Back to life, back to reality!

After a bit of a hiatus, I am back, with festive wishes for a happy 4th of July. In celebration of this day, I'd like to share some stories of celebration:

Celebrating the life of a joyous woman, with buckets of spirit, even at the ripe old age of 109.

And cheers to Josh Hutcherson for celebrating true love. 

Special thanks to Lauren Davis for these two stories. :)

And of course, Happy 4th, everyone!

Cheers, fireworks, and festive times for all,

AK

Stories of inspirations abound!

In this time of year when feasting and celebrating is in full force, I'd like to share some stories of inspiration:

First, from our contributor, Lauren, NYC, the story of how strangers can become friends, through the aid of a ball pit:

Second, this lady shows that at age 98, you can still be feisty and firey.


Third, this nurse  discusses the biggest regrets that people have had in her nursing career, as they sit on their deathbed, inspiring us all to go for what we want in life! 


And lastly, the story of a "modern family", showing the way in which love is love is love.

Hope everyone is having a feast of a time out there!

<3
Anna

Another season...another post!

Hello friends,

It has been quite some time since my last post. Having journeyed from AIDS Walk to Handybook, from Philly, to NJ, to BK, and "from" and "to" so many different destinations...it felt like it was finally time for a new blog entry.

Here's something from month's back that Lauren, NYC shared.

And this piece, which really captures the humanity in our world.

And, the NYC Marathon, which I had the pleasure of watching from my street yesterday-- so many determined runners, racing past, with crowds of people yelling for them.

And finally, a story of two strangers, by my friend Emma. 

I've often thought about friendship, and how, once upon a time, friends were just strangers. All of these posts relate to the notion of humanity, and the way in which we really are connected. Fascinating stuff. 

Thanks for reading!

<3

AK

The power of education.

Today I watched the speech made by Malala Yousafzai to the UN on July 12, 2013. She survived a gun shot wound from the Taliban in her home country of Pakistan, after fighting for education for everyone. This attack has left her with continued determination to advocate for women's rights and education. She's only 16 (she made her speech on her birthday, in fact!), yet she speaks like a true leader in civil rights.

She states, "Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first." 

I am in awe. I encourage you to watch her speech: 

And that's inspiring enough to stand alone. Looking forward to seeing the work that this young lady continues to take on in the world. 

Thank you, Malala, and Happy Birthday! 

Cheers to education, courage, and taking on change at a young age,

Anna 

The journey continues...

Hi blog o'sphere!

Inspiration item number one: AIDS Walk NY 2013.

Before delving into the inspiration of our universe currently, I'm going to share from my own life about the inspiration of this walk. From carting stands up Manhattan streets, to visiting Duane Reade stores, to fielding questions in the office as a receptionist, to the Day of the Event, it was an honor to be a part of this campaign for the last few months.

On May 16, 2013, 30,000 people gathered in Central Park and trekked willingly through pouring rain to raise money for direct services for those living with HIV and AIDS.

Among our special guests was Alex Newell, from Glee, whose song spoke to the power of this walk:

People gathered from all over the area, bringing together a vibrant community of support (which was appropriate, considering the theme of "community"!).

And then, hours later, the results were revealed:

WOO HOO!

Not bad, eh? 

I am so proud to have been a part of this campaign. 

And now that AIDS Walk is done, I have time to share some awesomely inspiring stories! 

Here are a few to get started today: 

In response to THIS, (a ridiculous letter from the CEO of Abercrombie, which stated that "fat" people don't belong in his clothes)

an awesome lady posted THIS on her blog, 

and subsequently, 

THIS ended up as part of a piece in Huffington Post. 

(It should be noted that a brilliant photographer friend of mine was the photographer behind the photos.)

Awesome.

And this special moment, when a survivor from the tornado in Oklahoma finds her dog amidst the rubble:

Beautiful.

Okay, now on to the rest of the day! I'll keep you posted. <3

Cheers,

Anna 

Cart-toting

Hello friends,

This post is a little different, but I've been feeling the need to share my own thoughts, so wanted to here:


For the last few weeks, I have been walking around New York City promoting the AIDS Walk by foot, toting a full cart filled with supplies to businesses.

Yesterday was our final day on foot. I worked from midtown to South Ferry, pushing what felt like 75lbs (or more!) down the street, dropping off "pin-ups" at Duane Reade stores around the city (they are our presenting sponsor). (Now when you go in Duane Reade, you can donate to AIDS Walk right at the register!) While I felt like quitting several times (especially when my wheels jammed), I made it through. Feeling grateful to be in a cozy house.

What inspired me through that day?

Well, this did: (I listened to it on repeat at various points on my way to work, and it got me pumped for the day!)

Never have I felt more grateful to not have to navigate Manhattan streets and subways with a cart.

Have a good day, everyone.

Best wishes,
Anna

Inspirational Soup!

Hello friends,

It has been awhile since my last post...but alas, here I am! I lost track of updating, when in the midst of the winter months, but now here we are, in the beginning of spring...and there is lots of inspiration to share all around! 

Lauren Davis, New York City, NY, was kind enough to share a slew of inspirations over the last few months...so even though I wasn't active on here, she was active in sharing lovely moments for the blog! So this post is dedicated to each of these nougats, each ingredient contributing to a delectable soup, if you will. Enjoy, and thank you, Lauren! 



First, the last week of October was memorable this past year, not just for its celebration of Halloween, but for Superstorm Sandy's arrival. Check out Buzz Feed's collection of moments that demonstrate that though the Big Apple is big, it has a strong sense of community. 

Next, Lauren shared this video, in which the caption reads: "We asked moms if they could go back to before their first baby, what would they tell themselves. These are their answers." 

And then, there's Ellen. Who is always inspirational. 

Whether in an early stand-up performance (check out the last 2 min if you don't wanna watch the whole thing): 

Or, more recently, when she featured this wonderful duo on her TV show: 

Thanks for all these gems, Lauren! I will be back soon with more inspirations. Wishing you all a good night!

Cheers,

Anna