the life and times of an ever-victorious woman
This morning Blue and I hit the greenway for a run date. Today’s plan was 4 miles or 40 minutes, whichever came second.
At the two-mile turn around, we were greeted with a surprise: an indigo bunting! These cute birds usually hang out farther up the trail. In fact, I can’t recall ever seeing one on this stretch. There he was, bouncing and flying alongside, making us laugh.
No videos or pictures today; we only have the memories of the moment.
It was a cheerful start to a long day.
I’m on Snapchat.
I rejected it sight unseen for ages, but recently I set up an account. Surprise, surprise, I like it! There are no think pieces or debates on my feed. It’s just silly and interesting updates from a variety of people. Some I know personally, and most I don’t.
In the Land of Snaps, filters reign supreme, and that’s my favorite part. In a world of violence and anger and negativity, grown people voluntarily “wear” silly headpieces and special effects while laughing and telling stories in 10 second bursts.
There are more than enough serious moments. It’s nice to have (make) a quick diversion from time to time.
Here’s to not taking yourself too seriously.
My running trail is an enchanted forest. Trees and grasses in various stages of bloom flank the whole path. Today I experienced the first honeysuckle this season. Nose candy.
Micro climates and mini ecosystems pulse in the enchanted forest. A chorus of birds on this stretch. A pond of frogs and cicadas on the next. More birds with new songs here. A deer crossing there. A snack bar for bunnies and so on. You experience this all within the first 1.5 miles of the trail. If you’re open to the sounds, scents and scenery, you’re never bored along the way.
Months I spent running that stretch, turning around at 2 miles and heading back in. But there’s a stretch farther in the distance. I make it there often now, but what a treat the first time I tried a five-miler…
Somewhere around the 2.25-2.5 mile turnaround, you spot them. About the size of sparrows, they boast a magnetic, electric blue. Their chirps are loud and persistent from atop the nearby trees, yet sometimes they bounce and fly along side you as you run. Cheering you on.
If you’re not sure you’ll make it to 2.5, these blues are worth the stretch. For the longest time I simply called them my electric birds. Google tells me they might be indigo buntings.
Blue and I went for a run date this morning – the first in months. We ran an easy conversation pace, and blissfully far enough to say hello to the indigos on the back stretch.
Good morning, sunshine.
