August 11, 2018 HOTTER THAN HELL

 Imagine. Standing in your kitchen making chocolate chip pancakes at 8 in the morning covered in sweat. That's my life. I'll let you in on a little secret --I DO NOT HAVE AIR CONDITIONING. Not even a window unit in the bedroom. Isn't that CRAZY?? Whenever I tell people I don't have AC-- they look at me like I HAVE A SCREW LOOSE. And I must BECAUSE what normal person would tolerate this heat-- It's NOT like we live in a third world country. It's definitely been a BONE OF CONTENTION in my house EVERY SUMMER FOR 25 YEARS. My husband is NOT a fan of AC but he goes off to his air conditioned office every day--while I sit at home SWEATING MY ASS OFF all summer. A few years ago after a particularly HUMID--SCORCHING--HOT summer--and a HELL of a lot of WHINING-- he DID have someone come to our house to give us an estimate for central air-- Apparently it was just a RUSE meant to appease me until the HOT SPELL ended though.   How much do you want to bet we will have AC when he retires?? SHOULD HAVE DEMANDED IT FROM DAY ONE. Once a SETTLER--always a SETTLER.  Harriet "Hal" Westaway, the main character of Ruth Ware's new psychological thriller The Death of Mrs. Westaway should have been more demanding too.

After the tragic death of her mother, Hal Westaway is barely making ends meet. Desperate for money, she borrows from a loan shark but can't afford the payments on her meager salary as a tarot card reader on Brighton beach. Her prayers seem answered after she receives a letter from a solicitor informing her that she is to inherit a significant amount from her grandmother. Even though Hal thinks it's a mistake, she decides to skip town and the loan sharks  to go to her grandmother's funeral  and find out about the inheritance. When Hal gets to St. Piran, she finds that her  grandmother lives on an old Victorian country estate and that she is the sole beneficiary-- much to the chagrin of the rest of the family. It doesn't take long, however, for Hal to realize that something is very wrong at Trespessan House and she must uncover the past to understand how she is entangled in the web.  Hal doesn't know whether to trust her new found family either. Will they  keep her safe or would they rather see her dead?  Ware does not disappoint, another great read with lots of twists and turns. This mystery is about 365 pages-- or a 4 mile run--that you will have a hard time putting down.

August 8, 2018 WHEN I'M SIXTY-FOUR

It's all relative. So I'm a physical therapy the other day--strengthening my GLUTES--watching this 20 something year old woman in PERFECT shape--work on a shoulder injury. Couldn't help but check her out--WOMEN ARE LIKE THAT OKAY--she was LONG--LEAN--BEAUTIFUL. Flash ahead 15 minutes. The beauty queen leaves--in walks Sally--80 SOMETHING YEAR OLD. I'm still busy working on the BUTT--when Sally yells--Hey Blondie. I have NO IDEA she's talking to me because it's FAKE--but I look up cause there's NO ONE ELSE AROUND. Sally's checking ME OUT-- She THINKS I'M--LONG--LEAN--WOULDN'T GO SO FAR AS TO SAY BEAUTIFUL-- but you get the idea. She bellows-- like a drunken sailor--a few compliments my way. I'M SHOCKED--but want to PAY IT FORWARD--so I say--I  HOPE I look as good as you look when I'm 60!! She gave me a hardy laugh--blushed-- and went on with her workout. We all need a little ADMIRATION now and then--whether we're 20-50-80. A little compliment can go a LONG WAY. 

 In Jane Harper's second book Force of Nature, Falk and his new partner, Carmen Cooper,  are sent to investigate a woman gone missing while on a corporate retreat in the Giralang Range--a long way from home. Not sure if you read Harper's first book The Dry which won the Golden Dagger Award for best Crime Novel last year--but I'd start there first. It's a great read and since this is a series, it's nice to get to know Falk in book one. In this installment also set in Australia, the missing hiker is Alice Russell. She disappears on a weekend retreat  meant to be a bonding experience. Five women walked into the woods and only four walked out. Five women who didn't necessarily get along in the first place. Add to the mix the fact that Russell  has been secretly working with Falk to uncover a money laundering scheme that her company is involved in.  It's a great mystery with several suspects and twists and turns. Wasn't sure about anything until the bitter end. If you're looking for a new crime drama series-I'VE FOUND IT FOR YOU! It's an easy read of 325 pages--or a 4 mile run--that will keep you guessing. Enjoy.

August 3, 2018 WHAT HURTS THE MOST

I am the BIGGEST PROCRASTINATOR. Seriously. What NORMAL person would walk around for a YEAR with an ACHING ASS??  Finally couldn't take it anymore.  After seeking the WISE counsel of my running circle--I finally took the plunge and found a new PT.  I really DREADED going--but can happily admit that I think I've found the RIGHT PT for my problem. And the best part--He's young--has a good sense of humor --AND IS GOOD LOOKING. You already know how SHALLOW I am--ENOUGH said. On a serious note though--there are all types of PTS out there and you need to find the one who can help with your specific problem. Should have listened to my running GURUS months ago but I really thought --PTS WERE all the same. How DUMB--that's like saying all teachers, lawyers, writers, doctors are the same. Today people specialize in certain areas so it's important to ask around. Another lesson learned..........

Seems like Arthur Less the main character in Andrew Sean Greer's Pulitzer Prize winner of 2018, Less,  has difficulty learning lessons as he keeps repeating the same mistakes. Arthur Less is a gay man on the cusp of fifty living in California.  After his lover of nine years breaks up with him to marry someone else, Arthur Less, a struggling writer, accepts several literary engagements around the world  to avoid the embarrassment of  the wedding. He finds himself in Paris, Berlin, Morocco, India and finally the Arabian Sea. During his travels, Arthur Less reflects on his past and realizes his mistakes.  In the end, this is essentially a love story--quirky, bizarre at times, but I couldn't help but like Arthur Less and have empathy for his situation. The writing is also top notch. Find out what crazy situations Less finds himself in and all the discoveries he makes when you read this novel for yourself. It's about 270 pages-- or a 4 mile run--by a fine writer that's worth the read.

July 29, 2018 FAT BOTTOMED GIRLS

Dry Needling. Just found out that it's a highly regarded treatment for piriformis syndrome-- WHICH HAS BEEN HOUNDING ME FOR THE LAST YEAR. So-- I spent some time today reading about it and this is what I've learned.  A TRAINED physical therapist penetrates the SKIN with LONG NEEDLES--right into the muscle-- in order to relieve the trigger points.  It reminds me of acupuncture but other than the needles--they have little in common.  In theory this all sounds great right??  RELIEF FINALLY--FOR MY ACHING ASS. Then I decided to watch the procedure on YouTube. BIG MISTAKE. First of all--I would have to BARE my PASTY WHITE LEFT BUTT CHEEK--A FRIGHTENING PROSPECT FOR ANYONE OVER A CERTAIN AGE RIGHT???  Have you looked at your BUTT lately?? Do you want to share it with the world--NEITHER DO I!! THEN--the SKILLED therapist would have to touch my PIMPLY ASS to find the TRIGGER POINTS-- at which point-- REALLY long needles would be pierced through my skin --DEEP--right into the muscle.  YOU CAN'T TELL ME THAT DOESN'T HURT. I literally almost THREW UP just watching the procedure. Not sure what's worse--EXPOSING MY ASS-- THE ACTUAL NEEDLES--OR LIVING WITH THIS PAIN.

 Aaron Hernandez, the subject of James Patterson, Alex Abramovich and Mike Harvey's new book All-America Murder The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez, made decisions that ultimately ruined his life. Aaron Hernandez seemed to have everything. All American college football player from University of Florida--the youngest to ever play in the NFL--Super Bowl appearance--and star tight end for the New England Patriots with a 40 million dollar contract. He was destined for greatness, but it all began to crumble after the death of his father when he was seventeen. Over the course of five years, Hernandez was linked to a series of violent deaths and was eventually arrested for the death of Odin Lloyd in Massachusetts. He was later convicted of first degree murder--life in prison without parole--and later committed suicide in his cell. So what went wrong? This book investigates just that.  Ultimately it's  about decisions--the bad choices Hernandez made in his short life.  He chose--gang members as friends--drugs--violence--and the rest followed suit. This is a frightening look at a world that is becoming familiar--a world where the rules don't apply. I have to admit that I wasn't really all that interested in reading this book, but came away with a different attitude. It's about 350 pages--I read it in one afternoon--so it's a 3 mile run--that's an easy, but essential read.

July 25, 2018 SUMMER BREEZE

Yoga on the beach. There's something about the waves matching the breath that makes it  transformative. It's like HOT YOGA--but outside--with a twist. The sand actually makes you work harder as finding balance--or your center--can be a bit precarious. It takes CONCENTRATION--but finding your Drishti--YOGA GAZE--in this case the New London Ledge Lighthouse--makes it worthwhile.  Being at the beach also makes you feel more connected to the earth. You really need to DIG into the sand-- literally be grounded to it--to be successful. The body and the earth actually work together--a symbiotic relationship of sorts--to hold yoga poses. Did I mention the AURA too?  The breeze--waves--blue sky--scents and sounds REALLY make you forget everything. Worries dissipate--the mind is FREE and CLEAR--for a little while.  It's a wonderful way to connect the mind--body--spirit--environment and I can't think of a better way to start the day. Thanks for including me in your yoga practice. OM. 

All this spiritual talk made me think of a wonderful book I finished last week by Jan-Philipp Sendker called The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. Not sure how I missed this International bestseller from 2002 but so glad I found it. Better late than never right?  Set largely Burma--today Myanmar--this uplifting novel is about the power of love not only for half a century but also a world away. At the start of the novel, Tin Win, father of Julia Win, disappears right after her graduation from law school in New York City leaving the family devastated and confused.  Four years later, an unmailed letter written by  Tin Win several years earlier is found in a desk by his wife.  The letter is addressed to a woman named MiMi from a mountain village in Burma called Kalaw. After reading the letter, Julia sets out on a journey to find out what happened to her father. Shortly after arriving in Kalaw, she is approached by a man named U Ba who claims to know her father. He proceeds to tell Julia a story about her father's life that  she has  never heard.  This is a lovely, touching book that I highly recommend. The characters are real and the descriptions of Burma create a vivid picture of what life is like for the inhabitants of this harsh land. Just found out that there is a sequel. Can't wait to read it and find out what happens next. This book is about 325 pages long--but only a 4 mile run--as the pages melt away like butter. It's that smooth!

July 22, 2018 THE LONG RUN

Back on the ice pack. YUP. Can't seem to WILL this injury away. I can run a  decent 5--with TOLERABLE pain--then by mile 6 it's over. Maybe my days as a DISTANCE runner are over. Not sure. Do know one thing for sure though--I won't be running the 56th annual Ocean Beach/ John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon this summer. First time in 10 years I'll be a SPECTATOR. Think I'll volunteer instead so I can still be a small part of the action. Or maybe I'll ride my bike and cheer on my comrades. Either way--I'll find my way to the GAM for a beer to celebrate with all the runners. If you're looking for a half marathon this August--look NO FURTHER. The Kelley Race is August 4 and it's the ONLY FREE RACE I'VE EVER RUN!! Free admission to Ocean Beach--Free Clam Chowder--bananas--water--after the race. There's even a band performing after the race. The only thing that's not free is the beer. Seriously, I'd never lie!

 Speaking of lies, I just finished Alice's Feeney's International bestseller Sometimes I Lie and I'm still not sure who to believe. This psychological thriller begins when Amber Reynolds "wakes" up in the hospital. She can hear what's going on around her, but she's in a coma. She doesn't remember what happened to her; however, she suspects her husband. The story then alternates between Amber's hospital stay, a week before the accident and a childhood diary from 20 years ago. There are many twists and turns as you never know who is lying and who is telling the truth. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, there was another twist in the story and I was questioning who to trust again. By the end of the book though, the three story lines converge in a shocking way. Don't want to say much more, but I hear there is a sequel in the works that answers many of the loose ends. This real page turner is about 270 pages or a 3.5 mile run that is bent on confusing you and making you ask......did I miss something?? 

July 16, 2018 WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

Yippee. Finally placed in the Sailfest 5k road race. Ok--so it was ONLY third place in my age division but SO WHAT. I've been trying to medal in that race for 20 years and always end up in fourth or fifth place. One year I even missed out on a medal by ONE SECOND. What makes it even more fun is that two of my comrades also placed in their respective age divisions. GOOD TIMES. I know it really means nothing in the BIG scheme of things--but it means something to us. Running is HARD WORK. It takes dedication and time. While most people are sleeping in or enjoying their coffee--we are out pounding the pavement. We are a community of friends who keep running ESPECIALLY when the times get tough OR we have a string of injuries THAT JUST WON'T GO AWAY. Running Grateful. Every mile with a comrade or two is a gift. 

Saeed is thankful when he meets and falls in love with Nadia until their homeland is bombarded with violence and he is forced to choose between his family and freedom in Mohsin Hamid's 2018 LA Times Book Prize and Aspen Words Literary Prize winner Exit West. This timely novel is set in an unnamed city reminiscent of perhaps Syria or Pakistan that is on the brink of civil war. Saeed and Nadia are forced to flee and leave their loved ones behind. The interesting thing about this novel is that Hamid employs "magic doors" to transport refugees to different destinations. It's not about the journey, rather the reality of exile as Saeed and Nadia are surrounded by other refugees and are forced to make difficult decisions regarding  their future. This book is about the experience of the refugee, a relevant topic especially in our political climate as Hamid says, "Geography is Destiny." The writing is urgent and sometimes difficult to read as entire paragraphs contain only commas--but it is still worth the read. It's only 240 pages or a 3.5 mile run --every American should read in order to appreciate the refugee experience.