11 year “crashiversary”

11 years ago Halloween was on a Sunday, this is the first year since that day that it has fallen on a Sunday again. I have played that day over and over again in my head. It was a good day.

It has been nice to return to some normalcy after another confusing year. I have been trying to set time aside to photograph in nature again, if I don’t schedule it in it won’t happen. My creative time is the first to get pushed aside when life gets hectic. I currently have an exhibit up at Alta bakery in Monterey (new work going up in January). It has been nice exploring the historic Cooper Adobe buildings and hanging out in the courtyard, while enjoying delicious food and sharing my artwork. My 2022 calendars are ready to go and are available in my online shop, remember they make great gifts! (How is it going to be 2022!?)

Rehab update:

I look back to where I was last year and i’m happy to say, i’m doing much better. Last October started five months of pain in my body and i’m still not sure the cause. With spinal cord injuries we experience something called autonomic dysreflexia, it’s the way our body feels pain. For me this is profuse sweating where I have full sensation, from the chest up. Every night I usually experience AD for an hour or two but for those four-five months it was happening the entire night. 

The one big change that occurred before these intense months of pain was lack of physical therapy and exercise due to the pandemic. I was out of the pool for a year (I returned in February 2021). The bodywork and therapies I needed to stay healthy and pain-free weren’t available. It was a huge reminder of why I am doing what I am doing every day and why it is so important. As soon as I started getting more exercise and back in the pool the intense sweating stopped. I am so thankful every day for the movement I am able to get. This is only possible because I have the financial support and encouragement from my community and friends. It truly does take a village, and because of you, the journey continues…

‘‘We need to be angels for each other, to give each other strength and consolation. Because only when we fully realize that the cup of life is not only a cup of sorrow but also a cup of joy will we be able to drink it.’’

 -HENRI NOUWEN

At Alta Bakery in Monterey 

Holy, Holey Tree, 2021

Me photographing the above image at Palo Corona regional park.

 

100 mile challenge wrap up!

They did it! Most of my runners reached 100 miles (there were some injuries along the way 😢). One runner said they were going to collapse into a fetal position and whimper when they finished their 100 miles on June 30th, but they did it 😝! I’m so inspired and proud of them. I’m also extremely grateful to the 300+ donors that helped me reach my goal of $50k, to help pay for my 24hr care and physical therapy. I feel fortunate to have the support of so many, I know most people don’t have that. I am grateful every day for the movement that I get, to keep my mind and body healthy. 

A huge shout out to the Big Sur River Inn for their continued support and for hosting the fundraising barbecue on July 9th! And many thanks to the Bitter Ginger, the Saucy Maiden and the Random Pickler for their food and wine donations.

Thank you for BEing my light!

💜 Rachael

Relay for Rachael Road Runner challenge

 Relay for Rachael Roadrunner Challenge!

The challenge:

100 miles in June

This would’ve been the 11th annual Relay for Rachael fundraiser at the Big Sur marathon at the end of April but since the marathon was canceled again this year we will be going virtual in June with the Roadrunner 100 mile challenge. 

The challenge concept is simple, complete 100 miles in June with the same goal of raising funds to help with Rachael’s ongoing care and physical therapy after a car accident left her a quadriplegic in 2010. Thank you for BEing the light! 

More info on how to donate and participate: www.relayforrachael.com