Day One Run

I'm in the middle of packing my condo, and my work office (more fun with that tomorrow when I go back to work...) and somewhere in all that came across a pair of Brooks I hadn't worn much.  I go through a lot of shoes:  I'm very particular.  When I woke up today I put those Brooks on and walked out into a breezy, grey morning, the intermittent drizzle between short bouts of sun, bare arms in the cool-then warmer air feeling fabulous on empty streets.  My feet found a happy place in those unexpected shoes and I took my time looping up into Ravenswood and back down,  just enough to feel like I greeted the New Year with appropriate appreciation,  on it's own terms,  as it revealed itself out in the landscape of the world.

Later, my contribution to a mandala-a-day project (FB), and a peek into the "Present of Day One" turning off the OCD button of my typical drawing style in '13, giving myself something to 'unwrap' this year, this present to my self. 

At the same time,  and with all the changes upon us,  I hold onto my miles as my lifeline to stay grounded and connected with Mother Earth.  I pledge to keep listening to and seeing Her, the pain and beauty of what we're all going through together now,  as we keep our pace into the future.  Sometimes, like you, I get tired, I want to stop.  I feel discouraged,  I feel justified to quit.  I ask that all of us remember to ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER, keep faith with each other.  For no matter what,  none of us knows exactly the outcomes of resolutions and good intentions on the New Year.  May we all be here next year, comparing notes on a 'Job Well Done'! and many pats on the back- may all people, animals, all life everywhere be FREE.