2017 miles Day 179

Some random thoughts

Life has certain criterion for existence. Therefore, the universe was created based on those life criterion so it can flourish in this existence. This thought is contrary to mainstream theories which suggest the universe and all there in contained the necessary components for life to spontaneously generate. And so, I believe therefore - the elements of life existed within the essence of the creator before the "big bang" and the creation of the universe. There was a plan for the creation of a physical existence for the vital-ism which is sustained in the biological entity of all organisms, not a chanced spontaneous rearrangement of organic molecules. I am beautifully and perfectly made according to His plan, not by chance, not due to a random explosion...................

If it was just a chance event, a random rearrangement of organic molecules, then what is the purpose of life?  What is the purpose of our existence other than to just exist?  There is none.

2017 miles Day 178

Today's message is from Tony Garcia:

Running Diary: Filling The Spaces

This. A story.

There is a space, between need and want. When it is filled with gratitude, you will find you have more than enough.

There is a space, between now and yet. When it is filled with patience, you will find you are where you belong.

There is a space, between doubt and trust. When it is filled with acceptance, you will find the absence of fear.

There is a space, between despair and hope. When it is filled with faith, you will find a reason to believe.

There is a space, between discord and harmony. When it is filled with forgiveness, you will find peace.

There is a space, between waking and sleeping. When it is filled with love, you will find your purpose for living.

Moral of the story: There are spaces within you needing to be filled. When you fill them with good, you will find what you are looking for. ~G

Enjoy your day!!!!

2017 miles Day 170

Top of the morning!  Had a beautiful run early this morning, the first day os summer!

Enjoy your day!!!

2017 Miles Day 169

Today is June 20.  The last day of spring, and the time of the Summer Solstice.  Actually, the solstice is not based on a calendar date, but the timing of when the Sun is at it northern most point from the equator.  I found a very interesting article on this subject.

The Old Farmer's Almanac:  First Day of Summer 2017

This website is really pretty great.  A lot of very interesting information.  Enjoy!!!

As of today, I will have to run 6.5 miles per day to achieve my year goal of running the year of 2017 miles.  This is still not out of my realm of reality.  What will it take to achieve this goal?  It will take discipline.  It will take making smart choices instead of falling into old traps.  It will take commitment to a journey that I started January 1st.  It will take commitment to lacing up those shoes and putting in extra miles on days that I can.  I will do this!!!  I will not fail!!!  I will not sabotage my goal!!!

Strategy:  Set a mile goal for the week.  Chunk it up into the 7 days.  Keep in mind that plans may change.  Make adjustments.  Some days may call for 2 runs.  Don't just try to stick to the plan - DO!!!

Plan for June 18 - 24  (34 miles)

June 18:  4 miles 

June 19: 6 miles

June 20: 12 miles 

June 21:  6 miles early then travel to Albuquerque

June 22:  Albuquerque (at least 2)

June 23:  Albuquerque (at least 2)

June 24:  Albuquerque (at least 2)

Now, GET OUT THERE:  You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 168

This is going to be a very busy week.  We are going to Albuquerque, NM for the National LWML Convention, leaving Wed. and coming back Sunday.  I am the banquet centerpiece director and  responsible for constructing, shipping and setting up 200 centerpieces for this event.  Also, the designer of the stage front.  Oh my.  I will say it was fun, but it really took a lot out of me.  I am anxious that the pieces made it to their destination and there aren't too many that were broken.  I am anxious that we have enough time to set the pieces on the table.  I am anxious that the stage front isn't going to turn out the way I have it visioned in my head.  I am anxious ...  and then I stop and realize that I am not doing this alone.  I am not the only I in this thing - there is a team of We.

I realize that it it often tough for me to let it go and trust in the abilities of others.  I like to have control.  I like to do things my way.  I'm learning that I need to let every situation be what it is instead of what I want or think it should be.

Today and tomorrow are going to be Make Sure days.  Make Sure my lists of things to bring are complete.  Make Sure necessary items are packed.  Make Sure the garden is well watered and weeded. Make Sure I take time to go for a run every day.  Make Sure .................... to let go and let others.

Now, GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 167

Enjoy your Sunday!!!  

Today is a day of reflection and goal setting for this coming week.  Look back on this past week.  Think of one thing you are especially happy about.  Write it down.  What is one thing you want to accomplish this week?  Write it down.  

This 2017 journey has had its ups and downs, its challenges and successes, its dreams and reality checks.  Remember that goals obtained ARE NOT finish lines.  Keep the promises you made at the beginning.  If you stumble, pick up the pieces, glue them together, and continue on.  Stay hydrated and make smart beverage choices.  Eat real food.  Exercise Your trinity.  Take time for You time.  And, remember that You are in the driver's seat on Your journey. 

A bit of music from 2 Cellos:  Time

Sit back and Enjoy!!!

2017 miles Day 166

The last weekend of Spring and Father's Day.  Going to relax, enjoy family time, and great food!!!

On the menu:
Lunch today - asparagus and ham crescent roll-ups with swiss cheese and a side salad.
Supper tonight - grilled rib eye stake, coconut shrimp, grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes.
Sunday Brunch - grilled ham steak and egg/potato bake, and rhubarb crisp with home made ice cream for dessert.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

2017 miles Day 165

Today, a message from the book by Tony Garcia, Wanna Know a Truth pg 227.

"Every person I admire who's successful and radiates an inner happiness, they are living their truth. It's that simple. Decide what your truth is. Then live it. ~Kamal Ravikant

Dear You,
I wonder sometimes, through all the noise and confusion and trials of trying to become, I wonder if you have forgotten the truths about yourself-truths that do not change even as so much changes.
So I thought I would take this time to remind you of those truths just in case you forgot.
1. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for.
2. With all your perceived imperfections, you are still good enough.
3. You are worthy of love and happiness.
4. Your worth is not defined by a number. You are priceless.
5. You are beautiful. Everything else is a lie.
6. You can do this. Stop doubting it.
7. You always have a choice. Always.
8. You don't have to be perfect. See #2 for more details.

9.You are closer than you think.  Look how far you've come.

10. You are not broken

Now that you know your truth, it's time to act accordingly.  Go live your truth.

***********************

Now, GET OUT THERE.  You have work to do!!!!

2017 miles Day 164

Have a FABULATASTIC Thursday!!!

It is beautiful out, and there is a lot to do in the garden.  The warmer weather shifts growth (of weeds) into high gear.  Time to start to tie grape vines to the fence to keep them from just growing willy-nilly.  Time to evaluate the bed of greens - keep/trim back or dig out and plant something else???   Time to start increasing watering schedule.....  A lot to do!!!

Also on the schedule for today is a 4 - 6 mile run later this afternoon.

So, what am I doing here writing on my blog..................

GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!!!!

2017 miles Day 163

Today's message is from Tony Garcia.  It speaks volumes!!!  Thanks Mr. Garcia!!!

This. A whisper from my heart.

It seems, more and more, we live in a world that is dominated by a "take, take, take" mentality.

This, "if a little is good, more is better" attitude. So take, take, take some more.

This, "get yours while the getting's good" idea. And do not worry about what is left for others.

And I am left to wonder the consequence and impact it is having on our children.

And so, I wanted to speak to the children about those things I hope and pray they will take.

This. An open letter.

For a child. For your child. For the child in you.

Dear Child,

You will be presented opportunities to take many things in your life. In fact, you will be encouraged to. We live in a take what you can get world.

Take this. Take that. Take some of these.

Advertisers market this idea all the time.

All in an attempt to sell you on the notion that you need their product to feel better about yourself, to feel more complete, to feel like you belong.

As I reflected upon all the messages you will receive in your lifetime about take, take, take, I came up with my own list of "takeaways".

Here are 12 things to take for a healthier and happier you. Take as many as you need. Take them in abundance.

1. Take your time: Plan, prepare, allow for growth and mistakes, do the work, do not rush the process. This is true for just about anything of value which you seek.

2. Take compliments: You steal from the person who says something genuinely kind and honest about you when you deny their words. Accept them, as the gift they are intended.

3. Take feedback: You don't know everything. You never will. Be open to learning and growing and improving.

4. Take less than you give: Be a giver. Of compliments, of kindness, of forgiveness, of a hand, of yourself, of light, of love. Unconditionally. Unselfishly.

5. Take only what you earn: You are guaranteed nothing. Do not act as if something is owed you. If you want something, earn it.

6. Take nothing for granted: Not today, not your health, not friends or family, not this one fragile, finite life.

7. Take time to just be: Relax, meditate, read, sit quietly, nap, breathe, slow down. Your body and mind and spirit will thank you.

8. Take little personally: It's not always about you. In fact, it rarely is. The meanness, pettiness, jealousy, anger, hatred, bitterness of others speaks of them, not you.

9. Take responsibility: For your actions. For your words. For your choices. Place blame at the feet of no other.

10. Take ownership: Own your story. Own your signature. Own your gifts. Own your path. These belong solely to you.

11. Take the opportunities: To explore, to chase dreams, to smile, to create, to make a difference, to dance, to laugh, to see the world, to make magic, to feel goosebumps, to participate, to express gratitude, to fully live.

12. Take it one day at a time: Do not stress about what is yet to come. Be present. Focus on now. Much is lost for looking too far forward.

Love, Me

#awhisper
#frommyheart
#toyou
#💜

2017 miles Day 162

What a beautiful morning!!!  

What do You get to do today?  What ever it is, make it special.  

A great piece of music to start your day from a couple of my favorite cellists.... 2Cellos

Wake Me Up

Enjoy your day!!!

Now, GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!!!

2017 miles Day 161

I decided to title my latest painting "Awakening".

This is a painting of a woman in her "Red Sundress".  The sky and the sea are dark after a long stormy night, but the sun rises between them - separating the darkness and offering hope.  The red dress, as in the first painting of the woman in the red sundress, is her Courage.  As the sun rises, she knows she can face life with confidence.  The night is past.  Today is a new day.  She has an awakening, a spiritual epiphany, a lighting of the fire in her heart that she knows was always there, but was afraid.  Now with confidence she faces the sunrise, a new beginning.  She is a strong woman able to face the challenges of life.  There will be other storms, but she has her red sundress and will put it on and face them. 

There's a lot of work to do today - so better GET OUT THERE!!!!

2017 miles Day 161

Happy Sunday
Yesterday we got a lot of work done in the garden.  All of the beds have been weeded, and the pear tree is gone leaving an empty space with vast possibilities.  Not sure what to put in it's place ......... ???

Today I had a run scheduled, but finished a painting instead.  Think I'll go for that run now.

Here is the painting I finished

(40 x 30)  

Possible Title:  Make it a Red Sundress Day!!!

Thanks!

2017 miles Day 160

It's going to be hot and windy today.  Not sure what is on the agenda, but it will probably include more push hoeing ... not much, just maintenance.

The unofficial lbs of asparagus harvested this year so far is 120.  Not bad. It's really starting to slow down and send out pencil sized shoots, so guess it's about time to stop picking except for the choicest thumb size or larger.

To end this conversation this morning, a message from Tony Garcia's book:  Wanna Know a Truth

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.

~ Marianne Williamson

Seek joy.  Look for it in all corners of your life.
If you pay attention, it is not difficult to find.

Embrace joy.  Hold on to it tightly.  Wrap yourself within it.
Notice how all else falls away.

Know joy.  You are blessed.  Have you forgotten?
Look at your life.  Joy is calling you home.

Share joy.  It is not meant to be contained.
Be a source of joy for others.  Allow it to fill all the places you go.

Be joy itself.  What have you got to lose?
Perhaps sadness, worry, doubt.  Seems like a good trade.

2017 miles Day 159

There is a lot of work to do in the garden today.  I think we're going to have to say good-bye to the pear tree.  It was severely injured when caught in a hard early freeze a couple of years ago.  So ....... what to plant in its place???

Better get to work.  There's a lot to do!

What do You get to do today???

2017 miles Day 158

I want to share a picture of a rose that our daughter salvaged out of the trash when she was in college about 10 years ago and had a part time job at the local greenhouse.

It had some disease or something and no one thought it was worth the effort to salvage, but our daughter did.  She gave it to us, we pruned it severely, planted it in a container on the east side of the shop, gave it some water, and every year it says thank you.  It's amazing what a severe pruning can do.

In many ways, we are like this rose.  We sabotage our own happiness because we don't think we are worthy of such happiness.  When we look in the mirror, see ourselves for who we really are, not just how we think we are.  See ourselves as others see us.  That we really are worth it.  The pruning is not easy and it hurts.  It takes a bit of time, but the end result are worth it.

Now, GET OUT THERE - You have work to do!!! 

2017 miles Day 157

Today's message from Tony Garcia posted on Facebook this morning:

This. An open letter.

Dear You,

I heard you say, "I have so many excuses".

You have not a list of excuses. You have a number of obstacles.

Still needing to be overcome. Still waiting for you to rise above. Still chances to grow stronger. Still just another part of living.

I heard you say, "I am so very tired".

You have not given up. You have a reason to rest.

Still, you must get up. Still, you will rise again. Still, you cannot remain here. Still, there is work to be done.

I heard you say, "I feel like I have failed".

You have not failed. You have learned lessons.

Still, it may feel like failure. Still, it may require starting over. Still, it may be frustrating. Still, it is not failing if you try again.

I heard you say, "I have lost all heart".

You have not lost heart. You have a heart.

Still beating. Still capable of falling in love. Still fighting for you. Still doing the work of living.

How then do you overcome all that I have heard you say?

You simply say, "Still, I am worth it".

*********************************************

Sometimes I forget that I am worth something.  
Today is a reset the button day and remember the many blessings I have.  

2017 miles Day 151

Top of the Morning, and the first day of June!!
Here is the challenge for this month

June 

Read a book

Reduce television watching time by 1/2

This is not going to be an easy one.  I don't read a lot - if ever, and evenings are usually spent parked in front of the TV from about 7:00 till I go to bed around 10:00.  This is going to take some adjustment.  I'll let you know how this one turns out.

The asparagus bed yielded pretty well this year.  Almost every day we picked between 2-4 lbs (over 100 lbs this season), sold most, ate a lot, and yesterday I pickled 7 quarts of asparagus.  Here's the recipe.  Very delicious!!!

THE BEST PICKLED ASPARAGUS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 clove of garlic
• ½ teaspoon organic red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon organic dill
• 1 teaspoon organic dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon organic mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon organic black peppercorns
• 10-20 spears of fresh & local asparagus, depending on spear size

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and sterilize your mason jars. Line up on the counter like little ducks in a row.
2. Into each jar, put the garlic, red pepper flakes, sea salt, dill seeds, dried oregano, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns.
3. Wash the asparagus and cut the bottom of the stem off so that the asparagus fits into the quart jar. Gently stuff each quart jar with as many asparagus spears as it will hold.
4. You should now have quart jars shoved full of spices and asparagus spears.
5. Heat up a vinegar brine to near boiling - 50% filtered water to 50% white vinegar. The amounts you'll need will vary depending on how many quart jars you're processing.
6. Once the vinegar brine is heated up, gently pour it into each asparagus filled quart jar, leaving ¼" head space at the top. Secure a sterilized lid and band onto each quart jar.
7. Process the asparagus for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath canner. Gently remove and set on the counter to seal.