Fall Has Arrived

October gave us summer, winter and fall weather all rolled up into 31 days.

I liked the fall portion the best, even if it was a bit short lived.

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Along My Run | 19 - Perfect Fall Weather

There's so much to love about October - the leaves start to render their colorful coat, the air is fresh and crisp and the warm sunlight casts a perfect glow. It's my favorite time of year for running - most days are warm enough for shorts and a tee shirt but cool enough to be perfectly comfortable while crunching through the leaves.

We were spoiled this October. It's been dry and warm. I've got a group of friends to share my Saturday long runs with, and I've convinced several others to run with me in the dark during the weekdays.


1. Daydreamer, 2. Fall Perfection , 3. Instead of Running the CM, 4. Big Sky Morning , 5. Nothing But Blue skies , 6. Pop! , 7. Under the Canopy, Enjoying Our Fall Run, 8. Hello From the Outside

October Stats:
Distance: 135 miles - my biggest monthly run volume of the year, just shy of my 2014 max.
Average pace: 9:23 minutes / mile

I didn't train for a fall race, but my running friends were training for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, so most of my Saturday runs were in the 15-17 mile range. I had deferred my entry to the Chicago Marathon, felt (slight) twinges of remorse as I tracked my friends running on race day. My goal is to run it in 2016 with a bunch of friends in tow. I just need to convince them to sign up!

This month's running quotes:
Running isn't forced. You have to relax and let the run come out of you.
– Desiree Linden

Setting goals requires gazing way out at the horizon of your life. But once you set your course, most of the time your awareness should be on the trail under your feet.
– Lauren Fleshman

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Feeling Like Summer

Warm breezes, ample sunshine and the flowers of summer.

Fresh, like a glass of lemonade....


Or cool and fragrant


Lazy, dreamy days approaching the summer solstice

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What's Happening ...

....in the back yard...

The Iris went from this


to this:


We still have visitors to the bird feeder:


Busted her (pretty sure it's a "she"), then let her continue to eat:


And I'm hoping to capture the customers spotted at the new hummingbird feeder, waiting for the peonies to bloom.

Happy Wednesday!

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Spring at Last

the season of spring
weather seems to sing
lovely lovely days
are coming our ways



the season of spring
blooming blossoming
of nature of all kind
let roots unbind



the season of spring
an new awakening
busy humanity on earth
as if it’s a new birth



listen listen to my words
the season of spring is near
now a look into your lovely eyes
and one can see spring is already here

The Season Of Spring by Morhardt Carmen Mencita Monoi Angel

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Along My Run | 10 - November Contrasts

November is a month of contrasts - the leaves have peaked and by the end of the month, fall's glory is but a memory, replaced by a barren, skeletal landscape. We experienced a cornucopia of weather conditions - typical fall temperatures in the mid-30's, then a preview of winter with bitter temperatures, complete with single digit wind chills and a sprinkling of snow. To round out the month, the last day of November felt like Spring - a balmy 55 degrees.

Like I said, a month of contrasts.


1. A year later and the way I run has changed me. Thank you for finding me that morning , 2. Peaking Canopy. Most of the Leaves are gone , 3. Passing Through, 4. Morning Haze. Even When It's Cloudy, a Rrun Makes Things Better, 5. Standing Still, before the Winds Picked up. Noted on my run - the Flock of geese overhead, in perfect V formation, the Hawk that flew by, the 20mph westerly wind between miles 7 and 9. Things that make you feel alive. , 6. Fading Away - I haven't run on this street in over two months, and it looks completely different now., 7. A Bit of Craziness -single digits. I even saw two other runners out there, so I'm not alone in my craziness. Wind was a killer., 8. Confessions of a Cold Weather Runner. Not shown - the double tights and long sleeve shirt I'm wearing., 9. Reaching Out For Someone I Can't See, 10. Brisk , 11. Take My Hand, Let's See Where We Wake Up Tomorrow , 12. November Blues -A warm and balmy morning - feels like spring! I'll take it - enjoyed my run in shorts and a tee shirt!

From a running standpoint, November served as a low-key, take things easy, run whatever feels good month. I cut back from running 4 days per week to 3 days, took more full rest days, added in more spinning classes and started a program with a personal trainer. I signed up with the personal trainer to address the strength imbalances I have between my left (weaker) and right sides, with the goal of preventing future injuries. I'm happy to report the Plantar fasciitis in my left foot is gone - I'm no longer running with tape or any arch support device.

November's Stats: 115 miles, 9:07 minute / mile average pace
Longest distance run: 13.2 miles one Saturday, even though we had originally planned to run 10 miles. We called it our virtual Half Marathon for November.

Hopefully, December won't pose too many foul weather challenges so I can finish up 2014 in good shape for 2015.

This month's running quotes, courtesy of great women runners:
I don't feel like myself unless I run. It's how I deal with sadness and happiness. I need it. It's like therapy.
– Kara Goucher
(I can totally relate)

A goal is just an awesome way to force growth on yourself.
– Deena Kastor

Running is not who I am; it's something I do; it's something I love.
– Lauren Fleshman

Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of.
– PattiSue Plummer

The things we love, have passion for, help us grow. What's your passion, what have you learned about yourself through that passion? My passions include running, photography and music. Embrace your passions each day - you won't regret it.

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The Friday Five - Summer Review

Summer Lights Up the Boston Skyline

With the official start of Autumn this past Tuesday, I thought it would be interesting to look back at the past summer.

1. The weather - Again, I'm fixated on the weather. This summer's cooler than normal temperatures, coupled with ample rain was simply perfect. For the first summer ever, I didn't have to water the lawn!
2. We moved our daughter's horse, Caesar, to a new barn, a great place that is much closer to our house (10 minutes away vs 30 minutes).
3. I took my son and one of his friends to Boston and had a great time. I visited my parents, staying in their Plymouth home, probably for the last time (they plan to sell the house soon).
4. I participated in a month long on-line yoga challenge, focusing on arm balances. I don't often mention my yoga pursuits here, and this challenge was just that - very challenging, but I a learned a ton. If you care to see the poses, head over to this set on my Flickr Stream.
5. Even with the good, there was some sadness this summer. My good friend, Kellie, moved away, my violin teacher decided to stop teaching and I lost a running partner. But with each change, we grow and adapt. I am blessed by so much, regardless of the season.

Did you have a great summer?

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That Time of Year

The kids head back to school this week. It seems like just yesterday school let out for the summer. Day are noticeably shorter - it's no longer light at 5:30am and by the end of August, it will be dark, even at 6:30am.

We watched the sun come up Thursday morning - at the end of our run, instead of at the beginning:


My neighbor's second crop of raspberries is starting to come in. Fall encroaches.


More flowers from my neighbor's yard (she spends more time tending to hers). Pretty purple.


The view after morning yoga class - this year's corn / bean crop will set records, the growing conditions have been ideal.


Enjoy the calm before the busy season starts.

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Golden Days

These golden days of summer. Warm and sultry.





Punctuated with a shot of cool every now and then.



I personally prefer the cooler seasons (yes, I like the cold of winter), but I've learned that I need to accept the current season and look for the positive in it.

Favorite Season? (mine's Fall)
Is it hot where you are? (It's just so humid here...)

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The Summer Solstice

What’s the draw of the sunrise? I’m always awed by the brilliant colors breaking through the clouds as the sun rises up from the horizon. But its beauty notwithstanding, the sunrise also signifies the promise of a new day – one full of potential, one just waiting for us to take advantage of it.
Last Saturday, I made sure I saw the sunrise on the longest day of the year – to start the summer off right.

Of course, I was running as the sun rose - it’s the best way to start the day. I followed up the running with a yoga session held outdoors at a local park. The weather was perfect under the trees as the huge group practiced Sun Salutations on the Summer Solstice - an amazing experience.

The start of summer also signaled friend Kellie’s last day on the prairie. We held a Saturday Book Club session just for the occasion.


We ended our first day of summer with a summer storm. Yes, it happens a lot here, but I had hoped for better weather with a vision to take our group’s photo at the park that overlooks the prairie. Oh well, we had great light on Lisa’s porch and what matters is we captured this moment with friends.


Lisa’s hubby, Jeff, took the photos, but of course, I had to run over and check them out. Yes, I insisted on a few more and ran back:

This is one of those “wow, is that what my hair looks like from the back? And dang, my shirt is wrinkled and I'm hunched over!” photos. If you are wondering what Lisa is doing, she is mocking my arm muscles!

Yup, the next shot was a keeper:


The prairie sky gave Kellie a parting gift – a beautiful post-storm sky. A bittersweet start to summer.

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A Prayer in Spring

A Prayer in Spring - Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.


Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.


And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.


For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill

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Where are You Going?

Where have you been?



We get a lot of that sort of question this time of year. Reflect upon the past year. Set goals for the coming year.

As if we can't set goals any other time.

OK, that was kind of harsh ... so maybe you have picked up that I am not a big fan of the end of December / beginning of January resolutions / fresh year, fresh start thing.

For me, each day is a fresh start. Don't wait until January 1 to make whatever change or resolution you think you should make. Do it today.



Leaving you with a video of one of my favorite songs this time of year. December, performed live by Sara Bareilles. The sound quality is a little rough at times, but I still love it.



Lyrics at the bridge:

Distill a whole year down into a day
Act like we all start over with a pristine slate
But to get yourself a new life you've got to give the other one away
And I'm starting to believe in the power of a name
Cause it can't be a mistake if I just call it change

Go, change today. I'll even go and change my blog's header!

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Friday Ramblings

Yeah, I haven't been very consistent in this space recently. Perhaps it's due to a bit of apathy, lack of a computer (daughter has been using my laptop for her schoolwork and it is squirreled up in her room most of the time), or the fact that I've discovered HGTV's Property Brothers and The Big Bang Theory. Maybe it's because since the time change, all I want to do after 6pm is go to sleep because it feels like 9pm as soon as it gets dark.

So today, I'm posting a random bunch of photos - some taken recently, some not.

Recent:




Not:


Recent:

Yes, it was cold outside!

Not:

I've been working on a Blurb Photo book featuring our family trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. It's been fun looking back at the photos.

Wishing you a nice Friday!

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Brilliance

Fall's brilliance finally showed up.







Even as the leaves fall, they land in grace.


I took these yesterday - I happened upon each scene by chance. So glad it was one of those Saturdays with no definitive plans. It was a great way to start the month of November.

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The Golden Hour

August's golden light swept through the prairie
Summer's sweet breeze, fading









Shared with Mosaic Monday. Is summer fading fast where you are?

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Has Spring Finally Sprung?

I am amazed at how late the spring flowers are around here. It really looks like early April or even late March, but here we are at May 5 and these are just starting to bloom.

Fragrant Viburnum:


Chives:


Pink Blossoms on a plant in my neighbor's yard. I have no idea what they are, but the blooms are small, pink and pretty.


Happy Spring (Finally!!)


Sharing with Mary and Mosaic Monday

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