Beginning the process of my professional rebrand. 
New website is launching soon!

Image Description: Digital graphic, text reads "Rebrand in process".

Sneakers are my favorite things. I love almost everything about sneakers and sneaker culture for most of my life, but I have always hesitated to participate in forums or discussions. This year, with a promise to myself to take up space, I joined SoleSavy's women's community and I've been nothing but loud about my fervor for sneakers since.

Recently we were asked if we were looking forward to the Billie Eilish collaboration with Jordan and I shared some of my thoughts - which were quoted in this beautifully thorough SoleSavy article about the collaboration, and Jordan's efforts to tap into the next generation of sneakerheads.

SoleSavy gave me a place to talk sneaker things with other passionate folks, something I didn't have for far too long, and makes me feel like there's an authority that values our voices. 

{Image Description: Digital graphic, text reads "What I appreciate about this collaboration is how heavily influenced it is by Billie Eilish's own nostalgia, and her ever evolving subversive persona. That she pulled the mystical AJKO and the 15s, and veganized them is appropriately on brand. She was quoted as saying she "didn't give a f*ck" about the 15s being a less popular sneaker because ultimately her own affinity for the pair was paramount, and the core of my sneakerhead soul felt that."}

Attended a webinar hosted by American Public Gardens Association. 

IDEA Cafe: Transgender Inclusion at Public Gardens

Visited the office* to take some photos. 
*My office is a garden.


{Image Description: Small purple flowers in focus, a blurry small colorful house in the background.}

In honor of my favorite person's *redacted number* birthday, we went hiking at his favorite local spot that's very much off the beaten path. It was my first time ever seeing this place, and experiencing the challenges it afforded, but Aaron did a really good job of helping me prepare for them.

As we walked along, he told me stories of his visits past and all the ways time had changed the natural world around us - as it is wont to do. His stories are always my favorites to listen to, and better understanding his love for this space was a privilege, though knowing him it is not hard to see why he holds such affection for it.

At a point, we came to a tall waterfall and I was certain - despite his history and certainty otherwise - that it was not climbable. We approached the base of the slippery waterfall, me feeling shorter than ever before, and I watched him deftly climb halfway up to a more stable landing. Then I took a giant breath and grabbed ahold of the jutting rocks, pulled myself up, shoved my Downshifter 9s into crevices that felt far too small to use as footholds - I did all of this with great focus, and little hesitation.

When I was near the point where Aaron waited, the rocks became more slippery. I was sure I'd fall into the pool below if I reached across the threshold, and hesitated for the first time. But Aaron was there, with his hand outstretched, and even though he felt too far away I located the spaces I wanted my feet to land, and took the leap with his help. After that, getting to the top was easier, but I think my heart is still racing over a week later.

Three years ago, when I first moved back to this city, maybe even as close as one year ago, I would have turned around at the base. Or maybe I would have watched Aaron ascend in the graceful way he does and gotten to the same point that made me hesitate, and then I more likely would have thrown myself into the cold water- fearing failing and falling more than I believed I would make it across, and then to the top. I never would have returned, and I would never have seen the trail's end.

But, as is our seemingly usual serendipity, we went on this day, I went as this person, with the person who continues to encourage me to grow through all of my fears {and pouting} to be stronger, and braver than I ever knew I could be. I so look forward to scaling it together again. 

{Image Description, Left Photo: Monique is standing behind Aaron, looking at the camera a sort of slightly terrified, maybe too excited, possibly overcaffeinated look on her face. Aaron's face is partly obscured, but he is smiling, and wearing a bright pink bandana. They are standing in a gorge, water flowing around them, with rocks and foliage surrounding. 

Right Photo: Monique stands at the base of the tall waterfall, she is looking to the side at the rocks beside her, where her hand is placed, touching light flowing water. Behind her is a rushing waterfall, which flows into a pool below it.}

Began working with author Dr. Carolyn Finney as a freelance Digital Communications Director!