April 30, 2017 FLY LIKE AN EAGLE

There's REALLY nothing better than running 10 miles and STILL FEELING STRONG. Had a great run today and the weather was FINE. I could have run the half-marathon without a problem. Hopefully, I'll feel this way on the day of the race too.  Going to try to run a 9:30 pace--or about 2:05.  It's doable as long as the weather cooperates. Would like to run it in under 2 hours--a 9:00 pace--but not sure I will be able to sustain that for 13.1 miles. I like to set goals--but they are flexible--to a point. I would be lying if I said--all I want to do is finish the race. Of course I do, but with a LITTLE dignity. I  have a few comrades running the race--healthy competition. It's fun to kid each other about the race--but I do have my pride--and although we are comrades--I WILL work hard to beat them. It's bragging rights-- we all want to beat each other--it's the nature of the beast-- but it's ALL in good fun. Seriously, even though we compete against each other, they literally are the people who make me a better runner. Believe me,  I'd be LOLLYGAGGING my way to the finish line without them. So thanks for the memories. Helen Macdonald  had to deal with memories and depression after the sudden death of her father in the 2014 memoir H is for Hawk. 

After learning that her father, Alisdair Macdonald  had died of a sudden heart attack, Helen Macdonald was devastated and grief stricken. She was very close to her father, a photo journalist, who introduced his daughter to the beauty of nature and encouraged her to become a falconer at a young age. While in the throes of a numbing depression, Helen rashly decided to train a goshawk named Mabel. This is her story-- one season spent training a hawk while trying to shed the veil of depression brought on by her father's death. The prose is lovely as the reader is enveloped in the beauty that surrounds Helen as she trains Mabel. Training a hawk is not like training a pet. A hawk is not a pet and the only way to train one is to think like one. It's about the relationship she develops with the goshawk as she has to fully enter the world of this predator in order  to be successful. Also intertwined in this memoir, is Helen's obvious love of T. H. White--Arthurian novelist and fellow hawk enthusiast. She writes extensively about White's falconry over a century ago, they seem like kindred spirits, separated only by time. I enjoyed reading this book because it was well written and I also learned a lot about falconry and the world of the goshawk. It was fascinating. This memoir has won several awards and is well worth the read. It's about 280 pages or a 5 mile run that shows we all heal from tragedy in different ways.

April 26, 2017 STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

There is truly NOTHING more beautiful than springtime. We all see it in one way or another, but running allows me to witness the changes--UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.  Some of the flowering trees are amazing right now.  One day they are naked--skeleton-like-- then gradually they bud--AND--blossom like a peacock's tail. Stunning. And the perennial gardens are all astir. Rose bushes, peonies, poppies, clematis and all types of hosta plants are waking up from their slumber--getting ready to strut their stuff.  Can't wait to see them in all their finery. Every year I tell myself I'm going to draw a map of my gardens so that I will remember what will bloom and when-- but then time gets away from me and the next thing I know I'm saying--I wonder what I planted there! That's okay--I like to be surprised. So it shouldn't come as any great surprise that we have to put up with ALL this  rain in April-- take the good with the bad. Luckily, it's not so bad running in the rain this time of year. At least it's warmer outside. I look forward to spring and a new season of running too.  New sneakers, running gear--maybe a few new visors. It's what keeps me motivated, committed and on track. Bring it on!! Speaking of committed, one of the main characters in Sebastian Barry's wonderful novel The Secret Scripture was also committed--to Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital.

This unforgettable story is set in Ireland and is told in two voices--Rosanne McNulty, a woman of  almost 100 years old, who has spent the last 60 years in an asylum, and her psychiatrist Dr. Grene--who is charged with deciding the future care of the patients in the asylum because the hospital is closing down. After finding her secret journal, Dr. Grene is intrigued by Rosanne's story and is determined to find out the real circumstances surrounding her commitment because there appear to be two "versions" of her story. Was she the victim of the Irish Catholic Church in the early 1900's or was she truly insane? This is a story of conflicting memories, and two versions of the past. It's also a story of love, loss, religion, and grief in a backwards society where justice came in many forms.  Dr. Grene uncovers a shocking secret that will effect everyone involved.  There is a surprise ending that you will never see coming--I slammed into it like a brick wall and was flabbergasted.  Anyways, I loved this book-- it's about 300 pages or a 5 mile run that will leave you shaking your head asking  WHY???

April 24, 2017 HAPPY DAYS

I was saddened to read that Erin Morin from Happy Days died. That was one of my favorite televisions shows when I was a kid. I remember how excited I was when Joanie & Chachi got married. So much for television--pure fantasy. Morin seems to have had a tough, unhappy  life.... depression, poverty and even homelessness were her reality--eventually--succumbing to cancer. Very Sad. Stardom  didn't solve her problems--they ran too deep. People think that fame and money will ensure happiness but that's not the case. Money can NEVER buy happiness--it can make you more comfortable in life--but that's it. It must have been difficult for her in other ways too. Here she was on the most popular T.V. show for 11 seasons and then--POOF--it was gone. That could throw anyone for a loop--unless they are very grounded. Perhaps running could have helped her. It helps people deal with depression, anxiety and addiction every single day.  It can also bring others spiritual healing-- a sense of calm--a center. Running is a win-win.  Did you know it also helps in the prevention of cancer, improves memory loss, strengthens bones AND even adds longevity to life? These are all great reasons to throw on a pair of sneakers and get out there today right?  If you need more inspiration, check out Gail Waesche Kislevitz's book First Marathons--Personal Encounters with the 26.2-Mile Monster.

This motivating book is a collection of 37 stories  focusing on both novice and elite runners who have run the marathon. The novice runners come in all shapes and sizes--young--old--male--female--with one message--ANYONE CAN RUN A MARATHON. It just takes commitment, and discipline--both of which are easier said than done. The training is HARD but gratifying  in SO many ways as told by each runner. The marathon is  really a personal journey. Yes, you can train with partners but in the end you have to run it yourself. It's really interesting to get inside the head of each runner, especially, during the last 6.1 miles to find out how they got through it. In addition to novice runners, several elite runners  including Bill Rodgers, Ted Corbitt, Grete Waitz and Mystic's own John Kelley-- tell the story of their first marathon too. Loved reading about them, but since I'm clearly a novice runner, I was really drawn to their stories.  These are everyday people who just made the commitment--for a variety of reasons--including weight loss--mental health--even physical health as one of the runners gave up his 4 pack a day smoking habit to run his first marathon. Whether you are looking for the motivation to run a 5K, 10K, or even a marathon--this is the book for you. It's not a training guide but  a book to rouse your spirit and get you moving. It's about 350 pages--maybe a 5 mile run--that will inspire you to move!

April 22, 2017 I WONDER IF I TAKE YOU HOME

Remember when you were young and staying up until 3:00 a.m. was as normal as brushing your teeth?? I SURE DO. We'd be out until some UNGODLY hour--grab 2-3 hours of sleep--go to work--set the repeat button and do it all over again. WHEW--Those days are LONG gone. I stayed up til midnight last night and felt like I got hit by a bus this morning.  I was exhausted when I dragged my sorry self out of bed--determined to go for a run. It wasn't pretty believe me. Wanted to get in a long one but that will have to wait until tomorrow--5 miles felt like a marathon today. I could barely get out of my own way. It was WELL worth it though as it was for book club. Probably never mentioned this before, but I belong to a book club. We get together about once a month and have for about 12 years. We have been through a lot together--babies, teenagers, marriages, death-- we weather it all and try to support each other as best we can. We are all very different--sometimes our personalities and ideas clash but we make it work because we respect each other and genuinely care about each other. So last night, I was enjoying the company of my book club buddies--making merry--letting off some steam and that's all I can say because WHAT HAPPENS AT BOOK CLUB STAYS AT BOOK CLUB--it's our motto and I'm sticking to it. Leo Gursky also sticks to his promise made 60 years earlier in Nicole Krauss's wonderful novel of 2005 The History of Love. 

First of all, I must confess that it took me a LONG time to read this novel because I hated the title. It sounded so cliche that I was turned off. Thankfully, I got over myself and read this unforgettable book. It's on my bookshelf as one that I will most certainly read again. This beautifully written novel seamlessly alternates three different storylines that ultimately fuse together by the end of the book. It's the story of a book written before the Holocaust--lost for several generations--that reappears and is mysteriously connected to Leo Gursky, an old man living in New York City. Leo survived the Holocaust by hiding in the forest for three years before making his way to the United States only to find that his soul mate is married to someone else. It's also the story of a 15 year old girl named Alma who is named after the main character in the missing book. She is trying to keep her family together after the death of her father. Her mother is sad and withdrawn living in her own world as a translator of books. Her brother, Bird, is living in his own world too as he believes that he is the Messiah and is totally out of touch with reality. This book explores the reality of  war,  lost love, broken promises, loneliness and the written word that ultimately draws them all together. It's also a story of  hope,  the power of human connection and  our need to be remembered by future generations. This lovely gem is about 250 pages--maybe a 5 mile run. It's a journey of about 70 years that is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

April 19, 2017 MAGIC POWER

Back to school--but the finish line is in sight! It's already April 19. Our seniors have about a month left until they graduate. It's crazy--time just flies by. It's bittersweet really-- time for them to leave the nest--Fly Free. I can still remember being a senior in high school. I have VERY fond memories of those years. Great friends and FUN had by all!  I remember feeling--WILD and FREE--like the world was at my fingertips.   It's the best feeling in the world--to be young and believe you are invincible. It's actually kind of like a runner's high. A runner's high happens when you are running and all of a sudden it feels effortless-- there's no pain or discomfort. The body and mind work in tandem--running feels--magical--insuperable--carefree.   It's the best feeling ever AND it's the closest I can get to feeling like an eighteen year old--I'll take it! All this reminiscing has made me nostalgic for the past. It's time to take a trip down memory lane--back to when I was in high school and read EVERY Danielle Steele book I could get my hands on.

I guess I was a sucker for romance--way back when-- because Danielle Steele was the master and still is I hear. I've not read Steele in years, but loved her back in the day. She has written to date 102 novels and is the best selling living author in America--with 22 books adapted for television and another 30 sold for the big screen. WOW. Her books can be "formula" and some critics call them "fluff"  but they are still fun to read. The one that sticks out in my mind from high school is The Promise--which was also made into a movie. Anyways, Michael and Nancy are young and in love. They have decided to marry--much to the dismay of Michael's mother. Shortly before the wedding, Nancy is involved in a terrible accident that changes the course of events forever..........Fast forward a few years. Michael is living in New York and Nancy is safely tucked away in California. Will they find each other---keep the promise they made to each other long ago--or has his mother's deception been a success?? Find out when you read this easy page turner of 288 pages. It's a fun, quick read--maybe a 3 miles run--a blast from the past. It's fun to reread a book from long ago. Although our perspectives change with age,  we can still appreciate why we originally loved a book and for just  a few minutes remember who we were. Enjoy!

April 17, 2017 TRADITION

Perfect weather for Easter. Daffodils,  hyacinths and tulips in full bloom. Kids ran around in search of the golden egg.  Pure joy. Easter is the only Sunday all year that I don't run. Very busy getting ready for our annual brunch--home fries, waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, fruit salad, corn bread, muffins, mimosas.....you get the drift. I really enjoy this annual tradition with family and friends. It's a great way  to reconnect after a LONG winter. After a delectable brunch, we always take a long walk on the beach. People were out in throngs yesterday--some even braving the 45 degree water temps--taking their annual plunge--a part of their Easter celebration.  Family traditions are important, I have to admit I never really had any when I was a kid--except baking with my grandmother.  Whether it's Easter brunch,  4th of July shenanigans, apple picking, baking christmas cookies or even jumping in the frigid ocean on New Year's Day--traditions are really important. They are what weave a family together--forming bonds that last forever. I hope my children grow up and continue the traditions we've forged together. Pure joy--it's really that simple. When I think of traditions, I can't help but think of this extraordinary book I read a few years back called Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.

In this beautifully written novel, the reader is transported to a village in Hunan, a province of Central South China in the 19th century through the narrator--80 year old Lily. Lily is  reflecting back on her life and the remorse she still feels over a misunderstanding with her "Loatong". When Lily was 7 years old, she was paired with her "Loatong" or "old same"-- another 7 years old girl named Snow Flower. This was  a match that lasted a lifetime and was a great honor.  The two communicated by writing to each other on fans using a secret language known as "Nushu". They were the best of friends, sharing their hopes, dreams, accomplishments, and after their marriages, loneliness, and the joy and sorrow of motherhood.  They also shared many ancient traditions including arranged marriages and the brutality of foot binding--until their feet were 7 centimeters long. This book is also inadvertently a history and cultural lesson on ancient China. It is both fascinating and deeply disturbing at times, especially,  when reading about how women were treated during that time period. Through it all, Lily and Snow Flower's friendship endures-- until a misunderstanding  forever changes their friendship and tears both of their worlds apart. This book is a keeper--sitting on my bookshelf--waiting to be read again. I really loved it that much. Find out what happens to their friendship and why Lily, an 80 year old woman, is still sad when you read this exceptional  book of about 260 pages. It's about a 5 mile run that has much to teach every one of us about friendship.

April 15, 2017 STAYING ALIVE

 If you're looking for a good book to read check out THE BELLE OF THE BOOK. You can find me on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and BLOGSPOT.  Thanks for your continued readership.