Soul Runnings

I found a little nature sanctuary near my home. Just south of the hustle and bustle  of SE Foster Road off of SE 122nd, I found Leach Botanical gardens. This is what I've needed. Trees, flowers, pathways, benches and an abundance of plants all living together peacefully. If only human beings could learn such loving coexistence! I didn't have nearly enough time to explore properly. I had a massage at 3:00- a lovely gift from some friends of mine from the choir I accompany. But I will be back. I feel my best amongst the trees. With a book, of course! I am once again bereft of words. But slowly coming back to life. We shall see what tomorrow brings. Happy Friday!

I had a good day at the gym. An actual day off. Summer term begins next week. My spirits are still low. I found myself not really wanting to talk to anyone. I was able to pull it off since I didn't teach today. I am pleased that my exercise is remaining a priority. I am still working on the eating. A life-long project that is turning out to be! I have several books I am immersed in. And I am watching old episodes of Boston Legal. I think I am coming back to life. I actually laughed out loud at William Shatner and James Spader. But this is about all of the blogging I have energy for today. Tomorrow is a new day. And I am planning on a long distance walk. Good night. Sweet dreams and peace.

I took this picture on the bus ride to Salem this morning. Interesting the juxtaposition of dark and light on my face. I didn't notice it until I uploaded the image to my blog. Perhaps this is reflective of my bipolar nature? Here is a better picture. I am entirely in the light. That would be my choice for my life: Living in the light. But the darkness threatens to consume our spirit at every corner. Living in the light is a continual choice. Sometimes very difficult. I had a good day. Taught my stellar students in Salem. Had my traditional Indian buffet lunch and ended with a 2 mile treadmill workout and hot tub soak at the fur. I concluded with a sweet potato brownie heated in the microwave with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And on that note, I am off to bed!  I am planning a long distance walk tomorrow. Happy Wednesday!

I am just doing normal life things today. Trying at least.  I still ache for the victims of this latest shooting. Feeling helpless and agitated by the politicalization of another tragedy. I have a gluten free clam chowder in the crockpot.  Cooking does give me inner peace.  Cooking for others in particular. My daughter and son-in-law are heading out for a hike and church activity. It warms my heart to know that they will have a hot, home cooked meal when they return. I also just baked a pan of sweet potato brownies.  They smell divine! I have them cooling off in the fridge, so not sure how they will turn out.  I used this recipe from the "Lean Green Bean" blog: http://www.theleangreenbean.com/gluten-free-sweet-potato-brownies/ I miss my morning workouts. I seem to have shifted my routine to going to the gym at the end of the day, after teaching.  This has its pros and cons. Pro:  Hot tub!  Also, it is a good time for me to get caught up o...

I cried most of Sunday after hearing about the massacre in Orlando, Florida. I watched the news. Read several articles about the shooting and several commentaries on gun control, terrorism, and hate crimes. Then I prayed. Cried some more. Then I washed off the tears and walked to the bus stop. On the way, I listened to talk radio. The horrifying facts were still coming in. I unplugged and went in to sing hymns and pray. After church, I went to the used bookstore to forget about the pain for awhile. But afterwards, on the bus ride home, I noticed life going on as usual. Had they not heard? Did they not care since it didn't directly affect them?  I put on my headphones and tried to find an update on the radio. Nothing, just music, commercials and preprogrammed talk radio. I did find extensive coverage on the television at home. I lay down and watched, still crying. I fell asleep for awhile. When I woke up, I had an ache in my chest. But on the television and on Facebook, were...

I am taking today off from blogging. The mass shooting in Orlando, FL is heavy on my heart and soul. Praying for the victims, their families and friends and this broken world. Peace, Zita

I was on cloud 9 after my 3.45 mile walk yesterday. In fact my head was stuck so high in the clouds I forgot to post my food and exercise logs for Thursday! So here they are, Thursday and Friday: FOOD LOG 6/9/2016 10:45 a.m. Earl Grey tea, black. Overnight oatmeal. 1:00 p.m. Earl Grey tea, black, 1 cup rice, 2 homemade, gluten free salmon patties, 1/4 cup steamed cauliflower, 2 small radishes, 1 baby dill pickle, 1 cooked jalapeno. 2:30 o.m. 1 gluten free granola bar. 4:30 p.m. 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds. 5:30 p.m. 1 bowl seafood chowder (Viking Soul Food cart) 6:00 p.m. Hot tea, black 7:30 p.m. 1 med sized bag Lays Classic potato chips(400 calories--aak!) 9:30 p.m. Water EXERCISE LOG 6/96/2016 2:30 p.m. 15 min walk to bus 8:00 p.m. 30 min on treadmill at the gym (1.5 miles) 9:30 p.m. 15 min walk home. FOOD LOG 6/10/2016 9:00 a.m. Earl Grey tea, overnight oatmeal. 11:00 a.m. Mushroom cheeseburger, sans bun, small order of onion rings, small diet coke (Dairy Quee...