florida for a wedding and to visit my parents; and Brevard, North Carolina to see the Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest (after getting lost for a couple hours in the backwoods of the North Carolina mountains). I traveled alone, listening to audio books and music along the way. I felt as if I was on a journey of self-discovery.

Moss Rock Preserve Bouldering Field

Pensacola Beach Sunrise

Pensacola Beach Pier

Somewhere in the NC mountains...

Looking Glass Falls

“I felt as if I was on a journey of self-discovery.” Isn’t that the feeling that makes traveling so rewarding and unforgettable, leaving us on a quest to find the same awareness again? I discovered this weekend I feel most alive while traveling, because I am not concerned with my past or my future in those moments. I am interested only in what is happening around me now: sounds, food, people, nature, coincidences. Absorbing everything in my direct path. I believe this is the key to experiencing the feeling of fullness not only on extended vacations but also on our way to work or on a quick weekend trip. Live your life as a traveler…seeking adventure by living in the present every day, every where you go.

via absolutely beautiful things (Anyone know the artist?)

wearing this outfit (photo by akila berjaoui)

carrying this suitcase

listening to this book

on my way to this city!

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