i posted some pictures from rosh hashanah that i had forgotten about. i worked on them for a good chunk of my afternoon, but when i posted them they weren't big enough. i will consult my photoshop savvy friends and try to sort this out. until then...

What can we do but actively await our instruction? Will I sit here in an unproductive stupor, or will I break free and illuminate? Rather will I let the Lord's illumination shine through (finally)?

I choose.

Bib #: 6875 (almost my Mastin Street address)
Division: 25 - 29 (age)
Number of women in my division: 744

My overall place was 1324 with a time of 1:56:56. My average pace was 8:56 miles/minute. I wish I knew what my fastest mile time was with 8:56 as my average. Out of 3133 female half marathon runners I finished in 473rd place. I have been trying to find out how many participated in the half to no avail.

I woke up around 5:40 Saturday morning. I wanted to allow myself plenty of time to eat, drive to Crown Center, stretch, etc. Erin woke up shortly after I did. We drove through the Starbucks drive thru so she could get something hot to drink. The morning air was refreshing and slightly cool. Beautiful running weather. As we neared down town I saw a long line of barely moving cars trying to pull off of the exit I was planning on taking. I sat in traffic for a few minutes. I called Erin, she was in her car behind me, to see what her opinion was and if she knew another way we could take. She didn't. I called my sweet friend Niki to ask if she knew an alternate route, but when I realized I woke her up I let her go back to sleep without asking her. I called her sis Chris, another dear friend, I knew she was on her way or down there already. She was a great cheerleader having completed the Chicago marathon a week before. Thankfully she knew a different route. I wasted no time. I pulled out of traffic and hurried along I-35 to Broadway to backtrack my way to Union Station. At this point I was talking to my beautiful Mom on the phone. She asked me if I was nervous yet. I was a little. With good reason! It was 7:15. The time I had originally planned to be completely stretched, finished with the toilet, and standing in my 2 hour pace group. Alas, I was in my car, still driving, without a parking spot. Yes, I was nervous. (After the race I told a few friends that the most nervousing part of the race is not the race itself, it is getting to the start line with time to spare.) I found a parking spot easily enough, and fortunately Erin was able to park one car away from me. I handed her my keys and camera and told her sorry, but I am going to go. I wasn't about to walk at a normal pace. It was 7:20! I wasn't in line with my list of pre-race issues taken care of when the race started. When I did finally get on the road with all of the runners the MC told us there was no rush to the start as our individual time didn't start until we crossed the start line. I was relieved. As I walked forward I did a tiny bit of stretching, though it was in no way properly done. I do not recommend starting any race the way I did, but in the end everything ended up just fine. I caught up with the 2 hour pacers, and was close behind them and not far ahead of them the entire time. EXCEPT at the end of mile 7 I was relieved to see a line of Johny's. I hurried on in, took care of business, and was out in no time, or so I thought. I figured I wouldn't be far behind my pace group leaders and would catch up to them easily. Wrong! For whatever reason it took me maybe 3 miles to see the 2 hour pace group sign that the leaders hold. I was a little concerned before I saw the sign. I wondered how I could have gotten that far behind them. By the time I saw them I was somewhere around mile 10 or 11, and just because I saw the sign, heh, didn't mean I was close or that I would finish in 2 hours. I had to catch up with them! My time depended on it. My mood after the race depended on it! What did I do?! Why I caught up with them, of course. I passed them, too. I ran next to the leaders long enough to ask them if we were on schedule and to thank them for being great leaders and encouragement. Then I passed them. I knew I was close but I didn't know how close. I could hear the MC and cheering fans. I turned the corner and there it was. The Clock. This was no ordinary Clock. All of my training for the past few months was either going to pay off or fall short, and that Clock with its large, red, digital numbers displayed how much time I had left to fulfill my goal. When I read 1:59:15 I was determined. The sprint was on. There was no way I was going to lose it now. I had trained to sprint the last part of the run and give it my all, so that's what I did. My time? What was my time you ask? 1:59:29. I did it. I beat 2 hours by 31 seconds. YES!! I crossed the Finish line and was still going. Others stopped almost immediately, but I couldn't, not yet. My momentum was too great to allow an abrupt stop. Someone commented on the fact that I was still going. I had a similar remark right after I finished the half last year. I was done. Finished. You know what? I think I could have done it a little faster. My body felt that way at least. I'm not sure if that means my sprint could have started sooner, or my overall pace could have been faster. I made my way down the path to drop of my timing chip and receive my medal. I was looking for my sister and as I saw all hundreds of faces I didn't know I thought that we should have set up a post race meet up plan. How was I ever going to find her. Well, she found me :) I can't tell you how great it was to have her at the finish. My friend Rocky was there, too. (his bro was running in the 2 hour pace group also.) THEN Chris found me. As I stretched and refueled Erin looked up my official results on her phone. My time of 1:59:29 ended up really being 1:56:56! I beat my goal time of 2 hours by 3 minutes and 4 seconds! And the night before I was worrying that I wouldn't be able to keep a 9.16 pace to finish in 2 hours. Bah!

When I pulled into my driveway I received a text from my awesome friend Angela Maasen asking me where I was. She, Leah, and Cassidy were up at the race to congratulate me, but we missed each other! Can I tell you something? I am loved. I am supported. I have the best friends in the entire world. Next time we might plan the ending a little different so we see each other. It's more fun and less of a bummer-we-missed-each-other deal.

Overall I had a blast. During the run strangers would cheer for me. They would yell, Go Allison! Yeah!" (My name is on my bib)That was pretty awesome and helpful 9 miles in to the race.

One thing about the course. Last year I heard it is a hilly course. This was another slight concern for me. I did little hill training, but the hills I ran were apparently great hills to train on. I didn't find myself winded after the hills, and there were a few good ones. Praise the Lord, really. He supplies the ability. I was glad to use it.

Looking for a good laugh? Follow the link:http://www.backprint.com/view_user_event.asp?PID=bp%18yG&EVENTID=72309&BIB=6875&S=230&PWD=
Hilarious! Few things make me laugh the way these did.

I will update with race details soon. Until then...

The Finish Line

This afternoon I pick up my packet for race day. I am a little nervous about the pace I have chosen to run. I probably shouldn't be nervous though. For anyone who is interested in any race day information check out the following links:

http://library.constantcontact.com/doc203/1101362483891/doc/gvjIShBRqShBrfWy.pdf

http://www.waddellandreedkansascitymarathon.org/downloads/kchalfmarathonmap10.pdf

http://www.waddellandreedkansascitymarathon.org/downloads/Written_Course_Directions_Half.pdf

I also found a live race report page:

http://www.waddellandreedkansascitymarathon.org/results.php

AND

I discovered that my bib # is 6875. Look for me.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian friends!

Well folks, we are down to less than a week. The Waddell and Reed Half Marathon is this upcoming Saturday morning. The race begins at 7:30 am, and the runners are told to be warmed up and at the starting line ready to go 15 minutes prior to start time. I am excited and I hope ready. I went for a long run Friday night and after the run my achillies tendon(? i could be way off) was sore. It remained that way until yesterday. I haven't run since Friday, so I don't know how it is going to feel when I run. Other than that my body feels great. My plan is to go on a few easy jogs this week and rest up for Saturday.

You are all invited, though, my feelings won't be hurt if you aren't at Pershing and Grand at 730 am on Saturday morning.

I wasn't able to work on my food project over the weekend. Between my birthday, Yom Kippur, the Jenkins wedding, running, and Kingdom Living, I ran out of time. (notice I didn't say sleep. I am sleep deprived at the moment.) All of that and I need to purchase a food processor. Craig's List here I come.

Yesterday I went on another 1 hour 45 minute run. I was nervous about this run. The week before I didn't know how far I had gone, nor had I been on that particular part of the trail before. Yesterday I went to Shawnee Mission Park where Jacklynn and I trained last year. I have been on the trail a number of times in the past, but this would be the first time on it by myself. My body felt rather sluggish when I woke up and as I ate and prepared to run. The weather was decent. I wasn't up and out as early as I initially planned, but that was because I was up until 1 am-due to the wedding. When I started my run, at 11, the sky was cloudy and the air felt nice. That didn't last long. The sun broke through and the humidity and temperature rose. That was the hardest 10 mile run I have done to date. I felt heavy, tired, my energy had been zapped, and I walked a few different times. This shows how important sleep and diet are to successful running and a happy body. Hopefully that will be the last "bad" run I encounter. At least during this training and 1/2 marathon. After my run I was streching by my car and a woman asked me if I was training for the Waddell and Reed race. I told her I am and found out that she is, too! After she left I couldn't help but be a little excited at how running bring people together. :) Who knows, maybe I will spot Valerie in the sea of thousands of people on race morning. On my way out of the park I passed her running. I honked my horn and cheered for her. Fun times.

Today is the day I turn 25. I really like my birthday. I kind of don't mind being in the 'spotlight' one day of the year. I like opening my presents, and one of my FAVORITE birthday things is blowing out candles.

I am ready, with the L-rd's help, to continue growing.

To live.

To go hard after what I want.

To try new things.

To not fear failure.

Here's to today!


Also, Happy Birthday Carlye Cochran!!

I am going to start trying something new with food. I will let you know how it goes as well as give out samples to those daring enough to try. I will let you know when samples are available. I'm not going to reveal what I am doing just yet, so hang in there. You will know soon.

I CAN STEAM MILK!!

No more practicing with water and soap I am ready for the real deal. ; D

More important than running.

I quit my job! I put in my two weeks notice and have 9 days left!! I have been at this job for just short of 29 months. About 27 months too long. I look forward to being excited about life. This jobhas been draining, stressful, I don't smile as much as I did in the past, my body feels gross, when I say stressful I mean I overwhelmed to the max, I have had more than one breakdown. Maybe a job shouldn't have that much influence over a person, but it has up until now. My last day is September 24. A most excellent birthday gift. I am gaining courage to do new things. To step out and actually try. I am excited. I know that my job isn't where my ultimate fulfillment comes from, but it makes a huge impact. I desire to enjoy what I do and not be held back by myself or others.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for me, encouraged me, and helped me. Things in my life are changing. More than just a new job. Stay tuned.

The half marathon training schedule that I am following is extremely helpful. On my own I know I need to increase mileage as the race date approaches, but without a schedule I would most likely be under-trained or exhausted from over-training. When I looked at my schedule last week and saw my next long run didn't give me a number of miles but a time, so instead of running, let's say, 9 miles, I was supposed to run for 1:45 minutes with the last 1/4 of the run at a slightly faster pace. On top of that the schedule claimed that I should feel 'refreshed and not fatigued' at the end of the run. Well, to be honest, I was nervous about the length of this run. So far I have only run for an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. Plus I was running on my own. In the end I was just fine. The last 25 minutes of my run was rough. I wanted to be done. I was ready to be done. I think it was more mental than physical, though. When I finished I made sure I did plenty of strecthing before I did anything else. I have been plenty sore in the past because of poor stretching.

Next week I will make sure the trail I run has mile markers the whole way. That's right. There were two on my trail then for whatever reason there weren't any more. Hmm...Oh well.

I have decided to sign up for the Waddell and Reed Half Marathon on October 16, 2010. I haven't registered yet though I plan to soon. One of my goals for this race is to beat my PR from my first 1/2 marathon last October. If anyone wants to go on a run call me up and I will be more than happy to have a buddy for a run.

Countdown to half marathon:

38 days

Inspiration

"I learned... that inspiration does not come like a bolt, nor is it kinetic, energetic striving, but it comes into us slowly and quietly and all the time, though we must regularly and every day give it a little chance to start flowing, prime it with a little solitude and idleness." Brenda Ueland

What inspires you?

Is it rays of sun light beaming from behind a cloud? A photograph? The pitter-patter of little feet? A specific person or piece of art?

This morning on my way to work I could tell rain had fallen during the hours of darkness that had very recently changed to light. As I drove down the highway I could see fog in the distance. I was reminded of the sunrise the L-rd had on display as I drove through northern Missouri on my way home from Canada. Not only was the sky tinted with a warm orange glow, but a sea of fog covered the fields for miles in every direction with the treetops peaking out to be warmed by the sun. The most breathtaking sunrise I have ever seen. (One of my desires as a photographer is to take amazing pictures of a scene like I just described.) I don't know what it is about fog covered ground, but it is one of the things that excites me.

The star infested sky, highly contrasted black and white photographs of mountains, the Aurora Borealis, laughter, rainbows, lions (The Great Lion), story, friendship, French decor, Mandarin script (China), storms, an evening run, seeing a butterfly on its journey, the wind, the violin, cello, (ok, an orchestra in general), trees, calligraphy, rainy days, crisp autumn air, the incomprehensible love, justice, and mercy of HaShem, spontaneity, the list of what inspires me goes on and on and sometimes I am introduced to something else that causes the same stirring within me. Not every item on this list yield the same levels of inspiration. Often times how I am impacted depends on my current mood. Nevertheless, the existence, and presence, of the L-rd is clearly portrayed throughout the earth. The one true Source of all that inspires.

For You

Isaiah 40:28-31
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The L-rd is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the L-rd will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. "

When I first read the above passage this morning I was encouraged. The L-rd is all of that and more. However, after I read it a few times I started to question how "those who hope in the L-rd will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I have a head understanding that the L-rd gives strength to the weary, but at the moment I don't understand what that really looks like. One of my questions is when will their strength be renewed? How long must we wait? Are we to be taken until we are at the end of ourselves in what we can bear on our own? Does the L-rd take us to a place of brokenness and dependence on Him that if He doesn't show up we will be defeated? Is that when He gives the endurance and strength that this passage declares? I don't know. Perhaps the fact that I haven't run away, or fallen into an inescapable despair is some of what the passage is talking about. Where is Joy though? I don't think it is far off though it is hidden for the moment.


Psalm 103
"Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame; [1]
he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul! "

As I look out of the windows surrounding my desk I am immediately reminded of a crisp fall morning. Maybe this feeling arises due to the air conditioning being so low resulting in me wearing my lite sweater, or, perhaps, my readiness for the new season is manufacturing wishful thinking. The fact is, the temperatures have been falling. Nightly lows have been in the 50's! That is wonderful news. Autumn begins 4 weeks from yesterday. I am ready for the change which is good because more than one change of season is coming.

I am also feeling inspired. Now to act on those feelings...

Praise the L-rd. That my mind is racing in a hundred and forty nine different directions.
Praise the L-rd. For His redemption.
Praise the L-rd. That I feel so distant.
Praise the L-rd. For His weapons.
Praise the L-rd. That despite talking with friends these feelings aren't going away. They are stronger than before.
Praise the L-rd. For wanting and giving relationship. For our relationship.
Praise the L-rd. For showing me the ways I have kept people from having no other choice but to trust in Him.
Praise the L-rd. For friends.
Praise the L-rd. That I am bloated and that it is getting better.
Praise the L-rd. That I am rarely hungry.
Praise the L-rd. That I am starting to notice my hunger.
Praise the L-rd. That work is getting better.
Praise the L-rd. That I know myself so much better yet I feel as though I can't fully be that Allison (under construction)
Praise the L-rd. For His love.
Praise the L-rd. For revealing to me that I have been obedient to my detriment.
Praise the L-rd. For His creation.
Praise the L-rd. That I still answering the phone.
Praise the L-rd. For His Adventure.
Praise the L-rd. For the heat.
Praise the L-rd. For family.
Praise the L-rd. For sadness.
Praise the L-rd. I don't have to look like anything anyone has ever seen.
Praise the L-rd. For trials.
Praise the L-rd. For His people.
Praise the L-rd. For pain.
Praise the L-rd. For authority.
Praise the L-rd. That I can't take pain away from the people I love.
Praise the L-rd. For time.
Praise the L-rd. For His provision.
Praise the L-rd. For rest.
Praise the L-rd. For season changes.
Praise the L-rd. For His beauty.
Praise the L-rd. For the journey.
Praise the L-rd. For Himself.
Praise the L-rd. For growth.
Praise the L-rd. For Love.
Praise the L-rd. I will be 25 in a day less than a month.


Praise the L-rd.

AAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Praise the L-rd

One of my favorite things to do while at camp is pick blueberries.

Alas, I was alone in my strong desire to venture out.

There was, however, one time that Aliya went with me in the woods right

behind our cabin.

The next evening Erin humored me and went with me.

I loved walking up the dirt road with her on the lookout for blueberry bushes. While we were out we met some other pickers on their way back.

They told us about a spot about three miles from where we were

that was well stocked. They had 2 or 3 one gallon ice cream

tubs that were nearly full! Could it be true?! Did such

a place actually exist?

The next evening Erin humored me

once more, and we went in search of this fabled land of abundant blueberries.

Oh-me oh-my...Fantastic lands do exist and I have journeyed in one of them.

Land of Abundant Blueberries is the proper title for this wonderful place.

I was shocked that my family has been

making the trek to Gummeson's Camp for 61 years and

we were just now learning about this amazing spot.

The Hidden Moon

Wispy Clouds
The Big Dipper
Starry Night

Dusk

This was fun...

Canada = :)

My stay up here has ended on a good note. I saw a friend who I haven't seen for 8 1/2 years. Yeah, it was good. A short but sweet visit. I don't think my trip would have been fully complete had I not seen these friends. Thank You, L-rd, for that mini reunion.

Not So Short-try this again

According to m-w.com
Adventure: 1.an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks.b.the encountering of risks.2.an exciting or remarkable experience.

According to Allison pre 07.11.10
Adventure: 1.To experience risk and excitement around every corner. With every blink of my eyes. Each turn of my head.2.To travel to far off and exotic places, to face thrilling white water currents, or live without much (job) responsibility.3.Freedom.

Inside of me are deep longings. I long to be beyond this Shadowland that is Earth. This land that is but a reflection, a shadow, of Heaven, of The World to Come. I long to understand myself and what will fulfill the intense longings in my spirit. I long to live life to the fullest. To be out of doors, to take photographs, to be with people, to help others, to live in such a way that I am hard after fulfilling my destiny. I want to experience new places, the redwoods and giant sequoias of northern California, the Painted Desert, the slopes in Colorado, British Colombia, the Flint Hills as storms roll in, China, sunsets, riding a horse, be it hard and fast or slow and steady, through a pasture. I long to be known, to be seen, heard, and understood. To see people. To be present and available. I am starting to desire experiencing (new) people. I don't just mean babies either. I desire understanding myself and what the L-rd has put in me. Discovering what it is that He wants me to do. The longings draw an arrow to my heart. The deep desires of my heart put there by the L-rd Himself. What is the common thread? Beauty. I long to experience and know beauty first hand. I would be a professional beauty explorer and inspector if I could.

That's it. Right there. All of the 'longings' point to Him. What is beauty but an expression of HaShem? Glimpses here and there of Him in this dark world. The whole world groans and longs for Him and for the establishment of His kingdom. For the King to reign on His Holy Hill. O Zion, when will you be inhabited by the King of kings?!

To say I have fallen prey to the glammed up Hollywood version of adventure would be an understatement. I was also very much a part of the mainstream America book club. For a long time I would escape into these fantasy worlds. I would see the people and the glorious landscapes and experience the 'adventure' through my vivid imagination.

I have been seeking fulfillment in the things I do and judging the validity of my experiences by looking at others and what they are able to do. For me it wasn't until Sunday night that I realized I am a part of the most epic journey/adventure of all time. (cue the dramatic music). Adventure isn't being able to ski everyday, or white water raft the most intense rapids, or have zero responsibility. (don't get me wrong, it's definitely ok to expose ourselves to the fun that can be had outside. i love camping, hiking, etc.) Real adventure is seeking the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and allowing Him to have you. It is letting people into our lives, letting ourselves take part in their pain and joy, and letting them know ours. Adventure is finding the L-rd in your work environment. He's there. Don't believe me? Do you have co-workers? Are they human beings? Look at one of them. There He is. Whether or not that person seeks after Him or even believes in Him.

One last thing. Look at the big picture. Live life with an eternal perspective. Each day will be seen differently. I pray that when I truly have this perspective I won't say 'I' so much.

I had an update.

Posted it.

Only half of it was there.

I don't feel like re-writing it at the moment.

May the glory of the L-rd endure forever; may the L-rd rejoice in His works-He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the L-rd all my life; I will sing praise to my G-d as long as I live. Psalm 104:31-34

Our sunset drive to the Shavano trailhead. We camped near the trailhead.

Mt Shavano was the first fourteener I have hiked. Would

I have done it had I known what I was getting myself in to? Great question. One thing I do know is that I wouldn't be able to do one on my own. The motivation from my fellow hikers was key.

We started at 4:10 am with flashlights and careful steps all the while wondering what my surroundings were like.

As though the steep climb wasn't enough we stumbled into another obstacle. The Wind. It was intense. John guessed it was about 40 mph! I believe it. I almost lost my hat, and was thankful I had a glove.

As we neared the summit, and I knew it, I started darting from boulder to boulder, adrenaline being supplied by the knowledge that I was about to reach my goal. I jumped onto one boulder and let out an awe-filled shout. On the other side of where I was standing was nothing except for a steep, rocky drop. The way down from there...falling.

Exhilarating to say the least.

We made it.

Amazing. Beautiful. Awe-inspiring. An expression of HaShem. I wish my camera was able to capture it. Alas, my 10.1 mp was no match for the magnitude of beauty surrounding me. As I write this I can't help but think how the L-rd feels about us, His workmanship (Eph. 2:9). Oh, how He loves us.

We spent a good 45 minutes to an hour at the summit taking pictures, relaxing, eating, laughing, and making new friends. I spent some time looking at all of my surroundings. The diverse landscapes. To the south were the long, steep switchbacks, the trees, beautiful lakes hidden from the rest of the world that were only visible from the summit. To the north the range continued on. Miles and miles of snow spotted peaks dotting the sky. I hadn't ever seen anything like it.

On the way up my quads were screaming at me, and a day later my calves were expressing themselves in an even more painful way.

I hope to see more views similar to what I saw that day. I will. And I have. When I look at you I see Him. Do

you know how incredible that is?

Post hike dirty feet contest. I won!

A Road to Adventure

Anna and Niki a.k.a. my backseat buddies

The trip didn't start out like others. I was slightly nervous going on a road trip with three people I hadn't travelled with before. They are my friends, but I hadn't spent this kind of time with them yet. It didn't take long for my nerves to calm down. I realized how silly I was to be nervous. I had a blast.

Some people think western Kansas is boring. I disagree. There is something about the vast, open prairie that inspires awe. Just as I feel small next to a mountain, I am reminded how tiny I am compared to the miles and miles of open landscape. Never mind the seeming barrenness of the land. The land is beautiful. The blue sky, golden fields, green pastures speckled with black, brown, and white spots, the Flint Hills that are a luscious green, rolling on for miles. And the clouds, oh the clouds...


One of the things I enjoy the most while travelling west through our great state are the sunsets, and since we left at 4 in the afternoon I was able to enjoy one that night.








John and Chris

















Though they are not part of the natural landscape I cannot leave out the wind turbines. Talk about enormous. My first experience with the mammoth machines was in California when I was 9. They went on for miles and miles and miles and miles. It was fun travelling past them this time as there was an architectural engineer in the car with us. He volunteered all kinds of info about them. I encouraged him to go on even though, at times, he thought it nerdy. (If you want nerd just listen to me talk for a while. You will get your fill of nerd ; ) )
As amazing and beautiful as all of the scenery was the people are what made the trip. Four incredible, confident, adventurous people. (five total, of course) Each of them ooze these qualities. They are not above other people, in fact they freely share their faith, and offer their help and friendliness. Over the past 5 1/2 years I have hung out with Niki, Chris, and Anna over and over again developing sweet friendships. They have this friend John who recently became my friend as well. He was an acquaintance from a few years ago that I met at The Barn. Since March I have hung out with him and the girls a couple of times, but still hardly knew him. He was the lone guy on our trip. I wonder what was going through his head as we drove out to Colorado to hike, camp, etc. I think he was pleasantly surprised. In fact, as we climbed up boulders on our last day hike he told us that a good number of his guy friends wouldn't even do that with him. It was settled early on that we were the best girls to road trip to Colorado with.

Last night at group Tom asked Maeret, yet all of us, if she had ever met anyone who had the presence of the L-rd all over them. I immediately said yes. Initially I was thinking about Cindi Lombardo, but close behind her were these four.



Left: The crew at the Arkansas River

Below: The crew on the Shavano summit

Much to our enjoyment the annual FibArk Festival was going on in Salida. Well, I enjoyed some of it, the drunkenness not being that which I enjoyed. There was a pro trick kayak tournament, karaoke, bands, a parade, and hooligan, uh, 'races'. The hooligans being rafts of sorts.

The teams were given 6 weeks to build their hooligan. A good majority didn't last a full minute. It was amusing. I'm still not entirely sure the point of the 'race'. It was hilarious-some more than others.

Stay tuned...

http://www.gummesonscamp.com/

Alone

Alone: adjective, adverb. 1.On one's own; by oneself.2.isolated and lonely.3.only; exclusively.

sometimes i start to forget how much my community means to me. i feel this way every few months or so. i will call them 'episodes'. the pull to travel and experience new sights and sounds hits me hard. i get bored with where i am at. let me specify. where i am working and the fact that this job doesn't even come close to touching the desires of my heart, my passions, my longing for adventure, and for life. i thought i was done here. i believe i am close, but every day that passes brings me closer. there isn't much consolation in knowing that. i want to be able to see it. to hold it in my hands. to know it and embrace it with my heart. my spirit longs to stand up and flow in my giftings. to be heard, to be seen, to be creative, to learn, to experiment, to grow, to experience life, to be loved, to love, to be bold. i am tired. i am overwhelmed. i feel stuck. something's gotta give. is it my turn yet? am i even ready? apparently not is what i deduce since i am still here. i have been asking the L-rd to keep my in this season, of being single and here at work, as long as necessary. that's not always a fun or easy prayer. to feel these emotions reminds me that i am alive, and that my decisions and actions, my prayers,petitions, and my community change things. community, huh? what would i do without them? i would be consumed by these emotions, lethargy, and ambivalence. what about G-d? i would still know Him and desire a relationship with Him, but my growth in Him would me minuscule. i JUST realized Kingdom Living is a miracle intervention placed in my life by Hashem. wow...i didn't know this before. whew...bless the L-rd.

while i feel mostly negative i have seen this 'episode' differently than usual. i know the L-rd works through these low times. He works at all times! it's not necessarily "bad" that i feel this way. i have been honest about how i am feeling and know that it isn't without purpose. i wonder how long it would have taken me to realize the miracle that is KL. maybe these 'episodes' are put in place to help force me to be introspective. to look at the deeper matters of my heart. they are hard times to be sure. they are necessary opportunities to grow. and to depend on community, just a few minutes ago one of my friends gave me some great advice to do something. i couldn't see that on my own this time. i am not alone; i am surrounded with no chance of escape ; ). i'm right where i want/need/desire to be.

surround: verb.1.be all around; encircle.2.be associated with.
noun.1.a border or edging.2.surroundings

definititions from askoxford.com

Monday or Tuesday of this week I decided that a change is necessary. I have become slightly obsessed with the lemon blueberry muffins at 515 Coffee, and with certain iced coffee drinks. I notice that when I start my day with said muffin, even if I eat it mid-morning, I crave more refined carbohydrates and sweets than I do if I haven't consumed a muffin. Oddly enough I don't start feeling bloated until I am no longer eating. I have noticed this over the course of the last year. I will eat something, crave more, eat more, crave more, eat more...you get the idea. (This isn't limited to just muffins, bagels, teddy grahams, donuts, etc. these do the same thing.) I decided to eliminate refined carbs from my diet as much as possible for the next 2 weeks. That's right. I will allow myself to eat sweets on Sabbath, though, even then I am not going to stuff my face.

I'm letting you all know because if I keep it to myself I am not accountable to anyone and I fail.

For me it's a matter of self-control. A matter of being disciplined and reaping the benefits. Last night a friend texted a quote to me from the book Assumptions by Dr Christian Overman, "self control is not just a matter of restraining evil impulses, but of initiating good without being manipulated to do so." Oh my how that spoke to me. When I eat like that it does not allow for my body to heal. In fact, I take about 10 steps back. I was incredibly bloated and uncomfortable yesterday and the day before. Before that I had been doing loads better. My body was finally starting to feel 'normal' again after over a year of being bloated. To say that I am learning lesson upon lesson would be an understatement. It's a bummer I had to learn this lesson this way, so hopefully I will finally learn my lesson!

The two weeks starts today. I have mixed emotions. I know it will be good. I know it will be hard. I was watching Veggie Tales with Noah last night and one of the lessons Minnesota Cuke had to learn was the right thing to do isn't always the easy thing. I thought about my struggle. The "right" thing to do is definitely not the easiest choice.

What: Interview at Black Dog Coffeehouse

When: May 11, 2010

Time: 6:00 pm

Aspirations (for the moment): To become a part time barista, learn, and grow.

April 22, 2010-Earth Day/Inspiration Day

I came across an article covering an Earth Day runway show. The clothing was made out of recycled materials such as newspaper, old trench coats, old denim, etc. I thought this was a great idea. Make new articles of clothing from stuff I don't wear anymore.

I decided to try this out and make a skirt out of old t-shirts. I told my friend Peg about my idea and asked if she would help me by doing the sewing part. (and teach me as we go) She thought it was a great idea. For one we would get to hang out, two it sounded like fun.

I took my t-shirts to her place today and told her what I was thinking. We matched up t-shirts to go together and started cutting.

She hasn't ever done a project like this. She said it is a bit of a challenge and that excites her. She likes figuring out how to make it work. I'm glad. I'm sure I could have figured it out, but it would have looked way different. A project like this needed more thought put into it than I imagined.

She is the sewing brains behind the operation and planner/corrector/amazing/co-designer. I am the cutter/photographer/iced coffee drinker/co-designer.

The skirt isn't finished just yet. We are both excited to see how it turns out!