Sunday, April 3, 2011
Cherry Blossoms: New Beginnings
The course was charted.
The runners were set to begin. The volunteers were in place (beginning at 5:45am!).
"I am 57," she said. "I was never a runner, but wanted to do something just for me. Therefore, I trained and entered the Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler."
When she came back to the Bag Tent later in the day to pick up her things - a medal around her neck and a BIG SMILE on her face - she said, "I feel so happy. I want to set a positive example for my grandson, and I think I have done that today." We all clapped. She deserved it - at least as much as the first place winner, I would say.
"What I have also learned from this," she said, "is that sometimes you must keep your dreams to yourself because even your loved ones may tell you that it is not possible. Sometimes you alone have to believe in yourself. That is enough."
I will remember her when I run this race next year...and maybe she will inspire you too?
Although you haven't seen me for a while, I have been running (and traveling), and trying new things...
...among them, Sun Warrior protein drinks. I like the chocolate with raw almond milk as an afternoon / post-workout snack and the natural flavor in my morning smoothie. I haven't yet tried the vanilla, but expect it would also be good.
So, I have been told that I need to update my blog more often! :) Good advice for a new beginning!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Bulgaria: Dream House
First I encountered this...
Looking a little more closely....
I never pass up an opportunity to make a wish (even on an egg!)...especially when one can wish for health and happiness...wherever one is in the world.
With a little luck (and some help from Happy Cow), I found the Dream House right there in downtown Sofia. Behind the white plastic door...just like they said.
A place where "We Freely Speak Our Dreams."
I wanted one of everything on the menu, but I eventually decided on this:
Mint and lemon iced tea and Aubergine "Cous-co." So tasty!
Loved the menu - quote and all - "Eating is a necessity; eating intelligently - an art."
Art, dreams, wishes...thank you Bulgaria. Lovely to finally meet you.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Shake Well Before Enjoying
While I love picking up an eclectic assortment of things while traveling (and mixing to create new looks and environments), I am not sure that I want that logic applied to my morning drink.
Fresh juice from each country - sold separately - definitely preferred!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Armenia: Today We Have Really Lived
I looked around the table, and he was right. The youngest was four. The oldest seventy-four. I realized as we clinked glasses that everyone there had made a contribution that day.
We had celebrated accomplishments.
We had given thanks.
We had shared amazing, homemade food. (Unexpected special vegan dishes made just for me - because they are like that with their generosity.)
We had remembered people who had come before us - 5,000 years before.
How did they move those stones? A castle long-since destroyed.
What and why did they write messages?
Did they really live too?
Shouldn't we say this every day?...and not only in a land far, far away...
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Raw Relativity
I have been taking a break. Suspending the rules. Eating chocolate for breakfast and Greek salad for lunch.
I have learned what 120mph feels like, what a sunset looks like from the Adriatic,
how good a scarf can feel, how strange it is to walk in one direction while moving in another - and then realizing that maybe this happens often in life with no further reflection or acknowledgement.
I have learned that I like drinking tea with a tailor in Milan, that I enjoy music with and without words, that sleeping in can be ideal, that it is easier to pay tolls as a team, that sometimes a smile and letting someone into the elevator first is all it takes to make someone’s day.
I have learned that lists are not always useful, that style and well roundedness come in many forms, that friendship is key, that growth is optional, that food from a bazaar might be the best food of all…and that a willingness to risk is often the first step of an unexpected adventure.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Armenia, Fire Jumping, and Vodka (in that order)
Hint: It was not the walnuts, almonds, apples, or persimmons. I was in so much pain that I followed the advice - wrapping my finger in vodka-soaked cotton and tied in a plastic bag over night. It actually seemed to help. Now, if only I could bend my knees!