October/November 2013 - Inspired Woman Magazine

year. I wouldn’t have looked into any ofthat if I wasn’t trying to figure out howto do it better myself because of thechallenges I had.”Carvell’s book is mostly a collectionof stories and experiences. Whenshe gets evaluations back from publicspeaking engagements, it is the motivationpart of it that people like most,the stories.She talked about what people willfind inside the cover: “It’s about growingup in a small town, being part ofa large family, moving on to a biggerstage, doing things never thoughtpossible or even imagined, and peopleand obstacles, humor and joysencountered along the way. It will havea bit about my ancestors, the stock -immigrants, sheepherders, ranchers,farmers, housewives - I come from.I do think those that come before usleave something in the blood line thatshapes us in a lot of ways. And for me,it was ways that I’m grateful for.”While Carvell believes the book willbe entertaining, she says it does havean objective. “I hope people who arestruggling to become active will findhope and inspiration - some motivationto get moving,” she said. “Maybepeople who are already working hardwill feel a bond or some camaraderiewith me, and people who are strugglingwith an injury or whatever it might be,will know there is hope for a comebackand that they shouldn’t rule anythingout. It is not a how-to manual, I justhope it will motivate people to get upand do a little bit and then maybe a littleMelanie Carvell is passionateabout women’s health. When shestarted the Run/Walk for BreastCancer Awareness 18 years ago,she probably had no idea it wouldtouch thousands of lives. Theevent will be held Friday, October11th. Read more on page 30.bit more and then maybe they will feelthe urge to give someone else a nudge.That is the best way to keep yourselfgoing, if you can get somebody elsemoving, then you can’t really quit.”Carvell also shares some storiesabout interactions with wildlife whilerunning and cycling, including one inMontana with her son, Robert, as theyrode in communion alongside a coupleof wild horses, trying to match theirspeed and grace. “Another experienceI had was out at Lake Tschida, where Ilove running on dirt roads because thatis how I grew up running in Mott,” shesaid. “On a few runs at Tschida a smallgroup of pronghorn antelope kept mecompany. Instead of fleeing from me,they kept sort of close by and seemedto want to play.”One of Carvell’s goals is to getpeople outside. Being out-of-doors,she believes, is a tribute to where shegrew up and where we live, enjoyingit through all the seasons and makingpeace with it in winter. “Too often wego to the club, get on the machine,punish ourselves for a half hour, thenthe rest of the day we’re sitting. Toomuch sitting is a huge disease risk factor.We simply have to find a way toengineer more activity in our schedules.If we can, our lives will be somuch richer. And having beautifulBismarck and Mandan and westernNorth Dakota just out our door, shouldmake it a lot easier to do.”Melanie still uses her musical talentand plays piano on Corpus ChristiChurch’s worship team. “It is fun toplay for church because it feeds mysoul, and it keeps me practicing. Andnow I have more time to give back tothe community. My kids are 29, 27and 24 and they soooo don’t need meas much anymore. My youngest son,Elliot, has his own place in Bismarckand to get him to visit more often Ibribe him with his favorite meals. He isvery independent. I feel pretty selfishsometimes because I did it all while Iwas juggling kids and getting my professionalcareer up and running, andnow I have more time on my hands topitch in and do more things, and try tohelp other people.”Helping others be the best theycan be, just like she tries to live herown life.Deb Seminary is theeditor of Inspired Woman.Oaktree Realtors2021 East Main AvenueBismarck, ND 58501Office 701.223.7422 ext. 204 GRIcell 701.220.5228home 701.258.5228fax 701.223.6801Relo 800.279.0171email chrisrltr@msn.comweb www.oaktree-realtors.comChris Irwin, GRI, CRS, RMMsenior sales associateServing the area since 1979Bismarck Art & Galleries AssociationAutumnArtistryFRT SHOWthCall BAGA for entryinformation 223-5986HOURS: Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m.OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 INSPIRED WOMAN 9