https://www.meredithraelyons.com/theatre-images daily 0.75 2019-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1444089004715-ESD57A9G2TT09AA43XJG/image-asset.jpeg Theatre Images - Twin Set As Marnie in Twin Set. With Amy Jean Johnson as Betty and Maura Kidwell as Meggy. Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Scott Dray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1444089004715-ESD57A9G2TT09AA43XJG/image-asset.jpeg Theatre Images - Twin Set As Marnie in Twin Set. With Amy Jean Johnson as Betty and Maura Kidwell as Meggy. Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Scott Dray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1420844780199-7A1NH3M40YZPUT47QD46/Push+Button+Murder+Board+Op.jpg Theatre Images - Becky As Becky in Push Button Murder. Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Scott Dray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1395111664398-7DDGQAJTAW1RPHBIRUMG/Ithaka+Evie+Jumps.jpg Theatre Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289533049-HHRZ65441PBZIYYAICIS/Aelita+Production.jpg Theatre Images - Aelita As Aelita (with Giau Trong and Chad Shevland) in Aelita with Dream Theatre Company. Photo by Anna Weiler Menekseoglu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289537109-8EMOIEKA0TO2AKY4AOZ7/Iron+Stag+King+Kathryn.jpg Theatre Images - Iron Stag King As Kathryn Grey in The Iron Stag King (part 1). Courtesy of The House Theatre. Photo by Michael Brosilow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1395111402019-R9BGRNQR8ZTETEMC8R6W/Ithaka+Attacking+Bill.jpg Theatre Images - Ithaka As Lanie Edwards in Ithaka, with Nick Freed as Bill Edwards. Courtesy of InFusion Theatre Company. Photo by Cole Simon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1558208158725-VLP8OP4SIJKVWCNZG1SB/Brewed+Promo.jpg Theatre Images - Brewed As Nanette in Brewed. Promotional shot by Gerard Van Halsema for the Ruckus and Tympanic Theatre Company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289616429-7BCFGZXLZXPF6WU9S67W/Mikah+Fights+Jan.jpg Theatre Images - Fight Girl Battle World As Mikah Monoch (with Kim Logan as J'an Jah) in Fight Girl Battle World. Courtesy of InFusion Theatre Company. Photo by Johnny Knight.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1395111502890-KJ781T1ZZ26BQC7K4M8I/Ithaka+Hospital.jpg Theatre Images - Ithaka As Lanie Edwards in Ithaka, with Andrew Saenz as Jacob. Courtesy of InFusion Theatre Company. Photo by Cole Simon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289640103-V72QOPA0O4EMPYRLUQGY/Joan%27s+Laughter+with+armor.jpg Theatre Images - Joan's Laughter As Joan of Arc in Joan's Laughter. Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Jacob Watson.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289535237-30Q3NVUGCUBXKU7V8VT9/Iron+Stag+King+Fox.jpg Theatre Images - Iron Stag King As First Fox (with Kay Kron as July) in The Iron Stag King (part 1). Courtesy of The House Theatre. Photo by Michael Brosilow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1558208317513-OA1H7HQLZ2Q9HVL0OKND/Aelita+Promo+Shot.jpg Theatre Images - Aelita As Aelita in Aelita. Promotional shot by Giau Trong for Dream Theatre Company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289572794-28YDHDLA93DBO4E1XFA8/Joan%27s+Laughter+at+the+end.jpg Theatre Images - Joan's Laughter As Joan of Arc in Joan's Laughter. Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Jacob Watson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289615877-87BPI9054F64F9SU6B5C/Juliette+and+Nannette.jpg Theatre Images - Brewed As Nanette in Brewed (with Dana Black as Juliette). Courtesy of The Ruckus and Tympanic Theatre Company. Photo by Gerard Van Halsema. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289617927-5BQX3N22NBKO70VVTQ46/Rough+Magic+Fans.jpg Theatre Images - Rough Magic As Sasia in Rough Magic (with Dean Beever as Ariel). Courtesy of Theatre For People Who Need It. Photo By Austin Oie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1444089119560-VRIRWU9SOGNK9DH0CE0F/image-asset.jpeg Theatre Images - Twin Set As Marnie in Twin Set. With Amy Jean Johnson as Betty and Maura Kidwell as Meggy. Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Scott Dray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289773046-Y6UM9UD1XMFLTGNS4AEP/Cyrano.jpg Theatre Images - Cyrano As Fighter (with Sean Pfautch as Cyrano) in Cyrano. Directed by Matt Hawkins, winner of Non Equity Jeff Award for Fight Choreography for Cyrano. Courtesy of The House Theatre. Photo by Michael Brosilow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289538634-IVZ1YIP47KTRDF3F9KM6/Iron+Stag+King+Fox+2.jpg Theatre Images - The Iron Stag King As First Fox (with Kay Kron as July) in The Iron Stag King (part 1). Courtesy of The House Theatre. Photo by Michael Brosilow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289774694-KLJJSKX2HAL9JVT9FC2P/lady+nobles.jpg Theatre Images - Cyrano As a noble in Cyrano (with Megan Schemmel and Jennifer Betancourt). Photo by Stacy Stoltz.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289615094-5Z0T7FOA9APJH3EAE9OG/Joan+Publicity+Photo.jpg Theatre Images - Joan's Laughter As Joan of Arc in Joan's Laughter. Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Jacob Watson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1395111766773-XZYAESE8N5JVE4M80KTX/Ithaka+showing+pictures.jpg Theatre Images - Ithaka As Lanie Edwards in Ithaka, with TinseyRose Torres as Evie's Mom. Courtesy of InFusion Theatre Company. Photo by Cole Simon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289783471-0TBX8029KAG3NY0XLG2J/nobles.jpg Theatre Images - Cyrano Front left as a noble in Cyrano during The House Theatre Preshow. Photo by Charles Parrott.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1420844796162-TDMISM39IAMYOHC17WJW/Push+Button+Murder+with+Bailes.jpg Theatre Images - Becky As Becky in Push Button Murder (with Andrew Bailes as Preston). Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Scott Dray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289618196-TGU9PK4J1DBD21C37PXO/Rough+Magic+Sears+Tower.jpg Theatre Images - Rough Magic As Sasia in Rough Magic (with Dean Beever as Ariel). Courtesy of Theatre For People Who Need It. Photo By Austin Oie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289616744-WR4ZWTTTZS00KO4IEDUV/Mikah+with+communicator.jpg Theatre Images - Fight Girl Battle World As Mikah Monoch in Fight Girl Battle World. Courtesy of InFusion Theatre Company. Photo by Johnny Knight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1558208443282-J5Z44AK12MN8M1H3IR5J/Intervention%2BHello%2BFailure.jpg Theatre Images - Hello Failure As Valeska in Hello Failure (with Amanda Lipinski, Meg Elliott, Jen Goode and Kirsten D'Aurelio). Courtesy of The Side Project. Photo by Scott Dray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289617694-QO5GJKTCDHSQRVH9C0TV/Painful+Bear+Trap.jpg Theatre Images - Brewed As Nanette in Brewed (with Erin Myers as Paulette). Courtesy of The Ruckus and Tympanic Theatre Company. Photo by Gerard Van Halsema. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289618651-Q7MJ20QV29YS2WGEKEGG/Rough+Magic+with+Lighter.jpg Theatre Images - Rough Magic As Sasia in Rough Magic (with Erin Kahoe as Prospero and Dean Beever as Ariel). Courtesy of Theatre For People Who Need It. Photo By Austin Oie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1373254322573-NMN4DAPE3B60214ZDQOY/Cyrano+noble+photo.jpg Theatre Images https://www.meredithraelyons.com/combat-and-martial-arts-images daily 0.75 2021-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289896405-QJOT8ZYZLCN3UOPVB08U/Meredith8.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289896405-QJOT8ZYZLCN3UOPVB08U/Meredith8.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372291538948-G5NO3L8R2PTGI9K1FQJM/working+a+neck+break+with+justin.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372291520068-SAILES2HF9VBL18H8HSG/Fighting+in+MA.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289897082-BGZJ0NYWPM2W501WVB1U/Meredith20.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372291528182-NARC9MIYJVG6Q23LKET7/Post+Golden+Gloves.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289773748-CY4HT8HP7DESQVGN1WRK/cyrano+sword.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289897378-MMW4AE1V2W9GXQQ9M5ZR/Meredith23.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372289920798-IP0ZB8RHIYB9BQ9IMK6O/Meredith+vs+Shannon.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1558209880329-55OJS0LEUR618493QX0B/Meredith26.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1373254185387-2M2LACSWSRRLOLH97QSR/First+Degree+knife+shot.jpg Combat and Martial Arts Images https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster daily 0.75 2025-11-27 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2025/9/30/sequel-to-a-dagger-of-lightning-cover-reveal monthly 0.5 2025-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1759274171395-R3ACTLX5RJSS5IUSDQMV/Lyons_A-HORN-OF-ONYX_FC-2D.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Sequel to A Dagger of Lightning cover reveal! - Make it stand out Gorgeous, right? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/10/19/one-of-my-favorite-people-on-earth-is-gone monthly 0.5 2024-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/5063bf4f-906d-4b3f-9a53-203028a45e63/HelgaAwards.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - One of my favorite people on Earth is gone. - Make it stand out One of my favorite pictures of Helga, collecting a literal pile of awards on CamCat’s behalf at the Ben Franklin’s one year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0b95bb33-93ec-48a8-905d-70aa171769e6/IMG_0212.PNG F.A.S.T.E.R. - One of my favorite people on Earth is gone. - Make it stand out A team virtual cooking event we did several years ago around the holidays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/7996d8f8-1be5-4195-8cf8-c29a82e1865b/image+%281%29.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - One of my favorite people on Earth is gone. - Make it stand out A screenshot of our last team meeting together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/7ffaa029-039c-4cdb-bcdc-c02f234f2c11/WhatsApp+Image+2024-10-19+at+9.38.42+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - One of my favorite people on Earth is gone. - Make it stand out I’ve saved this screenshot for over a year. I don’t think I’ll ever delete it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b67b87ce-27af-4435-910a-a2c4359d837a/Image_20240110_074808.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - One of my favorite people on Earth is gone. - Make it stand out “This is how I shall work henceforth,” is what she wrote to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/391bec30-8fcb-4cd4-b86b-7a2266205d1c/Image_20240215_073420.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - One of my favorite people on Earth is gone. - Make it stand out Helga at chemo in the goofy hat that I knitted. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/10/10/nostalgia-wrapped-around-your-throat monthly 0.5 2024-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c29e20e8-3bd4-4a49-a56b-b492f8f5c40d/461558677_18462896122060260_966805803372990106_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nostalgia wrapped around your throat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1245ed2d-49d6-44d7-bcdd-a3b66fd3bae8/Screenshot+2024-10-03+at+6.01.16+PM.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nostalgia wrapped around your throat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e4ddc0fb-e0b3-44e8-a9a9-53fe1efc744a/WhatsApp+Image+2024-10-10+at+10.40.38+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nostalgia wrapped around your throat - Make it stand out Yes, that’s my husband in a charmander onesie. He decided to change early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/09baa2d6-1304-4fc3-a9dc-c6b2323ab8b1/WhatsApp+Image+2024-10-10+at+10.43.39+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nostalgia wrapped around your throat - Make it stand out I was too busy choking on nostalgia to get pictures of my running trail, but I did get this of the Lincoln Square arches with my Ghost Tamer cookie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b2ea924d-9076-456f-a7a6-f1cce1115ad6/WhatsApp+Image+2024-10-10+at+10.44.06+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nostalgia wrapped around your throat - Make it stand out Charles and me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2384bbee-c6ab-4ae2-8edb-b3fd7c72ef5d/WhatsApp+Image+2024-10-10+at+10.43.04+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nostalgia wrapped around your throat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6f71666d-d252-40c8-925a-c08eb416ea6e/WhatsApp+Image+2024-10-08+at+11.25.39+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nostalgia wrapped around your throat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/625537a4-c355-4ca2-a326-54e69b680359/WhatsApp+Image+2024-10-10+at+10.44.35+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nostalgia wrapped around your throat - Make it stand out John is in the back doing devil horns. We didn’t take any pictures on that last day. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/6/19/have-you-ever-seen-the-hat-man monthly 0.5 2024-06-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/7abc96d3-d9fa-4efc-b3b3-2acafb763dff/439873768_18431269660060260_1597725221486351289_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Have you ever seen the Hat Man? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ab849a69-b56a-4f1a-afd2-5f93952b84e1/Potential+Unplugged+Cover+1.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Have you ever seen the Hat Man? - Make it stand out We eventually decided against this cover, but it was in the top two. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/5/28/how-to-slay-your-virtual-panel-or-podcast-tips-from-an-actor monthly 0.5 2024-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8f8f87b1-c66a-4469-a535-4027191759be/WhatsApp+Image+2024-05-30+at+11.15.51+AM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to slay your virtual panel or podcast. Tips from an actor. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/5/16/anxiety-maybe-a-little-depression monthly 0.5 2024-05-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/de2ccbf9-9722-4d85-91d9-84a0105a0813/WhatsApp+Image+2024-05-16+at+4.44.20+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Anxiety? Maybe a little depression? My personal tips and tricks. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/bdd8e006-7560-44aa-aa17-3264f790b6cd/WhatsApp+Image+2024-05-16+at+4.45.55+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Anxiety? Maybe a little depression? My personal tips and tricks. - Make it stand out Bonus suggestion: Plant a garden, touch some grass. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/4/25/nine-ways-to-write-past-a-stuck-point monthly 0.5 2024-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f3c3f46f-101e-45cd-a80c-6bc3099e1291/treadmill+walking.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Nine ways to write past a "stuck" point. - Make it stand out Bonus tip: I highly recommend a treadmill desk! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/4/11/that-good-kind-of-sore-the-fun-kind-of-work monthly 0.5 2024-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1683238010433-BB65L87DUIRA58HOUIG7/IMG_1402.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - That good kind of sore, the fun kind of work. - Make it stand out Gotta put the picture up for fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2bf09597-b570-4bb1-a8fa-56ce725dcf3d/435976503_18428802355060260_4593647262983030966_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - That good kind of sore, the fun kind of work. - Make it stand out I know. Flip flops weren’t the strongest choice. (Photo by Lauren) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/63e754d0-df1c-4d7c-b799-59c2fa56506d/WhatsApp+Image+2024-04-11+at+5.14.49+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - That good kind of sore, the fun kind of work. - Make it stand out (Photo by Lauren, she cannot blame me for how we look in it.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b3363918-9350-4a56-b63e-704d0a25106c/435720549_18428802412060260_2722637986488482222_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - That good kind of sore, the fun kind of work. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/3/21/it-hasnt-all-gone-to-hell-yet monthly 0.5 2024-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1682023935128-PZOVLP1WW1KJEFQF4NED/340921010_6481239868554940_8870149093404932298_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It hasn't all gone to hell... yet. - Make it stand out Dean took this when I was sick and still trying to work. The cats flung themselves upon me to get me to rest. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/2/29/yes-there-is-a-point-to-decaf-coffee monthly 0.5 2024-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e1e178dc-9ed0-491e-84cb-0ef92c56c058/WhatsApp+Image+2024-02-29+at+3.00.22+PM+%281%29.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Yes, there IS a point to decaf coffee. - Make it stand out When I first drank coffee, it was filled with sugar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2528821f-c55d-4963-b034-4b0d5016b8d4/WhatsApp+Image+2024-02-29+at+3.00.22+PM+%283%29.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Yes, there IS a point to decaf coffee. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/171de8a9-d5e7-4c86-aa67-983617097f53/WhatsApp+Image+2024-02-29+at+3.00.22+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Yes, there IS a point to decaf coffee. - Make it stand out One of our favorite spots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f506df15-9d11-4cd5-a3d6-99f8d9d087d8/WhatsApp+Image+2024-02-29+at+3.00.22+PM+%282%29.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Yes, there IS a point to decaf coffee. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/2/15/how-taylor-swifts-romance-highlighted-the-treatment-of-women-sports-fans monthly 0.5 2024-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/9cd1ccf0-1570-43d9-868c-b134d587861e/240128913_10159348062206271_5702333315404761326_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How Taylor Swift's romance highlighted the treatment of women sports fans. - Make it stand out At my first (socially distanced, during 2020) Nashville Sounds game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a6fed3c1-0b25-4a9e-9070-df91d3649278/15731955_10154735719926271_1811933330460649041_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How Taylor Swift's romance highlighted the treatment of women sports fans. - Make it stand out Christmas 2016. My friend Charles got me all Saints gear for our Friendmas. I still have that hat. I love it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/873ad780-cc7a-47b9-9a74-6810d4002826/14441074_10154447879131271_5345175287209464228_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How Taylor Swift's romance highlighted the treatment of women sports fans. - Make it stand out Two people in this picture are Cubs fans. But they went with us to a Sox game because it was fun. And no, it wasn’t a Crosstown Classic game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/066b51dd-02ee-4352-b6be-507ad5f62419/478207_10151336384191271_1507593630_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How Taylor Swift's romance highlighted the treatment of women sports fans. - Make it stand out You don’t have to root for the same team to enjoy the game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ca80d9a7-4b5e-4e77-86dc-c07c93de8092/163888_1633180080883_654433_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How Taylor Swift's romance highlighted the treatment of women sports fans. - Make it stand out Natasha is the one just behind my head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0d23c1af-92e6-47d7-89f6-bdac5357c537/dean+singing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How Taylor Swift's romance highlighted the treatment of women sports fans. - Make it stand out There he is! I have circled him in blue. None of the cosplayers yelled that I was not supposed to be there. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/1/18/what-is-it-about-a-snow-day monthly 0.5 2024-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0c6f9630-6897-46c9-8177-273edff0568c/420004365_18410460412060260_2748078324717006616_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What is it about a Snow Day - Make it stand out View from my office window on Monday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1705627036842-1X13WF61ZLQWCFNCW2V6/419902092_18410460427060260_5090250067022945966_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What is it about a Snow Day - Make it stand out A peek out the bedroom window. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2024/1/4/how-to-slow-down-for-dummies monthly 0.5 2024-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f396f71e-31fd-4372-a513-7c97932aab33/WhatsApp+Image+2024-01-03+at+2.29.43+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to slow down for dummies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6178ebb1-2ba4-4329-93ba-f24a370cc8ee/WhatsApp+Image+2024-01-04+at+8.13.55+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to slow down for dummies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/12/28/the-one-where-cloud-has-emergency-surgery monthly 0.5 2023-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0de7038c-3b22-418a-87a3-bc3143281990/109783595_10158360411181271_4797404613160009289_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one where Cloud has emergency surgery. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e72cc69e-2ae5-4d59-8e76-bd9c54d40b04/Screenshot+2023-12-28+165337.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one where Cloud has emergency surgery. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/3f3b62a7-df20-4f91-bdd9-c5d9e167e0b5/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-26+at+3.06.44+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one where Cloud has emergency surgery. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6bee3f57-63cb-42fd-af0d-c4d4e5412d51/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-27+at+12.44.47+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one where Cloud has emergency surgery. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/47085dd7-02ce-43dc-ad45-7eabc08ac231/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-28+at+5.04.21+PM+%281%29.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one where Cloud has emergency surgery. - Make it stand out It may not look like it, but that’s thousands of dollars worth of thread right there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ac636429-de09-41b1-8fb4-f7077d9823c7/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-28+at+6.11.20+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one where Cloud has emergency surgery. - Make it stand out Cuddle time was had. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/12/21/whats-the-worst-time-of-year-to-have-a-stomach-ulcer monthly 0.5 2023-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/928c626a-b29b-4caa-9e35-f1d9beeb420b/1907345_10152909336766271_6191266744716438205_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's the worst time of year to have a stomach ulcer? - Make it stand out Christmas cookies I made several years ago with my mom’s recipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/9e53c6bb-e41c-4c62-80dc-a541551df844/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-21+at+4.50.47+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's the worst time of year to have a stomach ulcer? - Make it stand out Ever had sparkling Malbec? It’s awesome. And looks great next to a Christmas tree. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/12/14/god-damn-it-youve-got-to-be-kind monthly 0.5 2023-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a2dff723-7f77-48c0-85d7-017254cb12e5/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-14+at+3.22.30+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - God damn it, you've got to be kind. - Make it stand out Dean with all of his video game/anime stuff at work that makes him happy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c036e1a4-e8a7-4d46-9778-b4a84d6b71a0/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-14+at+3.35.40+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - God damn it, you've got to be kind. - Make it stand out Look how happy Greg is! How could you deny anyone that joy? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ec02b8d3-77bc-49ea-9d90-fa74d412e7ef/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-14+at+3.41.54+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - God damn it, you've got to be kind. - Make it stand out When I was in college, I fell out with my passive-aggressive roommate. Short version: She moved out a week earlier than I did and decided to get in one last dig by telling the office that our apartment was empty. They rented it. My new lease didn’t start for five days. All of my friends found temporary places for all of my stuff and two of them let me stay with them in the interim. It ended up being one of the best New Years Eves of my life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f3382389-0daf-443c-821e-99aaaeafd133/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-14+at+3.51.26+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - God damn it, you've got to be kind. - Make it stand out You can see every item of clothing I owned in my car. But I was having the best NYE ever, surrounded by friends who had lifted me up. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/12/7/whaddaya-mean-i-cant-control-everything monthly 0.5 2023-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/63390b0c-d685-45f3-9c26-dde7cdb46df6/Quiz-A-Tron.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Whaddaya mean I can't control everything? - Make it stand out Normally I use my own pictures, but no one let me have a camera when I was a toddler, so I found this online. Someone was selling it on Etsy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/96bf4d67-ffea-4d4e-ad1a-91021a1f00d4/Screenshot+2023-12-07+153126.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Whaddaya mean I can't control everything? - Make it stand out My husband took a few screenshots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0df860e8-c6a9-47b1-8cd8-fdbdb1d65966/WhatsApp+Image+2023-12-07+at+3.37.07+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Whaddaya mean I can't control everything? - Make it stand out I took this screenshot at the start of the third try just to prove we’d been there. Originally I was going to post a reply, but, alas, all previous segments were eaten by the angry IG gods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2a7adf40-8879-4897-9d16-26de3971b05e/Quiz-A-Tron+open.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Whaddaya mean I can't control everything? - Make it stand out Leaving the Quiz-A-Tron open. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/11/30/its-okay-to-enjoy-solitude monthly 0.5 2023-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8cbda5e5-c432-4e0e-acbb-f0e234772198/IMG-7727.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's okay to enjoy solitude. - Make it stand out Alone with cats still counts as alone! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/15d6a81a-213e-4ec7-9527-18b1ea99349a/IMG_4405.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's okay to enjoy solitude. - Make it stand out I’ll have to drag the fire pit out by myself, but I think I can handle it! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/11/23/whats-your-favorite-holiday monthly 0.5 2023-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e9fbd617-067b-4471-81e3-5a1f2861e29f/IMG_6689.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's your favorite holiday? - Make it stand out Signing books at WriterFest in Nashville. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/098ed71b-13ec-4375-8812-143f2d160dea/IMG_4649.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's your favorite holiday? - Make it stand out Working from my parents’ house with Aang. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/53aa21f4-b87d-42f1-8acc-3af76cae0188/IMG_4660.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's your favorite holiday? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/11/16/running-around-the-world monthly 0.5 2023-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/5550d801-f9f6-4840-a7eb-37a4d2dafbfa/Run+from+KY+to+IN.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Running around the world. - Make it stand out Sunrise while running from Kentucky to Indiana last weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/3248263c-87e6-4e3a-9c2a-ac1a09f856fc/Bucky+Park.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Running around the world. - Make it stand out From my run in Bucky Park in London in February of 2012. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8b7cc3b1-5764-4e60-9414-2a2e8f6cd421/A+run+in+St.+Lucia.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Running around the world. - Make it stand out From a run in St. Lucia. March 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/44c0c2f5-dfda-4053-b84e-9df5fad881fb/Sunrise+in+San+Diego.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Running around the world. - Make it stand out Sunrise in San Diego this past August. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/11/9/loving-all-this-travel-hate-packing-with-the-fiery-passion-of-ten-thousand-suns monthly 0.5 2023-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/4d054c36-9486-4495-89cc-9860ed55e0d1/WhatsApp+Image+2023-11-09+at+6.41.02+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Loving all this travel! Hate packing with the fiery passion of ten thousand suns. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/11/2/i-used-to-dread-autumn monthly 0.5 2023-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f05fa38f-dc22-4153-860d-f2b416919223/IMG_4397.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I used to dread autumn. - Make it stand out My garden of old sheets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ff02ba9b-6888-4673-a563-b20eb6dcb5de/IMG_4390.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I used to dread autumn. - Make it stand out Even Aang has swapped from sleeping in a basket in the front room to the cozier circle in our room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/15d6a81a-213e-4ec7-9527-18b1ea99349a/IMG_4405.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I used to dread autumn. - Make it stand out There’s something about writing next to fire. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/10/26/how-to-deal-with-negative-reviews monthly 0.5 2023-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6cee953e-e789-4f26-8f57-687dfbd2d330/394822614_18394147858060260_2433140838956365193_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to deal with negative reviews. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2d4e4166-9fb1-4048-a5ac-578135871d73/394557540_18393902404060260_5073884228063324850_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to deal with negative reviews. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/10/19/body-doubling-for-writing-motivation monthly 0.5 2023-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0cc64903-ba0f-418a-b6ba-7c8ce13c42c4/IMG-4176.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Body Doubling for Writing Motivation - Make it stand out View from my treadmill desk of a body doubling session during a break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c3ac42d6-e13b-4b4b-bd37-8dfd1d3e9bc5/IMG-4175.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Body Doubling for Writing Motivation - Make it stand out Work time. Cameras off. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/10/13/i-wish-i-spoke-cat monthly 0.5 2023-10-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/93474589-2869-4c72-b10e-7c7a9c8c4e8c/knitting+with+Cloud.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I wish I spoke “cat.” - Make it stand out Cloud. Watching me knit and plotting ways to steal the yarn from between my fingers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/04c61407-17e1-4849-a538-24cd6632a8b4/0ba21914-9c90-4578-8304-81628524f865.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I wish I spoke “cat.” - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/41f19bbe-ff4d-4b7f-a83f-9ca0a84e54ed/13303.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I wish I spoke “cat.” - Make it stand out Aang giving Cloud a few comforting shoulder licks. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/10/5/you-should-probably-edit-that-a-bit-more-before-you-submit monthly 0.5 2023-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605240695080-E8VV0Z64NQI1SPYKGEDA/writing+in+bikini.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You should probably edit that a bit more before you submit. - Make it stand out A younger Mere. Pretty good at writing online articles, not yet a novelist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1d1a3a3b-0393-4bfe-94dc-2a8952c0fe61/71330797_10157377322591271_727576380589473792_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You should probably edit that a bit more before you submit. - Make it stand out Me at that first conference. I locked my keys in my car IMMEDIATELY upon arrival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/fb3bfc1c-751b-43f7-9643-48e0c5994f62/372005282_18384886735060260_4155655187395436286_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You should probably edit that a bit more before you submit. - Make it stand out One of my betas. I love her stuff and she loves mine. We will still give each other truth if we need it. And yes, I finally stopped flat ironing the shit out of my hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/205185ac-3793-4d3b-b02d-4eeeed58884a/333866767_1344836799633359_7346777818358634457_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You should probably edit that a bit more before you submit. - Make it stand out I’m exhausted listening to myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c0637a50-4b20-4cd6-b40b-655784ccd938/92940647_10158023332901271_4458089264843849728_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You should probably edit that a bit more before you submit. - Make it stand out While you’re on submission: Pet a cat. Have a drink. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/9/28/men-writing-women monthly 0.5 2023-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1695961155600-T139MJO9MT9QD9XK2OVK/WhatsApp+Image+2023-09-28+at+9.58.53+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Men Writing Women - Make it stand out Don’t do this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8e6843bd-ee59-47ca-a46b-c44503ce4d20/Screenshot+2023-09-29+074351.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Men Writing Women - Make it stand out While we’re on the subject, I’ll just leave this here. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/9/21/the-best-part-has-been-you monthly 0.5 2023-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1688772919744-I1GBPS309JKRY5HRJY7A/WhatsApp+Image+2023-07-07+at+6.34.56+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The best part has been you. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/9/14/just-a-light-patriarchy-edit-so-sorry-to-bother-you-with-my-imposter-syndrome monthly 0.5 2023-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/504620f1-11b6-4b50-904f-a78ab582d0ce/F86E259D-0DA1-427A-A474-A84F30DA7D76.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Just a light patriarchy edit: So sorry to bother you with my imposter syndrome. - Make it stand out Nothing to see here. Just me and my little stories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/3496bd10-d420-48f2-8426-9dcfe91e5110/IMG-3279.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Just a light patriarchy edit: So sorry to bother you with my imposter syndrome. - Make it stand out “Just pretend you belong, self. No one will notice that you’re faking it!” https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/9/7/on-interspecies-relationships monthly 0.5 2023-09-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/091608e2-064e-428b-974a-c09d089b9197/IMG-3419.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - On interspecies relationships. - Make it stand out Yes, there are a certain amount of boxes that we just leave on the floor for their pleasure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6aee55cf-22cc-49f1-8e83-f9127dafbfb9/07430cd2-d862-4749-9c67-c47189ae2335.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - On interspecies relationships. - Make it stand out Brave little Cloudy at the vet. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/8/31/a-first-for-me-i-watched-a-bad-author-panel monthly 0.5 2023-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b9c45d4f-eee1-4dcf-bbdd-6b498b573fef/CamCat+authors.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A first for me: I watched a bad author panel. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/856eae47-a863-4cf9-9816-e00458013142/IMG_3279.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A first for me: I watched a bad author panel. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/5066e7f2-10c0-42f7-9a51-eec81ffb7de2/Selling+at+Bouchercon.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A first for me: I watched a bad author panel. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/8/24/can-you-see-how-far-youve-come monthly 0.5 2023-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1a63ccb9-e36a-44bd-b552-36a7da8cd074/Sold+Out.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Can you see how far you've come? - Make it stand out Photo taken by said friend just after I sold my last copy of Ghost Tamer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ac3834f5-a4b6-40aa-a346-a8a7a74b9d46/Teaching+Writing+Fight+Scenes.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Can you see how far you've come? - Make it stand out I really, truly enjoyed teaching Writing Fight Scenes. Some great questions from the attendees! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/4b49d820-41f3-4a67-b47f-625abd57f491/IMG-3167.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Can you see how far you've come? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/8/17/jump-starting-your-creativity monthly 0.5 2023-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/81cce107-f538-4a95-936b-7533fa39d9d2/325389629_566835592002818_1586897100040699195_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jump-starting your creativity. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/dd459f71-ee2d-4531-9b45-047126013b98/WhatsApp+Image+2023-08-17+at+11.00.52+AM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jump-starting your creativity. - Make it stand out Lauren and I grabbed a drink and a spot to slow down and write during the jam-packed ALA Conference. Creativity was zinging about! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b10a2877-9da4-4aa5-b0a4-bf783dcad318/WhatsApp+Image+2023-08-17+at+11.02.07+AM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jump-starting your creativity. - Make it stand out My husband and I will sometimes go to a coffee shop together and work on completely different things. I always make progress. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/8/10/pov-woman-running-by-construction-sites-in-the-summer monthly 0.5 2023-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0db23133-4743-4698-b1a1-429f4dae3f3b/WhatsApp+Image+2023-08-10+at+10.59.38+AM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - POV: woman running by construction sites in the summer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/8/3/confession-i-sometimes-peek-at-the-end-of-a-book monthly 0.5 2023-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1619136629535-8A89CR7AR38NJLRULAGG/reading.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Confession: I sometimes peek at the end of a book. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1faf28a5-5e19-4b48-9db1-2e56b407f1ee/64581966_10157124317111271_9186646578960531456_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Confession: I sometimes peek at the end of a book. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/7/27/im-not-writing-a-blog-today monthly 0.5 2023-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8af6c948-5ea4-49ba-b9ff-9091242413d1/54358241_10156893284056271_8012009638100729856_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I don't have a blog in me today. - Make it stand out The night we moved in to our first apartment in Nashville, there was a torrential downpour. Two days after we finished moving in, the apartment burned down. When we moved into our new hours, there was a tornado. Then a pandemic. It was a rough time. It’s over though. The next year was better. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/7/20/i-love-the-season-that-everyone-hates monthly 0.5 2023-07-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/db05ed62-99a6-445d-b64d-a7cd9f70f32c/36963912_10156330217881271_163657254912917504_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I love the season that everyone hates. - Make it stand out During a 110 degree summer in Idaho, my last visit to my grandma, sawing off tree limbs for her with joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6806d8af-7f70-40d8-ba02-b1a681332a1e/IMG-2174.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I love the season that everyone hates. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e05c9952-eb2f-4d18-b383-d2433f16aba6/12801429_10153902000346271_5981381273887494198_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I love the season that everyone hates. - Make it stand out Things that cannot be enjoyed in the winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1641566369505-XCTTEQJZ978NCNSVZB4D/271488068_10159573729541271_12703681823443663_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I love the season that everyone hates. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/7/13/how-our-reading-habits-change-during-stress monthly 0.5 2023-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1626446944854-IJUVILFQL2G2EN8D7Z00/reading+with+aang.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How our reading habits change in response to stress. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0dfa794d-0580-46d3-9f30-00c5dbdd5304/255910123_10159468268446271_4459335425427946969_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How our reading habits change in response to stress. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633698516490-YUJRUGI9RTU5NGP2AH8N/relaxing+bubble+bath.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How our reading habits change in response to stress. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/7/7/good-health-is-a-privilege monthly 0.5 2023-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/3c14abde-3ab2-44d9-bddf-1251b02e82e3/IMG-1969.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Good Health is a Privilege - Make it stand out I have always liked veggies. I really like growing my own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1682023935128-PZOVLP1WW1KJEFQF4NED/340921010_6481239868554940_8870149093404932298_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Good Health is a Privilege - Make it stand out I don’t even remember which illness this was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/9493cef9-2fe0-4066-b7d4-5c0114c6790e/ca24bb82-cce0-4a1f-9350-8e5e3d4a3fe5.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Good Health is a Privilege - Make it stand out I do have these excellent cat doctors at least. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/6/29/its-conference-season-five-tips-on-surviving monthly 0.5 2023-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1688074521155-HJO7BHZ3JQ2VWVM91XS4/First+panel.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's conference season! Five tips on surviving. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/9d05bb83-b943-422f-958b-0dd8384800f4/first+signing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's conference season! Five tips on surviving. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/6/22/cats-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unexpected-cats-are-never-ugly monthly 0.5 2023-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ec826b01-a2dd-45f3-81ca-94a0305e8450/353056014_10160668940181271_6597486283786400762_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Cats: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected (cats are never ugly) - Make it stand out Obviously plotting something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8cf24f1a-42c7-4b44-8487-2d971155b77b/353380413_10160668940206271_7852495325377367579_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Cats: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected (cats are never ugly) - Make it stand out Going somewhere? Not without our inspection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/49d8ec83-b2fa-42b9-a778-e547c13a6275/353067795_10160668940221271_3356491470136961066_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Cats: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected (cats are never ugly) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/6/15/if-you-have-the-money-delegate monthly 0.5 2023-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1666902892953-UJSF34GVY4HXH80HIJEY/aang+by+pool.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - If you have the money: delegate - Make it stand out My parents decided to change their pool liner on their own this year. My dad says it’s the worst decision he’s ever made. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633698040492-06N445ATWM2RL3E7V8DU/outdoor+lights.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - If you have the money: delegate - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1657232300185-MH9T1U1V283DX3NW8GR9/118377780_3524894087542941_7188724233744334888_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - If you have the money: delegate - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/6/8/seven-things-to-know-about-working-on-a-treadmill-desk monthly 0.5 2023-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/38e0c87e-6eda-4737-af38-f372d0c630e7/WhatsApp+Image+2023-06-08+at+2.50.36+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven things to know about working on a treadmill desk. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/deac3fc3-eb68-453c-914b-e6ab8bec2ccb/treadmill+walking.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven things to know about working on a treadmill desk. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/6/1/do-things-scared-its-almost-never-as-bad-as-the-hellscape-youve-created-in-your-mind monthly 0.5 2023-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c0d861c2-3c45-4bcd-a224-d9a30c02d30c/IMG-1744.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Do things scared. It's almost never as bad as the hellscape you've created in your mind. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6f513861-c3af-4d5e-914f-3620c52ee1b3/IMG-1700.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Do things scared. It's almost never as bad as the hellscape you've created in your mind. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ca64089c-6e3e-4d7b-b238-ffd5d6c7a8c4/IMG-1715.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Do things scared. It's almost never as bad as the hellscape you've created in your mind. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/5/25/i-burnt-out-and-it-didnt-look-like-i-thought-it-would monthly 0.5 2023-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1682023935128-PZOVLP1WW1KJEFQF4NED/340921010_6481239868554940_8870149093404932298_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I burnt out and it didn't look like I thought it would. - Make it stand out Me, trying to write when I was sick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1f88c3ea-7bcf-4a80-9241-281d2d3b274f/IMG-0253.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I burnt out and it didn't look like I thought it would. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1654814485914-JU59XV159NHYGD9WWP81/dd75973e-21bb-4dc8-8c45-8f89872b8791.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - I burnt out and it didn't look like I thought it would. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/5/18/whats-the-purpose-of-a-writing-group monthly 0.5 2023-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8cbda5e5-c432-4e0e-acbb-f0e234772198/IMG-7727.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's the purpose of a writing group? - Make it stand out Portrait of a writing buddy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/db05ed62-99a6-445d-b64d-a7cd9f70f32c/36963912_10156330217881271_163657254912917504_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's the purpose of a writing group? - Make it stand out Just because you have a machete in your hands, doesn’t mean you should cut up the first person who steps into range. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/5/11/you-cant-be-an-introvert-youre-an-actor-and-other-fallacies monthly 0.5 2023-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/45e0d960-67b5-4db6-8e1b-5e427681b753/337141267_975861417108968_9086492851981317065_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You can't be an introvert, you're an actor. - Make it stand out Portrait of a sword-wielding introvert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1672356337810-S951Z3EHB4KEE89QZ4JM/322180192_915036339657855_3384556224421462318_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You can't be an introvert, you're an actor. - Make it stand out Me, the day after a writers’ conference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/5/4/its-not-every-day-a-car-lands-in-your-yard monthly 0.5 2023-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f90b1379-643f-4c70-af29-6c5ac2556e42/IMG_1403.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's not every day a car lands in your yard. - Make it stand out One of the first photos we got of the car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2b7d60ae-b73f-41ac-987e-009780e5b33c/IMG_1401.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's not every day a car lands in your yard. - Make it stand out I took this on the way out for my bike ride. You can see the wall better here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a07d5612-3cb5-4855-bb12-da48ec6b4aa1/IMG_1402.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's not every day a car lands in your yard. - Make it stand out You can see a piece of car hanging off the wall in the exact spot he went over. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/4/27/5-things-ive-learned-working-in-publishing monthly 0.5 2023-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1402223b-8e66-4569-bb2e-46676b8ec303/322554737_718426006578948_813238069888706494_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - 5 things I've learned working in publishing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/4/20/continually-derailed-five-ways-to-keep-moving-forward monthly 0.5 2023-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1682023935128-PZOVLP1WW1KJEFQF4NED/340921010_6481239868554940_8870149093404932298_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Continually derailed? Five ways to keep moving forward. - Make it stand out I was trying to get work done while feeling like crap until my faithful felines collapsed upon me and made me rest. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/4/13/should-you-force-yourself-to-write monthly 0.5 2023-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8cbda5e5-c432-4e0e-acbb-f0e234772198/IMG-7727.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Should you force yourself to write? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b2ee1f73-18c0-4f5a-a671-29af6fd1f662/ccda6e63-78c0-459b-a1a4-a04136fd544d.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Should you force yourself to write? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1671146240400-KMMFFIN5HK0B90YAYOD9/IMG-6756.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Should you force yourself to write? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/4/6/lets-talk-about-our-changing-bodies monthly 0.5 2023-04-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a8910d4a-dfc2-49f8-8faa-39d31a2f0f7c/238342463_10159298991706271_1040471554929131791_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let's talk about our changing bodies. - Make it stand out This is the first year I remember feeling good in my skin since we moved from Nashville. And I was running SO MUCH because I was thrilled to be back to it after an injury… and injured myself again. Everything has become a bit more delicate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0b2cf2c6-d5fb-4290-a0a2-a471cd6a801b/61482165_10157091873576271_3789870955782733824_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let's talk about our changing bodies. - Make it stand out Was adjusting to a new city and a new job. Felt totally fat and unattractive here. I know. Shhh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c084a5bc-9466-43d7-896b-8f081420ed52/66014698_10157178963791271_1592255534675787776_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let's talk about our changing bodies. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/45e0d960-67b5-4db6-8e1b-5e427681b753/337141267_975861417108968_9086492851981317065_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let's talk about our changing bodies. - Make it stand out I had a great time on my birthday. And I wish I could say that I didn’t beat myself up later for one piece of chocolate or one glass of wine. At least I can say I didn’t use the sword. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/3/30/in-my-day-we-didnt-have-school-shooting-drills monthly 0.5 2023-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1680211719159-CAYYVNX1E62PV9UUID5V/IMG-0900.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - In my day, we didn't have school shooting drills - Make it stand out Me on my first day of fifth grade. Back when there were only 62 shootings total that entire DECADE. (Still too many, by the way.) At the rate we’re going, we’ll blow by that before the end of May. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/644f077e-b1f3-4489-8087-f5239759e317/IMG-0901.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - In my day, we didn't have school shooting drills - Make it stand out Me, same year, on a school trip with some of my teachers in the background. None of us were concerned about being shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/68ce4ce8-d54b-491d-8f17-949f3bc245d6/IMG-0902.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - In my day, we didn't have school shooting drills - Make it stand out Me, age nine, blissfully inexperienced in the ways of active shooter drills. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/3/23/finding-joy-through-shared-discomfort monthly 0.5 2023-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1679604904319-27IAX95J1T6E8TIETS1V/WhatsApp+Image+2023-03-23+at+3.52.41+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding joy through shared discomfort. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/686143d0-b5ef-4101-8a80-8b9fff8334a7/WhatsApp+Image+2023-03-23+at+3.52.59+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding joy through shared discomfort. - Make it stand out The first of the gang to try. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/29a07b8f-14d1-4b63-815e-9223ef95fe7c/WhatsApp+Image+2023-03-23+at+3.54.34+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding joy through shared discomfort. - Make it stand out We also drank this blue stuff. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/3/16/seven-bullets-for-forty-five-years-around-the-sun monthly 0.5 2023-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6d9db344-1aeb-4135-8405-4e4c31723358/WhatsApp+Image+2023-03-16+at+5.28.15+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Bullets for Forty-Five Years Around the Sun - Make it stand out Cloud, seen here modeling the Birthday Book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6c5e17c4-50f0-4d34-b706-86444d7afcc1/WhatsApp+Image+2023-03-16+at+5.31.15+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Bullets for Forty-Five Years Around the Sun - Make it stand out She just got here, y’all. Look at the present she got me. You can guess what the part I’m holding says. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/3/9/seven-things-my-cats-have-taught-me-about-writing monthly 0.5 2023-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1f88c3ea-7bcf-4a80-9241-281d2d3b274f/IMG-0253.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven things my cats have taught me about writing - Make it stand out That’s one way to get someone’s attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/194d4b02-4d24-4a7b-a064-390c0d72d3ac/a5119ffe-8766-486c-bdec-fb4f3363550c.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven things my cats have taught me about writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/3/2/five-things-writers-get-wrong-in-fight-scenes monthly 0.5 2023-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1372291520068-SAILES2HF9VBL18H8HSG/Fighting+in+MA.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Five things writers get wrong in fight scenes. - Make it stand out That’s me on the left! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629410667504-JP0KOVSHH7IFWZSDY7DZ/Fight-Cyrano-House-Theatre-Chicago_thumb.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Five things writers get wrong in fight scenes. - Make it stand out Theatrical Comedy may be an exception to the reality rule. But this usually works better visually. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/2/23/how-to-survive-stomach-flu monthly 0.5 2023-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/69775c31-1f00-472e-801a-75a7b8fd1fe4/stomach+flu.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to survive stomach flu. - Make it stand out My husband took a video of the cats sitting with me and I guess couldn’t resist panning up to my nauseated form. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/33dc92c5-b097-44a8-a568-b9a1ce38052c/WhatsApp+Image+2023-02-23+at+3.44.12+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to survive stomach flu. - Make it stand out Cat nurse doing his job. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/2/16/where-do-you-put-your-energy monthly 0.5 2023-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ebe54c44-e2f9-4e90-972b-31402fb2402d/5066_118396921270_6225201_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Where Do You Put Your Energy? - Make it stand out Back in my competition days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1656633868763-2HIQP3411KFP3N1TGLF3/290777940_10159877826516271_7834006258875173810_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Where Do You Put Your Energy? - Make it stand out Me with a literal goal. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/2/9/scoliosis monthly 0.5 2023-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633036318213-HNRGYQZTCQ89612WMBST/me+and+natasha+at+12.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Scoliosis - Make it stand out That’s me in the blue shirt circa my 12th birthday. As you can see, I was the epitome of cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1675969542926-R5NA9E8J83DP3COWNLUB/Scoliosis.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Scoliosis - Make it stand out You can see the top half of the S pretty clearly here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617935322030-D9TNFVR5D0XPRIG3EP3I/Meredith2.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Scoliosis - Make it stand out One of my early acting headshots. That thing with my shoulder? That’s not on purpose. That’s just how it rests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610724215333-VMBTZ7GC5OT5GHR7JPI2/Me+and+Cloud.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Scoliosis - Make it stand out You can see it pretty clearly in this picture, but most people are just looking at the cute kitten that I’m holding. Look at Cloud! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610724539950-QZUH5AW8BSN0EMDPV5BY/weights+with+aan.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Scoliosis - Make it stand out Gotta train the upper back. Even if cats insist on joining you. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/2/2/setting-and-meeting-your-goals monthly 0.5 2023-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1402223b-8e66-4569-bb2e-46676b8ec303/322554737_718426006578948_813238069888706494_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Setting and Meeting your Goals - Make it stand out Helps to have a buddy sometimes too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/83707c75-79d1-44bb-9db5-3672c56dd3bf/300138233_10159961898851271_856728093296335751_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Setting and Meeting your Goals - Make it stand out Yes, I bring my laptop to the pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/cb79b1f3-569c-4b40-b242-253b34ee5826/Me+biking.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Setting and Meeting your Goals - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/1/26/the-other-side-of-the-door-caretakercaretakee monthly 0.5 2023-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1674778103267-5ZX00IG3H0KF8UL8SQY5/IMG-9925.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The other side of the door ~ caretaker/caretakee - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2d0cd968-8881-4207-8544-cd2aa41f9f0a/IMG-9924.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The other side of the door ~ caretaker/caretakee - Make it stand out Yes, Dean went out and got me Starbucks. I regret nothing. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/1/19/how-often-do-you-feel-like-giving-up monthly 0.5 2023-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b2ee1f73-18c0-4f5a-a671-29af6fd1f662/ccda6e63-78c0-459b-a1a4-a04136fd544d.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - How often do you feel like giving up? - Make it stand out Aang is always very helpful when I have a deadline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a62ec49d-78a4-48b7-b6b6-f2831d21b9bc/BookBrushImage3D-4_book_Template-small-reveal.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - How often do you feel like giving up? - Make it stand out I cannot wait until my cover is officially released and I can start throwing it up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/55f4dfe9-766c-401d-ac69-e7e614fd87fd/IMG-9826.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How often do you feel like giving up? - Make it stand out Sometimes I think it’s just a matter of one foot in front of the other, over and over. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/1/12/dont-call-us-well-call-you monthly 0.5 2023-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1673565189316-K3821ODCC1Y5988O77AN/IMG-9509.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Don't Call Us, We'll Call You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2023/1/5/would-you-still-write-if-you-knew-you-would-never-be-published monthly 0.5 2023-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8cbda5e5-c432-4e0e-acbb-f0e234772198/IMG-7727.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Would you still write if you knew you would never be published? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/9f5fd40d-124b-4d28-af52-8e37c002acf0/treadmill+desk.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Would you still write if you knew you would never be published? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/12/29/the-quiet-days-can-you-slow-down monthly 0.5 2022-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1402223b-8e66-4569-bb2e-46676b8ec303/322554737_718426006578948_813238069888706494_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Quiet Days ~ Can you slow down? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1672356337810-S951Z3EHB4KEE89QZ4JM/322180192_915036339657855_3384556224421462318_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Quiet Days ~ Can you slow down? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/12/22/an-affection-for-the-darkest-days monthly 0.5 2022-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c85368f0-40f2-443f-b152-b76616948bac/Solstice+Trees.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - An Affection for the Darkest Days - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/630ce080-3a7b-4558-9a03-d32e10d2bec9/269733515_10159544949956271_359099387281967172_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - An Affection for the Darkest Days - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/12/15/life-in-fiction monthly 0.5 2022-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/90033c76-1f50-4640-a604-b3723d3a5849/IMG-7918.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Life in Fiction - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/8cbda5e5-c432-4e0e-acbb-f0e234772198/IMG-7727.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Life in Fiction - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0304e7f5-7271-41a0-9810-442b82c083ba/IMG-6756.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Life in Fiction - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/12/8/the-pantserplotter-wars-is-one-better-than-the-other monthly 0.5 2022-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/d003f7ad-3b6d-41cd-a8fa-d9f1d94dcf1f/aang+behind+computer.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Pantser/Plotter Wars ~ Is one better than the other? - Make it stand out Aang would totally be a pantser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f3b2c6ef-4151-4482-8bdb-3ce1f277f53a/Ghost+Tamer+Outline.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Pantser/Plotter Wars ~ Is one better than the other? - Make it stand out The upper left corner of the plotted outline to Ghost Tamer that my friend did after reading it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1652390776585-9TYVJJJZD8H3905U8RX5/IMG-5892.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Pantser/Plotter Wars ~ Is one better than the other? - Make it stand out Right now, writing is fun enough that I do it on vacation. I want to keep that joy. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/12/1/nanowrimo-was-it-worth-it monthly 0.5 2022-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1669934404384-F2034D8M5MK4XJ0TX6FO/IMG-9117.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - NaNoWriMo ~ Was it worth it? - Make it stand out A shot from our final Zoom write in. Almost the whole group was there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a62ec49d-78a4-48b7-b6b6-f2831d21b9bc/BookBrushImage3D-4_book_Template-small-reveal.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - NaNoWriMo ~ Was it worth it? - Make it stand out Time to focus on Ghost Tamer now. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/11/24/thankful-for-you monthly 0.5 2022-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629409379034-THD4QA1Q9XCE0QVVMVMO/moving+trailer.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Thankful for you. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/00c283a0-dd3e-4360-920c-950e09180d89/A8F3F0F8-B6DF-44B8-B231-B4B69218C5DD.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Thankful for you. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628217042651-9257NRPAUQ0EHJBUCRDW/A2B697B4-5773-4EDD-9113-F46ACE8AD586.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Thankful for you. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a1a60fd3-fee9-44ed-81a8-e2ad3b374eb0/IMG-8697.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Thankful for you. - Make it stand out A new friend I’ve started going out to bookish events with in Nashville. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/39a5f36e-423c-4946-95f5-c2de7da3a80a/IMG-8905.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Thankful for you. - Make it stand out Dean and I at the wedding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b241e458-143e-4440-afe1-6706879ad736/316683149_10160244551526271_1962420308040106152_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Thankful for you. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/5c6b1427-a888-4c9f-a53e-b25f4f617d85/316686072_10160244551546271_2385631630869164950_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Thankful for you. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/11/17/a-boomer-rang-and-they-had-nothing-good-to-say-do-you-see-the-cute-little-pun-in-there monthly 0.5 2022-11-18 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/11/10/all-ships-rise-on-asking-for-help monthly 0.5 2022-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/03aae743-7930-4d3f-a66c-421d2d9c496d/asking+for+help.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - All Ships Rise: On asking for help. The referenced meme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a91b671d-baf7-4a9d-8f22-a8484534a285/Joan+of+Arc.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - All Ships Rise: On asking for help. Photos were hard to come by for this one, but I figured a picture of me, in a play as Joan of Arc asking God for help, worked pretty well. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/11/3/nanowrimo-is-it-helpful monthly 0.5 2022-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1667508602723-VKVIPVEUSX9NOZGJDMUB/WhatsApp+Image+2022-11-03+at+3.49.11+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - NaNoWriMo ~ Is it helpful? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/10/27/dealing-with-overwhelm-when-the-to-do-list-becomes-intimidating monthly 0.5 2022-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1aaf9e9a-8dd2-4d85-bceb-fb9f6e85148c/IMG-8407.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dealing with Overwhelm: When the To-Do List Becomes Intimidating - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633698516490-YUJRUGI9RTU5NGP2AH8N/relaxing+bubble+bath.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dealing with Overwhelm: When the To-Do List Becomes Intimidating - Make it stand out Sometimes a relaxing bubble bath can do wonders also. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/10/20/are-you-a-dave monthly 0.5 2022-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/7e52ff71-daca-4f50-be51-26a3c47801f5/nice+feet.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Are You A Dave? - Make it stand out Third email commenting on a picture with my feet. I never responded to any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2eb637d0-244f-4077-89d5-59cea3350905/Toxic+Tweet+2.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Are You A Dave? - Make it stand out Creepy af. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0695d2ee-d161-46af-8d20-8cd71edef25c/Defender+Dude.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Are You A Dave? - Make it stand out This is one of the tamer ones. Several called her a whore or said she should expect it because she writes erotica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/3753f5b7-6509-42a9-8e1b-7ed632ba044c/defense+of+tweets.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Are You A Dave? - Make it stand out Fortunately she did have supporters. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/10/13/can-you-force-creative-flow monthly 0.5 2022-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/4b323c4a-f164-4039-bae1-de9edfde44a8/273347388_10159624958601271_5737954699122020692_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Can you force creative 'flow'? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f38fdca2-ba79-4b8f-847e-0e044df1e53a/IMG-5312.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Can you force creative 'flow'? - Make it stand out When someone tries to interrupt your flow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605240695080-E8VV0Z64NQI1SPYKGEDA/writing+in+bikini.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Can you force creative 'flow'? - Make it stand out Me working on one of those article deadlines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628218313783-COEIGXC4OILT7VTWHU8N/IMG-2503.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Can you force creative 'flow'? - Make it stand out My magical running trail at dawn. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/10/6/random-acts-of-kindness monthly 0.5 2022-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/4227ccad-2d52-4135-923b-c6f204680659/41F01EFD-A535-46F6-AC09-CE752386BDA9.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Random Acts of Kindness - Make it stand out This is the view from the little shelter area on the trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/342d944d-95ac-4b76-b2b0-2d81e21c9a3f/96152.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Random Acts of Kindness - Make it stand out Screenshot from my TikTok video with Tom. (Which of course I took with permission.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0f16c73a-d62a-44ea-8f37-01b40bc671e0/IMG-8091.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Random Acts of Kindness - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/9/29/dreams-and-nightmares monthly 0.5 2022-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0c226864-be92-4d72-90bf-089b55229821/92388203_10158023275986271_3569945295670214656_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dreams and nightmares. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605239265147-BSVHOZDJPXG9O8XO2WV1/martial+arts+dancing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dreams and nightmares. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1571406323845-85OMPSXZFR8YJDYJHB5O/me+and+erin.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dreams and nightmares. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1620957178497-NAM47RE67IFEM78NV983/napping+with+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dreams and nightmares. - Make it stand out Jake and I dreaming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1650585996848-H6PJ5M27EQI12J2AY4VB/11406232_10153348212691271_8229321290929544832_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dreams and nightmares. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/9/22/achilles-tenonitis-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel monthly 0.5 2022-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1541031607600-8BW74XBBR2JO8XCI8TBT/Mag+Mile+10k+Crushed+It.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Achilles Tenonitis - light at the end of the tunnel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1567183648611-ZB149Z7F5CATSEAI2VSM/raceday.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Achilles Tenonitis - light at the end of the tunnel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527734654707-4ZTAE02Q0PBDFOJXN5Y8/arc+trainer+and+rower.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Achilles Tenonitis - light at the end of the tunnel - Make it stand out ARC Trainer on the left, rowing machine on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627653469635-0Q45SETWHM0D37CGC7PF/me+and+dean+with+bikes.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Achilles Tenonitis - light at the end of the tunnel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1648742582217-7Q7K5QQP2GWBAYL631BM/246189793_10102955022448259_1739309606250478766_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Achilles Tenonitis - light at the end of the tunnel - Make it stand out Me after that last half marathon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1532439417056-9WPHDZAPXVRZHAY0CM8L/dry+needling.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Achilles Tenonitis - light at the end of the tunnel - Make it stand out I highly recommend dry needling once you’re out of the woods. It doesn’t do much for your Achilles, as it’s a tendon, but it will help the muscles as they adjust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1659025540664-0IA2WO2VNZLFEKCOCCMF/61482165_10157091873576271_3789870955782733824_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Achilles Tenonitis - light at the end of the tunnel - Make it stand out I still can’t run hill repeats, but I’ll get there. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/9/15/money-cant-buy-happiness-at-least-after-75000 monthly 0.5 2022-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0c226864-be92-4d72-90bf-089b55229821/92388203_10158023275986271_3569945295670214656_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Money Can't Buy Happiness (at least after $75,000) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/d1e7c4be-0844-4713-9d00-51504571a789/14225585_10154390883176271_2472325449035488722_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Money Can't Buy Happiness (at least after $75,000) - Make it stand out There are so many things I’d rather do than dust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a27e70c7-a835-4a04-a4d4-f871d4f70687/296570323_10224975820094249_7408032932906712716_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Money Can't Buy Happiness (at least after $75,000) - Make it stand out I have coffee with a friend once a week now. I could spend that time cleaning. But why? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/83707c75-79d1-44bb-9db5-3672c56dd3bf/300138233_10159961898851271_856728093296335751_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Money Can't Buy Happiness (at least after $75,000) - Make it stand out Me: happy and at peace with my clean surfaces that I had very little to do with. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/9/8/it-takes-a-year monthly 0.5 2022-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/d003f7ad-3b6d-41cd-a8fa-d9f1d94dcf1f/aang+behind+computer.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It takes a year. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629410929350-PBFC31WGF0ZM2FBG4MYR/Urban+Boubon+Finish.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It takes a year. - Make it stand out Half Marathons used to just be a thing I did a few times a year. Now they’re a thing I hope I’ll do again one day. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/9/1/living-car-less monthly 0.5 2022-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1555723532093-NUNHXSJPCCOJVHLQ4YWP/Lucky+Lyver.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Living Car-less - Make it stand out Right after we got Lucky home, trying to recreate that First Car Celebration photo with you jump simultaneously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/66c98fec-a1de-495e-bb55-b96e7a19c67a/IMG-3950.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Living Car-less - Make it stand out You know what would be fun? If we could ride horses everywhere! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/cb79b1f3-569c-4b40-b242-253b34ee5826/Me+biking.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Living Car-less - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/8/24/how-to-ace-your-first-writing-conference-or-any-networking-gathering-really monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/36ca7952-e684-498d-a2c2-b24b68fee76d/business+cards.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to ace your first writing conference. (Or any networking gathering, really.) - Make it stand out My card on the top is that first one I threw together. The one below is my current one. Sitting on top of the pile I collected last weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/85aabf99-590a-4191-ae65-f11942054fb6/300993586_10159969525801271_480624918173976056_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to ace your first writing conference. (Or any networking gathering, really.) - Make it stand out Emily and I specifically went to this author’s panel so that we could ambush her afterward and get her to sign our books. (Success!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/206bd942-7d86-4333-bc59-371a3b627179/301042048_10159969525771271_6659812813398414005_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to ace your first writing conference. (Or any networking gathering, really.) - Make it stand out I even dragged my husband to some of the ‘after’ parts of this last one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/805fbcb2-68d2-46c6-a7e4-48a34e7c1a5d/300881140_10159969523946271_3834205446103049676_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How to ace your first writing conference. (Or any networking gathering, really.) - Make it stand out Met these guys at lunch a year ago. We kept in touch and had lunch again this year. (And the bar.) And I got to watch a couple of them win awards at the dinner! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/8/17/learning-your-window-of-tolerance monthly 0.5 2022-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0d74b6c1-1063-473c-a690-dde2af9871a7/IMG-7313.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Learning Your Window of Tolerance - Make it stand out I went out to lunch with my mom and she told the waitress I got a publishing deal. I mean, this has been a good year in some ways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c46032db-595e-4615-bba3-eec1c4c0d62f/IMG-7261.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Learning Your Window of Tolerance - Make it stand out My husband bought me this cute little bottle of wine because it has Fairy in the title and a lot of my books are fae-based. Sadly it tasted horrible. We’ll cook with it and keep the bottle! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1b96daaa-919b-42e5-886b-64ddd63445c0/39aa7f48-3738-4c14-9983-0302c065291c.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Learning Your Window of Tolerance - Make it stand out Cloud in a live demonstration of my internal mood. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/8/12/in-which-dean-has-a-seizure-and-im-not-there monthly 0.5 2022-08-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b139b6c5-1247-4faf-8a6f-1f9f390fed85/11393373_10153349236431271_6491159004785092561_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - In which Dean has a seizure and I'm not there. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/053f8cd7-b8fb-4801-8ac2-d78d1d834857/Happy+Dean+at+work.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - In which Dean has a seizure and I'm not there. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/85081d23-1b4a-4091-b2b0-08d242d5fae6/adventure+park+me+and+dean.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - In which Dean has a seizure and I'm not there. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6643e3bf-2f4c-4f41-8b9e-6a4b473d4901/31357684_10156143896316271_9008720622351548416_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - In which Dean has a seizure and I'm not there. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/8/4/the-road-to-publication-wasnt-overnight monthly 0.5 2022-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1659696120154-MU4ST8WG8AYKJIFPARJA/Ghost+Tamer.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - The road to publication wasn't overnight. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/020fcb49-a3ff-4601-b09e-b8a7456f679a/writing+on+lawn+chairs.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - The road to publication wasn't overnight. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2ff37200-c555-4312-b599-749c9e8f4f56/IMG-6550.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The road to publication wasn't overnight. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1655410820419-2JLEVBOY5P9T36HX72OB/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-16+at+3.18.04+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The road to publication wasn't overnight. - Make it stand out Must have Starbucks before online pitching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/82c14624-a7f3-4fb6-8c32-223faa23943c/acceptance+rachel+malone.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The road to publication wasn't overnight. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/7/28/why-being-pretty-good-at-something-is-often-the-most-difficult-space monthly 0.5 2022-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0b2cf2c6-d5fb-4290-a0a2-a471cd6a801b/61482165_10157091873576271_3789870955782733824_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why being 'pretty good' at something is often the most difficult space. - Make it stand out Sometimes it all feels like an uphill battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ebe54c44-e2f9-4e90-972b-31402fb2402d/5066_118396921270_6225201_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why being 'pretty good' at something is often the most difficult space. - Make it stand out Before my first international competition. I lost every fight and cried in the locker room. Forgetting how many fights I had won to get there in the first place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/92248531-e3b5-46a3-9e00-8433b27c0a95/373914_10150507830916271_1543182224_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why being 'pretty good' at something is often the most difficult space. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/7/21/five-ways-to-push-through-if-youre-having-a-bad-week monthly 0.5 2022-07-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/fd497d0e-3fe2-4f00-bcac-1a1df4c17741/11898518_10207283785354617_5447812175803720917_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Five ways to push through if you're having a bad week. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/7/14/share-your-joys-share-your-sorrows monthly 0.5 2022-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1c446389-0710-485e-8bbc-133efc69fa6a/celebrate.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Share your joys, share your sorrows - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c09a7f59-74e5-4f77-9f6e-20c443e61e98/181411909_10159081216306271_6948024929487335364_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Share your joys, share your sorrows - Make it stand out A friend with whom you can share each other’s joys and sorrows with is priceless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/7cbf8637-0b65-4dc9-b0ed-85217e33a605/242155382_10100761517825449_3204581342400566397_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Share your joys, share your sorrows - Make it stand out Celebrating the first among us to get published! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/7/7/how-long-am-i-supposed-to-be-patient monthly 0.5 2022-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/7242b44c-38b4-417c-a9fa-acaecb64da89/118042840_3499165096782507_7265809274412686316_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How long am I supposed to be patient? - Make it stand out For a long time, I lamented that I got into martial arts ‘so late’ at twenty-seven. But everything I love, I wish I had done earlier, and I wouldn’t have had time to do everything that I love all at once. Now, I’m thankful that I got into while I was still young enough to compete. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e2d3c311-5e0a-4285-9f1d-297ca40d8271/32337116_1920520401313659_8789843080288141312_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How long am I supposed to be patient? - Make it stand out The first time I was unable to run for a long period of time, I at least had access to a pool. I didn’t like it (as you can see), but I had one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/afe14126-e97f-4752-9b5b-5233550e24b2/190621506_10159125506726271_8454417898736663289_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How long am I supposed to be patient? - Make it stand out I will run during a spring sunrise again. I WILL run during a spring sunrise again. And I will see a book published. One way or another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/9318efce-b30f-4b82-9233-4cda7c6e92ae/IMG-6816.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How long am I supposed to be patient? - Make it stand out This is what an official PT prescription looks like. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/6/30/managing-the-influx-of-horrible-news monthly 0.5 2022-07-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0fb86f40-22c9-450d-a490-522abaccbf02/290777940_10159877826516271_7834006258875173810_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Managing the influx of horrible news. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6263d82d-5507-4f25-9912-8ddd04321d00/250538345_10159444837371271_4731468699901605473_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Managing the influx of horrible news. - Make it stand out Equality. You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/77705d34-b8ad-47cf-82a5-ff9dea3c0550/246461854_10102955022423309_5382470089839550509_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Managing the influx of horrible news. - Make it stand out This is what ‘inside’ Meredith looks like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a8910d4a-dfc2-49f8-8faa-39d31a2f0f7c/238342463_10159298991706271_1040471554929131791_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Managing the influx of horrible news. - Make it stand out Time to take out the trash, y’all. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/6/23/our-dance-with-covid monthly 0.5 2022-06-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a66d6e45-7cc8-46de-8cc7-ac0b743a4598/IMG-6528.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Our dance with Covid - Make it stand out Dean taking his first test Thursday morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f74a4613-c0c8-4645-9cd8-65776ad26a47/IMG-6561.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Our dance with Covid - Make it stand out Me and Cloud, hanging out before bed. Dean and I text a lot of pictures of the cats to each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2ff37200-c555-4312-b599-749c9e8f4f56/IMG-6550.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Our dance with Covid - Make it stand out I did to a lot of writing on my lap desk. The cats were happy to take over Dean’s side of the bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/5d4e4bd2-54ad-4104-89cd-ab61611d1661/IMG-6551.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Our dance with Covid - Make it stand out Example of a picture that I sent to Dean from the other room. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/6/14/pitching-your-book-online monthly 0.5 2022-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6be80d98-0e86-416e-9fbb-894f3f910d7c/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-16+at+3.18.04+PM.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Pitching your book online - Make it stand out My desk before pitch time. Complete with encouraging post-it left by spouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/90192e6c-0436-47c5-a809-2c45b1e77df6/71025419_10157394984456271_1378636905188425728_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Pitching your book online - Make it stand out A selfie I took at my first writers conference three years ago. I had no writer friends. No reliable group to look at my stuff and critique. I just threw myself into it. I’ve learned so much since then. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/6/9/kitty-health-scare monthly 0.5 2022-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/50a5ea69-6287-4678-bc84-648af93fef04/IMG-6439.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Kitty Health Scare - Make it stand out We call this move ‘Four Feetsies.’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e36e11d1-cd5f-4a3d-8035-41c7f3a3b8c2/67038740942--F09B6FC0-6669-41A7-89C6-72E487B6F344.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Kitty Health Scare - Make it stand out As you can see, when relaxed, it’s belly-up around here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/60ef2696-4ca0-498b-9b09-16d3aa52ac64/IMG-6459.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Kitty Health Scare - Make it stand out This is the picture that I sent to my chat-vet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/3ae7ee5b-91c7-4a0a-88f8-5b63a7a4695e/IMG-6118.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Kitty Health Scare - Make it stand out This is how Aang waits for us to come home. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/6/2/five-ways-to-slog-through-if-youre-having-a-hard-day monthly 0.5 2022-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/84cf9769-7eac-46f3-8682-d36d751816f6/aang+in+collapse.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Five ways to slog through if you're having a hard day. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/5/26/leaving-the-fitness-industry monthly 0.5 2022-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1653593935762-4WHX1RTNDE2J6X3318XO/teaching+kickboxing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leaving the fitness industry - Make it stand out This is the room where I taught my last class! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/babe78c2-9d0a-444b-a5fd-df89c648b00c/at+lifestart.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leaving the fitness industry - Make it stand out From my stint as manager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/db7fc341-6a2f-47e4-ba55-8ef277aa687e/kicking+the+bag.PNG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leaving the fitness industry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1603402171408-RPD5QBODMIH2VIWCNHCH/crow+pose.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leaving the fitness industry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/890fddd3-0f3a-4a62-8925-8bc2da263419/IMG-4359.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leaving the fitness industry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/5/19/anticipatory-anxiety-in-a-creative monthly 0.5 2022-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f541a026-b77e-4999-aa01-c5595fdedcbc/EE793519-468F-4CE6-BD6A-8139D9D44A16.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Anticipatory Anxiety in a creative - Make it stand out Sunrises and sunsets are good for appreciating the moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f38fdca2-ba79-4b8f-847e-0e044df1e53a/IMG-5312.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Anticipatory Anxiety in a creative - Make it stand out Cloud, giving my work the stink eye. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/5/12/is-there-a-perfect-place-to-write monthly 0.5 2022-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1652390776585-9TYVJJJZD8H3905U8RX5/IMG-5892.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is there a perfect place to write? - Make it stand out Writing in the woods on vacation was pretty nice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/9f5fd40d-124b-4d28-af52-8e37c002acf0/treadmill+desk.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is there a perfect place to write? - Make it stand out Aerial shot of my treadmill desk in action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e278c608-6df9-4e41-8971-85312d01c16d/IMG-6109.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is there a perfect place to write? - Make it stand out Sneaky pic of an early Saturday coffee shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/676c9a91-812a-40db-b254-d278b1053214/IMG-5524.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is there a perfect place to write? - Make it stand out Sometimes my lap desk gets taken over. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/5/5/leave-our-bodies-alone monthly 0.5 2022-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/db7fc341-6a2f-47e4-ba55-8ef277aa687e/kicking+the+bag.PNG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leave our bodies alone. - Make it stand out Here’s me. Having control over my own body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0b42ab64-6e7e-449b-92f4-513d0d6614ff/IMG-2174.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leave our bodies alone. - Make it stand out Also me, having control of my own body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/39f9b782-a32c-4a63-a58f-625a4233ed94/IMG-5724.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leave our bodies alone. - Make it stand out Hey, look, it’s me! Making decisions about my own uterus! Or actually probably not even thinking about it because this photo was taken over a week ago when this wasn’t even a question. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/4c893db0-81c1-42b7-8bc3-adbd45a0d28f/more+kicking.PNG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leave our bodies alone. - Make it stand out Did I mention I’m pissed? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c2dd5cd4-38dd-4e0d-b182-6b828d259ac6/F2C86E5F-BE1A-4BEC-BE94-67590A4730F2.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leave our bodies alone. - Make it stand out Being in control of my medical choices looks good on me, I have to say. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f3700d73-1ad5-4bf6-a082-93fcaddc5d9d/IMG-5595.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Leave our bodies alone. - Make it stand out I’ve been to Planned Parenthood twice, both for the morning after pill due to condom malfunctions. But damn, was I not in a place to have babies at the time. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/4/28/why-everyone-should-learn-to-fight-at-least-a-little monthly 0.5 2022-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/895988ac-2384-4a04-a2f4-c0bec3e9d56b/310369_10101065184343883_1345937587_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why everyone should learn to fight. (At least a little bit.) - Make it stand out Even fake fighting takes some training. (Yes, that’s my back.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2fe2e13e-6241-46aa-9e1c-fc4a487957be/60994_439157580840_522044_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why everyone should learn to fight. (At least a little bit.) - Make it stand out In Paris, after a little warm up in the park before a tournament. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a7d1950c-4126-46ba-afdf-1aedd3d5884a/220870_10150529498590062_1789576_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why everyone should learn to fight. (At least a little bit.) - Make it stand out Being in a ring is very different from self defense on the street. But I don’t have a lot of pictures of me palm striking a dude in the nose during a bar fight. So please enjoy this picture of me post-Chicago Golden Gloves Final, with boxing hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/95ab3754-df81-4c18-9ec7-3a0db534e5ef/36963912_10156330217881271_163657254912917504_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why everyone should learn to fight. (At least a little bit.) - Make it stand out This is a saw for cutting limbs. Tree limbs, you silly! I don’t recommend carrying one on you all the time, but if you’re very familiar with it, it would probably make a good weapon if you had it handy. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/4/21/seven-years-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/770f9223-928e-4125-9419-9655a1478366/11226585_10153349234626271_8092000735353418055_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Years After - Make it stand out Here, have this nice big piece. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/46547d94-3fa0-417a-af33-b05ae72b735a/10903900_10153349235126271_8269389068168352349_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Years After - Make it stand out That’s it? Just icing? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/90ffb481-8f14-4ac6-8b2f-2fdea7a80aae/11036215_10153349235271271_1946458510220120917_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Years After - Make it stand out Take care of it my damn self. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/fd95f972-d818-4168-ae22-a50c558b8cef/10658765_10153349235506271_4041667395384610983_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Years After - Make it stand out Groom’s cake time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/22274d68-29ba-4cf5-8a6e-e91461f2570b/11406739_10153349235846271_5509412281528027874_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Years After - Make it stand out What are you doing? Just eat it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e3d91127-d5bb-47a3-9dec-6bd163b52005/11427280_10153349235981271_7217513009021426796_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Years After - Make it stand out Like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/bfbe0b99-4b2a-45aa-81a8-56731419495b/11402487_10153349234231271_7021458439072497975_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Years After - Make it stand out We are cake conquerors! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/b139b6c5-1247-4faf-8a6f-1f9f390fed85/11393373_10153349236431271_6491159004785092561_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seven Years After - Make it stand out This is the way. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/4/14/lets-talk-about-breathing-or-rather-being-unable-to-breathe monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/bf8d4fa6-4e60-4833-8dab-a383bfed7ef6/11162080_10153207968196271_6313166520381751064_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let's talk about breathing, or rather, being unable to breathe. - Make it stand out I know it’s hard to imagine this little badass with any kind of weakness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/9439c7b8-c866-493f-9c64-0d040f38f193/11831667_10153445570001271_4845999710696281936_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let's talk about breathing, or rather, being unable to breathe. - Make it stand out Yearbook photo (the original was in color) taken by my dad, actually. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/fa955676-0454-4b35-ac6e-85f345d73e4e/20031918_10213280869757979_2450043318014391387_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let's talk about breathing, or rather, being unable to breathe. - Make it stand out I can run without an inhaler now, but that sprint to the end always gets me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/fd497d0e-3fe2-4f00-bcac-1a1df4c17741/11898518_10207283785354617_5447812175803720917_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let's talk about breathing, or rather, being unable to breathe. - Make it stand out I never want to scuba dive. I never want to go to space. I don’t want to be anywhere oxygen isn’t surrounding me. I will do crazy things like this, but do not expect me to go underwater. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/4/7/things-that-are-worth-doing monthly 0.5 2022-04-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f541a026-b77e-4999-aa01-c5595fdedcbc/EE793519-468F-4CE6-BD6A-8139D9D44A16.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Things that are worth doing. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/3/31/its-not-just-running-when-your-body-fails monthly 0.5 2022-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/740d0e60-31d3-4c42-8721-0c34065020e1/272895777_10159639521436271_9102562236701891179_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's not just running ~ when your body fails. - Make it stand out Here I am after that last race. A 15k. I remember being cold. I don’t remember my ankle bothering me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f38fdca2-ba79-4b8f-847e-0e044df1e53a/IMG-5312.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's not just running ~ when your body fails. - Make it stand out Cloud occasionally likes to come and make sure my productivity levels aren’t slipping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e2d178ed-cea9-4559-baca-80cf67061190/IMG-5391.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's not just running ~ when your body fails. - Make it stand out My ARC Trainer screen after Thursdays workout. What it should say is ‘Sunrises seen: 0.’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ceb56beb-be5c-48d9-932f-f17764b66f48/IMG-5331.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's not just running ~ when your body fails. - Make it stand out This cheese. This guilt free cheese on the weekends. That’s another reason to run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/7062e13f-df0d-4051-bef0-50a534aee31a/272190386_10159620015451271_5126759188449366890_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's not just running ~ when your body fails. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/3/24/vacation-you-mean-go-somewhere monthly 0.5 2022-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/fab6a89a-a179-4e75-9b3e-f2e14b0b8f09/14516411_10154447975601271_75003451416837498_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Vacation? You mean go somewhere? - Make it stand out From our honeymoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6643e3bf-2f4c-4f41-8b9e-6a4b473d4901/31357684_10156143896316271_9008720622351548416_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Vacation? You mean go somewhere? - Make it stand out Remember when going out used to be a fun, normal thing? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/e05c9952-eb2f-4d18-b383-d2433f16aba6/12801429_10153902000346271_5981381273887494198_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Vacation? You mean go somewhere? - Make it stand out Remember that time I got to ride a stallion in the Caribbean Sea? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/3/17/learn-to-accept-compliments-strengthening-emotional-muscles monthly 0.5 2022-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f8e3e485-ff3e-4b7d-a4f0-f31f58d2c846/IMG-5118.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Learn to Accept Compliments - Strengthening Emotional Muscles - Make it stand out Here’s Aang, learning how to think outside the box and accept compliments. He’s in one of the early stages here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/0f117177-f447-4ea0-bb11-8f8dc098a32b/IMG-5137.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Learn to Accept Compliments - Strengthening Emotional Muscles - Make it stand out Now look at him. Busting out of rainbow boxes and accepting compliments like the tangerine tiger that he is. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/3/10/people-will-disappoint-you monthly 0.5 2022-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c04aebf2-8059-4cf9-9f71-d7484b6703eb/42371136_10156508530921271_4108027637555789824_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - People Will Disappoint You - Make it stand out I have no photos that illustrate what I’m trying to say here. So, enjoy this picture of me with a dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/43eae387-b689-4106-bb93-0d1a23e1102c/42429465_10156508531781271_7720437618478940160_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - People Will Disappoint You - Make it stand out I have dragon pictures and I’m leaning in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1b41f71e-ba91-4066-ba7d-c97c129bf4e3/42404867_10156507090101271_291154613225127936_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - People Will Disappoint You - Make it stand out This one actually works. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/3/2/can-marketing-yourself-be-fun monthly 0.5 2022-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/4014149d-87c5-46e9-9ca2-18677177f2e4/117802278_10158443950851271_5240793674842685208_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Can Marketing Yourself Be Fun? - Make it stand out Having kittens around made marketing yoga somewhat more fun for a while. It’s easy to get fun pictures of you doing yoga when you have two kittens crawling all over you. Take advantage of these kinds of situations when it feels right. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/2/24/how-i-got-put-on-twitters-naughty-list monthly 0.5 2022-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/7eb0d42b-bfd3-4468-a8a9-31aeb6534adc/Twitter+Profile.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - How I got put on Twitter's 'naughty' list. - Make it stand out One guy retweeted my pitch simply because I was holding a sword in my profile picture. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/2/17/sometimes-you-gotta-let-something-slide monthly 0.5 2022-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/4b323c4a-f164-4039-bae1-de9edfde44a8/273347388_10159624958601271_5737954699122020692_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Sometimes you gotta let something slide - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/60e6e107-1698-4cec-af18-fd4c9c1d9014/272985979_10159616517651271_5963492115116661055_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Sometimes you gotta let something slide - Make it stand out I really wrote until I fell asleep frequently. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/2/10/giving-and-receiving-feedback monthly 0.5 2022-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/fb947ed3-5ef8-455b-8b4a-f9fb80e44d78/IMG-3559.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Giving and Receiving Feedback - Make it stand out Aang giving me feedback on my work in progress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1e098d3b-9f40-4706-bae7-1ecb154d39c7/c2f537c0-11d9-43ba-a82f-04d41bb49da4.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Giving and Receiving Feedback - Make it stand out Cloud has decided that he’s not my audience. He declines to give me feedback. I respect his position. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/2/3/imbolic-halfway-to-spring monthly 0.5 2022-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6b7b1b6d-c9cf-4b50-a833-a27982113093/Imbolic+candles.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Imbolic - Halfway to Spring - Make it stand out Red and white for rebirth and renewal, purification and cleansing. Earthen candles symbolically help to warm the earth for spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/43775095-6978-4e6b-bf51-0b16cd1e3727/77022.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Imbolic - Halfway to Spring - Make it stand out Aang and Cloud enjoying an open window Imbolic. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/1/27/small-changes-that-have-made-big-differences monthly 0.5 2022-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/466a406e-1439-4da2-b34d-466fa82bb019/240515170_10159357824991271_4630445389201031307_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Small Changes that have made big differences - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/1/20/setting-boundaries-giving-grace monthly 0.5 2022-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/59ec4d02-6d57-4b6b-8434-aaef8b3f803d/242317642_10159373809081271_7204572816164248015_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Setting boundaries, giving grace. - Make it stand out This is me, not setting any boundaries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/440ab8a2-51ad-4bd5-ab57-626203a4a36a/246530088_10159413015451271_6320927753207377833_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Setting boundaries, giving grace. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/1/13/then-and-now-a-couple-decades-later monthly 0.5 2022-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/5b90138a-ef83-4462-9196-8fedb4bf8244/IMG-4745.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Then and Now: A couple decades later - Make it stand out My sister painted this on a found window in memory of Sasha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/dd4c2e5a-193d-4854-9d13-4c85fdc20d03/IMG-4746.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Then and Now: A couple decades later - Make it stand out With radio station friends at Mardi Gras. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/eb7642c7-0666-4259-b35e-522a2dc61d97/IMG-4747.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Then and Now: A couple decades later - Make it stand out So late ‘90s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614959444084-QPTIVA8UKF3ACATHCUXL/Sears+Tower+at+sunset.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Then and Now: A couple decades later - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627653500150-GMQA222TZTFQSXI8SB68/wedding+fight.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Then and Now: A couple decades later - Make it stand out You know, like you do when you get married? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/5920464d-7838-4fb4-b3bd-c36c7fa3aba2/9043207A-3500-48C6-B4AB-2259A5E29259.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Then and Now: A couple decades later - Make it stand out I mean, how could she not? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2022/1/6/enjoy-the-silence monthly 0.5 2022-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ca08a6a6-3dd3-45f5-89d3-115b6a94de3f/D7C4BC2A-7951-4B5A-9D2B-2974CBEA2407.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Enjoy the Silence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/00c283a0-dd3e-4360-920c-950e09180d89/A8F3F0F8-B6DF-44B8-B231-B4B69218C5DD.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Enjoy the Silence - Make it stand out So quiet in the snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/5f57e00d-e76f-49cb-a579-1414b91e1026/271603983_10159573729546271_2823252983124949502_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Enjoy the Silence - Make it stand out Aang, boldly going where few cats have willingly gone before. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/12/30/hope-for-the-best-prepare-for-the-worst-happy-new-year monthly 0.5 2021-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/d13cf15b-5d11-48af-859c-470b493b1a00/champagne+with+light+tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Happy New Year! - Make it stand out Yes, that is a glass of sparkling Malbec on my bedside table. What of it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6ad2b973-7884-47a2-b0f8-b8cdc32b5dc8/champagne+bucket.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Happy New Year! - Make it stand out Yes, I have a lot of champagne glasses. They’re pretty. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/12/23/agism-and-our-broken-medical-system monthly 0.5 2021-12-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/036eb3ec-e135-485a-bc7b-2396dad9b9ac/Melissa+doing+surgery.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Agism and our Broken Medical System - Make it stand out Melissa in spinal surgery! Photo provided by herself. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/12/16/hormones-and-winter-a-one-two-punch monthly 0.5 2021-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/46e875dd-bd15-47eb-8feb-d08abde700fd/IMG-3956.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hormones and Winter, a one-two punch. - Make it stand out Although Aang has never possessed a uterus, he adequately portrays the PMS fatigue feeling with this pose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/03977801-67bf-4934-9f4b-be3edc79287c/IMG-4182.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hormones and Winter, a one-two punch. - Make it stand out According to ‘studies,’ we might actually enjoy booze more during this misery, even though it does us no favors. Hm. Wonder why that is? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/890fddd3-0f3a-4a62-8925-8bc2da263419/IMG-4359.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hormones and Winter, a one-two punch. - Make it stand out Maybe just try a few minutes of Pilates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/64e02f55-437b-4f2c-8f9e-5f59b0dd33a4/50c1af4a-f9e4-4e12-ad99-684ed494cbf6.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hormones and Winter, a one-two punch. - Make it stand out If you must force yourself through things, do try and at least make yourself comfortable. Photo by Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/ee9e539e-8af7-47d6-9fb8-cccac82a2092/IMG-4360.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hormones and Winter, a one-two punch. - Make it stand out Feeling less tolerant of those around you? Normal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/43d74612-573e-4f28-8820-3689e3032264/1b210560-8178-4240-ae2f-076c590d6a62.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hormones and Winter, a one-two punch. - Make it stand out Another photo by Dean. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/12/10/on-how-to-keep-going monthly 0.5 2021-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/3cd08471-71f7-4ad5-b8cc-cb5b05b26e99/aang+behind+computer.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - On how to keep going. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f6ac40bd-8f33-484b-9d7d-21d25b1f3128/The+End.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - On how to keep going. - Make it stand out Still really fun to type those two words. I think last time I just did three hashtags. This was more satisfying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/634a07b8-5ce6-4f39-a5c1-8e2bb71621b9/me+with+melissa+and+emily.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - On how to keep going. - Make it stand out With some of my writer’s group friends! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/12/2/finding-joy-in-the-dark-times monthly 0.5 2021-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/65620bd7-3fe7-4c1e-9641-9e605779c47e/festivus.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Dark Times - Make it stand out Lincoln Square in Chicago, from my most recent past life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/470d0683-2b98-4686-a7cd-27f2642b767a/christmas+tree+lights.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Dark Times - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/15325fec-a450-4db8-84be-f2fcd56451b4/Christmas+lights.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Dark Times - Make it stand out Our porch right now. It’s simple. I love it. (That’s Cloud in the window. Yes, the windows were open. It was 70 degrees on December 2nd. I love not being obliterated by winter for months like I was in Chicago.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c415e64e-480e-4fcc-ac8b-93230dbb0d0b/Jake+in+Christmas+gifts.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Dark Times - Make it stand out Gotta remember my Jake. He’d be shocked that I’m so far behind on my gift wrapping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c718a98e-4612-4239-9bc0-01957eef5f2d/jake+perfect+in+a+tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Dark Times - Make it stand out Jake was just great at tree posing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/a3793536-d9c8-43c8-ad6f-eb542591db6e/new+year+fail.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Dark Times - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/f7ea6590-3beb-41f0-a9a4-74c2ed9c9bea/closer+lighted+gazebo.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Dark Times - Make it stand out The gazebo over my parents’ pond where Dean and I got married. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/11/25/hey-thanks monthly 0.5 2021-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/2f6c71bd-2063-4cbc-a209-8bc02f4b1870/IMG_4106.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hey, thanks! - Make it stand out Working from the hotel en route to Peoria with the cats exploring around me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/24cd87c1-4ec3-43e2-9aef-ce542db69ff8/IMG_4025.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hey, thanks! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/134b6db8-83a4-4b90-a4d9-8ff1d91822b0/Me+and+Patti+Post+Urban+Boubon.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hey, thanks! - Make it stand out My friend Patti lives in Chicago now and met me in Louisville to support me for my first half marathon post injury. (We also painted the town, of course.) https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/11/18/dont-fight-your-phases monthly 0.5 2021-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/6700af98-699d-4bbc-846b-e3380b5b23be/painted+animals.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Don't fight your phases - Make it stand out When I was young, up through high school, and into college to a degree, art was a big part of my life. I still enjoy letting it come out at random times, but I had to let it take a back seat when I entered my theatre ‘phase'.’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/96b1ff27-f55f-4f96-817f-3c9bb2bc9442/backyard+garden.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Don't fight your phases - Make it stand out My garden has become a regular seasonal phase. Although some plants do winter over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/191e4169-994f-4b10-91f6-57c0957a95d3/knitting+with+Cloud.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Don't fight your phases - Make it stand out Knitting is something I was obsessed with for a year or so. Now I pretty much pick it up during the winter. And that’s perfectly fine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/43168e26-bb3c-4b9a-9616-96635a327df5/writing+with+Aang.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Don't fight your phases - Make it stand out Writing is something I’ve always done, but it’s my current ‘main creative obsession.’ Even if the cats try and prevent me occasionally. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/11/11/you-can-only-hold-so-much-knowing-when-to-let-go monthly 0.5 2021-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/515845b4-5263-4214-baee-3316d007fea7/F93B2D6B-570B-47A1-8AF4-CD80C76647CD.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You can only hold so much. Knowing when to let go. - Make it stand out I mean, honestly. How are you supposed to fight when you have all of your weapons on you? (I do not have all of my weapons on me.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605239265147-BSVHOZDJPXG9O8XO2WV1/martial+arts+dancing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You can only hold so much. Knowing when to let go. - Make it stand out Fighting was great fun. I’m so glad I did it. I’m okay not doing it right now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/27b29d79-c6a9-48fc-ab14-fb49f77e399b/72303934_10157433142096271_5924017957234540544_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - You can only hold so much. Knowing when to let go. - Make it stand out Me two year ago after I had passed the test for the certification that just expired. (In case you’re asking yourself, yes, that is an extra large pour.) https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/11/4/what-are-your-tells monthly 0.5 2021-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/eed13ff1-1a54-45aa-9c6d-3ce719a27515/necklace.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What are your 'tells'? - Make it stand out I’ve recently started really getting into layered necklaces after my mom surprised me with a couple. They’re my new favorite thing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/c4a8b568-34b1-4a05-814d-45568628cf4a/233498845_10159298982941271_1715832825366404715_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What are your 'tells'? - Make it stand out I mean, really all you need is the right sword and corset. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/10/28/have-you-ever-been-flashed-at-a-dance-club-because-i-have monthly 0.5 2021-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1635469941340-030MU11LEO89N411BQ6W/381854_2482245025699_997171221_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Have you ever been flashed at a dance club? Because I have. - Make it stand out Handing off my purse to a friend. We promise that we didn’t plan to match. - Photo on my camera, by Aaron Kirby, who was happy to man it for the night, being uncomfortable with being in the spotlight himself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1635470081505-GFKND8MCY2HCVUZ0NEAH/388379_2482223705166_147424920_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Have you ever been flashed at a dance club? Because I have. - Make it stand out Lucky for us, there were just as many guys in our group that night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1635513308819-HOPXQ2BS1TQXHN97BA91/lindsay+and+me+%282%29.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Have you ever been flashed at a dance club? Because I have. - Make it stand out Look at what we’re wearing. Probably ‘asking for it’ right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1635470862437-IRY0BGAPDZFNHS5Y9YXA/tom+and+i+as+babies.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Have you ever been flashed at a dance club? Because I have. - Make it stand out This is me, weeks after the altercation in the club. I remember myself as a fully capable adult with adult-sized fury, but now, yeeears later, I look at this picture and think, “that kid was already well versed terrible male behavior, and was still being manipulated by it.” **The guy next to me in the photo is an amazing human who I was happy to be hanging out with and who I am still friends with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1635470391215-6YEGF6H3Z0GEMSBMB4D5/IMG_3726.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Have you ever been flashed at a dance club? Because I have. - Make it stand out I’m pretty sure this is the night that we got them to play “Scooby Snacks.” One of our pinnacle achievements. Yeah, we were really looking for dudes to interrupt our vibe. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/10/22/on-outgoing-introverts monthly 0.5 2021-10-22 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/10/15/collective-effervescence monthly 0.5 2021-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1634301642371-RU4GEX3BBRWS1CIGGDU7/245938501_10159409324956271_6796524607720343660_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Collective Effervescence - Make it stand out Doing all the things! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1634301713550-CYV5C3P9JR3Y20UWFOB1/patti%27s+flight.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Collective Effervescence - Make it stand out A screenshot from when I was tracking Patti’s flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1634301803118-QZJKB023F43ITYEW36V2/245791709_10159409324961271_7524624670717700266_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Collective Effervescence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/10/7/h4oxai4ej9qtxowflhgznu4o24g9tt monthly 0.5 2021-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633697978917-N5QOELUIP2TMKCY2KZVJ/writing+on+lawn+chairs.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Things You Don’t Appreciate Until They’re Gone - Make it stand out Lawn chairs are great. But if you’ve ever had a time when they’re your only furniture, you know what I mean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633698040492-06N445ATWM2RL3E7V8DU/outdoor+lights.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Things You Don’t Appreciate Until They’re Gone - Make it stand out Look at all that beautiful electricity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633698083033-E120Z1UDS2MVWPEJPPJ3/aang+by+pool.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Things You Don’t Appreciate Until They’re Gone - Make it stand out Look at that glorious water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633698366068-LFRKRPSE2H07K8DW5EG9/63850_483691021270_2080154_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Things You Don’t Appreciate Until They’re Gone - Make it stand out Me on my hotel balcony in Paris with a chocolate bar. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/9/30/friendship monthly 0.5 2021-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633036256778-W33ADZZQ5BCEYQLNOA34/me+and+courtney.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's a best friend? - Make it stand out Courtney standing next to me at a birthday party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633036386780-D9LEXT19IGY3PUKWNFL2/tiny+monsters.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's a best friend? - Make it stand out As you can see, I’m obviously a tiger, not a human. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633036318213-HNRGYQZTCQ89612WMBST/me+and+natasha+at+12.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's a best friend? - Make it stand out Me on the left and Natasha on the right at around age twelve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633036636054-IVSB19AQF37PU72QUQRO/Me+and+Charles+on+Halloween.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's a best friend? - Make it stand out Me and Charles at a party. I’m pretty sure this was a costume party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1633036775269-01I1VWR44APBENS6AWRX/me+and+Patti.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's a best friend? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/9/23/saving-pippin monthly 0.5 2021-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1632431742661-VBU13HFAQRS0LSL23D1H/first+photo+with+Pippin.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Saving Pippin - Make it stand out I had to grab one right after we caught him! At the time I didn’t realize he was going to become part of Patti’s family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1632432085604-6YVKPPOAIJD1AMW2WV8Y/pippin+in+box.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Saving Pippin - Make it stand out Pippin purring in a box. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1632432355838-QUE69KZ5Z00B1E3VOFHW/pippin+and+patch.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Saving Pippin - Make it stand out Pippin with Patch. Photo by Patti. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/9/16/being-happy-inside-your-own-head monthly 0.5 2021-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1631827695828-LZMPXXD6Z9XAZ0NSZ6MF/alabama+sunrise+over+field.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Being Happy Inside Your Own Head - Make it stand out Sunrise during a vacation run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1631828082924-AQ9V0X5XSWGGPD9F5P5W/Christmas+Books.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Being Happy Inside Your Own Head - Make it stand out My Christmas haul. I’ll let you guess the books that lit the fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1631827899076-JGIJKUTSMEBIU4DWEUEO/inigo+montoya.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Being Happy Inside Your Own Head - Make it stand out Might have to break out the Inigo Montoya costume again this year. I really hope one day Mandy Patinkin sees me on social media and tells me how amazing my costume is. Then we become friends and hang out. (Fun daydream!!) https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/9/9/the-joy-of-being-terrible monthly 0.5 2021-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1631217219507-0JD3YKY5KGBOH9CN3RG3/missing+at+volleyball.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Joy of being Terrible - Make it stand out Me, completely missing the ball during my first ever volleyball game. (Photo by Dean.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1631217407389-T2LAKD77RELPIAV0BQ0Y/missing+the+ball+again.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Joy of being Terrible - Make it stand out Me. Missing another ball. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1631217298311-K27Q3HBXTZLJWKJSFRXV/finally+a+decent+serve.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Joy of being Terrible - Make it stand out My first serve that actually connected. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/9/2/traveling-with-cats monthly 0.5 2021-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1630613071768-1MPUP91BPI19O8E5HTPI/Jake+in+cara.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Traveling with cats - Make it stand out Jake was a jet setter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1630613116680-ZW0WHG25OG1OR6VBM4LI/Jake+on+the+stairs.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Traveling with cats - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1630613030654-T92R0FQ1QRZC050GRIZQ/Cloud+in+repaired+carrier.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Traveling with cats - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/8/26/getting-out-in-spite-of-myself monthly 0.5 2021-08-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1630012781647-4YFNX99BO3QF50URW70T/IMG-2762.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Getting out in spite of myself - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1630012647499-SGOUZE9RN5O596WQ6EDX/30855.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Getting out in spite of myself - Make it stand out The night before, I made a power playlist to get me pumped up to leave the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1630012516933-VNFD3AW3X9A1YK15VR3W/240440790_10159313390056271_6651386172843414638_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Getting out in spite of myself - Make it stand out Look at us having a good time! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/8/19/changing-careers-by-the-decade monthly 0.5 2021-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629408021684-3DZ6XDIZLELSR4273Y1P/FullSizeRender.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Changing careers by the decade - Make it stand out I think I was thirteen here? I didn’t know what a bar was, really, but I knew I could play piano in one and make money. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629409334247-2F1PU62ZVUX9T0250B40/Djing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Changing careers by the decade - Make it stand out Being a DJ was fun and I made awesome friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629409989523-1QEJMNYVTQEXALVRS4MM/fighting+in+Paris.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Changing careers by the decade - Make it stand out There were those two years I got to fight in Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629410667504-JP0KOVSHH7IFWZSDY7DZ/Fight-Cyrano-House-Theatre-Chicago_thumb.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Changing careers by the decade - Make it stand out I met some awesome people doing theatre also. And lots of fighting with swords. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629410929350-PBFC31WGF0ZM2FBG4MYR/Urban+Boubon+Finish.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Changing careers by the decade - Make it stand out Glad I did marathons and half marathons while I could, because it might be a while before my hip is capable of training for one again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629410828162-WUWLJNZQ6LL47PC883HL/10989426_10153900587516271_559799626662018337_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Changing careers by the decade - Make it stand out Riding horses in the Caribbean Sea was fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1629411394261-OPZB7I99FM0GYW9D371P/233498845_10159298982941271_1715832825366404715_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Changing careers by the decade - Make it stand out Who knows? Maybe I will get to be a pirate someday… https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/8/13/making-friends-in-the-cautious-20s monthly 0.5 2021-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628861869617-8EAP5WQOJL23GXRE0MXI/pool+time+with+2019+friends.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Making friends in the cautious 20s - Make it stand out Ahhh, 2019, when you just made friends in the pool like the other kids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628861491273-3FHUN8WWKOPDKU2V5PM8/writing+friends.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Making friends in the cautious 20s - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628861933081-ISQEN7OD5PTRY4K30CQM/dean+eating+muffin.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Making friends in the cautious 20s - Make it stand out Dean chilling at the lemonade stand. (Photo by Melissa.) https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/8/5/just-because-you-can-doesnt-mean-you-should monthly 0.5 2021-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628217042651-9257NRPAUQ0EHJBUCRDW/A2B697B4-5773-4EDD-9113-F46ACE8AD586.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Just because you can, doesn't mean you should - Make it stand out These… are not all of them. They were just the prettiest. And most accessible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628217193094-9ICGRV3NXPMXHIBQOA0B/IMG-2503.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Just because you can, doesn't mean you should - Make it stand out People wonder how I get up at 5am every day. Honestly, it’s my favorite part of the day. No one needs anything from me. I don’t owe anyone anything. Even if I go to bed late, I get up at 5. This is my time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628217344150-727HBRFEBWXHUL7Q1GBF/8f6a9b54-5838-440b-8217-51001822b4c9.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Just because you can, doesn't mean you should - Make it stand out Dean sharing fries with me after I finished physical therapy on Thursday night. Sometimes it does help to throw food at me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1628217437877-8VABL2IM2NOB222O82XC/IMG-2475.PNG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Just because you can, doesn't mean you should - Make it stand out Now if only I could blow things up whenever I’d had a bad day. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/7/30/letting-your-spouse-be-themselves monthly 0.5 2021-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627652902413-ND27RS5NDAIWZXS3JOA5/me+and+dean+with+cats.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Being ourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627652976650-PV0H225KR4QYP9MWHK0A/me+and+dean+after+virtual+race.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Every once in a while he’ll do a virtual race with me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627653142753-KUDTVB2Q6WH49SLOUL16/engagement+night.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627652739727-LNITPJU9ZVZ539PZJFOS/aang+and+dean.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Dean teaching Aang the finer points of old school Nintendo games. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627653245923-237AFJWTKERPUC2NEATY/me+and+dean+at+Edith%27s.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627653392038-L4HZWD78MNG79MC77OJ2/me+and+dean+on+a+boat.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627653425833-FJ8PWOIM3XQ8E3ZZ9TKN/6th+wedding+anniversary.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627653469635-0Q45SETWHM0D37CGC7PF/me+and+dean+with+bikes.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627653500150-GMQA222TZTFQSXI8SB68/wedding+fight.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting your spouse be themselves - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/7/23/the-return-to-the-office-or-not monthly 0.5 2021-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627051672317-Y5ID8KQ42I06GMZBGF2Z/at+lifestart.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The return to the office, or not... - Make it stand out Managing a very empty fitness center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627051717553-WOIF8ENT8SBUJUKLF0NO/teaching+kickboxing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The return to the office, or not... - Make it stand out Teaching a kickboxing class downtown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627050889784-QEGSLZQKNGTPWX6VO0RH/Dean+at+work.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The return to the office, or not... - Make it stand out The face Dean makes when he misses kittens, undoubtedly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627051130782-R7L3W13XK6TKTRAVH392/Dean+with+Aang.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The return to the office, or not... - Make it stand out Dean getting his fill of kitten time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1627051893665-G6IUX7AY86VI5N0R5IQY/aang+sleeping+on+my+desk.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The return to the office, or not... - Make it stand out As you can see, I am inundated with kitten time. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/7/16/reading-out-of-your-comfort-zone monthly 0.5 2021-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1626446007090-MTEJA0OTLGB8KFP02K7H/IMG-2281.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Reading out of your comfort zone - Make it stand out A picture I took for our work social media of the two books I’m reading/listening to currently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1626446157211-TTGHHHPOCK0Y0XE2MYP1/IMG-1698.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Reading out of your comfort zone - Make it stand out Some of my more typical types of reads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1626446944854-IJUVILFQL2G2EN8D7Z00/reading+with+aang.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Reading out of your comfort zone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/7/9/packages-of-joy monthly 0.5 2021-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625839760038-TZEH31C7QWVBW3QMAJSF/Patti+and+Puppy+Patch.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out Photo courtesy of Patti Moore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625839832015-GL5SX1RZIZW6LE56RCQR/Denali.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out Photo courtesy of Christina Ross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625839986948-DKA5YOUPZA52JKL01KSO/Michelle+and+Kahlo.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out A polaroid taken right after Michelle officially bought Kahlo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625840202501-P9FGVOX7S1L9J50DA2Q9/Hudson.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out Photo courtesy of Mark Daniel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625840301483-CIC69BWNL0NCIID3VY4J/Dean+with+Aang+and+Cloud+Kittens.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625840459360-ZDPVFTJTJ1NZB6ANTEM7/Pants+in+toys.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out You’d never have guessed that this kitten survived two wheel wells in one night. Photo courtesy of Rachel Cason. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625841148415-G3WGKFMRRAQ5KSYEY4R3/kahlo+wedding.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625840684938-9TQ4D5O1DF5UO1SU0MVT/Lassie%27s+first+photo.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out Lassie’s first photo with her new family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625841300240-6SABL8PP2P4QOBFI6W49/hugging+kitten.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Packages of Joy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/7/1/santosha-appreciation-for-the-present monthly 0.5 2021-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625184598014-64RLEXVEJB00OPMJRZ65/adventure+park+me+and+dean.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Santosha; appreciation for the present - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625184669044-TZYOONY3FIUBGQ80G2M6/adventure+park+posts.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Santosha; appreciation for the present - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1625184703320-A3TCPFIC3O7T5W864BPU/adventure+park+ropes.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Santosha; appreciation for the present - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/6/24/give-yourself-a-pass monthly 0.5 2021-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1624630440248-3JMDMIVQZB3FDJQT8B6Y/public.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Give Yourself A Pass https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/6/17/worst-cast-scenario monthly 0.5 2021-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1623980487389-VJJCJ0PCDOJ7LR79F1TQ/21414597_10155526524386271_6963710846269817375_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Worst Case Scenario - Make it stand out Me and Dean. NOT at a work event. Just a Sox game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1623979461918-1MFO3GUENBCX5XM0DRVD/aang+in+collapse.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Worst Case Scenario - Make it stand out I don’t have any pictures, but I imagine this is what I must have looked like. Only not lying on a nice blanket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1623979569458-OZL1PB9PJXEEL1DDUDXZ/sunrise.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Worst Case Scenario - Make it stand out The beautiful dawn from today’s ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1623979676701-4LK4TANAQ1YGEJTPXOZZ/Cloudy+waits.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Worst Case Scenario - Make it stand out Cloud always waits in this window until I get back from my run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1623979786471-45W0F7JJYH0H693S51GL/lambs+at+sunrise.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Worst Case Scenario - Make it stand out Lambs seen on a sunrise run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1623979833370-GWEIKQ0D0E0SOIRO1T4Q/sunrise+on+trail.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Worst Case Scenario - Make it stand out Hoping for many more gorgeous sunrises. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/6/11/the-socialization-muscle monthly 0.5 2021-06-11 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/6/3/the-decision-to-remain-childless monthly 0.5 2021-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622772901457-VAMXOGCM4FIJRE0RNBGO/big+wheel.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Decision to Remain Childless - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622773535518-ODHAOVFXV58W3508B2LM/Aunt+Mere.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Decision to Remain Childless - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622773628808-D9TB2PBL0GSTGPLL1H8U/newly+met.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Decision to Remain Childless - Make it stand out Look at these kids who just started dating. And had already discussed the not having children in the future. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/5/28/4qte1s1idzyx6ol3i847d9hwmxza8a monthly 0.5 2021-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622211891617-S3S83JZOY4JVTAT3JBOS/23andMe+chart.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Genetics and Personality - Make it stand out This is my 23andMe health chart. The macular degeneration is bothersome, but not surprising as my grandma suffered from it in her 90s. But from what I’ve looked at, my current diet is helpful. Hopefully they’ll have some new treatments for it by the time I need them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622212429820-EFJOBB8TGIOHHPOCAVOW/holding+a+muffin.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Genetics and Personality - Make it stand out Yay! Carbs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622212082495-3DWH3C8FLEWVJVBC4DLU/champagne+opening.PNG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Genetics and Personality - Make it stand out Having trouble opening that champagne? There’s always the edge of your shirt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622212493086-4PNLCMDQHX8FQNDP1RJ0/skinny+me.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Genetics and Personality - Make it stand out From the first time I knowingly experienced depression. I was just never hungry and lost a ton of weight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622212956084-GD3V5RCMWFQKX59XYZT2/NASM+test.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Genetics and Personality - Make it stand out Right after I passed my NASM CPT test. (On the first try!) I was soooooo relieved and happy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1622213326671-J2NC6UCKPNVBBN83E119/facial.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Genetics and Personality - Make it stand out Besides, facemasks are fun! I love putting one on and then sneaking up on Dean. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/5/20/on-getting-married-late monthly 0.5 2021-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1621604760988-7MVHGAV7BCUO9PHQXRGW/walking+Hedwig.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - On Getting Married 'Late' - Make it stand out Single Meredith. Walking cats and doing what she wants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1621604973610-HNI68J0ODJF7SO1A1IVK/Jeff+and+me.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - On Getting Married 'Late' - Make it stand out That’s not dandruff, it was snowing in Baton Rouge on New Years Eve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1621605200481-F9O0ZWYVSIX0HXSEKZKG/the+leadway.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - On Getting Married 'Late' - Make it stand out I discovered a bar where you could paint for free when I was single. It was one of my favorite places. I think I was grumpy because my painting wasn’t chosen to hang on the wall of the bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1621605374900-VX16QGNQ14S9V4HFC4GD/more+wedding+dancing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - On Getting Married 'Late' - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/5/13/a-year-of-mourning monthly 0.5 2021-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1620957579474-95WHKTBRD9NQ9XU5ZHJ7/Jake+Muffler.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A Year of Mourning - Make it stand out I wouldn’t have guessed it at the time, but I miss waking up like this. Aang and Cloud stay by our feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1620957178497-NAM47RE67IFEM78NV983/napping+with+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A Year of Mourning - Make it stand out This was in my Facebook memories from a year ago the day I write this. No other cat I’ve lived with has ever napped with me this way. Jake and I did it all the time. They were the best naps. Photo by Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1620957777783-N0RRFBHKTAHUZ8G30TMX/hugging+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A Year of Mourning - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/5/6/a-time-of-transition monthly 0.5 2021-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1620353149151-DLVR2RRBNTHQ8Z4J233M/Beltane+celebrations.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A Time of Transition Look, I’m wearing green. She’s wearing flowers. TRADITION. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1620353362533-LEEINSSTNG6MQS8XZAOY/fire+starters.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A Time of Transition Sometimes you need to set it all on fire and start again. (Literally just realized what I said. Pun about our house fire not intended.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1620353247767-MDRVW3H082GC10LCG86X/flower+chains.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A Time of Transition Photo by Patti https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/4/29/the-dissipation-of-the-mental-load monthly 0.5 2021-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1619747821921-ZHYIJM3I0GQ9U20LSW7O/6th+anniversary.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Dissipation of the Mental Load https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1619747189529-B51PFDNTDVXQO0L1BRWA/New+Years+Eve.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Dissipation of the Mental Load So destructive. It’s like we have dogs that are able to climb things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1619748034645-92PF4LNOMYYWWGMYM7SF/cheers+to+homeownership.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Dissipation of the Mental Load https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/4/22/earning-enjoyment monthly 0.5 2021-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1619136299030-TL8U3KOFXWPDUOW69FCF/beever1565.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Earning Enjoyment Six years ago. Feels like more and less at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1619136629535-8A89CR7AR38NJLRULAGG/reading.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Earning Enjoyment One my favorite things to do in nice weather now is to read on my porch. If it’s a weekend, with a glass of wine and some cheese. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/4/15/creative-muscle monthly 0.5 2021-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1618524111276-YQTZIAV0SIHG056RBSQQ/Urban+Boubon+Finish.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Creative Muscle Like this, see? I had almost pulled my tongue back in. I had also PR’d my first half marathon with hills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1618524207330-W25J50TQ75BZWKOPJAXS/demo3.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Creative Muscle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1618524280397-25B70H9LMJU9JMI1GENI/Aang+at+computer1.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Creative Muscle Aang has been very helpful in providing writing inspiration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1618524494779-2Y82DB9D765N4B7N2LZN/Sunrise+Spring+Run.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Creative Muscle Seeing the sunrise during my morning runs is one of my favorite things. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/4/8/when-i-was-a-kid-i-hated-pe monthly 0.5 2021-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617931674488-LQRCHFYM5E4VSHMMOBDT/art+award.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - When I was a kid, I hated P.E. I also hated prints, loud colors, hairspray and anything with a waistband. The early 90s were not kind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617932762554-31MP2C89GTB2FIMBFAAK/social+studies+fair.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - When I was a kid, I hated P.E. I made it to the state social studies fair when I was in fifth grade. It was all about horse racing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617932828037-TXN6XN75DQQZ8RBYP96I/jr+high+track.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - When I was a kid, I hated P.E. This is from when I finally made the track team in 8th grade. They always put me last in the relay because I would kill myself to pass whoever was in front of me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617935322030-D9TNFVR5D0XPRIG3EP3I/Meredith2.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - When I was a kid, I hated P.E. This is what I was wearing when she told me I needed better arms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617934876916-IFLLBYY4PECITVPJ1IX6/Soldier+Field+10+2018.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - When I was a kid, I hated P.E. I had taken a month off running, doctor’s orders, before this race. (Which I was experimentally cleared to run.) I hated how I looked and felt here. I forced my hands up, the smile, pulled in my stomach, for the photo, knowing that things weren’t going as planned with my leg. This was only the beginning of a season-long hiatus from running. (Also, I wasn’t used to running without my shirt, it was tucked into my bra behind.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617935667822-X5WIR49F7LDK8J757VRJ/dancing+with+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - When I was a kid, I hated P.E. I was probably at my most out of shape here. The pandemic was two months in. I had just moved. We had just recovered from a tornado. I had been laid off of three jobs. Furloughed from one and then brought back on five days later and my 16 year old cat, whom I had lived with since he was 4 months old, was dying. I still ran every day, but I would break down sobbing in the middle of my runs. I was still lifting weights three times a week and trying desperately to host online fitness classes to make up for the loss of income. I still weighed more than ever because of the stress and lack of sleep. You just never know. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/4/1/its-the-little-things monthly 0.5 2021-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617371512359-CUOD911Y9PP8XXET1FW1/Aang+in+cat+tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's the Little Things https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1617371542955-3BTADJ9UYKU64FX186PW/playing+in+the+cat+tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It's the Little Things https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/3/25/this-is-how-your-middlelow-income-friends-are-using-their-stimulus-money monthly 0.5 2021-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1616724709769-7MMAOC538A1SH4ETD663/Stimulus+money+discussion.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - This is how your middle/low income friends are using their stimulus money. Dean and I use Whatsapp when we’re working. It’s just easier as I don’t like to look at my phone when I’m on the computer. This is us discussing plumbers and things that are breaking around the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1616725688949-I1M9MY2FTGFRVG2DQX03/back+porch.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - This is how your middle/low income friends are using their stimulus money. They’re good chairs. They have been stained about ten times. One is warping and all the anchors I put in place aren’t going to change the shape of the wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1616725982915-ZTZL6HM911LYVMD4AZJK/Kittens+in+vests.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - This is how your middle/low income friends are using their stimulus money. We regret nothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1616726496134-IBFOHDP179EGAKS6LRA9/Working+out+together.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - This is how your middle/low income friends are using their stimulus money. One of our first workouts together, during the Snowmaggedon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1616727178046-FGE0DNIT7LGHG8QGUV3N/worshiping+the+sunset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - This is how your middle/low income friends are using their stimulus money. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/3/18/anniversary-dread monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1616104094343-Y7LZQ8YS623GQT2V418E/40th+birthday.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Anniversary Dread My last birthday living in Chicago. This was snapped by Meredith Ernst after I successfully blew out 40 candles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1616103919758-VXFWCZPKZ3SIQTWIQARH/First+Covid+Shot.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Anniversary Dread https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1616104297272-3XRPSP4ISE6SBPF5DDOE/public.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Anniversary Dread Sitting outside with Cloud on my birthday, but you can see my jaw really well also, so I thought it worked. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/3/11/re-learning-normal monthly 0.5 2021-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1615500712290-D0TMLZ87H1EEK3JQN4L6/Outdoor+Birthday.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Re-Learning 'Normal' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1615500873232-2T6CST6DRF9RUWZWKQMM/Party+Food.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Re-Learning 'Normal' Plastic wrapped utensils, saved from deliveries that had never been used, unique choices of glasses so no one would ‘lose’ theirs, glass plates to hold snacks to bring back to your area for safe, distanced consumption. I really had a blast bringing out the serving items. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1615501253200-K5XKE7SUVJWWJWKSGP56/Champagne+with+fire+pit.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Re-Learning 'Normal' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1615501365268-WCZDAOY3WVU0GZF32BBQ/Me+with+gift.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Re-Learning 'Normal' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1615501494831-O7N0CX3MQ2910XVQN60K/Haley+with+Cloud.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Re-Learning 'Normal' This was the first time in over a year that I had seen Haley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1615501618144-ZUFURYN2VSN30YL7IJSR/Aang+with+gift.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Re-Learning 'Normal' Aang helped me wrap. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/3/5/chitown-memories-two-years-later monthly 0.5 2021-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614956894246-C8H0RXCC3D557KEK0SO9/Chicago.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later Yes, I took this picture. Thank you, I like it too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614957374867-WAWC7FK1GTCA8XCMX7GN/Cyrano+Hats.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later That’s me on the bottom left. Charles took this photo from the balcony in the audience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614957563676-B0S0S37Y2MYTQA7DQAG9/Black+belt+ceremony.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later This was taken during a black belt ceremony. We were required to perform demos each time we were promoted up a belt level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614958158365-G7YDVUWXZEMU219526OX/Lyons+Family.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later A rare picture of all of us. This was taken by Dean the first time I brought him down south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614958340820-7ATOHLIURE13ME5TBJCH/leaving+the+condo.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614958391360-TJSJB0WLBPVFJYS41B2E/Glamorous+final+Chicago+night.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614959108516-P30T0TWU5TMD6USY9V7M/upside+down+kiss+%282%29.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later Engagement photo, taken by our friend Leigh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614959375737-IMT648K6R6KNT4XVWQZ4/snuggly+jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614959444084-QPTIVA8UKF3ACATHCUXL/Sears+Tower+at+sunset.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ChiTown Memories ~ Two Years Later And it will always be the Sears Tower. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/2/25/why-were-all-in-this-together-isnt-always-better monthly 0.5 2021-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614352434639-KYRTNK238ZHZ4SQT06FM/Cloud+in+the+storm.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why "we're all in this together" isn't always better. Dean walking Cloud during the snowstorm. The kittens actually enjoyed the snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1614352488360-23H422HU4FNY44X6T0MR/Aang+and+Dean+in+hotel.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why "we're all in this together" isn't always better. Aang and Dean in a hotel on the way to Dean’s family for Christmas. We agonized over every aspect of the trip. Calling hotels to determine their safety measures, checking with family members to be sure they really wanted us to come, and dealing with the general stressors that come with holiday travel and kittens that hate cars. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/2/18/snowed-in monthly 0.5 2021-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613694773190-EWB4R0SMSVX7RLUGDN65/Bambi+In+Snow.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Snowed In This image is completely owned by Disney. Have you ever seen Bambi? Very little dialogue, wonderful musical score, including the use of silence and of course, breathtaking art. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613695599145-S7G519WQLUK2YRTYOM4J/snowy+bike.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Snowed In My bike, complete with Bar Mitts, covered in snow after a ride home one night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613695717494-20G62DODJ7A2HTUAWX2M/Blizzard+Meredith.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Snowed In Me going to meet a friend during a blizzard in Chicago in 2011. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613696166258-L8QZN2ZKRTAUG7MG7LCI/driving+in+pretty+snow.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Snowed In The trees were just beginning to get glazed over as we drove home on Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613696005813-X9282VOB3M5XNXUMWQI8/Aang+in+Snow.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Snowed In I like to call this one “What Is this Stuff?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613696405120-CP1QK13ZAB0RT2DOHW17/yak+trax.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Snowed In Yak Trax post run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613696482474-UIPLLJXDA9V9NHHEQKW6/snowy+river.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Snowed In https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/2/10/fifty-years-ago monthly 0.5 2021-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613058207803-O7D5F3GT6KFV9ZRQ8PO8/IMG-9335.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Fifty Years Ago https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613058247592-XOL5YVQVNGGM8EBU6NR4/IMG-9337.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Fifty Years Ago Here’s the bar that my parents owned before I was even thought of. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613134239582-XBSFCX4E9CVJ62FOODEA/anni3.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Fifty Years Ago From their honeymoon six months after their wedding. My dad was passing through the airport for work and saw a sign that advertised a trip to Jamaica for a cheap price and grabbed the tickets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1613134339238-181JOFFV058395J32EAP/anni2.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Fifty Years Ago https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/2/4/change-adaptation-and-growth monthly 0.5 2021-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1612491393971-WZV8KAIPEHJX7KMPZ1Z4/hit+by+a+car.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Change, adaptation and growth The time I was hit by a car and the driver didn’t stop to see if I survived. I did, but. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1612492177294-O9YL1KPU5YGZNOZRNYUW/october+show.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Change, adaptation and growth This was not the biggest show I did in Chicago, but it was definitely one of my favorites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1612491652779-OL7V8YTQ3T9HUS6450G3/Goodbye+Chicago.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Change, adaptation and growth I left Chicago two years ago on February 28th. I still have moments in Nashville where I realize, in a wide-eyed, wondrous kind of way, “we live here now” because we had planned it for so long and it took so much. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/1/28/friendships-why-and-wherefore monthly 0.5 2021-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1611889638119-LYO0CW75RAT2KHDHHI9H/pool+time+with+2019+friends.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Friendships. Why and wherefore? Some of my first friends in Nashville. Not all of whom ended up sticking around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1611889726022-BQD2EO8NI7DFCOPG2ZCF/me+charles+and+natasha.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Friendships. Why and wherefore? I know I’m not getting rid of these two. Invest in Scorpios if you can. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1611889789579-M0442K7BDB6EFMNL14OM/me+and+lindsey.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Friendships. Why and wherefore? Lindsey was my best friend in England. She was the only one who checked on me when I hadn’t emerged from my room in three days. She stood by me when I was attacked by other people. She and I planned an entire Mardi Gras ball together. And we made money. (Ten pounds each, but hey!) I got to see her once more when I went back to visit after finding her through LinkedIn and since then I’ve lost touch. I truly miss her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1611890000003-7ZFVC9H41P457O5K88TE/best+play+in+chicago.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Friendships. Why and wherefore? This was an awesome play. I genuinely enjoyed everyone in it. I’m still Facebook friends with most of these people. One or two of them interact with me more personally occasionally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1611890209465-S9YUEG5RBXLG7LC5JL02/young+brandon+and+meredith.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Friendships. Why and wherefore? Brandon was my best friend once. We moved from Louisiana to Chicago together. He always made stupid faces in photos. But I have no idea where he is anymore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1611890939862-80U29PQA1896TYQ5WLMD/me+and+kevin.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Friendships. Why and wherefore? This jagoff will always be my friend. I can’t get on the phone with him unless we both have two hours to spare. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/1/21/the-inauguration-my-thoughts monthly 0.5 2021-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1611267281033-8YSDCME2FCMHTVW7Q55O/kamala.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Inauguration - My Feelings I took a short, two-second video of my computer screen to put in my ‘one second a day’ diary. So the only photos I have are stills from this. I did make sure that both of them were in my short video. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1611267406697-QE4AUYX53ZRU2ZJP51IE/BIden.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Inauguration - My Feelings https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/1/15/lets-talk-about-boobs monthly 0.5 2023-05-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610723158387-GEHIYHZG8B5R7T3P7W5F/track+in+the+90s.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let’s talk about boobs. In high school and junior high I hid under enormously large t-shirts. Luckily, it was the 90s and grunge was in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610723922252-A44LU40A45VM76QX3FC3/skinny+me.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let’s talk about boobs. Me in my skinniest phase. I don’t have a ton of pictures from the big phase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610724045489-OU6U1QWMCCARMO79SG5Z/demo5.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let’s talk about boobs. Me during a demo at a black belt ceremony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610724215333-VMBTZ7GC5OT5GHR7JPI2/Me+and+Cloud.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let’s talk about boobs. Me with Cloud this summer wearing a strapless bra that I’ve been unable to wear in recent days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610724539950-QZUH5AW8BSN0EMDPV5BY/weights+with+aan.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Let’s talk about boobs. Me, trying to lift weights around the cat on Monday, busting out of a full coverage sports bra. (Today it fits fine.) https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/1/7/jason-my-first-friend monthly 0.5 2021-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610073804849-ZHYUCHM05EFLPFRSSKYM/Dads+and+Kids.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jason. My first friend. Me and my dad on the left, Jason, smiling, and his dad on the right. Circa look at those late 70s dos! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610074064816-RQPZRQBR1BEVIZYMDCI5/Aunt+Shari+with+Me+and+Jason.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jason. My first friend. My Aunt Shari, introducing Jason (walker) to me (whom she’s holding, obviously having the vapors. Both of us sticking our tongues out in a moment of cousinly solidarity.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610072085921-M7EGDV145ETAZK6PUKM0/OG+Cousins.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jason. My first friend. The Original Cousins. Pre Termite. (See that bucket in the background there? Between Michelle and Jeremy’s feet? It’s on a pulley. Cool, right? We once told Jeremy to get in the bucket and we would lower him down like an elevator. We meant it honestly. But … we weren’t strong enough, the rope burnt our hands and we all let go and Jeremy smashed to the ground in a hail of tears. Sorry, Jerm.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610072390949-K2OA929XNI91N2TVCP50/Cousins+on+the+boat.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jason. My first friend. I mean, she’s alright once you get to know her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610072993680-YCBAHEL9KOCWMV4ER1NO/Pile+o+Cousin.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jason. My first friend. This is one of my favorite pictures ever. I think my mom took it. I have had it framed for so long I can’t remember. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610074580214-IBRPWD40L8IDA3FS5AAL/Jason+Football.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jason. My first friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610074461446-F7RUGS71HY4LYG1BOPSF/Rich+Kids.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jason. My first friend. Photo courtesy of Jessica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1610074381317-SRYOJJIUBARMHJN6D7FO/last+time+with+Jason.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jason. My first friend. The last time we ever saw each other. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2021/1/1/a-little-stress-to-end-the-year-on-a-bright-spot monthly 0.5 2021-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1609515597153-4E0V1Z9ZM77P0GTC4YT9/New+Years+Eve.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A little stress to end the year on a bright spot. This is our family New Years Eve photo, which I think is incredibly appropriate for the end of 2020. Also, I don’t have any pictures of me with a headache. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1609515885030-NYFU0XRVWHEV9A9TCUI6/aang+in+the+tree+again.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A little stress to end the year on a bright spot. They will not rest until every ornament is down. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/12/24/earning-the-right-to-relax monthly 0.5 2020-12-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1608843215540-FGUKO2IPX5PNCAIDGXHP/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Earning the right to relax Aang is not a chill traveler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1608843264813-VFJIR52PXY6M0IZG80FQ/making+cookies.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Earning the right to relax I didn’t want to arrive empty handed, so I found time to make ginger bread cookies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1608843802558-YBDSWROOSDAH42POXF7J/climbing+a+tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Earning the right to relax A picture I took of picking persimmons that one time I took advantage of a cheap flight to see my family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1608843916704-70ICKIUC5MHU0UQ0NRQW/Aang+at+rest.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Earning the right to relax https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/12/17/body-image-issues monthly 0.5 2020-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1608303749074-YAZD6RCN27ASJBTWYG4J/black+and+white+running.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Body Image Issues You wouldn’t know if from the picture, but I felt terrible about how I looked at this time. I was under a lot of stress. I had just moved across the country, been through a house fire and I was studying for two certifications (sitting a lot). I had about five pounds that wouldn’t move. It’s amazing how much it affected my mental image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1608303489711-8T61X5JOZBXVN2VYYEZT/kittens+hugging+in+bed.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Body Image Issues How can you not find them both adorable? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/12/11/a-very-snarky-christmas monthly 0.5 2020-12-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1607701188706-3LCVH7P8GH3QT8W3KQ3L/aang+with+tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A very snarky Christmas. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/12/3/finding-joy-in-the-little-things monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1607047182614-W7VRR9UR0K68HBJESD80/decorated+house.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Little Things I was so happy to be able to decorate my house even a little bit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1607047746530-9AC2PT00OHPCFV1MN71U/kittens+wrapping+gifts.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Little Things https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1607047525430-CILKCGOEB05T2OMPI0NB/kittens+first+bed.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Joy in the Little Things https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/11/27/5i2hs2ilg4quuxrno15tts35d6tpim monthly 0.5 2020-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1606492697265-1NS54CL3K4VATSX0TYJY/126908970_10158686663191271_2206837059291772057_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Negative Thanksgiving 2020 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/11/19/two-different-worlds-employment-v-exposure monthly 0.5 2020-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605834664692-GTJBHDIFMNOXKVCA2V9W/IMG_0234.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Two Different Worlds: Employment v. Exposure We had just decorated the tree behind us for the first time together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605835357257-TQ7STP70BBC1A7VQL3ZW/Cookie+making+in+Peoria.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Two Different Worlds: Employment v. Exposure The year I made my mom’s cookie recipe at Dean’s parents’ for Christmas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605837029709-06JI7MC11K1JAWB7RJNK/acro+yoga+with+amanda.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Two Different Worlds: Employment v. Exposure Doing acro-yoga with a student in the Before Times. I cannot wait until we can be hands on again. I really do love teaching. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/11/12/being-a-creative-in-covid monthly 0.5 2020-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605238599445-XKBQROMOUYFSJP8XR667/art+award.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Being a Creative in Covid I think I was bummed about only getting third place here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605239265147-BSVHOZDJPXG9O8XO2WV1/martial+arts+dancing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Being a Creative in Covid I like conventional dancing too, but this is more my speed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605240695080-E8VV0Z64NQI1SPYKGEDA/writing+in+bikini.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Being a Creative in Covid Several years ago, writing articles while on vacation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1605240906038-N6FIK8291YH9AKY27G76/pizza+art.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Being a Creative in Covid Cooking is one of my favorite forms of creative expression lately! (Obviously this is a few years ago. I was really proud of that pizza.) https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/11/5/finding-hope monthly 0.5 2020-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1604620694335-TPCA0DVCU8J194K6YC0D/i+voted.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding Hope Voting itself is an expression of hope. And there was a record breaking turnout this election. At least 159.8 million people. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/10/29/hooray-hooray-im-your-silver-lining monthly 0.5 2020-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1604015595777-POZ1JQPQYPI3KGLWWOSD/neighbor3.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hooray, Hooray, I'm your silver lining This is actually from Katrina. But I strongly prefer to use photos that I’ve taken. And it illustrates the hurricane point. Mentally and literally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1604016356874-77DNSEL7MRZFTWFSZKY2/aang+and+dean.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hooray, Hooray, I'm your silver lining A picture of Aang and Dean about three months ago because I can. Aang has doubled in size since. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1604016040748-E3IWR5Z7QRKEYYCHEFPA/wet+dean.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hooray, Hooray, I'm your silver lining Finishing his run! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/10/22/yes-death-concerns-me-but-so-do-aspects-of-survival monthly 0.5 2020-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1603401387740-WJSII21T5B24L1BW4UTC/winning.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Yes, death concerns me, but so do aspects of survival Me collecting an award after a race (2019) being all ‘young’ and ‘healthy.’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1603401659803-Y6OPGGA3PKIUAHBO28FA/sick.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Yes, death concerns me, but so do aspects of survival This is the last time I was sick. I had the stomach flu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1603401462324-K2DL7KWT882653Q9M56D/12705703_10153852179671271_4985196424592768683_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Yes, death concerns me, but so do aspects of survival I went snorkeling with sea turtles on our honeymoon. This is the most I will do. No scuba diving. No space travel. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/10/15/what-a-woman-should-expect monthly 0.5 2020-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1602797408396-KMPYQUYQ1QV4FW8VB13V/Lisa+Loeb.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a woman should expect. Me in England. Probably because of what I was wearing I was ‘asking for it’ right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1602797310078-P76M22NIRN9BFTLJAK0W/JLB2.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a woman should expect. I don’t really have a lot to illustrate this one. Since we’re talking about rear-ends, here’s a photo where you can see my butt in action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1602797621649-RA1JRTWZFFICW6M1YQ6U/autumn+sunrise+in+nashville.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a woman should expect. Sun coming up at the end of a morning run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1602797763223-2IS8IW4XJUC7X2D9XAJO/biking+to+vote.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a woman should expect. Me. Commuting by bicycle on Wednesday. I arrived to all destinations safely. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/10/8/when-i-was-a-little-girl-i-hated-dolls monthly 0.5 2020-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1602182302972-XWL3SRX53JVNYQZJZ4XH/me+grooming+cash.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - When I was a little girl, I hated dolls. Prepping for my first horse show. A rare moment in jeans with a tucked in shirt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1602182394711-61YVRCM880XXHUZEXXSD/no+room+for+barbie.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - When I was a little girl, I hated dolls. I see no room for Barbie here. Do you see room for Barbie? I thought not. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/10/1/heading-into-a-spiral-anyone-want-anything monthly 0.5 2020-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1601582608954-AIXXS1H2PF5VDE6HJQ6I/firework+shot.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Heading into a spiral. Anyone want anything? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1601582642922-1D7JCJOTKIICO3BRHO34/garden+veggies.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Heading into a spiral. Anyone want anything? Garden veggies! Paying attention to health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1601582774104-BKMNOMLS6K94CY3ZQ5MU/clouds+in+my+hair.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Heading into a spiral. Anyone want anything? Cloud really loves being in my hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1601581125436-YAM7K1VQTM5GJMGTUBEY/Running+through+a+blizzard.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Heading into a spiral. Anyone want anything? Me. Running through a blizzard in Chicago circa 2011. Illustrating the not giving up thing. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/9/24/looking-back-at-the-future monthly 0.5 2020-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1601040987914-D19731D079ATYPWUYY5H/M-4+IN+CAR.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Looking back at the future I obviously don’t have a lot of pictures of myself at that job, so here’s one of me from around that time period. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1600980850919-IZKIECQ8OQ1P5VEBFG45/DSCN2728.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Looking back at the future I don’t have any pictures of this (I looked) but this table, where the Christmas cookies my mom and I made are, is where I set up my work computer to run payment processes on Christmas Eve and Day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1600980423133-4D7PSH22FZ2GEFIJMDIX/Mocha.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Looking back at the future Here’s me having a mocha in Paris. This is after fighting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1600978707405-I28SCRZAL082F0TROH3I/Mike+at+computer.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Looking back at the future This is a picture of one of my friends at that job. At the time, I was trying to write articles for an online publication about martial arts part time, so he posed for this picture about researching martial arts. This gig did not pay well. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/9/17/lessons-in-loss-material-and-symbolic monthly 0.5 2020-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1600376216984-GU8IG2AANJU8TM97ZOCG/replacement+ID.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Lessons in loss, material and symbolic Here’s me sitting in line to get my new drivers license. I decided I deserved a big coffee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1600375835336-LO59A7RJ0EECHKJIMN2D/Stolen+iPhone.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Lessons in loss, material and symbolic Here’s the map of my phone’s wild ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1600376024641-A08W57W34E1FL29UWL3S/wallet+theif.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Lessons in loss, material and symbolic Here’s the guy who stole my wallet. Taken at 3:36pm. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/9/10/hanging-on-to-pockets-of-light monthly 0.5 2020-09-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1599778529351-AFXMB5ICKV0Q657LEWFX/fire.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hanging on to pockets of light Everything’s still on fire, just on a much larger scale. With less firemen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1599778636293-S7K22C4OM8WA3MWZZQMY/FF073BC2-F036-4BBA-BBDB-39C2C073645B.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hanging on to pockets of light There are steep uphills, that are harder, but they’re over more quickly. I think it’s the long uphills that aren’t really bad, but don’t give you a break for a while that are actually more challenging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1599779100774-T02LTNVLV41QT1G577PE/an+armload+of+kittens.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Hanging on to pockets of light As unflattering as it is, I love this picture. I’m obviously exhausted, but I’m thrilled because I have an armload of kittens. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/9/3/living-in-a-femal-body monthly 0.5 2020-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1599160661828-GKY6XRZ1V9FC8EZE31NR/young+biker.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Living in a female body Remember when you could just wear no shirt, hang with your Care Bear and it was cool? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1599160588392-NCEL99CIKDB9A5AAOAAH/track+in+the+90s.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Living in a female body I’m amazed my enormous shirt never got caught on a hurdle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1599158530322-9O2VISG9U7DZ57VXDOTO/post+biopsy.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Living in a female body I can’t remember if this was right before or right after I was biopsied. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1599161023183-57UHA4WPT4NO02VXJM4I/playing+in+the+pool.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Living in a female body What is the point of a bathing suit if you cannot stand on top of your friends in the pool, I ask you? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/8/27/listen-to-the-mustnts monthly 0.5 2020-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1598557571586-KPKJWLZS3JNU603SUQ00/Friend+Zoom.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Listen to the mustn'ts... A happy Zoom call with friends from three different states! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1598557903816-Q4M0062EZRJFYH56XAVC/biking+the+cumberland.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Listen to the mustn'ts... I’m so happy that I’ve moved. It doesn’t matter that it’s been a bumpy ride. I love it here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1598558400737-WL2ETC0HYG294T8S5A31/kittens+helping.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Listen to the mustn'ts... The kittens always support my writing. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/8/20/practice-makes-better-practice monthly 0.5 2020-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1597945093725-J585EFX88433TIZ7JH87/heart+rate.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Practice makes better practice My heart rate from my last race before the pandemic hit. This is the kind of “uncomfortable challenge” that I’m comfortable with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1597944871090-MI311XFP1BEPMF0HSX73/flying+sidekick.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Practice makes better practice One of the recent photos I took to promote my classes. Not only was I not embarrassed, I actually had a little fun doing it. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/8/13/cycles-and-hormones monthly 0.5 2020-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1597354560851-QBK6FHI8A20DHEKR9ER8/sleeping+with+the+kittens.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Cycles and Hormones Accidentally took a nap that lasted for over an hour. Photo by Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1597354236418-1K5ZMTXA24W0Z27N2HSL/IMG_6523.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Cycles and Hormones https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1597354093294-W76LACP07FC2LEUIM7CD/12705703_10153852179671271_4985196424592768683_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Cycles and Hormones https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/8/6/spirits-and-dreams monthly 0.5 2020-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1596742840802-07HGQ7N22H1EJLXQBSDG/jake+is+with+me.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Spirits and Dreams https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1596742884000-16HDMCE6XC4R2F089IZH/carpet+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Spirits and Dreams https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1596742910853-IHYSIRSTLBVMZZI66S3B/aang+and+cloud+on+window+seat.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Spirits and Dreams https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/7/30/xqe4yg9dl8drm3aro6cfxsbkv8mj7r monthly 0.5 2020-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1596141436469-CALUY2WJLE0UWATNPO49/sunrise+in+st.+maarten.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I want a girl who gets up early… During a sunrise run on our honeymoon. I loved getting out before all the other tourists were awake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1596141633807-OAR9CTSDPS7KUYSXFVO6/snuggly+jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I want a girl who gets up early… He did make it difficult to get out of bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1596142050679-AS2I98CVMKBJ196ET3AB/kits.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I want a girl who gets up early… The kittens got involved in one of my workouts this week. It was adorable. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/7/23/the-influence-of-time monthly 0.5 2020-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1595530572483-L8DW3JTAANG7VP2LVLTX/granda%2C+rita+and+gee+gee.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Influence of Time Grandma with her surviving sisters at the time of my visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1595530679877-7SZG0G3OOL2NL0S4WORM/me+and+mom.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Influence of Time Momma and me. Looks like Mardi Gras a lifetime ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1595530812129-ZPRKN3M1XJNZ80FZNHBT/splice+of+kitties.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Influence of Time The way I’ve spliced these, it looks like Jake is seeing into the future and is very surprised. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/7/16/which-stage-of-grief-are-you-in-select-all-that-apply monthly 0.5 2020-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594996694692-R7U8XU8NLYMQOZE4P5FS/shoot+the+moon.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Which stage of grief are you in? Select all that apply. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594996976357-0JFJRXCVKH5Q8XCO229S/Sleepy+Cloud+and+Aang.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Which stage of grief are you in? Select all that apply. Kittens. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/7/9/aang-and-cloud-and-jake-of-course monthly 0.5 2020-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594328991968-S1ANB870FW4XG9O6JHV9/jake+in+the+window.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Aang and Cloud. And Jake, of course. Jake was a good buddy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594330757538-ZWSDPK9E9ROALKEJWV1K/Jake%27s+complete+shrine.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Aang and Cloud. And Jake, of course. There can never be too many pictures of Jake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594329652829-8HBZK7F9EEDNUCSDHMML/Baby+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Aang and Cloud. And Jake, of course. Jake at 4 months. July 14, 2004, the day I brought him home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594329103347-Z1NBX3AO7NYNRWUPF7JR/Aang+and+Cloud+first+picture.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Aang and Cloud. And Jake, of course. My first picture of Aang and Cloud. 9 weeks old. July 7, 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594330365729-4Y29NR8JONQYM8UO1MLD/Cloud+and+Aang+at+the+window.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Aang and Cloud. And Jake, of course. A rare moment of chill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594330450429-P1RMUIGRYPTT2KK0SPO1/Sitting+with+kittens.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Aang and Cloud. And Jake, of course. Post workout kitty session. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1594329207265-JROYY0CEXECSUAT6VOPO/Jake+and+Aang.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Aang and Cloud. And Jake, of course. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/7/2/the-great-mask-debate-that-never-should-have-been monthly 0.5 2020-07-03 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/6/25/is-there-an-upside-to-anger monthly 0.5 2020-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1593186153232-L08941VWN16YN5J4OFZA/new+tomatoes.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is there an upside to anger? My garden does not make me angry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1593186225390-74RS3PTPPPT0G8UFR4XB/patchy.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is there an upside to anger? Playing with dogs does not make me angry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1593186263646-HVL3SIDDOOO6QP4MJV01/deanandpatch.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is there an upside to anger? My husband does not make me angry. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/6/19/dont-you-just-hate-all-of-this monthly 0.5 2020-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1592578208150-TNTIWI00IEZ4WBLO2MOP/my+hills.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Don't you just hate all of this? My hilly skyline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1592578259315-0ZBZOWEFGITKXNJEP1J2/grandma%27s+note.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Don't you just hate all of this? My aunt has been having a difficult time at work. She flipped open this notebook on a hard day to write something, and was surprised by a note my grandma had left there sometime before she died. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/6/11/finding-your-lane monthly 0.5 2020-06-12 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/6/5/there-is-no-change-without-discomfort monthly 0.5 2020-06-05 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/5/29/adding-injury-to-insult-or-how-i-got-systemic-poison-ivy monthly 0.5 2020-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1590766013253-SCVKNJMWRE4OXUXPNFOB/road+trip.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Adding Injury to Insult, or How I got systemic poison ivy It really feels empty without Jake around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1590765639445-H3MK61EFINR7C7H4N6IW/entry+point.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Adding Injury to Insult, or How I got systemic poison ivy This is what the initial cut looks like now. It was less than a quarter of an inch long when I first discovered it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1590765720123-9KY0YR9BBAOEMPW7WL7E/medicines+galore.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Adding Injury to Insult, or How I got systemic poison ivy I’m trying all of the things. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/5/18/dear-jake monthly 0.5 2020-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589939832072-PN0LP8H3GAQ9B85HY63A/last+night+with+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dear Jake, Our last night snuggling together. Photo by Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589940384048-QT5XNDHFBP2A3L2SG1Q7/Jake+running.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dear Jake, Still from a video I took on April 30th. Running after bugs in the yard. The following day I got the ‘unfixable liver’ news. I’m glad I have this video. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589940553873-FGEG1NJCDJTGZORFJ2SB/all+cried+out.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dear Jake, After we made the appointment, I cried and cried. I walked around North Nashville crying in the sun. When I finally came back, I just wanted to be nearby. I laid down as close and quietly as possible, trying not to disturb. At some point, Dean took this picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589940898501-D31FNL845FK1F87IF9JT/from+the+move.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dear Jake, During the move here. We may not have had furniture, but we had each other. Another photo by Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589941282328-R8IRGP13XHA6JLR355DW/Jake%27s+memorial.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dear Jake, Photo by me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589942035820-PZNVOK6UGMR0LVHR8UDS/my+right+arm.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dear Jake, Photo by Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589942195205-Z48XEIJKXN87RVAKCVVF/presenting+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dear Jake, Another picture by Dean. Most of these I didn’t know existed until this week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589941890020-DV5D42QVOQ273US01EYE/the+three+of+us.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Dear Jake, https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/5/15/letting-go monthly 0.5 2020-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589551937677-TCX5OTORSRT7SVRVAF4B/crashed+out+kitty.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting Go. There’s been a lot of sleeping happening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589552118490-VB8JTIMOA3JXP0J16SX8/the+unwilling+bather.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting Go. Obviously not thrilled to be getting his first bath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1589552191233-5IG5J9K000ISGO3LRJLS/cat+in+kale.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Letting Go. Jake explored the garden yesterday. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/5/8/untitled-love-story monthly 0.5 2020-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588954552849-DLLJYVLDRBZE22DX0KY3/Fish+with+names.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Untitled love story I had these guys for nine days. We brought them home from a party. I wept each time one died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588955465921-HK7CDVSDJ0GMBS5ZNXYG/Lassie+and+Me.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Untitled love story The smaller cat is Lassie. The larger one is me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588955515573-UB3CZTHMD9NIZH76W1P4/Fred+and+me.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Untitled love story Me with Fred. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588955562398-MFHQAALN173NQMSV0CDB/Sasha+and+me.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Untitled love story Sasha was never overly concerned with dignity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588956103303-A1T9EMKOEWYL514DSC2Y/hedwig.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Untitled love story Sharing shrimp with Hedwig. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588956235378-GZ1JWBAC91WT04GISFOL/Hedwig+and+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Untitled love story Hedwig destroying catnip toys while Jake looks on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588956275533-4M9F7AAT5RP6S194A8W7/Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Untitled love story The very first picture I ever took of Jake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588956374093-7FOBZFSSNSZEOSSH8XAI/10666173_942388335842835_1089703294_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Untitled love story https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/4/30/why-are-you-fine-some-days-hours-and-a-basket-case-the-next-lets-break-it-down monthly 0.5 2020-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1588277409566-IF73U6TE3LXND7WYWPSJ/Nashville+skyline+from+Cumberland.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why are you fine some days (hours) and a basket case the next? Let's break it down. I’m sorry there weren’t more pictures with this one. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/4/24/interview-with-a-quarantine-cat monthly 0.5 2020-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1587737808291-FZ4UAIMFT7QS5AB22AB0/Jake+in+pillow+%282%29.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Interview with a Quarantine Cat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1587737979202-CU10W3S2CBEX8UGV1NWQ/Jake+on+a+leash.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Interview with a Quarantine Cat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1587738160293-QR2RMS98MFWH2Y9I2N1A/jake+in+the+grass.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Interview with a Quarantine Cat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1587738802826-X9IRHWLXM8KL90C2IXYK/hiding+in+the+pillows.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Interview with a Quarantine Cat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1587738552552-S1X4A2GCOJR9YXGWFWK6/Jake+in+snuggles.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Interview with a Quarantine Cat https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/4/17/quarantine-whats-to-like monthly 0.5 2020-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1587134384058-WQSAJ0N31ORHMQ7PSIDZ/dianthus+in+the+spring.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Quarantine. What's to Like? My dianthus are blooming. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/4/9/the-earth-is-quieter-are-your-internal-voices-louder monthly 0.5 2020-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1586476354872-P4VEA4W0ULKOSQ2790CY/dianthus.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Earth is quieter, are your internal voices louder? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1586476465158-1KJOFEKLKJT6E4JZVFHC/supervising+jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Earth is quieter, are your internal voices louder? My little supervisor has become much more vocal and demanding now that he knows we’re around to fill his every whim. Does he look judgmental? To me he seems a tad disapproving! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/4/2/jake-a-tale-of-cat-gallbladders-livers-and-kidneys monthly 0.5 2020-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585883056335-4PRM4C8M1DS2ZIDFVCU0/13340291_10154123862271271_2590206886812956_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake; a tale of cat gallbladders, livers and kidneys This might be my favorite picture of Jake and me. Dean took it one morning in Chicago after we had obtained breakfast from a local coffee shop. If the weather was nice, we’d open the screen and let Jake poke his nose out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585882958409-VZ9A0UF8978ZAYI13MV6/repair+in+bad+repair.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake; a tale of cat gallbladders, livers and kidneys I think a lot of people forget that we just had a devastating tornado. Some people didn’t even have shelter or internet and everyone was told to stay at home and do everything online. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585883232525-3IU90OADMK7F170H68VN/jake+with+a+ball+of+yarn.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake; a tale of cat gallbladders, livers and kidneys Only in sleep will the yarn reveal it’s secrets… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585883593184-0HH3NRZBVPFZ9TU6B1CQ/my+baby.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake; a tale of cat gallbladders, livers and kidneys https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585883674303-GQ1AW5M4CXE9OCDG0YAA/jake+in+the+grasses.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake; a tale of cat gallbladders, livers and kidneys https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585883709656-3BI8P07NOJ852L9TN4MH/jake+in+the+window.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake; a tale of cat gallbladders, livers and kidneys This was the very first time he used that shelf in the new house. I was so happy. I had intentionally placed it where it might receive sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585883981741-DZGMVH6HN2UULXF97IMM/sexy+jake.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake; a tale of cat gallbladders, livers and kidneys The most pukey… but also the most sexy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585884248001-927L8ECAWFJGWTGU1A7R/jake+in+the+grasses.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake; a tale of cat gallbladders, livers and kidneys https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/3/26/coronavirus-and-the-new-normal monthly 0.5 2020-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585258531935-5B8XQEBOAEBURDK7LB1N/Dean+fitness.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Coronavirus and the new normal I’ve even had Dean join me in some of the videos, which has been fun for me, I’m not sure how he really felt about it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585258658107-TPNQC13J6WBAD7G6IRRD/Jake+in+the+yard.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Coronavirus and the new normal We’ve been taking a lot of pictures of Jake lately. I think I have four videos of him on my phone. It’s all going to his head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585259380778-4ALN3EUY3N9F3VNAW6KL/trees+on+a+run.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Coronavirus and the new normal The trees are starting to bloom here. I took this on a run. At least I am still allowed to go out on runs, keeping mandated six foot distancing from others. My friends in Chicago are locked down now, no more running or biking outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1585259227671-WSWAB3LLGOHD5GT02VWN/family.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Coronavirus and the new normal I don’t know when I’ll get to hug them again, but at least right now we’re all healthy. And we can video call all we like. In fact, I think I’ll call now. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/3/20/out-of-the-fire-into-the-frying-pan monthly 0.5 2020-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1584717054409-ERUSO8731778YAISYPDB/birthday+drink.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Out of the fire, into the frying pan Last year with my Starbucks birthday drink, about to drive to Chicago to collect Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1584717187137-O68989PCYF955ASWY0HR/post+fire.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Out of the fire, into the frying pan Dean and I have spent a lot of time in lawn chairs over the last year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1584717662902-6LP86SB33JO4NJJ6K6MO/housewarming.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Out of the fire, into the frying pan Small housewarming/birthday party last week. I’m glad it was small, but we probably should have cancelled it. It was still nice to see everyone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1584717406245-FT1AF4203RDE383NEZZF/other+house.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Out of the fire, into the frying pan The first house we put a bid on is somewhere behind that huge pile of rubble. We couldn’t get down the street. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/3/12/staring-down-a-pandemic-without-much-to-lean-on monthly 0.5 2020-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1584046439320-V8ZPPY63WE5BKYZIMGZ6/coronavirus.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Staring down a pandemic without much to lean on. So helpful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1584046522566-CQWR6QE7I62YLZUM09CA/sunset+over+vertis.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Staring down a pandemic without much to lean on. Sunset over a residence where I was teaching a class once a week. I gave it up recently for a higher paying class at a gym. I hope it stays open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1584046590678-1ZHIM3BCDNDHBUH4YTZ7/yellow+field+blue+sky.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Staring down a pandemic without much to lean on. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/3/5/making-pearls-out-of-sand-or-tornado-diaries monthly 0.5 2020-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1583434155502-U1YMKV33AORMI50PQR0K/text.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Making pearls out of sand, or tornado diaries Amazingly, this is where I got most of my information Tuesday morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1583433871223-17WBY5UH936UZ9UVLB2Z/voted2020.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Making pearls out of sand, or tornado diaries Here we are post voting. Obviously exhausted and unshowered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1583433961136-TKXRIBM1RTNP3IHETAFF/chilly+jake.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Making pearls out of sand, or tornado diaries Jake is chilly. Can’t have Jake uncomfortable. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/2/27/within-the-montage-in-the-process-of-pushing-through monthly 0.5 2020-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1582861305854-OX42SBHR4AY6E70KTIFI/food.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Within the Montage; in the process of pushing through This is just our food. This is just food. Also, this is the first time I was like, hey, they left us this wheely thing so that I don’t have to break my back and fingers hauling this stuff to the car. And yes, I did tip all of the food over into our new yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1582860953527-QIE5K716XLJPF9KKJIZZ/Building+F.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Within the Montage; in the process of pushing through That’s our unit. The one with all the ladders on it. I admit, I was kind of hoping to be gone before they got to it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1582901379207-58EX3Y3F10VPUPUMO3LP/Jake+hiding.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Within the Montage; in the process of pushing through There have been a lot of days where I have just wanted to join Jake under the covers. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/2/20/king-cake-a-mardi-gras-story monthly 0.5 2020-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1582295796142-WVOKH3D8WKM18Q5QNCQR/making+a+face.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - King Cake; a Mardi Gras story Look, babies are gross, okay? This face illustrates how I feel about babies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1582221472721-CEPXSKY115P0O8GSUA0A/mardi+gras+parade.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - King Cake; a Mardi Gras story Being on a float is actually more fun than being in the crowd, in my opinion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1582295751059-LB619A7G52TJAQ5PNSWP/mardi+gras+dress.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - King Cake; a Mardi Gras story There it is. You can’t see the skirt, but trust me, it doesn’t help matters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1582222351338-XBIH1L6BA0P7SS34NREF/Exeter+mardi+gras+ball.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - King Cake; a Mardi Gras story Me in the purple and Lindsey in the silver prepping for our ball with some friends. I’m still impressed with us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1582211143783-S4QYLC0ID4YOR30JJKG8/Orange+Beach+King+Cake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - King Cake; a Mardi Gras story The last king cake I enjoyed. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/2/13/seasonal-affective-disorder-is-real-and-it-sneaks-up-on-you monthly 0.5 2020-02-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581633843306-F2OWKWWF4SAU5K736DGL/moving+bins.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, and it sneaks up on you. Look at them sitting over there. Menacing me with their emptiness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581635006492-VDE9BYQUB88D7E37YZPE/SAD+sky.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, and it sneaks up on you. Come back, sun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581634831762-FORGIJ1TMFI33VF7X8Q8/Jake+in+the+bins.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, and it sneaks up on you. Jake enjoys the bins at least. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581635205914-05NKB608ONVO86A8IFFE/shrimp+scampi.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, and it sneaks up on you. This. I’m going to eat the hell out of this. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/2/6/mix-tape-memories-im-gonna-love-you-anyhow monthly 0.5 2020-02-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581032745460-8ZK8FHJ8AR83TYH9KLPZ/scan0002.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Mix-tape memories * I'm gonna love you anyhow KLSU radio station, circa 2000. I don’t think I want to know where those couches came from and if they’re still there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581032962013-WKGGQKQ6KJ89J0ZP2BF7/Elliott+Smith.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Mix-tape memories * I'm gonna love you anyhow The set list in it’s cheap frame. Gaff tape still affixed to the bottom edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581032861342-OM0G9RDDUWNIJTAWS2A8/scan0004.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Mix-tape memories * I'm gonna love you anyhow Here’s my friend John helping me with my sudden eviction. We managed to have a ball and obviously even documented the event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581033191445-STTNY2Y82XL3I731IGF4/scan0001.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Mix-tape memories * I'm gonna love you anyhow Slinky’s. Baton Rouge. I spent most of age 20 banned from this bar (story for another post) and celebrated my 21st birthday there. I used to be pretty good at pool! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1581033078979-U1AUCTF29QXC3DP56N8U/scan0005.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Mix-tape memories * I'm gonna love you anyhow At a gas station en route to Chicago. June, 2001. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/1/30/balancing-constant-improvement-with-current-contentment monthly 0.5 2020-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1580431091233-SOWP7YQJLPD82E76YICS/Original+KPMG+Defense.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Balancing constant improvement with current contentment That’s me in the purple teaching a self defense class. I just taught that girl how to throw someone off of her. SO much more fun than accounting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1580489484452-EI0CKHA89I4DNAK7DBS2/i+like+to+have+a+goal.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Balancing constant improvement with current contentment It’s true, I like to have a goal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1580483843326-99EGI5OJ7QY8XZTLHIC6/me+and+santosha.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Balancing constant improvement with current contentment After my first ride with Santosha. It terrifying. But we got through it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1580489964686-Y470YVV49PIMB2OQ2ANI/rose.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Balancing constant improvement with current contentment I like gardening and taking care of plants. It slows me down and calms my brain. It feels productive, so it doesn’t activate my inner task master, but it’s relaxing at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1580490140905-SCSLC53CEJLGIR5S4B0G/sunset+for+mere.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Balancing constant improvement with current contentment One of the reasons that I take so many sunset pictures is that it helps me slow down and appreciate the moment and the day that I’ve had. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/1/23/is-social-media-anti-social monthly 0.5 2020-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1579811874208-GAGTQJ4RTANLCF8VUOJ4/Meredith.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is social media anti social? Look! My first profile picture! Awwwww. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1579811513082-IIKCBPFOK5B3VDV0C9VC/exes+as+friends.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is social media anti social? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1579811261784-FH7Y3QGRBATZRZTKJIDD/private+page.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is social media anti social? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1579835450898-VLU2HDDF5V8FS2Y4EDBO/depressed+fitness.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is social media anti social? Looks like I’m doing great, right? In reality, I was depressed. Some of it was weather depression, some of it was political. I had just had five classes taken away from me for no discernible reason. I was feeling incredibly pressured, was being told I was a sub par instructor and was being pressured to attend non-paid trainings to learn classes that I would never, ever be allowed to teach. Thankfully, I was also employed at other, prestigious gyms that felt I was exemplary, otherwise I may have given it up entirely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1579823880550-P9BXD8BMTQN52W47LVUU/penguin+bars.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Is social media anti social? Never gonna give. you. up! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/1/16/incredibly-excited-or-wildly-stressed monthly 0.5 2020-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1579272766416-LOLB6AFDZK64UM5VC92K/jake+in+the+red+lion.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Incredibly excited? Or wildly stressed? Here Jake pokes his head out of his carrier to have a pint of milk at the Red Lion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1579272634784-7SYSTKXQJO7HUUL4H3A8/leaving+the+condo.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Incredibly excited? Or wildly stressed? This was the last picture I took before we left Chicago. Final goodbye to the condo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1579273188024-JEJK4KZXVZIG17CVDEWP/cheers+to+homeownership.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Incredibly excited? Or wildly stressed? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/1/10/the-one-who-gets-things-done-the-downside-to-making-things-happen monthly 0.5 2020-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1578674747300-IPSWW9AFLT1210VYFM28/bills+to+pay.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one who gets things done. The downside to making things happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1578674686112-HH6VHTZX0WPP04T84VH0/flash+cards+and+computer.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one who gets things done. The downside to making things happen. Doing some work while waiting for Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1578674583521-IM3TNX5F0NDN3DEX6FXB/bullet+journal.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The one who gets things done. The downside to making things happen. Bullet journal and scheduling while waiting for dinner companions. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2020/1/2/the-connection-between-food-and-family monthly 0.5 2020-01-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1578008484518-JEY2MFK1M8FPNX5UUESZ/Mexican+Minestrone.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The connection between food and family One of my mom’s slow cooker recipes. She used to freeze batches for me. Now I make my own. (And sometimes freeze a few batches.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1578008692998-Y6K42NFY2IHU3F1OFU4E/quinoa+salad+lunch.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The connection between food and family My favorite lunch staple! The original quinoa salad recipe came from our cleanse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1578008754770-TWVNJUENB95QBXB6YXB7/Beever+Cinnamon+Rolls.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The connection between food and family The best part about these cinnamon rolls is that they’re bite sized! (This photo was taken less than five minutes after they had come out of the oven. We don’t even take them out of the pan.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1578008830067-0OT9CVKHE9TI83NY9OD0/Four+Hour+Christmas+Cake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The connection between food and family The four hour Christmas Cake! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/12/26/what-ive-learned-after-a-year-of-posting-a-weekly-blog monthly 0.5 2019-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1577414278989-5DQIZ43A6JXWZFTAF45Q/writing+in+spite+of+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What I've learned after a year of posting a weekly blog. I honestly don’t know if Jake loves when I sit down to write or if he absolutely hates it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1577459486769-LF4QGNM3C175YXK56YO6/writing+on+vacation.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - What I've learned after a year of posting a weekly blog. I even did some writing on vacation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1577415026425-W6P3VS45KUWBBR002JF1/Glamorous+final+Chicago+night.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What I've learned after a year of posting a weekly blog. Look at Chicago Meredith. All cool and together with all of her Chicago friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1577415108073-2SJXABA6VENNPAVYJY1Q/Chicago+Meredith+in+Nashville.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What I've learned after a year of posting a weekly blog. One of my favorite pictures of Chicago Meredith. Here she’s sitting in Nashville on a trip in 2018. Deciding that she’s going to live here someday. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/12/20/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year monthly 0.5 2019-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576854361734-9KJUYNIVB1TDHV0C8060/looking+into+the+branches.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The most wonderful time of the year? I sometimes like to lay under the tree and look up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576854463321-3BZ8X0KXNLCULUB7J6IZ/Jake+with+the+lights.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The most wonderful time of the year? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576854922993-0EEBHXY25HDWS6EYRJM5/dark+louisiana+sunset.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The most wonderful time of the year? A solstice bayou sunset from times gone by. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/12/12/the-winter-solstice-midwinter-christmas-and-what-all-of-that-really-should-mean monthly 0.5 2019-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576195396584-86DQDJX09KO3BZFEYKAG/2010+sepia+tree+decorating.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The winter solstice, midwinter, Christmas and what all of that really should mean. I was so, so sick this year. So sick that my friend politely dis-invited me to her family’s Thanksgiving that she was going to take me to so that I wouldn’t reinfect a just recovered sibling, but brought me back food and helped me decorate my tree afterward. Because the tree. must. be. decorated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576195629463-CYHICXJY3YXZ7KM3D0FZ/chaunnakah+tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The winter solstice, midwinter, Christmas and what all of that really should mean. So many major religions celebrate with lights during this dark time of year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576195752937-MX6CA208DGNMDZCHJ9J6/winter+berries.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The winter solstice, midwinter, Christmas and what all of that really should mean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576195793048-PWEYAIKPKNWO9FXEZQD1/Christmas+in+Chicago.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The winter solstice, midwinter, Christmas and what all of that really should mean. One year my parents came to my place in Chicago for Christmas. It was. The Best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576195903628-IWFN0CCG50WK33JQ53A4/The+Square+in+the+snow.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The winter solstice, midwinter, Christmas and what all of that really should mean. Lincoln Square, Chicago. So many good little shops to hunt for small gifts. I did enjoy that, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1576195993431-GV6LO682CU5EOK1MIXW5/goofy+Christmas+family.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The winter solstice, midwinter, Christmas and what all of that really should mean. One year we went to my sister’s for Christmas. Christmas cracker hats are a tradition I brought back from England. Whenever we can find the crackers. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/12/5/finding-and-maintaining-peace monthly 0.5 2019-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1575591437531-WG6DZUBRPUEASARIED3G/13738180_10154220043571271_5346253778190128457_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding and maintaining peace https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1575591597877-R2EQGG5J17JOWDS2PXZP/nature+trail.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Finding and maintaining peace https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/11/27/trauma-and-hindsight-climbing-out-of-the-forest-looking-back-at-the-trees monthly 0.5 2020-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1574880958862-9ZV1BLHMLUW7PYK6PL45/before+it+all+went+down.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Trauma and hindsight. Climbing out of the forest, looking back at the trees. This is one picture I could find from that period of time when I really felt like I was firing on all cylinders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1574880658814-L5VV7ZE4D59HDRSO85HZ/Jake+under+the+tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Trauma and hindsight. Climbing out of the forest, looking back at the trees. Jake immediately claimed the tree, even though I had yet to put any ornaments on it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1574880543875-83ML0CVZN3S57BF0G8XF/another+fire+truck.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Trauma and hindsight. Climbing out of the forest, looking back at the trees. A still from a short video I took mostly to capture all the noise that was happening. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/11/21/getting-older-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly monthly 0.5 2019-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1574377613451-02W9SQEHI7YV1633TQ9W/Nashville+half+marathon+proof.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Getting older; the good, the bad and the ugly This half marathon was painful the entire time. They weren’t expecting the cold we got and there was no where to warm up. We spent an hour before the race just shivering. This is the longest recovery I’ve had since I ran a marathon with no training back in 2013. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1574378327792-H803SURK3Y11B8DGCE1J/rolling+out.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Getting older; the good, the bad and the ugly You’re gonna hafta start rolling out things that you never knew could be rolled out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1574378944830-ZUCGEA0YDEH7D831IXMH/bikini+pool+time.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Getting older; the good, the bad and the ugly Know where you’re not stinky? In a chlorinated pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1574379010335-NZTKLIANZNAXISLO1CXB/black+eye.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Getting older; the good, the bad and the ugly So many stories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1574379386696-BINTMPI8ML8VA3QWWUSB/pano+trees.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Getting older; the good, the bad and the ugly Exploring is fun, right? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/11/15/6-reasons-that-i-still-dislike-winter-or-chicago-traumatized-me monthly 0.5 2019-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1573853777748-K8REYJLTB56MG16T7EAG/ice+on+the+windshield.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - 6 reasons that I still dislike winter, or Chicago Traumatized Me That little space on the windshield was hard fought and won, dammit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1573854271932-GHU5FNPJJ5GOSB0EAJB2/chicago+biker.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - 6 reasons that I still dislike winter, or Chicago Traumatized Me Me after biking to work in Chicago, April 2018. I thought I was done with this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1573854415401-LNIF4INB0ICJJO9UZ4YU/terrible+weather.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - 6 reasons that I still dislike winter, or Chicago Traumatized Me I took this two Christmases ago while sitting at the airport in Alabama on my way back to Chicago. I believe I was weeping at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1573854544391-UDR6C8I03KMFKIZFLBNK/nashville+snow.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - 6 reasons that I still dislike winter, or Chicago Traumatized Me I took this from my bedroom window on Tuesday morning. Thank goodness it’s all gone now. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/11/7/fighting-2019-all-the-way-to-the-end monthly 0.5 2019-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1573169918746-82JEBQRCXD58UEFXJZDT/red+leaves+over+algae.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Fighting 2019 all the way to the end The darker days are always a little more difficult. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1573169995824-OGQ31DVV1475P0ESBD8I/a+path+through+the+woods.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Fighting 2019 all the way to the end Usually there’s a way out… https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/10/31/honesty monthly 0.5 2019-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1572575006870-M4IT1W0AFDTF5YSCS305/roman+candles.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Honesty I was maybe this age? Unfortunately pictures that I had of me at about this tall were lost. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1572575925616-068ZARUMYY9XNX5YE1JP/napping+with+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Honesty There are very few people I would trust not to smush me in their sleep. And there are very few people I would trust myself not to smush whilst sleeping. Jake and I have over 15 years of trust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1572575399568-0YXU1CXE3NEFMUVZ5T2B/family+wedding+photo.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Honesty There are people who have your back. Trust them unless you have reason not to. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/10/24/money-is-a-terrifying-thing-in-general-even-more-difficult-to-talk-about monthly 0.5 2020-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1571965772924-E7L90K8T5DVG0B29FRV8/Stress+Mono.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Money is a terrifying thing in general. Even more difficult to talk about. I literally took this at my desk as I was reading spreadsheets and paying bills. Selfie O’Stress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1571965867952-BIRFZPH3XZSCP8773A92/Granda%2C+momma+and+Greganne.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Money is a terrifying thing in general. Even more difficult to talk about. A picture of Grandma that I took when she wasn’t looking. This was in July 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1571965964258-17ZXM8TPJPWLY2NY6FNO/green+hills.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Money is a terrifying thing in general. Even more difficult to talk about. While I was waiting for students to show up at my start up class, I took a picture of the sunset. Of course. The sunsets are breathtaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1571966113771-LOF6NELXVKET0K0TXMVM/ProJake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Money is a terrifying thing in general. Even more difficult to talk about. Doesn’t Jake look great in that fancy zoom? I can’t wait to see what else I get. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/10/18/a-wonderful-messy-scattered-loving-life monthly 0.5 2019-10-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1571406757464-HSM3W2C172CEZBXDFF6X/alabama+gazebo.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A wonderful, messy, scattered, loving life A picture I took on my walk with my Aunt Suzan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1571406323845-85OMPSXZFR8YJDYJHB5O/me+and+erin.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A wonderful, messy, scattered, loving life Me and Erin. I had a bad cold and just opened a show that she had come to see and the staff tried to keep her out of our cast party, to which she was invited. We got through it and managed to enjoy each other’s company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1571406436741-UAZE2YLO6LY31XJXKX0E/The+Beevers+and+Me.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - A wonderful, messy, scattered, loving life I once had a commercial shoot in Bloomington and Dean’s family came up from Peoria just to have dinner with me before I got on the train back to Chicago. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/10/12/2qfbaty46mhvi5dk9cdyjgulsvefrg monthly 0.5 2019-10-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1570898898574-E06F6PQ7LP0EBW6FPU4B/public.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Marathon bonus blog This was after finishing my first official marathon. (I had run for a friend the year before.) I had been hit by a car while riding my bike a month before the race and physically couldn’t run two weeks before. I didn’t know if I would finish but I wanted to at least start. I made it in 4:07. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/10/11/self-worth-self-doubt-and-another-certification monthly 0.5 2019-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1570815771077-MRW1I53XMPBRGPR0SQHN/dean+cooking.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Self worth, self doubt and another certification. Dean was basically awesome and made sure that I had dinner and that we had clean clothes the entire time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1570815611835-DOKYOAUWRZM3OGZ02YPQ/post+certification+exhale.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Self worth, self doubt and another certification. Me, after biking home from the exam and showering off. I literally exhaled in relief as I took this picture. I decided to keep it just as is with no filters or edits. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/10/4/for-anyone-who-has-given-everything-to-an-art-they-loved-and-had-to-take-a-break monthly 0.5 2019-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1570200238603-6BQ5E4H5FLE8L3ELJZBJ/web96.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - For anyone who has given everything to an art they loved... and had to take a break H/R anyone? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1570200297063-GE4PHNKQAUIMQYS99BQV/old+headshots.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - For anyone who has given everything to an art they loved... and had to take a break Remember that time when everyone was posting pictures of their old headshots? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/9/26/the-impossible-task-of-preparing-for-the-unknown-and-why-i-wont-stop-trying monthly 0.5 2019-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1569545648102-HNUXNQT1AD6K0WG9ZFNL/Long+Buckby.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The impossible task of preparing for the unknown, and why I won't stop trying. A picture of an actual photograph (dating myself!) from when my friend Julie and I got stranded in Long Buckby en route to Liverpool when I was living in England. It’s still a hilarious memory for us. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/9/19/conquering-demons-learning-and-belonging monthly 0.5 2019-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1568946761080-TH96SRKGAASNDBW19Y6K/fabulous+weekend.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Conquering demons, learning and belonging. A shot from the aforementioned ‘fabulous weekend.’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1568946819629-G768EI24U9BT64AINV6V/sunriseovernash.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Conquering demons, learning and belonging. Sunrise on my way to work this week. Sometimes I just have to stop for them. They’re getting later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1568946883491-OSUZO6E0134MFUN4KU3H/sunset+lexington.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Conquering demons, learning and belonging. Sunset in Lexington Thursday evening on my way to the first event. (Yes, the car was in full stop when I took the picture.) https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/9/13/transitional-eustress monthly 0.5 2019-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1568398244777-1V1GZA96MZ0NDQDJCG40/septembersunset.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Transitional Eustress September sunsets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1568398478126-FVBT8R72XEHZ043G32AO/dinner+with+friends.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Transitional Eustress Dinner with a new friend who also enjoys gardening and cooking! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/9/5/vpgsc8o2u5iglfj4oerhh6tzxzifhg monthly 0.5 2019-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1567807005734-74CJELRON5L5MJ8K51SO/sunrise+over+cumberland.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Sitting in trees and screaming like cicadas Sunrise on my bike in to work this week. The sun continues to rise. I continue to press forward. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/8/21/acclimation-is-real-a-runners-story monthly 0.5 2019-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1567183540403-CAJEO9OAP9OJ7XP95PYT/8kfinish.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Acclimation is real: a runner's story During the Montgomery Jubilee 8k Run. I had a blast even though I forgot my headphones! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1567183600114-ZROVY0NSZAUN1EHCYLMO/hotrun.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Acclimation is real: a runner's story After that horrid 8 x 800 training run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1567183648611-ZB149Z7F5CATSEAI2VSM/raceday.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Acclimation is real: a runner's story Up early and excited on race day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1567183736077-3G9EM1NLVYHUGEKJ4QH4/finishing15k.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Acclimation is real: a runner's story My friends grabbed a picture of me finishing the 15k. It was a great day. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/8/22/the-rainforest-is-burning-and-the-right-people-dont-care-heres-what-you-can-do monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1566563544595-UG53NCAHFJBY1BB12H9T/my+plants.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - The rainforest is burning and the right people don't care. Here's what you can do. I don’t have any pictures of the rainforest, having never been there, and I didn’t want to plagiarize any of the ones online, so here’s my little herb garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1566563567285-CLMCQUDHNHOPQ95CFSIG/reusable+items.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - The rainforest is burning and the right people don't care. Here's what you can do. Reusable coffee things, water things, the little blue one can be used for coffee, tea or wine, straws and bag. I even put my lunch out there. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/8/8/halfway-around-the-sun-again monthly 0.5 2019-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1565918090358-YFBCQ4QMGF69FGV8U6IL/roman+candles.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Halfway around the sun again... Yeah, that’s me and a Roman Candle. And I’d do it again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1565918476402-HS5FSW2TFFZZZ9RMEP6K/fire.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Halfway around the sun again... Our move definitely started out with a bang. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1565918606197-Q11PM08XFCDR94O4AU53/me+and+grandma+comparison.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Halfway around the sun again... Grandma on the left, me on the right. I’m still not used to the fact that she’s not there anymore. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/8/9/accidents-happen monthly 0.5 2019-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1565371952753-27ZN4XF9YRFOMS65FN4Z/car+ride.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Accidents happen Dean and I with my parents on our way to a car show in Montgomery earlier this year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1565372210900-PRQ5KVGIU0C2Y9FU1SNO/family.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Accidents happen https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/8/1/waste-not-want-not-vs-carpe-diem monthly 0.5 2019-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1564770490016-KR9P1R631ET2PMIH9SKB/voter.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Waste not want not vs. Carpe Diem Look! I’m a Tennessee voter! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1564770540416-BJCK1FJCNF02TW5BJVFO/rooftop2.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Waste not want not vs. Carpe Diem We did get to that rooftop. And it was awesome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1564770601678-F160O9JF65Q8FJQ2WJ9U/rooftop1.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Waste not want not vs. Carpe Diem https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/7/25/goal-setting-new-habits monthly 0.5 2019-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1564178165932-WU4GUJPOQB0T0RECA8ZJ/kickass.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Goal Setting; New Habits The shirt says it all. Pretty much my expectations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1564178223556-AX2X75R83G33O9DXN8UX/boxingtogether.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Goal Setting; New Habits Dean and I, goal in progress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1564178263291-1AIPL00GCEQD1LYLJXZ7/friends.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Goal Setting; New Habits Gotta make time to make friends. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/7/18/homesickness monthly 0.5 2019-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1563553412461-Y344HZK9ITW9UATPR5D9/Sears+Tower+at+dusk.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Homesickness It will always be the Sears. Never the Willis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1563553155319-QSC25JKJL7M7LXGNFXXY/horsefountain.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Homesickness The horse fountain in front of the hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1563553229309-VIQ9MEVOKSWSAAW5JWMP/traintracks.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Homesickness Train tracks leading out of the city. We had some nice views from the hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1563553334772-E8F8M9XKL6CTWP8KGC8G/chicagofriends.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Homesickness I didn’t get a picture the first night, but we managed to grab one the second night. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/7/11/twenty-years-after monthly 0.5 2019-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1562878029344-BCJQ1AYCE6YKYKNGLSTX/3+musketeers.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Twenty Years After It’s always good to have a pleasure book in rotation. In my opinion. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/7/5/indecent-exposure monthly 0.5 2019-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1562340624103-L410E5P7A9BD203VV7NN/65417029_10157166964606271_7671699910151897088_o+%281%29.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Indecent Exposure The intersection where it happened. While I was standing taking this picture, two nice people were out walking dogs. No one was around when the thing happened. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/6/29/nasm-cpt-test monthly 0.5 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1561822955080-U3T5IBIZER02MNRJBO81/poke+a+muscle.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - NASM CPT test Playing Poke-a-Muscle is one of the more fun ways to study. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1561835553592-5D8LQDHD4MG37I0GV660/champagne+opening.PNG F.A.S.T.E.R. - NASM CPT test If I can get it open, celebration shall commence. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/6/22/jake monthly 0.5 2019-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1561226006938-CA7XSCE9UVN564FTD2EA/Hedwig+and+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake Jake watching Hedwig destroy catnip toys, circa 2004. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1561226075601-Y1OQ5H7JWA3YOLFQ3X52/Baby+Jake.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake The first picture I ever took of Jake. I used to be able to pick him up with one hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1561226143358-4MA1AUD78RGLQVGVFKP0/13920463_10154291213781271_7282410970398365288_o.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake Jake’s a very good sport. Notice how he is avoiding clawing Dean’s head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1561226223535-W6DF51V3P0V0FCFTFN65/IMG_0375.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake Jake and I during a winter cuddle session in Chicago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1561226363691-VPG13EYE4VWC0KKGZS04/Jake+at+the+vet.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake Jake checking out the exam room. He did jump up on the table voluntarily at one point to watch the bird videos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1561226580510-YOE4P4EVBSQAR3Y34TBJ/current+situation.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jake Jake’s current situation, in the Chestnut House. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/6/13/the-difficulty-in-following-your-own-advice monthly 0.5 2019-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1560535779047-FDHJITEK7U4PAP8693CF/third+place.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The difficulty in following your own advice Turns out that training plans are good. I’ve actually started occasionally winning awards since implementing conscious training plans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1560535876871-89KSJ6UPZ1LOSU9X3KE0/world+championships.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The difficulty in following your own advice There was the time I fought in the savate world championships in Paris. I don’t think I was doing a lot of anything else at the time. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/6/6/the-stallion monthly 0.5 2019-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1559935509795-OOSR7A2X121YLWLXMGJD/view+of+F+building.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Stallion View of our old balcony from our new balcony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1559935552477-0AL4MNVDC6RW49AQVZGI/chilling+on+the+balcony.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Stallion Celebrating being Tennessee Drivers License holders on our balcony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1559942592575-S04VY7NXPQS7U2QEZOFS/IMG_0861.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - The Stallion The only view of the Stallion that we have. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/5/29/what-is-interesting monthly 0.5 2019-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1559323502658-U5G8PHX7GLUDCMEG9N4I/drenched.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What is this thing I do? Me. Before the fire. Back when I thought moving all of your belongings in a torrential downpour was drama. So cute, right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1559323605080-92JVEYQC97F08UTDABQK/jake+happy.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - What is this thing I do? It’s cat pictures, isn’t it? Everyone’s just here for Jake updates. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/5/24/jenny-finkel-is-a-wise-woman monthly 0.5 2019-05-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1558741370238-ONP9IEZQV1GNQDXSTDFG/me+and+jenny.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jenny Finkel is a wise woman. Jenny and I at a holiday party, looking especially wise and yogic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1558741445852-S05XI8AN6U6QA77E25U8/Nashville+skyline.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Jenny Finkel is a wise woman. A picture I took of the skyline during one of those ‘I can’t believe I actually made it and live here’ moments. I have them pretty frequently. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/5/16/self-awareness monthly 0.5 2019-05-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1558117499743-3AR1LGSOJL5CCSWA5MTR/biking+with+the+bear.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Self Awareness Look at me. Learning and growing all naturally and stuff! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/5/10/we-live-here-now monthly 0.5 2019-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1557523418572-5K30K01R5OG65AZF2A58/Dean+in+the+Arcade.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - We live here now Dean during a lunch break in the Arcade. I stopped by to say hi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1557523614940-N2VPMGEZNQXPFJRRUO8E/Drax+and+Ovette.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - We live here now Two cardinals that visit us every morning. I call them Drax and Ovette. They live here. Just like us. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/5/1/spring-is-a-real-thing monthly 0.5 2019-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1556911057161-OGCCXY0DJOBIR969UOGH/double+rainbow.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Spring is a real thing... Fantastic double rainbow. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/4/22/shit-is-not-a-curse-word monthly 0.5 2019-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1556040885855-IOUSSJN6ARQAGZEJM8F2/young+grandma.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ‘Shit is not a curse word’ or ‘there are always more blossoms’ Grandma waaaay before she was a grandma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1556041012779-O9VMMKLWGF0ZN1RTBN7U/SUNP0016_Moment%283%29.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ‘Shit is not a curse word’ or ‘there are always more blossoms’ Grandma loved to have fresh flowers. Twice a day we would go out to the end of her yard and clip new ones for her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1556041391033-34G05YCDD8U5MSEK77YC/SUNP0016_Trim_Moment%282%29.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ‘Shit is not a curse word’ or ‘there are always more blossoms’ Those orange ones smelled the best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1556041505269-PUEDZBCI2NDIR3E5NNAX/me+and+grandma+with+scarf.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ‘Shit is not a curse word’ or ‘there are always more blossoms’ Me and grandma several years ago. I had knitted her that scarf for Christmas I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1556055907708-5GY3ZGQTO7TWR52BO9HJ/flowers+for+grandma.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ‘Shit is not a curse word’ or ‘there are always more blossoms’ On Easter morning, one of the first things I did was buy flowers to plant. I usually plant flowers, but this year, I especially planted them with grandma in mind. She would have liked them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1556041435718-TWUA93RY0NT71EDS2XK3/young+grandma+at+the+beach.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - ‘Shit is not a curse word’ or ‘there are always more blossoms’ Grandma at the beach. I love her sunglasses. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/4/18/recalculating monthly 0.5 2019-04-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1555723140091-TE8VK4YML5G57KTC13KB/hickory+creek.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Recalculating Our place here is beautiful, I’m starting to be able to appreciate it more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1555722670129-R4LWBHUBKC6K2IM8KT27/Lucky+Lyver.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Recalculating Lucky Lyver! Newest and most expensive member of the clan! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1555723082097-KPXHDQVAVN9H5ADS3N4V/Celebrating+on+the+back+porch.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Recalculating Finally feeling like we have something to celebrate! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/4/12/rolling-hills monthly 0.5 2019-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1555090776163-0ZDITLARSH8CBK3B9CAT/me+and+grandma.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Rolling hills Me with grandma, enjoying her back yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1555090850742-NBXWQSF3CTTU70VWN56X/flying+into+Idaho.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Rolling hills Flying into Idaho last July. The mountains really are something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1555090946901-KD78FTYVQJZ2IJ9NJ3A7/tree+pruning.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Rolling hills Pruning trees like I’m in the rodeo. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/4/5/personalities-and-potential monthly 0.5 2019-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1554488903399-CZ0E0OEOUSI63JT842W7/Meredean.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Personalities and Potential #lyversfromtheashes https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/3/28/even-though-i-left-chicago-is-still-with-me-even-though-i-left-new-orleans-is-still-with-me monthly 0.5 2019-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1553824789329-EMP6CMF8K3S5U7RYBYYL/IMG_0011.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Even though I left, Chicago is still with me. Even though I left, New Orleans is still with me. We went back to the old place after it had been cleared out to see if anything had been forgotten. by the cleaners. All of Jake’s toys were still there. Scattered where he had left them. Along with a birthday card from my parents left on the floor. (And someone’s discarded soda.) I collected all of the toys together, but everything smelled so bad, I knew he would never play with them again. I kept the card, threw out the envelope, but took one picture of the toys before leaving them. It made me so sad. I don’t want to go there again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1553824963020-BQ1SBQQAUYFIMP110KCR/IMG_0042.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Even though I left, Chicago is still with me. Even though I left, New Orleans is still with me. Quinoa salad for lunch every day! I love tofu, Dean is indifferent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1553825814121-56S2H1TQUXZC03E4U56D/working+on+tv+trays.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Even though I left, Chicago is still with me. Even though I left, New Orleans is still with me. Hey. You know who you are. Thank you for these t.v. trays. This is us applying for jobs and stuff. Maybe I’m writing some of this too. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/3/22/mariekondobyfire monthly 0.5 2019-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1553280078875-8IB1KYN46HFMNCM7GGA3/jake+happy.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - #mariekondobyfire My dad sent me this picture this morning. Jake is doing fine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1553280176174-2CLZTH1N03FL4P2CJL0F/kitchen+sink.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - #mariekondobyfire This is what it looked like beneath our kitchen sink. Even though not much is melted, nothing will really be usable. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/3/21/trial-by-fire monthly 0.5 2019-03-22 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/3/15/final-push monthly 0.5 2019-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1552694643990-C820D1O98S3R9A137CNK/drenched.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Final Push Me. During the move in of our furniture. During a severe thunderstorm and tornado warning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1552694450216-P2DQS0H4EATVNMZDX5Z3/sunset+at+home.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Final Push Sunset from my porch tonight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1552694512820-EDW8L1158TH2OJGE3PYJ/path+through+the+woods.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Final Push Sunrise through the woods. A light at the end of the road. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/3/8/still-here monthly 0.5 2019-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1552057561248-ULFSWKB0G62IVRLORJQM/Sunset+over+Percy+Priest.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Still here.... Sunset over Percy Priest Reservoir. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/3/1/moving-out-of-state-really-fast monthly 0.5 2019-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1551480352958-0Q4PO1KGETG7HXRTDSRK/Leaving+Chicago.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Moving Out of State... really fast... https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/2/21/goodbye-chicago-hello-nashville monthly 0.5 2019-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550804051864-XO301P17UOLUU3XC4EQ0/engagement+night.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Goodbye Chicago Dean took this picture of me after he had proposed. We ended up having to walk back from the Observatory because we couldn’t get a cab and I was taking off my shoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550804209738-5OWAGZD3WYH08BFJ2YS7/Jake+and+Hedwig+playing.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Goodbye Chicago A rare accidental picture I got of Jake and Hedwig playing. I had set the camera up on a timer to take a picture of something else and they ran through the frame. Hedwig died months later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550804471424-E1M9L5PC5GBAH5IUX3S6/Post+Urban+Bourbon.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Goodbye Chicago Dean and I after the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon in Louisville. Awesome race, would recommend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550804957463-MTVTGGNCEJ05Y19F0KQ0/Jake+at+the+Red+Lion.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Goodbye Chicago I actually brought a cat sized pint glass to the Red Lion with us so Jake could have a drink too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550805131731-2FPJR04CGQ9A3VPVPKJA/lyons+in+nashville.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Goodbye Chicago Me with my parents on our last visit to Nashville in August. I love this picture. I can’t wait to be closer. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/2/14/what-a-biopsy-is-like-inside-and-out monthly 0.5 2019-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550174487066-4FFP9Y671UWIL7KCSQJG/Susan+G+Komen.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a biopsy is like. Inside and out. Dean and I did a Race for the Cure in Peoria one year honoring my aunt who survived and Dean’s aunt, who did not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550175388752-6QJXS3EEHIR5WUSOHM63/train+over+frozen+river.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a biopsy is like. Inside and out. I took some pictures as I walked to the hospital. This is one of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550175634755-INOPDRH468SRRWN5ON6S/biopsy+hospital+band.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a biopsy is like. Inside and out. See how I had closed my activity and exercise rings? That didn’t happen the following two days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550175694920-NHNID4ISYVPM3KKQDERD/post+biopsy.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a biopsy is like. Inside and out. Post biopsy shot that I ended up posting on social media. Thanks for all the love I got, guys! :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550175893810-01KB7AUQEU3SEFBWA8I1/post+biopsy+walk.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a biopsy is like. Inside and out. Picture I took on my walk the morning after. I couldn’t sleep, so I was up with the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1550175941611-R3HQ2300T3DH5ZXWQICS/biopsy+benign.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What a biopsy is like. Inside and out. Immediately after I got my results. Relief. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/2/7/love-is-always-the-stronger-choice monthly 0.5 2019-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1549589649504-YON0M38IC1PQXHAP94CP/IMG_0682.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Love is always the stronger choice I took this from the back of the grey stallion that I was riding in St. Lucia. The palomino is his mate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1549590329199-HB4CLV5983BSM4I0URD5/IMG_1448.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Love is always the stronger choice Loving unconditionally and having boundaries are not mutually exclusive. Here’s a lighthouse being a beacon and sitting right on a boundary. Unconditionally beaconing away no matter what side of the boundary you’re on. (Taken in Nassau.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1549590788613-9T08F73WN6P6CF6ZLJ3F/IMG_0391.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Love is always the stronger choice Love like a puppy. Or like this kitty. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/1/31/meditation-and-journaling monthly 0.5 2019-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1548983245852-Q4BSW6PTQDQZXEE1HZJF/IMG_0259.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Meditation and Journaling January. This is actually from a trip to Idaho. Looks like a Bob Ross painting, doesn’t it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1548983595796-BVD6DA31DE2FOPM6MVJF/IMG_0050.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Meditation and Journaling Look it’s me. I could potentially be examining my mood here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1548984764025-TPX8DPW45G3B4IK4WPJZ/IMG_0915.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Meditation and Journaling This is me being like, hey, I’ll let you know what happens! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/1/24/a-female-experience monthly 0.5 2019-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1548360226185-NFCSEB33S86S4BP711FW/young+biker.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A female experience Portrait of the artist as a young tomboy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1548360695208-ZOFZOPDC2RZY8ZM7PBXK/young+brandon+and+meredith.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A female experience Two kids just out of college who moved up to Chicago together as platonic roommates. We lived together for a year without anything other than the normal bickering over who was responsible for which mess in the kitchen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1548361280998-VBW8WLFYEUMUZ5ZVEW7O/nature+trail.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A female experience This is a path through the woods to represent ‘working hard and going somewhere.’ I thought about posting a picture of some of the guys who ‘add to my life’ but I didn’t want to embarrass them. They know who they are. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/1/8/the-energy-in-the-room monthly 0.5 2019-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1547158271339-QOEUJWLOYF8G7Z6NT8O3/Christmas+Tree.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The energy in the room. The holidays! They’re just crazy no matter what you celebrate. But here’s my Christmas tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1547158572662-9UJL056Y2GPRLGLWJTDI/unicorn.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - The energy in the room. There’s lots of pictures of me smiling. But only one of me smiling at a unicorn. I figured this was a better illustration of good energy. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2019/1/1/last-year-of-the-decade monthly 0.5 2019-01-03 https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2018/10/11/coming-back-stronger monthly 0.5 2018-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1540950294035-BJCI0DUDGPJ80W73H6O3/fall+foliage.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Coming back stronger Some fall foliage I got to experience on my last walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1540950556839-SAYZ96FG7URGOJIDRQZ7/Mag+Mile+10k+Crushed+It.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Coming back stronger My friend Tom took this picture after the race, titling it ‘Crushed it!’ I agree. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2018/8/1/silent-walking monthly 0.5 2018-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1533134457912-DSJMH1SYQUJVVTDEGBTF/elliptical+slog.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - 'Silent' Walking I take pictures once I've finished an elliptical workout so I remember what I've done. I'm behind on my training log because I procrastinate putting them in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1533134602839-DQYX33H9ZU60W7OC9YKK/onion+flowers.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - 'Silent' Walking I notice different flowers a lot more often now after visiting with grandma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1533134748591-QJ27I8KNGWTDWOPGWZB7/sunset.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - 'Silent' Walking Here's to noticing more nature when wandering around in it! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2018/6/29/injuredrunnerhealing monthly 0.5 2018-08-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1532438567406-WO2PSDB39I0EM5KAAJ7H/dry+needling.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - #injuredrunnerhealing I'm currently getting dry needling bi-weekly to get me back to running. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1532438828791-5MDS3OOD8AQ1RXH0S70D/post+commercial+shoot.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - #injuredrunnerhealing After a commercial shoot where I was happy with what they did with my hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1532438903384-OG8M73G56P42MSOIJ6VC/weather+depression.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - #injuredrunnerhealing Seriously, how could one NOT be depressed? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1532439247489-UGUORRN07NOA6CDX5LY2/landing+in+idaho.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - #injuredrunnerhealing Landing in Idaho for the first time in five years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1532439324824-V0HNU7TFTWQ8WDMG4VMN/me+and+grandma.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - #injuredrunnerhealing Me and grandma. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2018/5/29/a-month-without-running monthly 0.5 2018-08-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527734089586-XOIU5IONJGL6CRBONCR2/High+School+track.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running High School yearbook photo of me jumping way too high during the 100 meter hurdles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527734330913-J3BVPWBS4ZQE8FHHT6NS/black+eye.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running Black eye post bike accident. I was not as cool with it as I looked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527734502486-MAAZABKAFNYBWOZEODUO/spin+class+with+Dean.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running Having convinced my husband to join me for a 6am indoor cycling class. Note his joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527734654707-4ZTAE02Q0PBDFOJXN5Y8/arc+trainer+and+rower.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running I did both of these guys one morning. I didn't know at the time that the Arc Trainer was going to be my best friend this May. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527734812326-29YA3F0PO8FCNGYRKHOE/x-ray.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running Yay, no running and x-rays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527735471535-C92UW1LHMC52IOSHAUZS/jumbo+tron.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running My father in law got this picture of me on the jumbo tron. It's still a cool picture even if I wasn't happy with the time displayed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527735621942-GGS1L13LRKDRGLT6KH5Q/Soldier+Field+10+2018.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running They got lots of pictures of me during this race. I was unattractive in all of them. I had stomach cramps the night before and that day (and right now, I need to figure my stomach out) and I had been throwing water on my head. But this picture is presentable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527736770625-5AUGZEW4JNDR0PUECXVI/swimming.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running I was angry at having to swim, but damn if the pool isn't pretty once you put your head under that blue water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1527736130332-XI3PYJWJ5JT5ZHIO79KW/finished%21.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A month without running I got to run. I got to finish. I even get to hope for a 'next time!' For that I am grateful! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2017/10/17/whats-with-all-this-me-too-stuff monthly 0.5 2018-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1508275877267-2X6IYATRR59QXK4PG7GP/me+too.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What's with all this 'me too' stuff? https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2017/10/15/clean-eating-round-two monthly 0.5 2018-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1508106556529-XCZKGL013IDQ4PI6GWZD/bread+and+berries.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Clean eating round two, surprisingly easier than round one One of my favorite cleanse breakfasts! Ezekiel bread and smashed berries! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1508106477929-LL1GI9A37QXM2N7VZ4IT/meal+plan.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Clean eating round two, surprisingly easier than round one Dean and I actually have been doing weekly meal plans since the first cleanse, so this part was easy. (Notice there were days we ate separately.) https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2017/9/26/opening-up-to-change monthly 0.5 2017-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1506476791951-GFCQPA5V8MOU7DCHRHT7/Yoga+in+Philadelphia.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Opening up to Change I even found a place to do yoga on vacation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1506476283557-GA5X4X8PU3YWTUOV4VQZ/Heading+to+Wheaton.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Opening up to Change I put my bike on the Metra, another thing I had never done before, and headed out to Wheaton, where I had never been. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1506476440241-JCZRXVZK80SEJUMQNYOP/Dean+and+Santosha.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Opening up to Change Dean came to Wheaton during the training. I have a pretty amazing husband. I'm going to take some time to consciously celebrate the good things I have. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2017/5/2/it-doesnt-have-to-be-great-just-get-it-done monthly 0.5 2017-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1493949758296-C5VNUT65YF27FSDUKSXG/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It doesn't have to be great, just get it done. We had just celebrated our two year anniversary five days before. It was a big week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1493949833905-NU0C5UAW4UY5EUF2T02B/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It doesn't have to be great, just get it done. Jaime, Charles and Mike at my bachelorette dinner. Photo by our friend Simone Tulone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1493950185095-00DUVD503C57GRNE2W9O/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It doesn't have to be great, just get it done. Dean with his immediate family. Photo by Chanterelle Photography. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1493950264374-VOOQUTMBEYEGUICIDYDI/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It doesn't have to be great, just get it done. Man of Honor Charles, Bride me, Maid of Honor Natasha. Photo by Chanterelle Photography, cropping by me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1493950432098-CWWXYEE03I8ZO2COLOCF/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - It doesn't have to be great, just get it done. This is the only picture I took that day. I took it to send to Eldon to let him know that Cheri was with Dean. She went in immediately to check on him. I imagine that this is when he was saying "lemonade shake ups, anyone?" https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2017/4/18/i-dont-feel-like-doing-yoga monthly 0.5 2017-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1492567515614-K7LFK6MUR04UZABY23L3/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I don't feel like doing yoga. This is a sundowning that I made Dean walk with me on with bribes of finding new water Pokemon. This entire post will be populated with sun pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1492567138811-806D5X5W7HIY4K8CW1GF/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I don't feel like doing yoga. This is a sunset I shared at my parents' house during our first Christmas in Alabama together. Still one of my favorites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1492567221757-3L9625QTTRBWUE1KHEN3/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I don't feel like doing yoga. One of my sunrise runs on my last vacation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1492567288198-IHP5WQD22ACQXC3GD7KN/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I don't feel like doing yoga. This guy was doing tai chi when I went for my run. I kind of wanted to join him. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2017/4/16/i-gave-up-social-media-for-lent monthly 0.5 2017-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1492355707569-OEF8GJ58YMWPT8JITA0F/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I gave up social media for Lent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1492355740648-XMWX5A2ZJF26N8YEEOYY/image-asset.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - I gave up social media for Lent. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2017/3/10/playing-with-diet monthly 0.5 2017-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1489161678516-63ZACNN39JSYIHGSDMCO/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Playing with diet. So much sugar in wine! So yummy. Can't give it up. However, I also found most salads are also pretty yummy with no dressing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1489162015963-5LV5ZWNYPQYI00P180I1/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Playing with diet. I still like cooking with fire. Asparagus for me! Steak for Dean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1489161837459-A928WZMXOVW3PY1R43WY/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Playing with diet. Cheese. I wish I knew how to quit you. (No, I don't. I don't really.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1489161926717-9R0D0TSB61UIWUEQGFUQ/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Playing with diet. I tried this oat milk at a nutrition lecture and never looked back. It is delicious! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2017/3/7/reigniting-the-pilot-light monthly 0.5 2017-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1488902252376-D9ENZGCJ7CZ234OQFCUQ/Dean+and+me+in+the+pool+Orange+Beach.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - Reigniting the Pilot Light Dean and I recently took a vacation that was largely unstructured. I got a work out in every day, but it was a lot of relaxing by the pool/beach. It was actually a little difficult, I had to fight down some 'we should be doing THINGS to enjoy ourselves' but I made it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1488902373070-9PTOVHSCB4T41FMXC6VQ/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Reigniting the Pilot Light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1488902425619-Z1I1C4LOUKM75JTZGN7M/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Reigniting the Pilot Light https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/12/31/16-going-on-17 monthly 0.5 2017-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1483235771503-H9TO1WQG47DGA05STUYZ/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - '16 going on '17 Remember a year ago when theatre used to be fun? When you'd get there early so you could goof around with your buddies before getting ready? Was it a year ago? Two? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1483235160939-HYXL65UX840LHHE6SBNI/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - '16 going on '17 From an 8th grade yearbook talent competition photo. There was a time in my life where I couldn't imagine not playing piano every day. I can't remember the last time I played. I have a full sized keyboard in my office with sustain pedal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1483234469280-9J9XOS5LNQCRO2J73BJD/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - '16 going on '17 Journal that I recieved for Christmas. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/11/10/take-care-of-yourself monthly 0.5 2017-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1478818283257-1B5XXMY2V2DPQWEYUGI3/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Take care of yourself. Here is a picture of a pretty tree that I took in the park. We have had a nice fall weather-wise haven't we? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1478818423186-GEAAGUG6FAGF4HYUZQCS/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Take care of yourself. This is my beta fish, Jesse James, in his temporary water change bowl. Watching fish swim is very soothing. Feeding them is also fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1478818608176-SICHAV7ZW5XHBSE72O7A/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Take care of yourself. If you ever get the chance to hold multiple kittens at once, do it. It's good for the soul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1478818755534-AMUTPJ9NGG67IXVKERNC/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Take care of yourself. This was that time in July that we had a double rainbow. And those are my flowers. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/10/30/a-different-kind-of-pr monthly 0.5 2016-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1478307268869-0F10XIAS86P4NL9SUO5E/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A different kind of PR. Dean and I finishing our first Hot Chocolate in 2014. I caught up with him at mile 9 right before the finish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1478307350200-41DDCSRB9W45I7076QJ3/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A different kind of PR. After finishing our second Hot Chocolate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1478307440261-C7914OG1061W9J1PM0RE/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - A different kind of PR. Selfie after finishing my fastest, easiest Hot Chocolate on my own. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/10/4/i-had-goldfish-for-ten-days-what-i-learned-about-myself-and-fish monthly 0.5 2016-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1475615602322-HVXRAM9GRQJCOEMGQ0JP/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I had goldfish for nine days. What I learned about myself (and fish). Doc and Morgan doing their time as a centerpiece. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1475615655811-A4KYUJ3QJ7ZRZ3MDBDS9/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I had goldfish for nine days. What I learned about myself (and fish). Butch and Sundance hanging out in a party cup. I was half afraid I was going to accidentally drink them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1475615785520-SX73C06QOH342WXXEMYI/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I had goldfish for nine days. What I learned about myself (and fish). Running around Walmart at 10:45pm on a Saturday night, ecstatically buying supplies for my new pets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1475615895460-ZKJ68K8GFRI9FY0RRHGF/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - I had goldfish for nine days. What I learned about myself (and fish). Yep. Each one was an individual little guy to me. You can tell even then that Doc wasn't doing well. His back fin never fluffed out the whole time I had him. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/7/29/why-you-wont-hear-me-bashing-pokemon-go monthly 0.5 2016-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1469828173733-JT9Y7IBQV8U79QAOH34R/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why you won't hear me bashing Pokemon Go. That's me, about to 'fight' one of the Pokemon in Dean's game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1469828510371-UB02GI3UD6UI55K1ZM4C/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why you won't hear me bashing Pokemon Go. Here we are after the last race I had him do with me 'for fun,' during a heat wave. It was so hot that they turned the timing devices off so that no one would get competitive and pass out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1469828624900-69FQG7ADG6ALR18ONPDL/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why you won't hear me bashing Pokemon Go. Here I am chasing down a Bulbasaur during our Pokewalk. I had fun! I also learned that Dean really wanted a Bulbasaur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1469828742534-0D075I2NIMMKSFMUYRZ3/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Why you won't hear me bashing Pokemon Go. I learned that Magikarp are pretty useless until you get a lot of them and then you can turn them into a dragon thing. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/6/3/no-pr-this-spring-fighting-with-the-ego monthly 0.5 2016-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1464990357972-0IV5HZH7GH5IH7A22RHH/image-asset.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - No PR This Spring, Fighting With The Ego Here I am after the race trying to look excited. Don't worry, I did eventually get over myself and enjoy the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1464989371786-TY8H90WOQNM53ZNCBJ7W/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - No PR This Spring, Fighting With The Ego Here I am during the race. Obviously tired and overthinking it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1464990787427-0SXAP6WNL2FT8X8ULVP7/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - No PR This Spring, Fighting With The Ego Dean and I after the race. It was a good day! https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/5/9/injuries-great-and-small monthly 0.5 2016-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1463146203141-I9CDROKYHHLBMIZ43CBC/image-asset.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Injuries Great and Small An Instagram picture I put up after that first run. I was SO happy to be moving again without pain. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/2/27/final-death-of-the-fitness-tracker monthly 0.5 2016-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1456592079367-RZH72IFXNTRMOIWRNCSU/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Final Death of the Fitness Tracker Here's me about to go on a champagne sunset cruise on the Caribbean Sea with my fitness tracker. Prominently displayed next to my pink resort band. Maybe I could have left the band at home during the honeymoon? Notice that I'm trying to wear a decorative bracelet my husband had bought for me on the other hand. Sheesh. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/2/5/what-if-im-never-the-same-again monthly 0.5 2017-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1454728863204-CLL03YTU80XRGKVMQIE6/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - What if I'm never the same again? This is the picture I took in the hospital to see what I looked like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1454728643571-XS8FHP2DWBB3YY66EJLV/black+eye.JPG F.A.S.T.E.R. - What if I'm never the same again? My shoulder is just now starting to show it's bruise four days later. My face is technicolor. But I'll be okay. I just hope the bruise is gone for the honeymoon. "Yes, it's our honeymoon! No, he doesn't beat me." https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/1/17/diet-and-motivation monthly 0.5 2016-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1453054130180-95CF223EEUF1MNHUUG0J/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Diet and Motivation. Before my first World Championship Savate fight in Paris. We had fundraisers for both Nationals and Worlds, training sessions with people from our school and others, coaches volunteering time, etc. You didn't want to let those people down by not making weight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1453054320940-X8J9KI9CILE2MX129XGK/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Diet and Motivation. Having been hit by a car the month before, everything I did the two weeks before was geared toward less pain and starting this race. I'm still amazed that I finished. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1453054560472-VHVL1JYH3EFAKMFG0CCD/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Diet and Motivation. Let's be real, I rocked that dress, though. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/1/16/physical-changes monthly 0.5 2016-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1452972520875-8J2ZTLD6RZ5CRPEG1NOV/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Physical Changes Post Saturday run (yes, it's January in Chicago, I had to wear three of everything) about to foam roll, but the run was COMPLETELY pain free. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/1/14/food-glorious-food monthly 0.5 2016-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1452828710178-DO3ANTEJUNFVEPF4ZU2D/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Food! Glorious Food! Our breakfast burrito on brown rice tortilla! It was awesome. This is what we made the first Sunday. I got better at reading labels also! Louisiana Hot Sauce has no sugar added! Only vinegar and peppers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1452828470279-IVN8NRA89GJI286P4DOP/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Food! Glorious Food! One of my favorite meals that we made; salmon salad with romaine, spinach, corn, sauteed veggies and avocado. We even made our own dressing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1452828594444-9HDODTROATMXXFRTTT4Z/image-asset.jpeg F.A.S.T.E.R. - Food! Glorious Food! We got to eat a lot of fish! Dean got really good at baking salmon. We went through a ton of sauteed veggies and olive oil. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/1/12/wherein-i-examine-my-relationship-with-booze monthly 0.5 2016-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1452826119245-Z2WMRMCGC389U8V1JVNO/image-asset.png F.A.S.T.E.R. - Wherein I examine my relationship with booze. Booze. https://www.meredithraelyons.com/faster/2016/1/12/14-days-of-clean-eating-why-am-i-doing-this monthly 0.5 2016-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51ca5435e4b071b5e7e85b10/1452826658858-MC3OQB1HIRY0HII1WZJV/11195732_1437853803195011_1720690375_n.jpg F.A.S.T.E.R. - 14 Days of Clean Eating, why am I doing this? 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