"I felt that there had been a mistake!" was Holly's first impression. "It seemed like an impossibility; that I would even be considered as a torch bearer. So, to have my coworkers present me with the news that I had been selected, simply overwhelmed me."
However, the Network Operations Customer Service Manager from Stratford PEI, has really earned her coworkers admiration over the past 3 ½ years. She joined a program called UFIT, lost 130 pounds and has become a role model for others looking to take the first step towards a more active and healthier lifestyle.
"I attend that hour-long class daily, and it has helped me become strong so I can pursue other athletic goals," Holly explained. "At 42, I can run 10 K now - something I couldn't do even when I was in my twenties."
For Holly, the Olympic Flame is a symbol of excellence that she doesn't take lightly. She believes it's not just a reflection on winning, but the integrity through which we compete - in sport and in life. That's why, in addition to her new-found commitment to fitness, she continues to share her time through the Bell Aliant Pioneers and other charitable causes.
"Helping those in need in the community has always been a priority to me," she said. "So as long as I am able, I will dedicate a small part of my life in improving the lives of others. I'm hoping that others will do the same."
Holly hopes her moment of Olympic glory serves as an inspiration for all her friends, family and co-workers as they strive to achieve their goals.
"I've brought honor to myself by wanting to give back to those who have helped me achieve my goals," she says. "Perhaps by exhibiting the Olympic Spirit I can help improve the lives of others, one small step at a time."
I met Holly at the Ufit classes which I mention quite a bit on my blog and on facebook. Holly was the spunky one who would get in the middle and teach for a bit. I always admired that she could do that, and secretly wished that someday I could! Holly contacted me for photos that would possibly appear on the Aliant website. I didn't know what the reason for the new photos was but I was excited to hang out with her spunkiness for a bit and accepted. As we walked around downtown Charlottetown, taking photos and laughing, she told me about the torch-bearing opportunity and that she was nominated by her coworkers. I was in awe. Losing 130 pounds and not a spec of spirit, my heart grew. I said to her when she left, I know this is why I love my photography. I get to meet amazing people, and hear their amazing stories. I was very disappointed that I could not make the torch bearing ceremony, but believe me Holly, I am none the less proud of your accomplishments this past Sunday and am glad that we were brought to meet via ufit!
Recently my sister (MSMF) went ahead and sent my boyfriend AND a "homie" of mine an email on how to calm me down in a purse store so that I wouldn't go crazy and buy everything in site. Neither had experienced me shopping in one before and she thought it was imperative to let them know ahead of time how it could end up. It cracked me up that she sent him this and had used these rules on me before. My sister just cracks me up in general. I couldn't believe that she had actual rules that she followed when she shopped with me!!!
The message to them was as follows:
1. Keep her calm, if she starts to mix her words...oh oh. Make her look all around the store and pick faves. No rash decisions. Talk in a gentle voice...
2. Don't dare say "You can't buy that, its too expensive!", I think it is a challenge.
3. Keep her away from the old lady looking ones...if you not sure which one that is, ask her..would Kimmy buy it? She knows which ones I am concerned about. LOL
Above all happy shopping...also be careful if she spots a Michael Kors store...she likes it in there too!
OMG, I was the homie friend that recieved that email and when I went shopping with her she is like a magnet she was totally attracted to the Coach store, she touch and smells them also...I even had a sniff..YUMMY!!! LOL
(11.23.09)Well I wonder why???? I have seen you in those stores before, I needed to have a game plan for when your eyes get all big and darting. I mean I left the store for one minute and you were in line with 2 more!!! It was only right for me to have a plan. LOL . That is a mighty dreamy wallet that I see on that picture too!
(11.23.09)I LOVE COACH!
(11.23.09)You NEED to count them! ;-)
(11.23.09)Who needs reasons for Coach anyways???? I accept it anytime of year!
(11.23.09)Hope to receive some this year!
(11.23.09)Come see my closet some day. I have them displayed so I know exactly how many I have at any given time. :)
(11.28.09)
People are emailing me asking me what keeps me inspired. Inspiration in me comes from so many sources, everything seems to be an inspiration! Sometimes when I go to bed, I cannot sleep because I have so many ideas swirling inside of my head. I keep all my ideas and notes in my awesome iphone. I use the app "anote" or Awesome Note and have been known to be jotting notes down in there at 3 am, if I cannot sleep.
The biggest form of inspiration for me is when I am around around inspiring Uplifting Positive People & Things. My head & heart feel like they will burst at the seams when I am fully inspired. There is just no other way to describe it!
Some other forms of inspiration come from:
-Music
-Art
-My Family
-New Places
-Colors & Patterns
-Other Photographers
-Books
-Meditation
-Peaceful Places
-Love & people in love
-Happy Belly Laughs that you want to bottle up and keep forever
Oh so nice! I love the neon boneyard!
(11.23.09)Love this!!!
(11.23.09)Great photos, hope to get to Vegas someday to see this person.
(11.23.09)You are inspiring!
(11.23.09)Keep up the great posts. I really like your writing and photos.
(11.23.09)Just looking at these pics make me wanna put her all on lucky number 7....
(11.30.09)
So it was a huge surprise one night when I was over visiting and just happened to have my camera with me that she let her mom braid her hair. I didn't think that Sparky Ming Ming could get any cuter and then she did!
Below is Meleah when she looks to see her braids for the first time. She
told me "they don't look that bad!". I couldn't believe it! What a little sweetheart!
Too cute!!! I love the picture where she is looking in the mirror! The sheer joy on her face is sooo cute!!
(11.18.09)So Sweet!!!
(11.19.09)OMG These are so cute, they made me SMILE right big!
(11.19.09)I actually work in Meleah's class in the morning at school! and Yes I was very surprised the day she got to take to school the things that she likes most and out she pulls Dinky cars, and a spiderman thermos!!! She has the most beautiful smile and is a joy to have smile at me every morning!! I love,Love these pictures of her!
(11.19.09)I want to squeeze her! These pics of her are my most favorite ever! Seriously! :)
(11.20.09)Is this niece sisters with Madison from you other post? OMG These are beautiful girls!
(11.20.09)I love the expressions. Great work.
(11.20.09)These pictures make me smile. I think you captured the moment beautifully. Really great work!
(11.20.09)Rachel, your talent is amazing!
(11.20.09)OMWord, these are right sweet and definitley "blog worthy" !
(11.26.09)I love everyone of these pictures, what a beautiful smile, my favorite is the one in the mirror.
(11.28.09)She has a smile that goes on forever......
(11.29.09)Happy girl!! Must be because of the awesome Rachel!!
(11.30.09)Rachel, you always amaze me with how easily you can catch a person's beauty in just the click of a button!! You have an amazing talent and your blog is definitely (one of) my addiction(s)! You rock!
(11.30.09)i love the one of her laying on the floor with her hair all out around her! and the one of her holding herself up to look in the mirror. ever sweet!
(12.16.10)
I will be doing a lot of work in Toronto in the future, and would love to explore more streets and cool venues to work in, especially in this area! So if you have a location worth checking out let me know! I love to travel, I would have to say that is one my top loves in life. Being in a new environment can spark creativity like nothing else. Sometimes if I am working and am hitting a brick wall, I have to leave my place, go somewhere, anywhere, to get a fresh perspective.
Here are my Top 5 Loves in Life. I suggest each of you compile a list of your Top 5 as well. My number 1 will always be my number 1, and the other 4 shift around from time to time, but always remain tied for the next best spot on my list.
Top 5 loves in Life:
1 - Family (each & everyone for each their own reason)
2 - Photography (anything & everything esp. people)
2 - Travel (everywhere especially NYC)
2 - Friends (again...each for their own reasons)
2 - Life & Love (in general)
CUTE!!! LOVE the last picture!!!
(11.17.09)Nice locations! These are awesome!
(11.20.09)Wow, these so fun. It must be nice to go to different locations.
(11.20.09)Oh I know this area!!! These pictures are really beautiful, can't wait to see the wedding.
(11.20.09)Congrats Becky & Jarvis! Great photos, love them all. :)
(11.20.09)Love the last pictures also!!! Also the one with the shoes!
(11.20.09)These are so much fun!!
(11.20.09)This lat pitcher is cool. It looks like hey are 5 feet in the air.
(11.26.09)You certainly can capture the moment...
(11.30.09)
Wow! That's incredible!
(11.24.09)I have a huge lump in my throat reading this. Holly, you are truly an inspiration. to me! Congratulations on your accomplishments and everything!
(11.24.09)Absolutley amazing Holly! You are definiely an inspiration (and I don't even know you)!
(11.26.09)Congratulations on your achievments, and on the honor of carrying the Torch... ps...42?? Are ya sure?? "Cause you don't look like it :)
What a story! Congratulations Holly.
(11.26.09)Holly! You are such an amazing source of insporation and laughs at UFIT, I couldn't imagine it without you!!!
(11.27.09)Hi you might be interested in this short video of the torch rally in Charlottetown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2riHXoV7J8
There's a whole series of videos following the torch rally: http://www.youtube.com/user/canadiantourism#g/c/3D6317EAD1420D8E
Enjoy!
(11.27.09)Wow! What an inspirational story! Congratulations to Holly! Great pictures as usual Rachel :)
(11.27.09)I can relate........ amazing.
(11.29.09)