The story behind the big boi pot:

The lanes that run around the pot are track lanes, depicted by the numbers 1-6. Track got me into running, which ended up being a huge part of my life. Running became my coping mechanism while going through traumatic life moments. The puzzle pieces represent the little things that are a part of me and make me, me. Each icon displayed on the puzzle piece represents either an important aspect in my life, a key memory, or a future goal. The very first puzzle piece near track lane 1 at the bottom reads "gemini" and has the star constellation for the astrological gemini sign, which I am. This represents the moment the universe gave me life.

Other icons have meanings as follows:

• making wishes with dandelions as a kid and still doing it to this day

• plane because I love traveling

• books for my love of reading and expanding my knowledge of the world

• topographic lines for the elevation of a mountain (the mountains are my favorite)

• the moon and star for my appreciation of the cosmos

• "OSU" for my new journey to begin at Oregon State University in the Fall of 2024

• tiger stripes to represent my struggle with my body dysmorphia

• waves for the appreciation of water that the universe has given us to naturally heal with

• camera for my love of photography and capturing memories in time

• infinity sign for my expression of love to those who are closest to me

• two stick people and a heart represent my soulmate and twinflame in this life, my human, and my loving girlfriend Nicole

• "te amo mucho" my strained connection to my dominican culture, but the words I say no matter what relative I speak to even though I've never met them

• "26.2" my goal to complete a marathon in my life

• "grow" a term that I remind myself of the importance of everyday

• "..." the story of life's moments always continues, even if you aren't a part of it anymore

• pride flag a vital part of my identity that I took a while to accept and now I am proud of it

• sun for my appreciation of all the power it holds on us and the solar system, without it -- we wouldn't be here

• flag banner -- 2 meanings: my future goal to move to Spain and the memories of cross country races and getting into the FLOW state of mind

• dragonfly a symbolic animal for me that has always showed up after large life events

• four leaf clover memories of picking these with my mom

• "XC" my gratitude for my running experiences

• hot tea mug represents my love for tea

• smiley face :) just because it's good to smile sometimes

• softball/baseball represents my love for sports since I played from 4yrs till 7th grade

• pet paw represents all my pets who have gotten me through rough times

• cloud w/ rain drops because rainy weather is so underappreciated, it is absolutely stunning

• ginkgo leaf represents my mom's favorite tree (she's a botanist and horticulturist"

• "06.05.2012." -- the day my grandpa passed in front of me, 5 days before my eighth birthday

• "13.1" my goal to run a half marathon on my birthday next year

• alto clef represents music's importance in my life... I have played viola since fourth grade (12 years and counting!)

State of Oregon's motto:

"ALIS VOLAT PROPRISS" ~ "she flies with her own wings"

my new motto towards my life

"love" & "free" -- something I hope to do forever

"Ready to RUN." -- I am always ready to run towards whatever door the universe is willing to open for me, even if it is hard.

Sometimes things feel like they are never-ending, like we are stuck in a loop, but we gotta ride it out.

Smokey Brown -- 2nd

Right: Soldate

Pouring of Del Favero on top

Smokey Brown outside

Plate: 1/2 Shelia's New Green + 1/2 Sapphire Blue

Bowl: Shelia's New Green; inside & Sapphire Blue; outside

Tripod Foot Table: Fake ash

Remainder: Shelia's Green & Sapphire Blue