Boots, Banter & Brave Women

08/19/2026

Kinda long -
I've fallen off the wagon for summer walking/hiking. I've had some struggles, and well, bugs.

Yesterday I threw every excuse in front of me not to take a quick walk. I was out. I had tennis shoes on, not the right shoes. I had a skirt on, not the right bottoms. I wanted a shirt or jacket with pockets to hold my keys. I didn't have my backpack (took it out to clean up my truck).

Then I thought just go. Go to Cato Falls. It's 10 min away. Look up to the sky, it's gonna rain.

And then, I was by Broadway and said - go, make the turn to Schuette. IT'S RIGHT THERE!

I did it. I walked. I took deep breaths. I felt a little better. I walked about a mile.

I keep forgetting that it's so simple to go outside. It's so simple to walk around the house. It's so simple to pop into my garden or plants and say hello.

I forget. Because of all of the stress. And turns out, most of it isn't mine. I am adaptable. The stress is minimal because I'm learning to be MORE in my moments.

I'm learning what I like and what I don't like.

If you've read this far - cool. I'll be talking more about how to use this page. What I thought in the beginning and what I think now. What if - if any - you all want to do. Because somehow we are here together. And maybe there is something here.

I'm just not sure what.

08/01/2026

If you’re in Wisconsin (residing or visiting) let’s do the challenge together. I’m open to meeting at different trailheads in Wisconsin.

Get ready to spend October outside! Registration for the 2026 Mammoth Hike Challenge is OPEN! 🥾🦣🍂

This October, challenge yourself ot experience the best of Wisconsin by hiking 46 miles on the Ice Age Trail and visiting three Trail Communities. Complete the Challenge to earn a limited-edition patch and hiking certificate. Even more bonus mile opportunities are available to help you reach your goal!

Every fall, thousands of hikers from Wisconsin and beyond take on the Mammoth Hike Challenge. Some revisit favorite sections of the Ice Age Trail. Others discover new Trail Communities (including three added for 2026!). Families make memories together, friends challenge one another, and solo hikers find peace among Wisconsin's vibrant fall colors.

All ages and abilities are welcome. 💛💙

Learn more and register for FREE today: www.iceagetrail.org/mammoth-hike-challenge/
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📸: Photo by Kate Zander
Shoutout to Zarda Design for creating this year's incredible logo/patch!😍
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07/24/2026

Rock Island - wasn't going to take the Ferry, then a local said how beautiful it was. They were right! I wish I could have stayed longer (but the ferry has limited hours) - the lighthouse has docents with tours. They sleep there during their volunteer week.

07/24/2026

The summer has had some big UPS and a few backsliding moments. After reflecting, I didn't understand why my walks/hikes have declined. And because I feel much better mentally, I think I didn't need the walk/nature therapy.

It's like, I feel better, so I don't crave it. After visiting Rock Island earlier this month, I was reminded of all the things I miss about hiking. I'm motivated to get back to it this summer. And perhaps discover more about myself and seeing things in a new light.

The best thing, is I'm giving myself grace on things I enjoy, but haven't engaged in.

Have a Happy Weekend

06/02/2026

What a wonderful start to our hikes! Thanks ladies for coming out. We saw turtles, birds and deer. More to come for the next one!

05/29/2026

Hey hey! Thanks for being here. Let's talk about being selfish! Authentically selfish.

The example being nature! The trees, and the stars and the flowers. They do their thing no matter what chaos is happening. They nurture themselves. They don't worry about the neighboring tree "thinks". They focus on themselves. Without malice.

So, let's be authentically selfish! My weekend goal is to get to another State Park, for me.

What do you want to do for yourself this weekend?

05/27/2026

These past few weeks, I've had no energy. Turns out I have a low red blood cell count, causing slight anemia. We've got a handle on it and vitamins are being pumped. However, the recovery is longer than in the past. I am doing much better giving myself grace. Moving some is better than none. Then I reminded myself about a project I started.

I created a 7-day reset journal. It's nothing fancy, in a PDF. I'm thinking about either giving it for a "donation" or making it a set fee of $7.

I created it, so I want it to go out into the world.

Reply "RESET" for more information. 🙌🥾

05/22/2026

Can't wait to see your progress! Get it!

05/20/2026

So many for me!

05/18/2026

I do love it all! Forest when it's not buggy. Hills are great. The lake is nice just for a beat.