Faster. Higher. Stronger.

I love the Olympics!

I also think that the panda mascots are super cute. =)

but that's sooooo besides the point. ha.




For 2 weeks I've stressed out over games, checked scores & standings CONSTANTLY, and loved every minute of it. It's not often all of MY favorite sports are on. Pretty hetero of me, eh? hahahaha.


The way I see it, it's like the Olympic games is the world's 2 week vacation from work.

The world comes together for a common purpose: to put aside differences and politics and celebrate the human spirit.I've always been inspired by the sports, stories, struggles, & successes of athletes during the games. I love watching the raw emotion and these people are just passion personified.

I can care less if people think I'm lame for being moved by the ceremonies. How can you NOT be happy seeing the world celebrate?! I love the Bird's Nest Stadium, the Water Cube...actually the whole effin Olympic green is an architectural feat.

Whether it's the USA team or not, the success and failure drives me. It reminds me that I can do anything if I really put my whole self into an idea. I must be able to focus my energy into a true passion in life. It's not always about winning the gold...it's about the journey to even have the chance at it.

To those, who don't understand why the Olympics is such a HUGE deal, don't focus on the sports. Take a look at the people and who they are...not so much how well they perform. Their stories are, to me, epic.

To be the best of the best...that's something I need to work on becoming. I claim to have a passion, but is there are flame burning for it?


Just a few of my favorites...
Misty & Kerri
Dalhausser & Rogers
Lolo Jones
Michael Phelps
Dara Torres
Shawn Johnson
Nastia Liukin
Jonathan Horton
Raj Bhavsar
Bryan Clay
USA Men's Basketball
USA Men's & Women's Volleyball
...so many more people have inspired me...and I am grateful for them.



Thanks Beijing. I'm dreaming once again. I guess you're never really too old to dream.


Goodbye 2008 Olympics. It's been a trip.

GO WORLD!

I absolutely LOVE the Olympic games. I always so inspired by the ceremonies, the stories, the imagery, and the intensity. There are so many feelings for me when I see the games. Maybe to some, it doesn't mean much to see the triumph of the human spirit. Maybe the games don't inspire others as it inspires me.

Yeah, I'm sentimental. I'm cheesy, I know... but to see the world come together is a HUGE sight to see.

Good luck to all involved in the Beijing games. Finally...TV with real skill.

I would like to thank all of you who have supported me for the past 2 weeks. All of the prayers, comments, ratings, votes, emails, bulletins, forums, and everything in between have pushed my design as far as it can go...and I thank you.

I put my heart into this bag...I didn't design it for me. I didn't design it because I thought it was "cute." I designed it to reflect who I am as a designer. I don't think for myself, but what I see in the world. I want to SHARE myself to others, not make what I believe is good for ONLY me.

I dedicate this experience to everyone who has ever had an idea and ran with it. This design is for the person who is constantly overlooked and never recognized for anything. It is for those who long to inspire as well as those who need inspiration. It's for everyone who needs someone to believe in them.

I have learned that people really believe in my design. I have come to realize that my network of friends and family is the best part of this competition. Validation is all I really wanted and thanks to all of you, I understand the capacity of my abilities as a person and as a designer.

Whether I win or lose, I know that I'm a winner because I learned so much. I learned that though the general public may be pretty ignorant, I can count on my peeps to get me through it all.

My advice to you is: go with your heart AND your gut. Your heart moves you while the gut sustains you. Always dream big and don't let anyone tell you you're crazy...

Nice guys don't finish last...they finish right.

Thank you for believing in me and thank you for being there for me.

It's in God's hands now. Wish me luck and please keep me in your prayers. I will certainly update you on the results in a few weeks.

http://www. brickfish. com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView. aspx?picid=565511_66448899&pid=950013&scid=293&

Humbly yours,
Mark