the foot-beaten path

 "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" 
- Peter Maher

I still have a hard time considering myself a runner...  But I think every time I finish up a route I planned to do, the sense of accomplishment helps me go back out again, despite crappy times or cramping legs.  I've started taking cell pics of the random pretty things I run across on my longer days, which doesn't help too much with my times, but helps me to remember the beauty of the trail.  

"Run lard ass, run!"

Little Pigs Eye Lake.  what a random name.

I love this whole park.  Found it by accident, but that's usually how it works for me.

:)

The lines...  I like to run patterns through the shadows.   Sometimes helps, sometimes makes it worse.

Another route that I found by accident...  Ran this during the summer in the crazy heat wave, and it took a lot of control to not go flying off those people's docks to cool off.

Along the river.  More than anything, I just wanted to take a break.

And my fave part:  the feast following a super long run :)

Happy Thoughts Part Two: The Reckoning



Only thing better than wild daisies:
crazy daisies at the grocery store.  RAD!


"It is the smaller moments that create the most exquisite beauty, tiny jewels that adorn our lives every day."

A continuation of a previous post on the small things that make me unexpectedly happy.  I like to keep a healthy diet of small servings of bliss as often as possible...  or maybe I just get a kick out of really silly things.  There are several more, so it's always possible that I will keep this going in the future.  

LUCKY YOU!  

Hope this gives you a happy boost too :)  Any other ideas?

 Baking and everything that goes along with it...  Cleaning off the utensils and bowls, the events that baked goods often accompany, and cake.  cake is just awesome.

 Teams!  I can't describe my love of being a part of a team.  Especially ones with awesome traditions.

 THE VIEW FROM AN AIRPLANE WINDOW.  I can't think of anything better.  Seriously...  My nomadic soul is happiest when I'm on the way somewhere fantastic, or on my way home following a fantastic trip.  :)

 Warm cozy nights at home with the dogs and the fam.

 Friends willing to theme a random night out.  AGL FOREVER!

 Dancing with a Masaai.  Okay, maybe this isn't a common moment, and it's not one of my pics (because that's me :) ) but this memory just makes me happy.  Bee Tee Dubya, we were dancing to Madonna.

 Fun colored foam at the car wash.  I may have posted this somewhere already, but really, it's rad.

 Flowers stolen from a neighbors yard by a drunk friend :)

 Those little party blower thingies.  Don't know what there called, but man they're sweeeeet.

 Scented candles. I'm a girl, I know.

 Seasonal treats!  Caramel apples- YES.

Signs of seasons changing.  I don't really want winter to come, but it's better to roll with the punches and enjoy the beauty of living in a four season state.  BRING ON THE PUMPKIN PIE!!!