You have no items in your cart
I really didn't think I could do it.... When asked if I wanted to hike a mountain ( that turned into three...) of course I wanted to... but I really didn't think I could do it.
I only really hiked locally and wasn't sure if my mind or body would be up to the task. I was nervous but said yes to adventure and promised to push myself and try my very best.
When I first came to the first trail head I was excited and nervous. I pictured myself at the top of the mountain but imagined myself stuck up there out of exhaustion. As we started climbing I thought about the year I had... a very rough year to say the least and I thought about all the shit I didn't think I could do ….. that I did do.
I made it through EVERY single bump and thing that happened to me all year from having to leave the home I worked so hard to make mine, living in my studio, living in my camper, to having to live in a small rental home and realistically almost being homeless if I wouldn't have found my house in time. Losing my pets, losing my shop and rebuilding my shop. All of those moments felt like too much to handle .... I didn't think I could do it.
I could do those things... and I could climb this mountain.
Every single step felt like a literal step in the right direction. I was leaving all the things I didn't think I could do behind me because the things I did this year were certainly harder than climbing this mountain *right?*
At that point I wasn't even close to the summit but every winding part of the trail felt closer and closer to making it to the top. I was tired and challenged and happy to be doing something that was outside my comfort zone.
If you have never hiked a mountain ...there is a part in the hike that the trees begin to open up and you can hear the birds singing. Its like you taste it- you're almost there but you have to keep going to get to the top. That is exactly how I felt all year... I just kept going and this summer finally felt like that mountain air when you are almost to the top but you have to keep going.
When we were almost at the summit I was tired, hungry, thirsty, nervous, excited and happy... I almost started running to the summit but wanted to savor this moment and take my time.... I had never seen the world from the top of a mountain and I wanted to take my time and enjoy it.
When my weary feet and hiking poles were taking those last steps I broke out into tears because .... I truly didn't know if I could do it and I DID IT..... I climbed that god damn mountain ... one single step at a time.
At many moments it felt like it would be too much but I kept on. Shout out to my love who kept me going through it all and in the moments I wanted to give up said " We will make it to the top, together".
This may have been my first mountain but it certainly wont be my last. I learned a lot about myself on that mountain. It healed a piece of me. If I have learned anything about life this year is ... you actually CAN do it. I still have so many days that I feel like I cant do it and I think about that mountain.....
The best views come after the hardest climbs.
Until next time.... Cheers & summit beers!
Carrie
This year has been something I struggle to even put into words. I can tell you that because it has taken me days to even write this post. This year I lost my home, my pets, my comfort, my shop and even parts of myself in all of it. There were many days I really didn't know how to get any of it back or if I even wanted any of it back. I lost so much of myself I started to question every decision I was making or even if I had it in me to rebuild. Everyone expected it and was curious and I thought to myself for a long time that this era of my life was never going to be able to be rebuilt. I had spent 10 years getting my business to the place it was at and just like that it was crumbled to the ground.
I remember the excitement the first time I opened my shop doors and how proud I was of the accomplishment. I pivoted my original idea but I kept going and was extremely proud of what I build out of $50 and a dream. Then it all came crashing to the ground. I was trying desperately to function while I was living working and loving my kids from my once open door studio space. I made the extremely hard and jarring choice to leave it behind. I didn't really have a choice at that point but I packed up everything that I had worked a decade for into a trailer and to a storage unit.
I kept trying really hard to keep going and keep the business a float and support our customers but honestly I saw myself failing over and over again because my whole world was on fire and I was putting out that fire with a spray bottle. I wasn't being the mom I needed to be the business owner my customers knew and expected and I was running myself dry. I was adjusting to life as a solo mom while trying to rebuild the life I left behind for the kids. There were days it was all too heavy even my “one day at a time” motto became “one hour at a time”. I finally realized I just couldn't do it all seamlessly like I once could and had to take a break.
Taking that break was honestly one of the best things I could have done for my life. I knew in a way I was disappointing people but If I continued to burn the candle at both ends it would burn out. It allowed me to grieve the shop and life I had left behind and actually gave me space to think about the future of the business and myself.
I found a dream piece of property and against legitimately every single odd and many many months of paperwork the place became mine. My parents were a huge part of making this happen for all of us ( because divorce is terrible and extremely messy). I struggled with accepting help and honestly I felt ashamed of it but a friend recently told me that I have worked my whole life creating my people and my safety net and I'm extremely lucky to have loving supportive parents and that one day I will return the favors that so many people are doing for me right now and honestly that helped me realize its okay to accept help when you need it.
Once we got the house (which was only a few weeks ago) It was finally a sense of stability and calm for all of us and gave me the feeling of home and clarity to look to the future. We planned on making a similar space in the garage that I did before but once we got into the house it was in much worse shape that I thought. I thought that was it for the shop because the thought of another garage gut job and $20,000 renovation wasn't something I could do. I honestly didn't know what to do - Make shirts on my kitchen table, close up the shop, outsource, rent a space. I wasn't ready for any of those things, then I was driving my kids to school one morning and I saw a builder and stopped in and asked about a studio shed. It was in my price range and I thought to myself I can have an adorable little studio and not everything has to be perfect right away.
Can I afford to completely finish the space right away no. Do I have the time and energy and resources to make it exactly what I want it to be, no. But can I rebuild …. YES and I'm doing it. We may be running off of an extension cord for a little while and there may not be every little perfect thing but she's here and she's mine and I can finally create and feel like a piece of me is restored in this shop.
I also know that things will look a bit different and I'm only one person so open studios will be once a month to start and the website will be slower with updates but “one day at a time”. I hope you all venture to the hill and come visit and support the new studio, check out Amish country, stop by antique stores and cheese factories and stop by for a visit.
Our first open studio and “un-grand” opening will be May 27th 10:00-4:00. Nothing grand about it, Just the studio and me and as much as I can get done. Studio Address 6715 Bailey Hill Rd Cattaraugus NY 14719.
Thanks for sticking with me on this long journey
-Carrie
Welcome back to the Wild Roamers blog! I’m a Buffalo native, but moved out west to Colorado Springs four years ago! Over the years I have had tons of family and friends visit and each time we try to hit the highlights of the Springs and some of the hidden gems that we have found along the way! Here’s your guide to 5 must-do activities in Colorado Springs, including some amazing hikes, and a bonus hidden gem if you down for a short drive!
Hidden Gem - Eleven Mile Canyon (Heaven on Earth) – This is a spot that a lot of locals don’t even know about so shhhh, keep this one on the down low! This canyon is just an hour-drive outside of Colorado Springs, but offers many spots to sit and enjoy nature and during the summer it is great for fly fishing! Highly recommend for anyone looking to see Colorado in all its glory and enjoy it without any crowds!
- Erin
Over the last few years I have logged dozens, if not hundreds of miles hiking with my family. In the snow, in the blazing Texas heat, alongside bubbling waters and lost inside deep forests.
But, lately I’ve been feeling pulled to explore on my own. My children are growing up and showing more independence everyday, leaving me, as a mom, to figure out this new phase of life as they all will be in school, together, for the first time next fall.
Recently, I went on my very first solo hike. I’ve been practicing spending time alone on the trail when we adventure as a family, spending 10-15 minutes at a time just me and the great outdoors. However, this was my first attempt to choose a trail, bring supplies for just myself and go at my own speed.
I will admit, I was pretty nervous to venture out on my own. Originally I chose a new, moderately challenging trail to conquer. But, then I decided that was probably not the safest idea, so I ended up exploring a trail that was a bit more familiar to me and closer to home.
Of course, I was a little freaked out about safety. I live in Austin, TX, one of the busiest cities in America. With city living comes city crime. Unfortunately, I was the victim of a pretty nasty car break-in last summer while out at a swim hole with my kids. So, I’m always a little leery and tend to be hyper-aware of my surroundings these days. That said, I took all the necessary precautions before heading out. I shared my location on my phone with my husband and sister.
I texted my friends a Google Map coordinate of where I was and I took along our first-aid kit, enough snacks and water to feed a small army, plus some.
As soon as I stepped onto the trail, I could tell this was going to be different. It didn’t feel like exploring like it usually did, but more of a challenge… and I love a good challenge! I listened. I observed. I forced myself to walk at a slower pace and just simply be.
These are not luxuries I often have when I’m with the kids, so I took advantage of theopportunity.
It was lovely.
It was also hard.
Being alone is hard.
Have you tried it?
When you take a solo trek, in addition to preparing for any situation, also think about your goal or purpose.
Are you looking to increase stamina?
Or maybe just get out into nature?
Is it something on your personal bucket list?
Or perhaps you seek a few moments of reflection.
Either way, I highly recommend a solo hike.
Not only is it good for the body, but good for your soul.
Everyone deserves a few moments of respite.
Once back at the safety of my car I took a deep breath and thought, “I did it!”
I did it. I did something that felt daunting, something for myself. I was proud.
Looking back, I decided I’m going to keep trying, keep practicing my independence, test out some more solo hikes, even if it is a little intimidating.
I’ve always believed that without challenge, there is no growth.
We’re all put on this earth to grow- aren’t we?
Plus, my birthday is Independence Day so I kind of owe it to myself to keep pushing the limits and reclaim my own Independence.
Thanks for Reading!
Safety should always be at the for front of every hike so check out this great blog post from @exploerchick
https://explorerchick.com/journal/women-safely-hiking-alone-tips/
-Andrea
By: Melisa Dettbarn
My appetite for adventure started with an old tarp and a forest. As a kid, my brother and I crafted a tree fort in the woods behind our house, stretching a tarp among old trees and crooked branches to create a secret shelter. I spent copious time studying vines, hunting wild berries and following animal tracks and sounds in the sun, rain and snow. I found alien insects, newborn animals, rode my bike along railroad tracks and visited the secret trash dump found beyond our land. My world expanded with every careful observation and discovery, around every bend of a trail.
Adventure in the woods turned into adventures in the winding halls of college dorms, new relationships full of mystery, steps to an apartment in a new city, a train to Canada, walking meditation at a temple, tickets to see a band in a loud, dark club, a door to my classroom and even a car ride in labor to meet my children under the white hot lights of a hospital delivery room. Now, adventure has a rich, deeper, duality. Every new experience is lived twice- through my children’s eyes and from my own, aged vista. The smallest of details and the biggest of questions, surprising things I’d never see on my own are adventures anew illuminated by my children.
I’ve found adventure on the top of a mountain and on trips to the grocery store. I’ve met people with fascinating stories on a greyhound bus and at cancer treatment centers. I’ve discovered surprises under the rocks of a stream and at an elementary school band concert. These days, adventure is watching my daughter learn to play a new song by ear, a walk in a silent forest on snowshoes and learning to eat hot, garlic edamame tucked in a cozy basement restaurant. There’s always something to see, ask questions about or explore if you lead with an open heart and a hungry mind.
Adventure is a mindset who’s only constraint is curiosity. In a world where nothing is permanent, no moment will ever be the same again. Every experience from epic to mundane, painful to exhilarating, can be a unique opportunity to wonder and learn if you suspend expectations and look closer. Adventure is a fleeting opportunity to find out more, ask why and say yes more than no to the moment in front of you, no matter where you are. Life has been a mentor without match and I have been the luckiest of students.
Winter Wild Roamers: Adventures in Allegany State Park
Open on a fresh blanket of snow tossed atop the earth: Untouched. Pristine. Ephemeral.
Enjoy it while it lasts, Mother Nature, because I know a few creatures eager to tattoo their marks across your blank canvas the second they pull on their snowsuits.
Enter the Militello Fun Squad (my husband, three kids and me) as we embark on our annual winter camping weekend with friends at Allegany State Park. This fan favorite breaks up the cold, gray ennui that creeps in post-holidays. Plus, it’s been a minute since we’ve spent quality time with friends and we have an appetite for normal-ish social interaction.
The Fun Squad enjoying (minus our youngest) Zoar Valley
We kicked off our weekend in the woods with a deposit of mammoth-sized snowflakes that begged to be played in. So, we stopped en route to ASP at Zoar Valley’s Holcomb Pond to break trail.
Checking in at Holcomb Pond’s trail registry
The kids excitedly pointed out various animal tracks in the fresh accumulation. Then, my five-year-old declared that we humans couldn’t be tracked in the winter.
Happy campers in Zoar Valley
“How so?” I asked, half-chuckling because their volume alone makes them easily traceable targets.
Holcomb Pond via snowshoe, ski, & sled tracks
“Cuz look at my tracks, Mom.”
Tiny trailblazer snowshoeing around Holcomb Pond
I observed his tiny snowshoe imprints. “Daddy’s tracks look way different,” he added as my husband skied ahead. “And G isn’t even making her own tracks,” he tossed in smugly while side-eying our free-loading four-year-old who opted for a sled ride.
“Moooooom!” her highness whined. But he was onto something…
In our element: on skis, swinging in snowshoes, snacking on snow
Check us humans out; we really are a species of many tracks. I relished this insight all weekend. Though diverse in age, ability and interests, here we were laying our own unique tracks in an area brimming with options.
Caravan of sledders out on the open ski hill
Pan to ye ole sled hill. Watching everyone throw themselves recklessly down this hill (on tubes, four to a sled, holding hands on saucers, even riding an inflatable unicorn) set the tone for our bluebird day. The kids never once complained of the steep trek back up, as they were hellbent on growing their tracks every run.
Lisa, the inflatable unicorn, taking her fifth run down the sledding hill
Back near the cabin, a couple of moms hiked the bike path to the Covered Bridge for sunshine and solitude.
Coniferous views from the bike path adjacent to Butterfly Meadows
Cut to the Art Roscoe cross country ski trails where I took off with some pals sans children for an afternoon of solid cardio with a side of breathtaking mountain vistas. Oh, and did I mention the warming hut? If you are of the Nordic skiing persuasion, this place is a must.
Art Roscoe’s immaculately groomed Nordic ski trails
Exhausted in all the best ways, we ended our days fireside, swapping tales of our adventures over roasted marshmallows and hot toddies.
Fireside hangs with the kids
The take-away: different strokes for different folks, and different trails for different pals. I cannot encourage you enough to swap out your sad, salt-crusted boots for snowshoes, skis, sleds or any other winter activity beginning with “s.” You may find that a little bit of Vitamin D and frosty fresh air not only fits your winter aesthetic, but helps you survive this seemingly decade-long season.
Snowy moonlit tracks
End scene. Happy trails, folks!
By: Abby Militello
We are Rusterior –A WNY; Women & LGBTQ Owned; Sustainable; Hand Printed Goods; Ethically Made; Eco-friendly adventure company
Abby is a part of the Rusterior Wild Roamer Blog. In 2022 you can look forward to meeting a diverse group of Wild Roamers who can’t wait to share their local adventures with you. We want to offer you wild and roaming ideas and suggestions with varying levels of activity, ability, and family involvement.
Today is an adventure from Wild Roamer- Shelly Wells!
In Health ~ Shelly W."
We are Rusterior –A WNY; Women & LGBTQ Owned; Sustainable; Hand Printed Goods; Ethically Made; Eco-friendly adventure company
Shelly is a part of the Rusterior Wild Roamer Blog. In 2022 you can look forward to meeting a diverse group of Wild Roamers who can’t wait to share their local adventures with you. We want to offer you wild and roaming ideas and suggestions with varying levels of activity, ability, and family involvement.
2022 Challenges
Some thoughts about challenge…what resonates with you?
We are Rusterior – WNY; Women & LGBTQ Owned; Sustainable; Hand Printed Goods; Ethically Made; Eco-friendly; Proud; and open to taking risks…how else will we be better than yesterday?!
Rusterior is striving to improve by expanding the Rusterior Wild Roamer Blog. In 2022 you can look forward to meeting a diverse group of Wild Roamers who can’t wait to share their local adventures with you. We are challenging ourselves and providing you with ideas for success and growth (and some really cool Rusterior products). We want to offer you wild and roaming ideas and suggestions with varying levels of activity, ability, and family involvement.
Rusterior's 2022 plans include sharing more frequent (at least twice a month!) blog content from real humans who live in our community. These humans come from various backgrounds and are at different stages in their lives, but they share a love of active living. These local Roamers find joy in different escapades, so you are sure to connect with some, if not all of them. And, did we mention they LOVE Rusterior goods?
So, let’s get the party started! We want to introduce you to some of the bloggers! In the spirit of challenges, some of the bloggers are sharing their 2022 challenges, hoping to inspire and motivate you to think about what might challenge you this year. Log in often this year, see what the humans are up to and what Rusterior products they are loving…we challenge you…
I’m a question asker, adventure seeker and curious explorer on this vibrant blue planet, 3rd from the Sun. I’m thankful to ride through this crazy life with Jason, our three amazing children and numerous animal companions, to spend my days teaching science surrounded by young people, and live a life rich with friendships, family, stories, big laughs, forests, nature, campfires, live music and epic adventures. Life’s too short - make it interesting!
Janine Desmond-
This gift guide shows you some awesome gifts for the gals & androgynous folks in your life! They probably need nothing because they buy it all themselves ;) But.... here are some fun gifts all while Shopping Local. We have done our best to stock our shop with consciously sourced and handmade goods for the holidays! Most of our apparel is Unisex and I promise will be their new favorite! I PROMISE they want the buffalo flag hoodie.... Every show they check it out......
With local shows being canceled this year I thought this would be a fun way to showcase our goods for you in an easy shoppable way!
Everything in this gift guide can be found on Rusterior.com! Or in the gift guides collection on our website!
You can also join us at one of our open studio dates in Forestville NY
As always thank you for shopping local!
Until next time
xo
Carrie
This gift guide shows you some awesome gifts for the guys & androgynous folks in your life! They are hard to buy for while also Shopping Local. We have done our best to stock our shop with consciously sourced and handmade goods for the holidays! Most of our apparel is Unisex and I promise will be their new favorite!
With local shows being canceled this year I thought this would be a fun way to showcase our goods for you in an easy shoppable way!
Everything in this gift guide can be found on Rusterior.com! Or in the gift guides collection on our website!
You can also join us at one of our open studio dates in Forestville NY
As always thank you for shopping local!
Until next time
xo
Carrie
This gift guide shows you some awesome gifts for the littlest adventurers in your life! I know its always hard for me to find kids gifts that I can also Shop Local. We have done our best to stock our shop with consciously sourced and handmade goods for the holidays!
With local shows being canceled this year I thought this would be a fun way to showcase our goods for you in an easy shoppable way!
Everything in this gift guide can be found on Rusterior.com! Or in the gift guides collection on our website!
You can also join us at one of our open studio dates in Forestville NY
As always thank you for shopping local!
Until next time
xo
Carrie
