Rest

After lots of sun, lots of exertion and being in the elements, a good rest is worth it and full of healing. I am thankful for my day of rest.

Hilton Head Evening run and morning inspiraton

Last night I ran 8 miles as part of my ongoing, near ending, training for my marathon. I left my house at about 6:30 and actually didn't get home until after dark. There were some pleasures along the way...the setting brilliant orange sun and the cool evening Fall breezes that are so fabulous this time of year. As the light faded, I heard the beautiful sounds of the tree frogs and crickets singing and also of the conversations being held between elegant white cranes in their rookery. I passes the rookery twice along the way and the early chatter of the cranes began to settle down as the evening grew.
My only caution was that it actually became so dark (with no moonlight) that I almost tripped on several occasions and almost had a collision with two bicyclists. But thank the Lord I was spared and real injury although my calf got a little tight and it was actually somewhat of a physically difficult run. I think I was tired. Yet, I reached home safely however and also had a chance to breathe in the stars that began to shine.
It was an overall great night, and yet something even better came my way this morning from a new friend. Here it is: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513. More than inspiring.

Ran 20

I ran 20 miles yesterday! It was overcast on Hilton Head...perfect running weather. You can feel Fall in the air.
It was the farthest I have ever run in training for my marathon. It went very well. Just tired at the end.
I am thankful for a good running partner, perfect temperatures, a flat running course and the beautiful scenery along the island, and also to my Lord who gave me strength and inspiration to finish. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus..."
And then, to top it off, I was thankful afterwards for a long rest on the couch, a good conversation with my best friend, and a wonderful meal prepared for me by a great companion. Amen.

Tonight

Tonight has been about rest and relaxation after a good day's work and a good evening run. Ran 8 miles tonight...getting closer to the end of my marathon training. It was a "short" run...yeah, ha ha, it's funny because not just 2 months ago 8 miles was a "long" run. Well...I guess I am improving and getting stronger. I can see the finish line. Praise Jesus.
But, back to kicking back, sometimes we all just need to kick-it alone. To pull in, to reflect, recharge, and do the things we need to do to rest our minds, hearts, bodies, etc, and just to take care of personal business and get stuff done. I spent 2 hours in front of the tube (while eating dinner...at least that is productive!) watching my favorite show, Project Runway. (Oh I LOVE watching the designs come down the runway...so thrilling, so creative and so interesting!) It is pretty much the only TV show I watch and definitely the only "reality" show I watch. All the others are just, well, I won't say it. But anyhoo...
What does this blog have to do with Hilton Head? Well, not a whole lot except to say that although I live in paradise, life can be just life sometimes and we all have to do the mundane....laundry, vacuuming (of which I am finishing now) cleaning the kitty litter box, etc. In a way I think God thinks the mundane, when looked at correctly, is actually a very spiritual experience...
Ok, well, enough ideology, gonna get back to housework. I'll be listening to one of my radio stations (Air 1--pretty rockin' Christian tunes) and then stretching (this 37 year old bod needs it) and then off to bed. Hallelujah. Another good day - with work, running, cleaning and all. God bless and good night.

Boating and the moon rise

I had an awesome day boating around Hilton Head Island with a wonderful companion. We spent a heavenly afternoon on Sunday cruising the Port Royal Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. The water was sparkling, the temperature was just right, and the water felt like butter. The conversation and laughter were fun. And the sunset, and subsequent moon rise, which culminated the trip were resplendent. I am so blessed.

Busy-ness

Busy-ness...business...both feel the same to me of late. Lots of work, lots of work outside of work. Nothing necessarily bad. Actually lots of good things. But just a lot.
My solace tonight was my walk on the beach. It was windy and the sky was silvery blue. The waves had lots of white peaks. Messy surf. Walking gave me the ability to breathe. Gave me time to talk to God and work out the thoughts in my head.

Layers of Clouds

Tonight on the beach there were layers of clouds in the sky that reminded me of layers of cake. Signe, my stepmom, as many of you know makes absolutely delicious cakes and today the clouds reminded me of them. They weren't perfectly shaped layers, but something about them was very inviting. The sun was just starting to set so there was also a twinge of pink in the sky. Pink like Jessica's Pink Lemondae Cake. (If you haven't tried it, it is worth it.)
Also tonight there were many shells on the beach, no doubt from all of the wave action from the recent storms.
It was peaceful as always to take a breather from the day's work and step outside. Grateful to see God's handiwork once again.

Golfing on Hilton Head

This past week for work I was able to spend half the day with a film crew from The Golf Channel. We visited Harbour Town Golf Links 18th hole and also Oyster Reef Hole #6. It was a pretty day on Hilton Head and here are some of the snapshots from the day. Roshie and Tighe , the crew, were my fun companions.

Of course, the Harbour Town lighthouse always inspires. And the beauty of the Port Royal Sound from the 6th Hole at Oyster Reef is also captivating. It was mild sunny day, not too hot , (post Labor Day bliss) and it was really relaxing out on the courses. Not a bad day at the office!

When the wind blows

When the wind blows across the ocean, it can be a calming, gentle breeze or a strong and powerful force. It has an energy all its own that can create a symphony of sounds, smells and sensations.
Last night on a late starry-evening walk, I felt, heard and enjoyed these gentle breezes and powerful blows, wrapping all around me. Meanwhile the surf ran up and down the beach, between my toes, caressing my skin.
The wind across the ocean can be like a gentle lover.

Fantastic and blessed

I had a fantastic vacation, spending time in my own hometown here on Hilton Head and also in nearby Beaufort and on Hunting Island. I drank in the beauty of this treasured place, with the sun and the ocean, and was able to share my time with those I love. I had some very special experiences that I am truly thankful for. I feel renewed, refreshed, loved and blessed.