how the summer goes by July 22, 2009

before you know it, the summer will have gone by.  The air will turn crisp, the leaves start to turn. 

But for now, we are in the very heart of it!  It seems that although the days can be lazy, with the warm sun on your skin, somehow, the summertime always proves to be some of the busiest times of the year.  We are all trying so hard to enjoy the weather.  We vacation, we spend time in the garden, we read, eat, play and socialize outside. 

Which means I don’t quite have enough time for other things: facebook, my blog, email, TV, etc.  But, I have a feeling that you don’t have as much time to read my blog, so perhaps, it is all okay.  Just checking in, want to say hi, and wishing everyone a beautiful, warm, heart of summer.  Enjoy every minute, keep the sunscreen handy, stay hydrated, and get outside!!

WE DID IT!!!!! July 10, 2009

What a journey this has already been.  Just Monday, I had about $600 left to go to reach my fundraising goal for the breast cancer 3-day. 

Today, I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that thanks to my last two doners, Cory U and Molly G, I have MADE IT!!!!!!!

It has been difficult to ask for money, particularly from friends and family whom I know don’t really have extra to give.  The generosity has been amazing, and I even had two couple’s at Matts’ a few weeks ago open their wallets and each hand me $20.  They didn’t know me, all they knew is I was wearing my 3-day button, and had invited them to the Matts’ fundraiser.

It almost brought me to tears, becasue these folks just simply gave.  No receipt necessary, they just gave.  And hugged me on their way out.  So often, I am reminded of how crappy most people are.  So to have love and kindness and generosity spread from these four, just made my heart swell.

Thank you to each and every doner.  Every single dollar is making a difference in the lives of women everywhere.  Together, we will fight breast cancer to the bitter end.

I’ve been training, and will continue to do so.  Now that my goal has been reached, I can focus on helping my teammates, as well as focus on keeping my body in tip-top shape.  I’m planning on two back to back 10 mile walks this weekend, and luckily my trusty sidekick Ellie (oh yes and Kona) will be by my side.

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Support the Rack Warriors!!! July 7, 2009

Please join the Rack Warriors (your local Susan G. Komen walk for the cure team) www.the3day.org  for an evening of tasty small bites, a no-host bar, and the opportunity to purchase some fabulous pink merchandise to show off your love of boobs!!!

Where: Matts’ Rotisserie and Oyster Lounge in the Redmond Town Center        *****Cash only******          $20/Ticket

When: Thursday, July 16th, 2009      6:30-8:30pm

Why?  Because although times are tough, and life is busy, breast cancer affects the lives of women everywhere, everyday.  My team and I are each pledging to raise at least $2300, and will walk a total of 60 miles in just 3 days.  Please contact me with any questions: sumhopkins@netscape.net

Erin & Andrew’s E-session July 6, 2009

Erin and Andrew are two amazing people.  I came to know them over the last few years, and of course jumped at the opportunity to photograph their wedding.  I met them at their love-shack in Seattle, and we went just down from their house to the water with their pup Ringo in tow.  The lighting was very challenging: deep dark clouds over the water, with sun breaking through here and there, throwing bright glares of sun right back at us.  But, looking at the pictures now, you’d never know it!