📷: @birchbutterfly

There’s often an exhilarating rush to trying something new for the first time. Sometimes it results in a newfound passion, and other times it results in a broken wrist. Unfortunately for Nicole, it was the latter of the two. Her first time snowboarding may not have gone as she'd hoped, but she was a good sport about it and had some fun announcing her injury with her letter board.

To start off, tell us the story behind this photo.

My husband and I got free ski passes at the resort we got married at in New Hampshire, and we finally decided to cash them in. It was the perfect opportunity for me to learn how to snowboard. Under the advice of people I know, my plan that day was simple: don't break your wrists. Sooo, guess what? On the first day, while trying to turn, I lost my balance, and fell with my arms completely stretched out.... cue the ski patrol. Needless to say, my husband and I evacuated the scene, went to the hospital, were told by doctors "Yup, that's ugly," and then drove back home. They had splinted me, handed me X-Rays and told me I needed to see a specialist. The whole thing was a total bummer. I really had no choice but to just have a sense of humor and stay positive. That's when I decided a curated Letterfolk board was necessary!

Did you know it was injured right away?

Snap. Crackle. Pop. I knew INSTANTLY.

Do you take credit for at least injuring yourself doing something cool? 

From time to time, I may add "triple back flip" when I tell the story, but I guess the real story is better than falling on ice.

What's the most annoying part of having a cast?

EVERYTHING is annoying one-handed, but for me the worst was my morning routine. Shampooing my hair, washing my face, hooking my bra, buttoning my jeans, zipping jackets, the list goes on. It was a good day if I could find a long sleeve shirt that fit over my cast

How is your wrist feeling now? 

Wrist is not quite 100% yet, but it's getting there. It's been a long road. I am BEYOND grateful it was not my right hand! I am a painter and illustrator, and I don't know what I would have done if I'd broken my dominant hand. Thankfully, I was still able to take on commission work on my Etsy shop BirchButterfly!

Will you ever give snowboarding another go?

My feeling is to maybe check back when my wrist has fully recovered! 

Lastly, we always like to ask: what is currently up on your letter board?

We threw a party hat and sunglasses on our rottweiler for his 7th birthday and stuck a beer and this letter board next to him.