"Don't let me hear you say life's taking you nowhere...."

Life is so strange sometimes...I feel like it's taking me nowhere, well at least that's the way I felt over the last couple of months...but things are starting to have a bit of a golden feel to them...(I luuuuuve Bowie, just saying)....

I remember as a kid that every time I went to my moms office I would dig in her desk drawer to take a peek at this marble she kept. This wasn't an average marble it had the golden rule written on the side "do to others as you would have them do to you". I've always tried to live my life with that in mind. LA seems short of people that feel the same way, but I've lucked out. I'm taking part in this great event that will have me submerged in goodness. Plus I was invited to ride this event with one of the golden ones...

I'll be riding 545 miles in 7 days from San Fransisco to Los Angeles on June 1st but first I need to raise $3k to take part in this amazing event! If you'd like to help by donating, remember, no amount is too small. If you aren't able to donate and still would like to show your support then post this link to your facebook page.

Click to donate or see my profile page:

http://www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR/AIDSLIFECYCLE2014/AIDSLifeCycleCenter?px=3070983&pg=personal&fr_id=1630 

As some of you might know, I'm an avid cyclist and bike touring is something I've wanted to get into. While I explore the intro to bike touring I will also be helping others in need. It's a win win for all. I created a new blog so you can see my progression. I will be posting updates, training information (I'm training on the streets of LA instead of what I've been use to, the countryside of Nebraska, a bit different) and about the event it's self. A friend from Nebraska who did this event said it was life changing and for such a great cause, to help end HIV/AIDS.

Follow my new blog bout my new bike adventure:

http://chopslalaland.blogspot.com/ 



In the myst of my training I will head to Minneapolis for the 43rd Annual SNAG Conference "From Grains to Gold". I get to meet all sorts of super rad people, socializing with metalsmiths from around the world!!! Plus my kickass jeweler friends in Minneapolis helped to set this up...way to go ladies...can't wait to see what you have in store for us!!!

"D Zed" will be featured in the "A Night of Glamour & Gold" Event, I will be showing at the trunk show and helping out by volunteering during the event!!! Gonna be a busy few days, can't wait....check out all the other amazing and happening things at SNAG...

http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/conferences/from-grains-to-gold/programming/fundraisers/ 

I've been working on new work that I am really excited about (photos soon), I have a great internship with an outstanding headdress artist and my etsy shop it bout to go live!! Starting Monday my shop will be a go!!! I need to make room for new work so there will be great sales and fun items. Also 10% of the sales will go to help fundraise my AIDS LifeCycle adventure!!! Another win win, rad jewelry and help others in need!!! Kick ass!!!

www.etsy.com/shop/caseyshepparddesigns

I hope this post leaves you feeling good inside, inspires you to help others or to just go get rad....oh and don't forgot bout the golden rule....