it's a(nother) boy and some related thoughts from my race

"The thoughts that occur to me while I'm running are like clouds in the sky. Clouds of all different sizes. They come and they go ... pass away and vanish, leaving behind the sky."
-- Haruki Murakami, Japanese author

Dear Luke Taylor,

I ran a race this morning, this day you decided to show up early, like your big brother did three-and-a-half years ago. (On a side note -- a merciful one for your mom -- you did not show up early because you were nine-and-a-half pounds. Only seven pounds and ten ounces. A true baby brother you are.)

For six point two miles, my thoughts were random, but not. They flowed in a stream of consciousness, all related to this business of your birthday.

I listened to the fragmented chatter of other runners. One talked about her job transition. Another shared about some land his father had gifted to him. I heard one young lady say that running was her therapy after a particularly hard time in her life.

I thought about how, if those runners could somehow eavesdrop on my thoughts, they'd know that I'd become an aunt again, on this very day. About how you broke into this world in the middle of the night before, and how there was all kinds of group texting happening when I should have been sleeping, resting up for the race.

But oh, Littlest, I couldn't imagine missing out on the real-time updates.

Along the course, locals gathered in pockets to cheer on the runners visiting their town. I'm always touched by that. The clapping and yelling and high-fiving from total strangers. I thought about the encouragers you'll have in your life, and they'll naturally mean so much more to you, because they'll know your story, and where you come from.

Your family will be at the front of the line, for every mile. Trust me in this.

I reflected on your name a little bit. I haven't yet heard the backstory, but it's interesting that in the Bible, the disciple Luke is believed to be have been a physician. His account of the Gospel is often said to be precise and detailed, carefully recorded with the accuracy of a scientist. Maybe you'll be like that? Or maybe you'll be free-spirited and an abstract thinker.

We don't know, and it doesn't even matter. The Lord's design of you is perfect, and as it should be.

At about mile five, when my knees screamed at me for pounding them so, I gave thanks for a body that was strong enough to run this far without breaking down. (Forced gratitude is my go-to strategy to distract myself from the pain.) Not all bodies are built to do so, but they are all miraculous, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all of your fingers and toes and eyes and nose and mouth, and for the way you have grown strong and healthy thus far.

I prayed that would be so for a long time.

When your big brother was born, circumstances were such that I was there later that day. It was so wonderful. And it was bittersweet to not be there today with you. But my goodness, I have thought of you all day, and the thrill of it all is remarkably the same.

Your place in this family is sure and beautifully orchestrated by a wondrous Author of Life.

We are simply beside ourselves over you, Littlest. Welcome.

And happy birthday.

thankful thursday #211

My New Year's Eve celebration involved working late, writing my annual recap, watching Mississippi State crumble in the Orange Bowl, indulging in a little Netflix, and falling asleep by 11:00 (do I get points for making it to midnight EST?).

Not remarkable.

But I couldn't be more thankful to start 2015 here.

These trails on crisp winter mornings are peaceful and grounding.

Remarkable.

I'm expectant for a boatload of these moments in the coming year, and hopeful you have them too. Go on, be grateful!

hello monday (an iPhone photo purge)

When all else fails, go to the iPhone for some blogging material. Here are a few recent photos to help me greet the week:

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Hello, long work days.

They're why my blog is suffering.

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Hello, sweet treats.

Menu tastings are such a job perk.

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Hello, beautiful skies.

Even when they are unfriendly and turbulent, they do radiate glory, don't they?

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Hello, temptation at the Birmingham airport.

It had been a long day.

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Hello, opportunity to learn.

These guys know what they're doing. It was awesome to soak in some knowledge.

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Wishing you a very good week ahead, friends!

hello monday (greet spring)

Somehow the sunshine and warmer temperatures make Mondays a little more bearable, don't you think? How about some hellos, for the first time since the time change?

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Hello, Mom's birthday!

So glad I got to celebrate her this weekend.

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Hello, fun pop of spring color on my fingernails.

It's called "Rose Bowl" by Essie. Puts me in the mood for spring!

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Hello, countdown to Italy.

You started at 200-some-odd days, and now you're at 32. Happy, happy.

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Hello, learning something new.

I'm excited about some online beginner classes for Adobe Illustrator.

It's good to stretch the brain and learn a new skill.

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Hello, outdoor grill.

I sure have enjoyed giving you a chance to shine this week.

What in your world has you greeting spring?

hello monday (settling down)

I haven't greeted a Monday since November. I'm overdue. Let's do this.

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Hello, February.

Where in the world did you come from?

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Hello, snow.

You snuck up on us. Fast.

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Hello, new bench-I'm-using-as-a-coffee table.

I'm so glad to have found you after twelve months of searching.

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Hello, new rug.

Another relief to have you in the fold after endless searching.
Especially at the bargain for which you were purchased.

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Hello, scary iPhone restoration.

I'm never confident in the wipe-out-and-startover process, but I'm glad this time you cooperated.

So. Thawed ground. A new look to welcome me at home. An iPhone back in working order. Settling down a bit.

Surely signs of a good week, yes?

hello monday (on tuesday)

Monday kind of punished me. Let's move on and greet the week today instead, shall we?

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Hello, second-to-last-football-game-I-have-to-work this year.

Was happy to do it by this gal's side.

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Hello, family and friends.

Glad that while I was working, you got to enjoy the game. (And that I got to pop into this pic!)

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Hello, cold and rain.

I wish you'd come on a day I never had to get out of bed.

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Hello, Thanksgiving.

You've come out of nowhere, but I'm glad you're finally here.

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Hello, Christmas decorations.

I'm mentally preparing myself for you.

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Hello, splitting headache.

Move on, already. You're slowing me down.

Wishing you a holiday week that's warm and cozy, headache-free, and spent with friends and family you love!

hello monday (big game in the hometown)

I was in the hometown this past weekend for work, and I feel so fortunate to get to see family while I work. There was just enough relaxing down-time to make this Monday harder-than-average to face.

But face it I will, with some friendly hellos.

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Hello, home.

It's the quintessential Athens photo, but I especially loved the lights in this one.

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Hello, big win.

Did you see that game? It was electric.

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Hello, calm before the storm.

Before it was electric on Saturday, it was peaceful on Friday.

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Hello, front door goodness.

It's only "goodness," of course, because it was gifted to me, and I didn't have to wrestle with hot glue or any other art supply that gives me anxiety. Crafty friends are good friends.

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Hello, happy note on a Monday morning.

Even a parking pass in the mail can be cheerful, when you take the time to make it so. Thankful for my friends who do.

Fall's making her entrance, people, so give her a hearty welcome and greet the week!

hello monday (a lot of miles)

Monday! Gosh, I never miss you.

But I can still greet you civilly.

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Hello, 13.1.

This is going down in T-12 days.
Lord, be merciful.

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Hello, Cullman.

My friend and I met up there for lunch and shopping this weekend.
This one was a jewel of a store.

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Hello, Toms.

I finally broke down and bought a pair. Trends are only good if they're practical, and
I anticipate putting a lot of miles on them on a certain country next year. Let's hope they live up to the hype.

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Hello, fall scheduling.

It's always such a headache puzzle!

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Hello, rainbow.

I saw this last weekend in Highlands.
It's a good reminder of a special promise.

Monday, no matter the miles I'm looking to run, drive, walk, or fly, I'm ready for you!

hello monday (a regular may monday)

Mondays might feel like a drag sometimes, but sometimes they feel like a fresh start to a new week. I'm feeling refreshed and ready to go.

How about some hellos to kick it off?

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Hello, water fall.
My koi pond fountain has been broken forever months, and
glory, it is now fixed, and running peacefully.

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Hello, MiO.

This stuff will make you hydrate like a champion.
The sweet tea flavor is a sham, but Blueberry Lemonade is delicious.

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Hello, rain.
What is with the rainy, 40-degree temperatures in May?

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Hello, spin classes.
It's been awhile, and my backside is not letting me forget it.

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Hello, marathon.
Heck no, I'm not running one. But the sister-in-law is.
On Sunday. I'm so proud of her.

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Hello, haircut.
Got a trim last week. It should be settling down any day now.

Get those Mother's Day cards and gifts in the mail this week, friends, and be happy for a new week!



hello monday (spring-ing)

There are two things that scream spring to a Georgia Peach:

1. Savannah, Georgia azaleas in April, and
2. The Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National.

Those two gems alone are worthy of some hellos this week, yes?

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Hello, special package from our Special Olympians.

We worked with these guys and gals in Kansas City last month,
and they sent us these t-shirts.
I'm so touched by them!

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Hello, Savannah.

I can't wait to stroll under your trees tomorrow.
They tell such old, old stories.

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Hello, road trip.
It's gonna take a long one to get there.

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Hello, segway!

This is totally happening, so watch out, Savannah.
I'm not even kidding.

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Hello, beach.

I haven't had my toes in the sand in nearly two years.
I'm long overdue.

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Hello, Masters.

Growing up ninety miles from you, I'd say 34 years is a long-enough wait.
I'm ready for every bit of you. Including your pimento cheese sandwiches.

Has spring sprung where you are? Oh, I hope it has! It holds such promise!

hello monday (celebrating)

Today's a special Monday, because it's the one nestled in my favorite week of the year. I'd say that's worthy of some hellos, wouldn't you?

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Hello, Holy Week schedule.
I love it that there are six opportunities this week to celebrate victory over death.

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Hello, Condoleezza Rice.

I'm coming to hear you speak tomorrow, and just so you know, I think you're so classy.

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Hello, hometown coffee shop.

I do love that Athens staple.

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Hello, birthday celebration!

 Despite the rain and the cold, I was so pleased to be with Mom for her special day.

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Hello, best friends.

She had such a fun day planned for us. And she brought Mom a little bit of sunshine!

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Hello, lunch by the lake.

Isn't she pretty?

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Hello, alternative birthday plans.

Well, they were with us in spirit, anyway.

Happy Monday, friends. What are you celebrating this week?

hello monday (come soon, march 1st)

This week might kill me. I trust that it won't, but oh, if March 1st arrives and I'm here to see it, I will be one happy girl.

There's not much to do, other than get on with it, and greet the week with some hellos.

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Hello, Nicholas Sparks movie.

Book was good. Movie was good, too.

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Hello, work travel.

Airlines, please play nice.

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Hello, send-off.

 My good friend Lori is moving away to start a new adventure in a new city this week.

Happy for her, sad for me.

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Hello, World Reach.

One of my favorite times of year at my church.

I'm looking forward to celebrating the work God's doing around the globe.

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Hello, uncontainable joy.

 Do you ever feel like the words won't come, because you're so happy,

and you'd rather just squeal?

That'll be me on March 1st. I can't wait.

hello monday (picture purge)

One of my dearest friends was in town this weekend for a visit. It made this Monday seem especially dreaded; I did not want to say good-bye!

I also was pretty bummed to work on the Monday that the rest of the country calls a holiday. MLK Day does not make our holiday schedule, which is a crime.

I have no choice but to perk up my Monday with some hellos, and an iPhone picture purge.

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Hello, Starkville snow!

And I thought Delaware would be the only one to deliver!

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Hello, friends trying to schedule a trip.

All hail the iPhone calendars. They keep us orderly.

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Hello, new magazine subscription.

My sister in law gifted me with this for Christmas.

Maybe it will inspire me to get some style.

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Hello, new chair No. 3.

No more chair purchases for awhile. Seriously.

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Hello, alma mater.

My friend and I supported them at their basketball game on Saturday.

I was proud of them.

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Hello, story.

These are the states I've called home at one time or another.

I thought these prints told a good little snippet of my story.

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Hello, crazy hair.

I hope this week shakes out to be just as exciting, although perhaps without the shock value?

Happy Monday, friends. I'm thinking this week has to be good!

hello monday (quiet house)

How's your Monday? Mine is cold and rainy. Worthy of sweatpants, slippers, and hot chocolate.

And some hellos!

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Hello, quiet house.
All the family have left the building.

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Hello, tears.
I can't help it. I miss them already.

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Hello, new chairs.

You served me well this weekend. Happy to have you in the fold.

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Hello, January birthdays.
I have almost ten friends and family celebrating this month!

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Hello, Something Southern.
I'm hitting you up when I'm town this week.

Stay dry, warm and safe out there, folks, and say hello to the week ahead!