Gravity-Free

The mind/body connection intrigues me as I try to accept physical changes (and abilities) wrought by injuries, external stresses, and life transitions. Some days I am able to stretch physically without thinking of the consequences, the next day’s aches and pains, the temporary stiffness, the flare-up of old injuries. Other days, old injuries rear their ugly …

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Reflections

The reflection of the bridges over Town Lake always draws me into the day’s reverie, especially just after sunrise when the lake’s population of birds, ducks, fish and people in kayaks, skulls and canoes are starting their own morning routines. [S. Lamar Bridge and Town Lake, Austin, TX]

A Few Seconds

This morning I ran the 5k part of Run for the Water, sponsored by Gazelles Foundation, founded by Gilbert Tuhabonye (www.gilbertsgazelles.com). The Foundation is a fantastic organization that raises funds to build access to water in Burundi. The Austin morning was an autumn cool, clear skies, no wind. The race was sold out: 10 miler, …

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Books and Boys

At what point does your child become an adult seeking dialogue and advice and engagement with you, his parents? The time passes imperceptibly, from little boy leaving notes under my pillow, to heartfelt letters from college, to traveling to unusual places together. We may have conversations of great depth or silly lightness or the mundane …

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A Good Day: Running

It’s dark when I rise, still two weeks until Daylight Savings Time ends. Austin’s autumn cool has arrived, at least for this week. It’s refreshing to walk outside as the sun rises and not be hit with the never-quite-left humidity of the day before. I ration my running days (although my slow pace can barely …

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Autumn-Quebec City, Canada

What a treat to have four days with my sister in Quebec City. We walked miles up and down narrow streets between brick and stone houses, climbed hundreds of stairs in the parks and to the river front and from the bridge way over Montmorency Falls. St. Anne’s Cathedral was exquisite, the most unusual array …

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An Urban Walk: September 11 Remembrance

I took urban walk this morning along Town Lake Trail. The dichotomy is revealing as I stood on the pedestrian walkway beneath six-lane MoPac freeway with its early commuters, the rumble and weight of thousands of vehicles shaking the fabric of too many tons of concrete to contemplate. I looked west to the trees reflected …

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Missing Walla Walla and Home

The furniture is divided among the children and grandchildren, several charitable organizations and a young couple from church. Mom selected the lucky recipients of her jewelry, some heirloom and priceless, others sentimental beaded bracelets and glittery clip-on earrings. The house is empty and clean, only waiting the final walk-through inspection from the manager. Where will …

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The Night before the Good-bye

Today is the day before we celebrate with family and friends our mother’s life and mourn her death. This quintessential morning walk evoked so many memories of my parents, driving cross-country from Vermont for a job opportunity in this corner of southeastern Washington, so far from family and the familiarity of the East Coast. This …

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