This series of rings is called the "Bear Mountain Rings," in honor of the hardest race I will ever run in my life. The Bear Mountain Half Marathon was an "endurance challenge" sponsored by NorthFace. It was not so much a run as climbing up and down 90 degree mountian sides, dodging fallen branches, falling off slippy boulders, breaking ankles on rocks, and sliding down mudslides. I was in so much pain that Katiebeans had to apply deliciously scented Bengay for days. It was not the leisurely trail jog Katiebeans had envisioned. (Sidenote: Iron Martin just said, "blog-nobbing.") Regardless, these rings embody the lovely Thoreau-esque submersion in nature Katiebeans had hoped for when eagerly heading to the race, clapping her hands and telling her buddy Tony how fun the race would be for them. Well even Tony, who is the most positive, happy go lucky person I have met, was bitter at race end. Katiebeans is especially bitter that the hardest race she ever ran didn't hand out finisher medals. I digress. 
Both of these rings were made from old jewelry. The New Leaf was an army medal purchased at a vintage store, and the Flutterby was one of two hair pins my Aunt Erin gave me as a little girl. With pliers, I broke off excess metal, and with excess metal (actually electrical wire and regular wire, respectively), I made rings. Nothing special or particularly difficult, but I think perfect for adding subtle and unique style to an outfit.
