Sometimes the sun don't shine

I typically try to convey a very positive attitude in my blog posts. In fact, one of my guiding lights when I set out on my Big Run (the impetus for starting this blog) was the never wavering belief that I was, indeed, going to run from Boulder to Petoskey...there was no doubt. But today, positivity is in short supply.

Within one 24-hour period this past week, two friends passed away - both from cancer or complications from cancer.  Then today I learned that, after yesterday's assessment interview (and months of preparations and working through various forms of bureaucracy), my brother's request to move into assisted living at the senior apartment complex where he has been living the last several years was turned down. I firmly believe that the interview was much more a reflection of the effects of 10 months of pandemic-mandated isolation than of his capabilities. But, somehow we will need to keep moving forward.

When I finish writing this post I will go out for a run. I am so lucky to have that option and I know it and count my blessings with every footfall as my mind begins to clear and my troubles lift a bit.

In the meantime, a few photos to perhaps lighten the mood...

First, a memory from my run to Michigan. I started the run from our house then swung by my old office where, to my great delight, the gang had gathered out front cheering and waving signs and playing the CU Fight Song on kazoos. One of the friends who passed away last week (Mikey as I affectionately called him) is front and center blasting away on his kazoo.  He never failed to make me smile.

More recently, as I ran more for soul-healing this past week than for any hard-core training purposes, the environs cooperated with both calming and delightful sights.

• On one run, just a few miles (and a couple of universes) apart, two very different creatures brought a smile:

I say his patch looks like a maple leaf.
What do y'all think? (add your ideas to comments below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Geese offered up a couple of thoughts to ponder on during another run. One: how do they keep those feet warm? Two: shall I add "goose herder" to my resume?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• While running, I was reminded to always always appreciate my surroundings. Here I had a peek at a peak.

 

•  And, of course, long runs never fail to offer the best medicine for whatever ails me. This past weekend: 
• so many trails to choose from; 
• a spot of greenery in the midst of our dry January;
• cows claiming the trail - and giving me an unexpected chance at a bit of true cross-country running;
• and, to cap the run, a glorious view of the town I currently call home.