Hunting Widow...

The season begins! Although it's been the season for Bow Hunting since Labor Day, it's now, in the fall, that I start to really feel the excitement in the house for the hunt of the great trophy buck. October used to bring with it cute little pumpkin pictures, cauldron of candies, and costume selections for the boys. Not so much anymore. Now, October means dusting off the camouflage, checking the hunting boots for decent laces, and setting up the targets in the backyard for improved accuracy. The guns get cleaned on the kitchen table, and the bows get adjusted for draw weight. The shower and tub used to have colorful bottles of kids' shampoo and bubble bath... now it has my shower gel next to a jumbo bottle of scent elimination hair and body wash. I used to feel left out when "let's go look for deer" were the words announced after dinner. Now I hope I hear the words, so I get the remote control to myself. ha

Ed went Elk hunting in Colorado recently, and had a fabulous time. The elk were elusive, and out of 9 elk tags, only one was filled. But the experience brought with it future hopes of taking the boys with him, into the majestic mountains, and share an experience of a lifetime in that amazing area in the country. The weekends now bring with them an evening of Ed taking Ben bow hunting, and Matt looking toward rifle season. He isn't as keen on bow hunting, because it would require sitting still, leaving the cell phone in the car, and keeping the conversation to zero. Heck, it's hard enough for Ben (he only lasts an hour or so). But for Matt, the cell phone can't be detached from his ear that long. But both boys are looking forward to the upcoming November hunting weekend with Ed and the Hippen boys. They'll go north for a 4-5 day hunting weekend, while I escape to a Scrapbooking retreat. The beautiful balance of family interests and solace, if you ask me.

In the meantime, between hunting excursions, I will be returning to the pool tomorrow. I had hoped for training again last week, but didn't make it there. The leg is healing nicely, and the pool is truly calling my name. I have Dara Torres in my sights (ok, so it's not likely I'll catch her, but I'm sure watching her amazing achievements in the magazines lately), and I'm going to give it my all as I go into this new season (again) and hope for some great times in the '08 meets.

No matter what you have in your sights, and regardless of what your goals are, take it all in pieces... one bight at a time. Don't fret over the whole feast, when you can only digest one small portion at a time anyway. Just do it day-by-day, and move toward the outcome that you know is best for your life! With determination, strength & courage, and the loving support and grace of God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!! So, GO FOR IT! And have a super week!

Up and Running... not really

Up and walking, maybe, but not running just yet. I did finally get rid of my crutches last week, and dumped the boot this weekend. I'm not running yet, and actually haven't been back in the pool yet either, but I am walking around (limping still a little) and hope to be mending and getting stronger with each coming day.

Last weekend I went to the Whistlestop Marathon with my friend, so I could cheer them on. The leaves of autumn were more than amazing! The hues of orange, red, and golden yellow were so vibrant that the scenery took our breath away. I have a new photo on my desk even, that has already stopped my coworkers and had them asking where the amazing photo was taken. I love fall..... the colors are such a mix of shades and adds dimension and depth to our surroundings.

Dimension and depth..... that is what laughter can also add to our daily lives. A typical day can be viewed as mundane, or routine, but if you add laughter and joy, the day can be highlighted and touched with the colorful hues of friendship and love. It's all in our perspective. There are so many different factors that touch people's days ~ bills that cause stress; struggles in a marriage; job stress; family opportunities; health issues; tensions with children; car troubles; home repairs...... regardless of the nature of the issues in a person's life, if laughter and joy are interjected, the affect from the situation can be improved and the harm and pain can be minimized. Just like my situation which being kept out of the 1/2 marathon ~ I could have sulked about it and had darkness and depression cloud my days. But instead I joined in the fun, made the best of it, cheered on the runners from the sidelines, and reveled in the beauty of the vibrant weekend!

I hope your mundane routine can come alive with the colors of love and laughter!
May God bless you with HIS vibrant Love and Grace!

Forced "Down-Time"

That's exactly what I'm experiencing right now... forced down time! I have a 1/2 marathon I'm registered to run in 6 days, and I've been training for it for 10 weeks.... and it's all coming to an end this weekend! I was running my training run yesterday of 6 miles, and after about 4 of those miles, something in my lower leg gave out............... I was reduced to limping home with my yellow lab urging me to keep moving. Normally, my old dog is lagging behind, barely keeping up with me, but yesterday she was antsy to keep running, and she would stop, look back at me, and come back to check on me. I was half tempted to hop on her back, and let her get me home. The pain in my leg was so persistent, that I headed into the ER last night..... they didn't opt to take an xray (I was thinking stress fracture was the cause) but thought instead that something could be torn or pulled. So, tomorrow I'll visit a sports medicine doctor, and see what we can do about this incredible leg pain. I am on crutches in the mean time, and lugging around an equalizing boot. I'm not a fan of "laying low", or "rest", but I'm finding I have no other choice in this case. I can't put any weight on that let whatsoever, and have zingers shoot up my leg from time to time..... I'm guessing the run next weekend is going to be out of the question. SIGH.......

Well, with that change in plans, at least I don't have to worry about which shirt or shorts I'm going to wear in the race. ha. I'll still plan to travel to WI for the event, as my friend and our kids have been looking forward to it for a very long time. Plus, I am so looking forward to seeing my sister, and will therefore limp through the trip, and hope my healing starts sooner than later.

If you are setting your sights on a goal, and have a freaky accident stand in your way.... view it as an opportunity to slow down, catch your breath, and enjoy life. There's plenty a person can do from the comfort of their couch. ha Make the most of unexpected down-time, and let yourself heal!