Celebrating 3 years without a Cigarette! Part 1

Three years ago today marks the day I quit smoking once and for all and chose to live again.  

I decided “no more” and I took control of my life, emotions, and once again began fighting for the fiery athletic girl inside of me.

It was shortly after my 35^th birthday and I was sitting outside smoking a cigarette.  All I could think about was this vivacious spirit that once embodied my soul: a girl that set goals and achieved them. A girl full of dreams and determination, a girl that participated in life, instead of just watching it.  “Where did she go?”

This night the cigarette smelled dirtier than usual and my shame for smoking felt deeper than ever. Done!  I broke the remainder of the pack and threw it away.  The next morning I went and bought the patch on and started a very painful withdrawal.

It was also the Christmas holiday.... and my marriage was hanging on by a tattered thread. 

I haven’t always understood why, however, I have always believed everything happens for a reason and “how” and “when” it’s supposed too. In a most unlikely situation I had both my mom and dad in town for Christmas. My mother was visiting from Seattle and my dad here from Montana working.  Never before had I ever shared Christmas with them.  Having both of them here was the support I needed during this emotional transition.

13 days after finally saying goodbye to smoking, I bought a new pair of running shoes.   This was the day after Christmas, and it was my first run in nearly 12 years.  The last time I had been running was when I was pregnant with my daughter.  

I have always had a passion for running, this was my sport. It began early first in Elementary School competing with the boys to prove myself and then on the track team in Middle and High School.  I started running longer distances my freshman year, running 3-5 miles about 5 days a week.  There was comforting solitude and peacefulness I experienced during these runs and it became my saving grace, alleviating some of the depression I already coped with. This is when I first decided I had to run a marathon.

I kept with running through my early twenties increasing my distances until I was pregnant with my daughter.  Running felt awkward, and I had little energy.  

....to be continued

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MOLLY's BIG ADVENTURE

An Artist's first expedition...

Hi, I'm Molly, an artist and single mother of two. I have a dream of trekking through Nepal to Mount Everest and sharing the "Journey", experience, through original oil paintings and a writing.

I have spent many years hibernating in my own self-doubt and excuses.  Painting and creating are my passion; they are what I dream about and what I can't wait to do each day. I recently had a friend tell me it’s time for me to do something big, something life changing, and he was exactly right!  

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

~Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Molly -I am a child that grew up way too fast and got lost in the world.  I am a woman who’s finding her way back.  I am the Mother of two amazing, bright and beautiful children.  I am a self-taught artist and designer learning my way and growing stronger each day.  I am a runner who finds peace within bounding up a mountain (an ex-smoker now marathoner). I am a free spirit who loves nothing more than finding simple treasures along the shoreline or high in the mountains.  I am full of love and joy and have overcome the deep pull of depression.   I am a dreamer and a believer!

 

Why Now - Its time!  

It's time to believe in myself and take flight with my dreams. This is an awesome adventure with a beautiful palette to paint and story to share.

 

The Journey started the day I said “yes” to trek in the Himalayas.  I knew I was taking a leap of faith. It was the chance of a lifetime to embrace my dream to paint and write about a very personal and empowering experience.   

 

Since planning this venture, I've seemed to get slapped with a financial test from every direction.  As much as I've skimped and tried to save I'm still short. It is getting down to the wire and I have to believe that I can still make my dream come true. I refuse to give up   

 

 

The Goal - Travel to Katmandu Nepal and trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, writing
and painting about the entire experience.

 

 

The Outcome -

1- An exhibit of original paintings, inspired from Expedition, at my 1st Public Art Show in 2013, my launch into a life doing what I love.

 

2 - Be published. Write this personal story about the entire "journey" and what lead up to it, including the believing deep, staying strong and surviving depression. I hope to talk to the many of the sherpas, other climbers and beautiful humans we meet along the way and include some of their stories in the book.

 

3 - A journey to Mount Everest, a beautiful inspiration.

 

4 - Telling my sweet babies they can do anything they put their mind to....and knowing they believe me. Priceless!

 

5 - Paying it forward.

$5

Love and Light

I will be forever grateful for your support and encouragement.

$15

Special Mention and Love

You will be in my heart and you will recieve a special mention and thank you on my blog.

$25

Personalized Photo Postcard

You will recieve a photo (from expedition) postcard Thank You and a special note. And all the above perks

$100

Special Edition Print

You will receive a signed and numbered Special Edition Print. The print will be made from one of the several works of art I will be painting (upon return) inspired from the expedition. And the ALL the perks above.

$400

A 18x24 Oil Painting

Receive a 18x24 oil on canvas painting. Painted upon return and inspired from the beauty, people and mountains of the Expedition. And the ALL the perks above.

$600

A 20x30 Oil Painting

Receive a 20x30 oil on canvas painting. Painted upon return and inspired from the beauty, people and mountains of the Expedition. And the first 4 perks above.

$1,000

A 36 x 48 Oil Painting

Receive a 36 x 48 oil on canvas painting. Painted upon return and inspired from the beauty, people and mountains of the Expedition. And the first 4 perks above.

What's Needed - 

$2500 Summit Climb Trek -A month long trek starting in Kathmandu to Mount Everest Base Camp. I will be alone at BC for about a week,(this time will be used for drawing, writing, photography, interviewing and reflection) while group continues to Camp 4

 

$2000 Air Fare

 

$1500 Expenses to cover while away

 

I have kept my request for funding extremely trim as I can forgo any extras and just take in the experience.  I am using my sewing skills to make some of my warmer winter gear, and will borrow what I can.

 

NOTE: I am in need of a decent digital camera to take photos for documenting and for the Expedition Paintings.  If anyone has one to loan or that I may rent I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Just for you -

This experience is something to be shared whether it is with a simple encouragement, an inspiring photo, words rich with emotion or a life lasting painting.  Each work of art will be made with the up most care and passion.  I appreciate all your support; please choose from the perks on the right.

 

Can you spread the word?
Along with your the support through perks, I would love to have you help me spread the word with friends and family who dream big and support the arts.

 

What happens if goal isn't reached? - The dream doesn't die, the adventure just gets more interesting.

 

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller