If there's time…
This morning I brushed my cat. Usually this is a soothing interlude for both of us. I alternately stroke the brush along her beautiful striped fur using my left hand while letting my right hand scratch the top of her head. She can get a subtle purr going while relaxing during a grooming session. She … Read more
As we approach the new year I was hoping we could share something. It has to do with my father. My father was forced into early retirement by an odious landlord who made him close his business, the famous “Imperial Sandwich Shop” in Manhattan. The landlord raised the rent until the store could no longer … Read more
I’m still struggling with this need to be an adult, which is totally bizarre since I am 62 years old and have obviously been an adult for a long time. I have some of it down pretty well. I can take care of other people. I know how to nurture. I’m naturally sympathetic. I’m even … Read more
A while back there was a commercial that featured a man sitting in front of his computer screen. He was manipulating his keyboard to quickly jump from site to site on the internet. In the background we could see his wife watching television. He surfed the web faster and faster until he suddenly froze in … Read more
I have a friend who recently spent a day wearing tight jeans. She wasn’t wearing them because she was especially fond of them. She struggled into them for a reason. She lay down on her bed and managed to yank up the zipper. She sucked in her middle and buttoned the top. Then she covered … Read more
I lost it and finding it again has been difficult. I’ve looked in my closet among old running bibs from past completed races. I’ve tried to ease it out of hiding with the promise of new shoes. I check each day to see if it has been inadvertently folded among my dry fit shirts. Sometimes, … Read more
Today is not a high-bar day. That’s okay. I already know that not every day turns out to be a day of noticeable deeds. Some days are destined to be noteworthy only for small accomplishments. Sometimes at the end of a day like this I congratulate myself not only on small tasks performed, but also … Read more
November has been a month of writing and running. Last week I managed 15 pain free miles as well as thousands of words. Both of these activities serve a purpose for me. The writing has provided an entrance into a fictional world of my own creation. A doorway into a non-political existence. The running also … Read more
Inspired by hours of watching amazing athletes compete at the Olympics I have enjoyed an excellent week of running. At least, it was excellent for me. With the timpani drum of the Olympic theme echoing in my brain I have been heading out early this week bringing my best to the beloved sport of walk-running. … Read more
When does a runner stop being a runner? How many training breaks must we endure before we stop saying we’re still in training? How much downtime must we experience before we stop being runners at all? I am writing this while sitting on a bench beside a path I have frequently run in the past. … Read more