December 23, 2016 RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL

Saw the shirtless runner again yesterday--it was cold--about 34 and breezy, but he didn't seem to be fazed in the least bit. Shorts-socks-sneakers-NO Shirt OR Cape this time. His chest was really red--I'm thinking it's a mixture of wind burn and the cold. Some might find this odd, but we are all odd in our own way, and I actually pride myself on being different. Anyways,  I read about him in a book that a friend wrote 10 years ago.  I remember reading that he had had a tough childhood and continues to  deal with addiction and other mental health issues. He's just another runner trying to outrun his demons--I've seen him running or walking around the area for at least 25 years trying to EXORISE them--it's a life long battle. Life can be hard for many people, especially, during the holiday season. If you are blessed with health and surrounded by family this holiday season,  don't take it for granted. It is a gift, be thankful and remember many people aren't so lucky. This reminds me of a  book that I finished a few weeks ago, where the main character wasn't so lucky in life either called The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson.

Paula Vauss is a 35 year old successful divorce attorney living in Atlanta. For all appearances, she has the perfect life. People would never believe that she came from a broken home. She spent the first ten years of her life roaming the country with her mother, Kai, and her every changing boyfriends. After her mom went to jail, Paula spent several years in foster care before returning to her mom to finish out high school. She hasn't seen her mother in about fifteen years. No family, no connections. It's a sad, lonely world for Paula. Her personal life is a mess as she can't seem to let go of the demons that haunt her past. After receiving an odd letter from her mother, Paula decides it's time to find her.  She hires her ex-boyfriend private eye, Birdwine, to look into the case and learns a lot more than she bargained for. She actually has a brother and a sister who desperately need her help. Find out what happens to Paula as she tries to heal the past so that she can forge a new beginning. This is a great story of about 300 pages or a 4 mile run that will definitely make you feel thankful for all you have.