It felt like I triggered a private earthquake. My ‘97 Jeep Cherokee had started VIOLENTLY shaking. The steering wheel jackhammered against my palms. Not ideal while descending a steep hill on a two-lane highway—at 65 mph.(For my Colorado folks—that final hill of Hwy 36 into Boulder.) I side-eyed the emergency brake. It was held together with duct tape. Dare I? After what felt like minutes of terrifying chaos (probably 60 seconds)I managed to pull to the shoulder. Holy deep breaths....
2 months ago • 1 min read
Keep going. You read that right. I know you’re on the brink of something. Whether it’s just for you, your loved ones, or the world… I know it’s awesome. Because you are. If you’re thinking: “Lady, you crazy – you don’t even know me!” I know this – humans as a species are awesome. We're capable of so much more goodness than we think. And this planet could really use any smidge of positivity you feel like sharing. (Understatement.) So if you think for a second that it’s not worth...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Sometimes a human needs space. Like, A LOT. Without it? It gets crowded. So crowded you may not be able to think – or process. Or see clearly. Because chaos is cloudy. And this world…. oomph, she’s noisy. So how do you make space in a crowded mind/world/life?• Think about what helps you get space. • Then make a choice to sit in it. When I can, I’ll sneak out for some runs on a local ski slope. The lift chair is a favorite spacious spot of mine. I pull up my face mask, tuck myself into my...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hello! It might have been a minute since you signed up for these emails, so here's a quick refresh – I'm Maura Kelpy, Graphic Designer, Creative Consultant and Health & Wellness Coach. You may have found these emails through another newsletter — they're a mini exhale in your crowded inbox with reminders on how to live life your way. Curious to know more? Check out my work at maurakcreative.com or dive deeper into the veggiesandvodka.com world. Great to be reconnected! Hey friend, Whoa, what...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Three hundred and sixty five. The number of days in a year. (Duh.) WAIT! It's Leap Year! We get 366 days this year. Woohoo! And January 1st? It’s just one of those days. So, if you’re not currently feeling the New Year’s “life makeover” vibe – that’s ok. You can start a new habit, make a lifestyle change, or reflect and evaluate your life on any day of the year. • February 29th – bonus Leap Day!• April 8th – one of the 51 other Mondays in 2024.• July 4th – piggyback another US holiday.•...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Tap your fingers. Wiggle your toes. Notice your whole body – standing, lying down, sitting in a chair backwards like AC Slater. Take a massive inhale through your nose. Try it… I’ll wait… Waiting… Inhale even more air at the top. It’s there – we rarely use our full lung capacity. Hold the air at the top for five seconds 1 koala2 koala3 koala4 koala5 koala Exhale slowly through your mouth for five more seconds. Listen to the breath leaving. Ready to level up? Do it all again, but close your...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Just one. Just a Fred. That’s what my husband and I say when we want to sip a solo cocktail for the evening. Fred is my dad’s lifelong best bud – from childhood, to being each other's best man, to living their best senior life. Legend has it that Fred will nurse a single vodka martini from the first pour till the party's over. Preposterous! But I think he’s onto something. Sometimes it’s nice to consciously savor and slow down. Especially during this bustling time of year – so many flashing...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I’m sharing something a bit different this week – a little more personal and weighted but still optimistic, and written in a different style. I originally wrote it on October 13th, but I'm ready to share it with you. Thanks for reading, and for being here. It's gorgeous outside today. Cool, crisp, golden-tinted.Endless blue skies. A perfect autumn Colorado day.My absolute favorite kind of day. And I’m confused. Almost angry. I should be outside. Instead?I cleaned the toilet. And...
over 1 year ago • 2 min read
Emily Blunt. Ryan Gosling. Shenanigans ensue. You gotta see this trailer, Reader. After watching those 3 minutes and 21 seconds I was grinning like a kid on a snow day. And who couldn’t use a quick smile break? Because sometimes life feels like a lot. Or the world feels like a lot. And we need an immediate dose of happiness. I get my quick fix through various things – Meditating. Exercising. Nature walks. Hugging my favorite people. (To name a few.) But my most random smile source? Movie...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read