Nella is my friend’s dog, she is a Flat Coated Retriever. Still a puppy, only 8 months old, she is always up for a walk on our local trails. She leads the way
With an occasional pause if she sees something interesting, we are never sure which way we may end up going.
This is my all time favorite. Painted by Jeffrey Fulvimari for the Wooden Walls project in Asbury Park NJ. “Ode to the Ocean”- 13 ladies held together by waves, exactly how the women of today should be. Free to use their voice. 
Here is a link to a video about the artist.
Today’s prompt word is Finish. What immediately came to mind is a Finish Line. As in a 5K I am attempting to run next Sunday, in which I hope to reach the Finish line.
I started running 2 years ago when I wanted to lose some weight and lower some of the numbers in my blood work. I ran 2 miles a day, either in the morning before work, or in the afternoon after work. I ran on the streets, finding it much less boring than running on a treadmill. I averaged a 12 minute mile, which was fine, as I could get home within a half hour of leaving my house. The running did pay off in terms of helping me lose 14 pounds, and bringing all my numbers down.
The school I started working in this year sponsors a 5K run every year. The event raises funds that enable the school to provide its students with curricula, technology, and many programs. People had told me it was a really fun day, and one of my classes made their own team, with each kid making a fundraising page. I even got in on the act and made one too, joining the class team. You can see it here
How hard could it be to run a 5K? It’s 3.1 miles, and I knew I could already run 2 miles. So I signed up.
Well, there is a big difference between running 2 miles and 3.1. Yes, I know it’s 1 mile more, but in terms of having the stamina to do it. By that 3rd mile I am worn out. I also got in my head that if I am running in an actual race I wanted to up my time. Do better than a 12 minute mile. Not so much to compete against others, but just for some self satisfaction that I could do better. Well ok, yes, maybe a little bit of competition was creeping into the mix too.
Crazy? Kind of. I have managed to get myself down to a 10 minute mile, and can even run a 9 minute, but not consistently. I need to slow to a fast walk during mile 2 if I want to complete mile 3 in good time. I still have this week to get out and run a few times- I can’t run everyday as I need to rest these poor old muscles in between. As the date grows closer I am thinking I will just be happy to complete the race. I am looking forward to going back to my 2 mile a day routine, not having to compete against myself or anyone else come May 20th!
Bird of Paradise seen at the New York Botanical Gardens
My bird of Paradise with the NYBG’s Bird of Paradise
QUESTIONS:
Do you believe in soul mates? If so, do you think there is only one person meant to share that bond with you, out there in the world?
There is something about the term “soul mates” that has always bothered me. Do I believe some people have a connection and bond with one another that goes deep within? Yes. Do I believe some people are “destined” to meet and are like minded? Yes. Maybe the term soul mates is too trite for me, or cheapens the deep love and understanding two people have for one another, and that is what bothers me.
Ice cream cone, shake or other ice cream concoction?
Just ice cream in a cup. Last week’s choice was coffee and maple walnut.
What would be the hat to end all hats? What could you wear on your head that would make people stop what they are doing and stare in awe and amazement?
No idea. I stick to baseball caps and pom pom hats in the winter. The school I work in has a crazy hat day, but I decline participation that day. Wearing a Happy New Year crown is another story
What would be the worst “buy one get one free” sale of all time?
Some useless item I suppose. I can think of a few things but would rather not put them into print.
Gratitude
Thankful everyday for my new place of work this year. For working in a positive environment, with great people. I have thought many times in the past few weeks of where my life was a year ago at this time, and am so grateful for the difference.
I spotted this flower in a local garden. I thought it was so interesting, but do not know what it is. Perhaps some sort of Calla Lily? Maybe you can help me out.
I spotted this beautiful flower while walking through Wave Hill Gardens in Riverdale, NY. I marveled at the green dots along the edge of each petal, as if they had been painted there. When I got home I looked up what the flower was (typed into google Lily of the Valley green dots) and found out what it was.
Leucojum is a small genus of bulbous plants native to Eurasia belonging to the Amaryllis family. Other common names include snowbell, dewdrop, and St. Agnes’ flower.
Connections…. so many connections in my life… so many people I have connected with throughout the years. Childhood friends that remain friends to this day. An elementary school friend I had not seen in 50 years who I connected with when he came to visit his old home town, where I still live. The friend I made in my late 50’s who I feel like I have known my entire life. A patient in the hospital I visited for many months and forged a real connection with before she died. My Aunt, cousins, my nieces, our family connects us together. The teacher I work with, the boys in the class I worked with last year connected to one another everyday. The caregiver for a woman I had known since my teens, our connection so strong, binding us together through caring for someone we both loved. A young girl I mentored who invited me to her wedding though we had been out of touch for close to 10 years, the connection we made in her teens still having meaning to her in her 20’s. The women I played Mah Jongg with, our connection deep and strong through our weekly games and shared conversation.
Connections….. the paths to them so varied, but leading to the same place. Connecting our hearts together.
Chairs like these are situated all over the grounds of Wave Hill, the beautiful gardens I love to visit located in Riverdale, NY. Many are situated high up the hill on the property with sweeping views of the Hudson River. A perfect place to pull up a seat.
This past week my husband and I visited the New Jersey Shore-my favorite get away. The shore towns all run one into another as you walk along the boardwalk. We started at Bradley Beach and walked north, through Ocean Grove, into Asbury Park. Round trip it was almost 4 miles. It seemed like nothing though, as we walked looking at the ocean and whatever was happening on the boardwalk. Fir a Tuesday it was busy. The restaurants were open with table set up on the boardwalk- everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather. I snapped photos as I walked, enjoying seeing the different scenes as I walked. There was no shortage of selfie taking.
Sitting on the benches taking in the view or playing in the sand another past time.
The boardwalk is always a good place for a workout.
We passed Madam Marie’s, made famous outside of Asbury Park by Bruce Springsteen’s song Sandy.
“Did you hear the cops finally busted Madame Marie for tellin’ fortunes better than they do
For me this boardwalk life is through, babe
You ought to quit this scene too”
So many benches with dedications
A Day In The Life 
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