Things are looking up in winterland

the fattest robin I've ever seen, reminding me to get my sorry self out on a run

Ah, it's been a good day. I have to admit I've had the late winter blahs lately so I'd just like to thank the universe for sending me a little hope today.

1. First, things are looking up in winterland. I'm hearing birds. The air has a little (I said little) balminess to it. Rains early in the week melted almost all of the snow. The sun turned up bright and early, sheepish and penitent like a truant 7th grader: Yeah, I know. I wasn't here. I tried but I couldn't make it. But at least I'm here now...right?

2. I went on a great run. {And let me start with a bit of truth and reconciliation: lately I haven't actually been running as much as I thought I would. I know, I did this whole listen world, I'm back running announcement. But after that I've been kind of like Fred Thompson's presidential campaign: all announcement and very little running. All the usual excuses--wintry weather, sick self & kids--amounted to maybe a run or two a week for the last month. You might say I'm a fair-weather runner. And you'd be right.} But this week I found a great 4-mile loop through town and farmland that completely makes my heart sing. And pump--although I'm still run/walking. And I found a cool site that lets you map out your route & find out the distance/calories/pace, etc. No more clocking it with the car--I love technology.

3. Then this morning I happened to be online at the same time as my brother Chris, half a world away in Mali. So we spent an hour and a half chatting via instant messaging. What a luxury--to just hang out virtually and have a conversation about everything and nothing. Love that boy. Man, really. I love technology, part 2.

4. Cleared out some flower beds and generally cleaned up the yard a bit. Just my little act of faith that there will eventually be flowers there.

5. Read a good book with the sun streaming through the windows & spilling over the pages. Let myself snooze for a few minutes.

6. Had this conversation with Lauren on the way to her flute lesson:

L: today we had a speaker in Health who has HIV/AIDS [many of our conversations these days revolve around what happened in Health class that day!]. Her life story was so sad! {She goes on to give me the details of her troubled life, including abuse, alcoholism, crime, prison and generally struggling to find her way. Very heartbreaking.}

A: I know, doesn't it seem like some people just have way too many helpings of grief? Like it's just not fair?

L: Yeah, in the middle I was so sad for her. I thought "she needs a hug." [this is a standard Lauren philosophy. She makes the world better through hugs.]

A: [half kidding] So did you give her one?

L: I did! At the end I went up and said "you need a hug" and gave her a big one. I think she was surprised. She whispered "thank you."

I think I'll keep her.

Comments

[Bridget]

That is so sweet that she actually gave her a hug! What a tender heart she has.

I love your description of reading a book with sun streaming on the pages and dozing off for a few minutes. That is heaven to me, right there.

Off now to snuggle in bed with a book myself.

[gab]

Yay! Spring! It is amazing how a little sunshine completely changes my outlook.

Your daughter sounds adorable and wise.

[Christie]

I love your analogies - the sun is a penitent 7th grader and the whole Fred Thompson thing. HILARIOUS.

And Lauren? That girl is going to save the world, one hug at a time. I love her.

[cbentley]

The hug story reminds me of Jon Stewart's comment on the Oscars after reviewing that major films whose main theme and spirit was blood and more blood, and revenge and violence. "Does Hollywood need a hug?" YES! and don't we ALL. I think the Latinos have it down. They always greet and part with hugs. Very warm and demonstrative.

Thanks for sharing your warm moments leading, we hope, to warmer weather. It is still very cold here, but the sun is trying hard to push its agenda of warming the earth. I heard birds three mornings ago, and it did lift my heart. And the other not-so-charming sign of spring - box elder bugs, are coming out of hiding. There must be little incubator nurseries behind the walls in the kitchen and living room. AND, insult to injury, there was one inside MY RETAINER that I wear at night!! RUDE! Love your words and thoughts, and YOU, Ma

[Emily]

Please send that rotund robin my way. Ice storms and blizzards are my only friends these days. The bit of sunshine from your post was a welcome visitor.

[allysha]

What a sweet girl.

[Emy5]

That was so caring of Lauren. Others might have shied away.

Also, good luck with the Spring thing. It snowed again here today!

[Natalie]

I just found your blog through Jessica's and I just wanted you to know that I have been inspired by you this evening. You are one who is graced with much talent and a gift of finding words when others would think that there are none to be found. I really appreciate your thoughts and words tonight. I look forward to more good reading to come:). Thanks again!