LINCOLN'S IMAGE REMAINS

 

photo credit@vickilsullivan - 1/22/2016

Snow started about 10 this morning and has yet to let up.  Weather sources say it will continue until tomorrow about the same time. Meanwhile, temperatures keep to the low 30's, kids play about having fun with yet another day out of school.  

 And, showing up out of the snowy blanket, I find the image of Lincoln appearing in the snow crushed and framed by my shoe tread.  His day is past but is still remembered.

I love to hear and feel and snow crunching under my feet when it snows.  Seeing footprints in the snow take me back to childhood days of fun and play. And, even though the energy and spunk of childhood is long gone, joy is still a part of what is to be found when one continues in some part and way along life's journey.

Running, jogging, outside walking are all activities which bring back life in it's fullest. Layering up with layer upon layer, pulling the hat down ever so tightly, and the gloves snugging into the coat sleeves....all reminders which take a person back to again experience the glibness of being free before responsibilities were recognized as being forever there. 

Take care. Bundle up. Stay warm. Make a day to enjoy the snow. It'll be gone soon for us in the south and there will be other ways to remember and celebrate.

THE COMMONALITY BETWEEN BROOKS RUNNING SHOES AND THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE

McMinnville TN Civic Center photo credit@vickilsullivan

18 degrees and counting this morning didn't entice me to get out onto the road for jogging! The weather reminded me of those freezing cold night runs in Arlington, Virginia when we wore hats that covered the whole face except for the eyes. When we returned they would be frozen! YAY! So glad those days are past. 

Still layered up and wearing heavy socks and pants tucked into my regular BROOKS while anticipating the temperatures and was NOT disappointed. There was a little wind making a big difference in chill factor this morning when the trail turned into it.  The first lap around this morning was brutally cold. But by the second, once turning into the sun and mountain view, I was taking off the gloves and looking up for the sun warming.

As always, I was also NOT disappointed in my running shoes.

They felt great. When the foot hits the ground and finds a soft cushy landing rather than the hard clunk of cardboard, there is none of that tremor going up the leg. Brooks most careful engineering reminds me of how Star Trek Enterprise transitions into high Warp 5 drive without wobble. When my feet hit the ground without variance, I give thanks every time!  Smooth striding transition and very nice stable landing in each step is my requirement in a good running shoe.

And, if the running shoe fits, wear it. If not, find another purpose for it.

Happy Running!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S DAY 2016

photo credit: vickisullivan

From midweek temperatures to FREEZING!  It's time to pull out the hat, gloves, and layer-up. New's Year's Day 2.64 mile jog for me early this afternoon in nice sunlight but cold.  Was mostly a good jog though I kept to the walking trail rather than the road.  

STRANGE WEATHER FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

photo credit: public domain

3.14 mile jog this morning in 48 degree temps feels a little more like December.  That is until I ran upon a blooming Forsythia.  For more than a week we've had temperatures in the low to mid 70's and when that happens we are again reminded how nature rules nurture unless human engineering provides an artificial environment designed to fool Mother Nature. 

Discovery of gifts in nature unfolding along the way is definitely a bonus for being determined enough to demand the body move faster than it usually does.  I've always delighted in nature's gifts and as I grow into the middle age years, nature's great bounty and mystery is even more appreciated.

I hope you're enjoying it as well. 

7 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS AND COLD ENOUGH TO SNOW!

"LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW"....

WISHFUL THINKIING - Last year's snow

 Overcast blue/gray clouds, 36 degrees this morning at 11:30 am...but no SNOW!  Where is the snow? 

YAY! IT'S DECEMBER, BREAK OUT THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS!!!

2.85 MILES this morning and working on 4!  Elated to be back in the groove even though it was raining for most of the time out. The turkey, dressing, cheesecake, etc is all behind me now. And, that's not easy pulling up hills either.

shoes by  BROOKS

This morning's jog in the rain brought thoughts and prayers of thanksgiving for those who serve our country and often are required to be in situations so much more demanding, difficult, and dangerous to protect and serve us all here in the USA. My little jog in the cool rain, at first, seemed rough this morning. Then reality brought to mind and appreciation your greater service and dedication.

Thank you all and everyone! I hope your Thanksgiving was generous, blessed, and your Christmas Holidays will be as well!
  
Vicki

MOUNTAIN VIEW - STOP AND ENJOY IT - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

photo credit@vickilsullivan 2015

Beautiful view, isn't it?  Jogging this morning, thankful my knees seems to be holding up well as they brought me up a small hill, I stopped to take this picture. The road looked peacefully empty of traffic. And, peace and solitude is what getting out there is mostly about. I wanted to capture the moment of the empty road with the distant mountain view standing stately as it was just at that moment.  I wondered if those folks who pass along the road ever look up, take time to notice the view, and appreciate it. 

 Life will pull us along at its' pace unless we ourselves from take a break from the hectic pace of it and make time for the truly important parts of life.

Getting centered within our own person and taking one's life where one wants to go, rather than following others in just plainly unconscious  living, like a sleepwalker going through a mundane existence, is critical to living a self-fulfilled life.  Self-fulfilling meaning, "to realize one's deepest desires and capacities through one's own efforts by fully using ones' own abilities and talents.

Today, for so many in our culture, "self-fulfilling life" means following the social crowd on twitter, facebook, texting, or other social media.  The enjoyment of conversation is becoming extinct when groups sit with heads hung over looking down. For me "self-fulfilling life" means face-to-face building upon peaceful and loving inter-dependent relationships  with family and friends characterized by mutual support and enjoyment. And, yes,  even when the goal requires hard and difficult personal work. 

Interpersonal work is exactly like being out on a run and struggling uphills and downhills until one completes the task! Getting through both is rewarding and fulfilling.

I hope your Thanksgiving will be characterized by warmth, loving family, good friends, and exercise! Well, of course, delicious turkey on the table or your traditional favorite meal.

 Happy Thanksgiving!