Hang in there!

I love this quote and as a bonus, I have found it to be oh so true. I just finished a conversation with a friend who has been going through a trying year. There were many times that all I could offer was a sincere "hang in there. Things will fall into place." She was so happy tonight. I could hear it in her voice.  I must have said it so many times as the months wore on because that is the first thing she said  as she was sharing her excitement. She called specifically to tell me about the wonderful turn her situation had taken and she didn't hesitate to remind me, "You said it would fall into place if I was just patient. I can't believe it. Thank you for getting me through that awful time."

It may sound cliche, but I really believe that , "This too shall pass." It is hard to imagine sometimes when you are right in the middle of an unpleasant experience but somehow WE CAN AND DO come out the other side.

So hang in there! Good things are on the way! Enjoy your week!

Circus Life or Do what you love!

I grew up in Sarasota, Florida and one of the exciting things happening on the West coast of the state (aside from the beautiful beaches on the Gulf ) was that Ringling Brothers Circus performers "wintered" there and most called the Sarasota/Venice area home.

As kids we played football, swam on swim teams and ran track but we also had the opportunity to learn circus skills with the professionals. We tumbled, walked a high wire, juggled and learned flying trapeze  from the Ringling Brothers  performers. We were members of the Sailor Circus and even performed under the big top. It was quite a production! My mother was always afraid I would run away and join a professional circus. I enjoyed it THAT much.

My acts were unicycle, tumbling, teeterboard and quartette adagio. Teeterboard was my favorite and I was fortunate to land at one of the two Universities in the country that boasted a student circus( albeit on a swimming scholarship.) I decided to give up collegiate swimming at some point and found the FSU Flying High circus. Maybe my version of running away and joining the circus! I was chosen to be on the traveling troupe performing teeterboard. We would travel to various places, like a sports team, erect our tent, do the show then break it down. I think back now at the incredible amount of trust we had in each other from setting up the tent and equipment to working our acts. It was an experience of a lifetime on many levels.

Those were incredibly fun days. Once the sawdust gets in your blood it never leaves. My youngest daughter has embarked on a career in the entertainment industry and I have joined a talent management firm but those are posts for another day! Enjoy your weekend and make some time to do something you love!

Wow, dont' know when this was but a Quartette adagio team. The 4th member is out of the shot.

Setting up safety nets for flying trapeze

Another older shot of hanging trapeze.

God Bless America!

We had the good fortune to attend a beautiful wedding this weekend that was not only lovely materially but also filled with love and sentiment. One of the highlights was after the welcomes and the invocation, the grandfather of the bride led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Admittedly, a nice touch but remarkable and memorable given the circumstances. The grandfather, a United States Admiral, had spent 5 and a half years as a POW at the infamous Hanoi Hilton.  We were in the back of the room and could not see him as he spoke but it was truly a moving experience.

     I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One Nation under God ,indivisible,with liberty and justice for all.

The Pledge of Allegiance is powerful in its own right but the memory of being led in its recitation by someone who lived that Pledge in such a tangible way will stay with me forever.  His love for his country and family was palpable as he ended with, "God Bless America!"

We are truly blessed and I am grateful everyday.

Gate River Run...

I ran the 5k (Florida Times Union sponsored) portion of the River Run last year after not running for several years. The last time I ran the 15k (many years ago) I think I managed close to 8 minute miles. Last year I labored through the 3.1 miles at about a13 minute a mile pace (UGHHH).  It was fun to be a participant and I am definitely glad I was a part of the event, so this year I was almost tempted to try again (even though I haven't run a step since last year.) Fortunately, the voice of reason got my attention and I enjoyed breakfast with my daughters, son in law and husband after they did their own fun run through the neighborhood.

One of the best parts of the shorter distance (aside from not having to even think about the dreaded monster called the Hart Bridge) is that the 5K accommodates every skill level. Some entrants walked the 3.l miles while others raced! The real excitement comes when waiting at the finish line to cheer on the serious competitors and seeing lots of people you know finishing the race. It is truly amazing to be part of more than 17,000 runners. Kudos to all of the participants. It is always an incredible race and today was a beautiful day to be running in Jacksonville. CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew Carlson and Deena
Kastor, 2013 Gate River Run Champions!

Normal

"Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly."

     -Morticia Addams



I love this quote. The older I get, the more I value uniqueness in people. I have always loved a "different" or unique piece of furniture. I enjoy our  historic neighborhood where all of the houses have their own character. As I transfer this appreciation for differences to people I'm even more intrigued with the beauty and majesty of the human race. There is no normal. Vive la difference, not just between the sexes but between everyone! Practice tolerance and understanding and find what is waiting to be discovered.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

When a wise person said, "Enjoy every second because when you blink, she will be grown." I admit I couldn't imagine what that meant. Or at least it is a gross exaggeration. Well, it is true. One minute a baby, the next a beautiful young woman. My oldest, Ann Elliott, has been a beautiful young woman for some time.  She has always been and always will be an incredible, giving and compassionate person. (Not to mention gorgeous.) We are blessed beyond measure to have her as a daughter. Happy Birthday Annie! You are so loved!

*For those who are reading this who do not know her (and those who do), check out her blog. It is informative and witty!

annelliott.blogspot.com