morning

Yesterday Centennial Park and its surrounding areas were bustling with activity as the annual Columbia Triathlon took place. It began with the early am swim starts in the lake, continued through the back roads of Howard County on the bike, and finished with a long loop through the park and the neighborhood for the 10k run. Lots of friends finished this race yesterday despite intermittent rain, injuries, and one smelly lake.

This morning however the lake was calm, cool, and the entire park quiet, as if the traveling circus had come in and quickly vanished. As I took my run with my furry love-bug this morning it was a refreshing start to a new day. The steam rising off the lake in stark contrast with the chill in the air. The park was practically empty and there were long stretches where it was just us, the woods, and the woodland creatures. Alas, our meditative state was interrupted by a small chorus of geese who I'm sure perceived me as a giant and love-bug as my trusty spotted companion, but once they made their displeasure known they softened their cackling.

As the sun rose over the lake and the image of the sky reflected in the lake's face I felt a great sense of joy. It is in this early morning trek that I was reminded of the blessing of each day made new. As Marilla Cuthbert says in Anne of Green Gables, "every day is fresh, with no mistakes." As I stumble through this difficult time of life, I am leaning on the grace of God and grateful for his natural reminders that every day is fresh, with no mistakes.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

I am going to serve as a drama/reading coach this summer at our school's academic camp. We started planning our curriculum last week and it was suggested that we might use the Kate DiCamillo book The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane as our read-aloud book selection. So last night I settled onto the couch to read this youth fiction book. The text size was large but I still thought the 150+ page book would take a while.

Immediately upon opening the pages I was encompassed in the story of the china rabbit and his journey from selfishness to caring, from despair to hope, and his understanding of love. The pages turned very quickly as I took Edwards multiple-year journey in the matter of an hour. I found myself weeping as the rabbit learned to love and his journey of many years was safely ended in the arms of a loving child.

Upon finishing the book, I felt a deep awareness of my sadness. I found myself missing my favorite terrier more than I had in a long time. I desperately longed to pet him as we cuddled on the couch. I felt like there was a giant hole in my heart in a way that Edward Tulane may have felt, but didn't realize until he sat in wait as part of his journey. I can only hope that in time, like Edward, that all of the sadness and pain of the journey will come to pass and hope and love will be on the other side.

A fantastic read for all ages. A wonderful read-aloud for young children, particularly those experiencing change or loss. A good private read for adults who are in need of a reminder of a the redeeming power of love.

Peace.

speed racer.

I felt like a speed racer this morning. Mind you all is relative in the arena of my being a "speed racer" as it compares to others, but for me, it was a good race. I ran the fastest 5k of my life despite nasty weather conditions and a really tough hill at mile 2.5. I offer my thanks to the slightly frustrating dude behind me from the turn around to mile 2.5 who slapped his feet in the rain just enough behind me to make me try to run from him....I probably would have slowed down more if he hadn't been using me as his personal pacer. I also offer my thanks to the really fast ladies ahead of me (there were five of them) who made me feel like I belonged in the fast ladies club for the day. They are an inspiration to me in more ways than I can explain.

It has been a tough few months and running has had its ups and downs. I don't run races to win, but every once in a while it can't hurt.

For the record: Musical Madness 5k, Maple Lawn, MD. 22:01 (PR and course improvement of 47 seconds) Sixth overall woman, 1st in 20-29 (for the second year!)

This is a great run and it supports the music department at Reservoir High School in Fulton. The student musicians were absolutely fantastic and brought me back to a time of making music with my friends. The brass double quintet made standing in the rain completely worthwhile.

Have a nice day, dear reader.

"let's stay friends"

if you have to be divorced....not something i wish on anyone.....this ain't a bad example.



Peace.

all things new.

out the window it is green.
luscious thick green trees and leaves.
deep brown earth and long branches.
it is a lingering reminder that God makes all things new in his own time.

my heart is still stuck in winter's cold.
it is rough as pumice, broken glass
but spring will come.
for God makes all things new in his own time.

slow and steady

I had a tremendous time on Sunday running with my little sister in the Broad Street Run. She is not a big time runner, but she ran so well, so steady for ten straight miles. We had a delightful time, talking, laughing, quoting movies, and singing songs. We kept running and even ran faster in the last few miles because we had run so smart. Afterwards, we enjoyed a lovely afternoon of sister time and good Belgian beer.

I spend a lot of time lamenting that I'm not fast enough or strong enough or consistent enough when it comes to most of my life, but particularly running. It was so great to slow down, run steady, and be engaged in someone else's success and joy. I love watching others have success in running. I love seeing the happiness on the face of someone who has just attained their goal. If I can do anything to help anyone feel that kind of joy, I am so pleased.

I am really proud of my sister. She never ceases to amaze me.

a small happiness

This artist has given me great joy this week and I'm so glad I found him. As a lover of all things related to pigs, the pig of happiness is just what I needed. I hope you may enjoy him too.

http://www.edwardmonkton.com/

Happy Friday dear Reader. May you find a small happiness today among any turmoil you may have.

Peace.