07/31/2026
A few days late... but I wanted to say thank you.
To everyone who sent birthday wishes, kind messages, texts, and notes from all over the world... thank you from the bottom of my heart. Reading them throughout the day meant more than you know.
My birthday was spent exactly where I wanted to be... taking care of our wonderful guests at Andiamo Lodge. I even served my birthday cake as part of breakfast to our guests because, well... cake is meant to be shared.
Now that I've had a few days to reflect on turning 63, I keep thinking about a memory.
As one of seven children—six girls and one boy—and being the closest in age to my brother, I became a bit of a tomboy. Not because I wanted to be a boy, but because I wanted to do everything my brother did. Since he didn't have another brother, I somehow became the one climbing trees, riding bikes, playing ball, exploring the woods, and chasing every adventure I could find.
I was happiest when I was moving.
That little girl never imagined those childhood adventures would one day take her around the world with a camera... photographing incredible people and places, building a career that has brought me more joy than I ever thought possible. Nor did she imagine they would lead to two Olympic Trials as a cyclist, triathlons, ultramarathons, seven marathons in seven days across the Congo, and a lifetime of saying "yes" to adventures that stretched both my body and my soul.
Somewhere along the way, life got wonderfully full
(Photography,Building businesses.,Creating Andiamo Lodge, Taking care of guests,Chasing dreams, Loving every minute of it).
I never stopped working out, but if I'm honest, it stopped being the priority it had always been in my life. My cup truly does runneth over, and I wouldn't trade this life for anything... but I realized I missed something.
Years ago, I wrote these words:
"Running fuels my creativity and feeds my heart and soul."
Looking back, I realize that was never just about running.
Movement has always been my therapy.
It's where I clear my head.
It's where I pray.
It's where creativity finds me.
It's where my heart and soul catch up with the pace of my life.
A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to make that part of me a priority again.
Not because I want to be younger.
Not because of a number on a scale.
But because I want to be strong enough for the adventures that are still waiting.
I want to hike mountains with Steve.
I want to carry my camera farther than I ever have.
I want to bike again.
Paddle rivers.
Ski.
Explore new countries.
And say "yes" every time life whispers...
Andiamo. Let's go.
So this birthday isn't really about getting older.
It's about becoming stronger.
Here's to 63.
To choosing myself again.
To healthy habits.
To adventures still waiting.
And to that little tomboy who simply loved to move...
She's still in there.
And I have a feeling she's just getting started. ❤️
