Climbing and competition

Thomasina Pidgeon recently wrote an insightful essay about climbing and competitiveness, particularly its role in the lives of women climbers. You can read the essay here.

This gave me a lot to think about. Does being better than someone else motivate my climbing? Or is it my own progress that drives me? I sometimes feel that improving at climbing is not happening fast enough for me, and I get frustrated. But then I remember how lucky I am to be able to climb at all, to see beautiful places and meet wonderful people. What motivates you in climbing?

Since I started blogging for the team, I have found so many things I want to buy for myself! Here is the latest one - a lino cut print from Quail Lane Press. Michelle's shop has many designs that will appeal to climbers and non-climbers alike.

You can check out Quail Lane Press at http://www.etsy.com/shop/quaillanepress?ref=seller_info

Leaf-inspired wood earrings by Arboreal

These beautiful earrings are made by Arboreal Jewelry, located in Seattle, WA. I love everything in this shop; I am a big fan of geometric shapes in jewelry. Check out some more beautiful designs at http://www.etsy.com/shop/arborealjewelry?ref=seller_info

Chalk up!

It's springtime and outdoor climbing season is here! Here is a wicked shark chalk bag from allBeta, cause who wants to climb with a boring ol' chalkbag? Check it out at http://www.etsy.com/listing/96781774/great-white-shark-attack-rock-climbing

Hi everyone, and welcome to the Etsy Climbers Blog! I am going to be blogging on behalf of the team, and very much looking forward to it. I already have lots of climbing and Etsy-related topics in mind, but please feel free to send me your suggestions as well! A little bit about myself... I live in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, near the eastern-most point in North America. Winters are long here, and you need patience to be a climber in Newfoundland, but fortunately there is a dedicated, and growing climbing community here. I have an Etsy shop, AvalonBelle, and I sell jewelry. I like glass beads and gemstones, and I am trying to get started in metalworking. Here is a link to my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AvalonBelle?ref=si_shop