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Manda Bavender

@8mandajean9

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followers

1522

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Adventure & Adrenaline junkie
Endo Awareness 💛
Vintage ✨
Dog's 🐾💕

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Life has been full of pain, despair, and turbulence. I was once a very broken person, so broken that I didn’t care if I saw tomorrow, because I couldn’t see a way out of the pain.

But as I got older, I started looking back at all the hell I’d been through and, slowly, I began to find beauty again, even in the smallest things. I was given multiple second chances at life. One of those times, I was told I had a month to live. That moment changed everything.

It shouldn’t take something so extreme to make us feel worthy, or to realize life is worth living but sometimes it does. I’ve been through dark times that nearly broke me. But now, that pain is behind me. It’s a glimpse in the rearview mirror, a part of my story, but not the definition of who I am becoming.

We’re all here for such a short time. When my time comes, I want people to say, “Wow, look at all the amazing things she did.” Not "Poor her." And when I face new struggles, I want to be able to say to myself, “Wow, look at everything you’ve overcome and you still found beauty in each day.”

As a child, I remember reading my grandpa’s National Geographic magazines, dreaming of escaping and adventuring through life. Now I know: you don’t have to build a life you want to escape from, you can build one that feels like an adventure every day.

Part of that is learning to let go of the people and things that bring us pain, and making room for those who bring peace, joy, and light. You don’t owe your energy to anything that drains your soul.

My heart is full of adventure now. I no longer have to be that scared, broken girl carrying pain and fear. Life is worth fighting for. Life is beautiful. And you matter. by @8mandajean9

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a year ago

💋 Happy National Pinup Day 💄
It's not just about red lipstick, victory rolls and dressing up it’s about confidence, empowerment, and embracing your unique beauty.

I first fell in love with pinup over 10 years ago when I did my first photo shoot. What started as a fun way to play dress up and fun photo shoots quickly turned into something so much deeper. Through the lens of vintage glam, I found a version of myself I hadn’t met before bold, confident and completely unafraid to embrace my flaws.

Pinup culture was born in the 1940s and 50s. From war era morale boosters to modern day muses, pinups have reminded us that beauty comes in many shapes, sizes, and styles.

This community has helped me grow into the woman I am today and I’ll always be grateful for the confidence it's given me. I am so grateful for all my beautiful Betties.

Here are my favorite photos over the years. #pinup #pinupgirl #women #1950s #1940s by @8mandajean9

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6 months ago

Had an absolute blast at the Always Patsy Cline musical at the Lone Tree Arts center today. My jaw just dropped in awe because she had the most beautiful voice and did Patsy so well I literally felt like I was back in time. The outfits, acting, singing and the set was all just so incredible. It was based on a true story, the musical explores the legend of Patsy Cline through her unique friendship with her biggest fan Louise Seger. No photos of the performance were allowed so the performer photos were off their page. We were definitely the youngest people there lol but hey we all know I have an old soul and Patsy will always be one of my all time favorites. Get your tickets and support these wonderful performers.
@ltartscenter taken in Lone Tree Arts Center by @8mandajean9

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3 days ago

Honor Flight will always hold a massive piece of my heart. As the very first event our Battlin' Betties Colorado Platoon ever took part in 8yrs ago, it set the standard for everything we do.

No matter how many homecomings I attend, each one is just as emotional and meaningful as the last. Watching veterans who gave so much step off that bus to be welcomed home with honor, dignity, and respect brings me to tears every single time. These brave men and women deserve the utmost love and gratitude and for the Vietnam veterans who never got the welcome home they truly deserved, it means the absolute world.

Seeing families cheer, flags wave, and their eyes light up when they realize they haven't been forgotten is an experience words just can't capture. 🇺🇸
#veteran #honorflight #patriotic #honorourveterans #welcomehome by @8mandajean9

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11 days ago

Endo is never pretty but I try to laugh when I can to lighten the load. Do you have any funny or wild Endo stories?
#chronicillness #chronicpain #funny #endometriosis #endowarrior 💛🎗️ by @8mandajean9

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a month ago

Endometriosis makes it so hard to love the reflection in the mirror sometimes. Between the endo belly, the scars, and feeling like your body is working against you, body image takes a massive hit. Most people don't see the heavy toll it takes just to do the simplest things,like washing your hair or putting on a cute outfit, just to feel normal for once. That's the cruel part of an invisible illness: we might look fine on the outside, but you have no idea the brutal war we're fighting underneath. Feeling put together today was a massive victory. To anyone else hiding the storm behind a smile: you are so much more than the pain. 💛✨

#EndoWarrior #EndometriosisAwareness #chronicillnessawareness #chronicpain #InvisibleIllness by @8mandajean9

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a month ago

by @8mandajean9

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a month ago

The Battlin’ Betties Colorado Platoon had the honor of volunteering at the Denim & Diamonds Gala in support of Colorado HorsePower.

Colorado HorsePower is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans, first responders, and the elderly through equine-assisted therapy. Working with horses helps participants build confidence, manage stress, and develop emotional resilience, offering healing in ways traditional therapy sometimes can’t. 🐴❤️

We were so grateful to be part of this inspiring evening. You can help support their life-changing programs too, donate today and make a difference: https://coloradohorsepower.org/ by @8mandajean9

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2 months ago

This years birthday fuck it list activity..They told us not to go chasing waterfalls... so we decided to rapel down them instead 🌊 🏔️ by @8mandajean9

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2 months ago

by @8mandajean9

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2 months ago

Quick stop at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. So much beauty but very sad seeing all the water drying up in this state driving through the mountains by @8mandajean9

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2 months ago

by @8mandajean9

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2 months ago