Marathon Grace

We rode our bikes to LP field to catch some of the excitement from the Music City marathon. Along the way, we met lots of cool people and soaked up the healthy energy from the runners and their supporters. It is amazing how great you feel when encouraging others! As we stood there shouting out to the runners as they passed and listening to the great local bands at Five Points in East Nashville, I felt so vibrant! What a beautiful morning to be out; the thought that these runners had all trained for a long time for this moment made me wish them success.

Standing there with us dancing and clapping was the prettiest, happiest older woman I've seen in a long time! She was running in place on the sidelines and said, 'I should be out there with them! Next time I will be!' When I (respectfully, of course) asked her age, she replied with a big beautiful smile, 'I will be 80 next week!' I was so blown away, all I could do was hug her. She works out at the community center every morning, and was walking back home when we met her. Her name is Ms. Swift, which we thought was very appropriate for this spry, youthful lady. We felt so blessed to have met her, and she was kind enough to let us take her proud picture. What a lady; we could all learn from her positive energy and grace.

What a difference a couple of blocks make! When I leave school some evenings, I will walk the 4-5 blocks to Hillsboro Rd. The last couple of nights I realized that the walk is shorter and I can get home quicker by walking just 2 blocks to 12th Ave. What amazes me is the difference in atmosphere between the two destinations! Near Hilsboro people are out everywhere and the walkway is well lit. Closer to 12th, the path is darker and more deserted. If it were not for the constant car traffic, I wouldn't even attempt it. It makes me wonder if the element of danger is created by the lack of lighting, then would better lighting make the area safer? Something for city planners and those of us walking in the area need to pursue.

What a difference a day makes! I'm @ the bus stop on West End across from Centennial Park after celebrating Earth Day with friends and family. It was a blast! My son and I started the day at the Downtown Public Library, had a bite at Provence and headed to the park. At the park were our partners in public transit, MTA, Transit Nashville, RTA and a host of bike riders and others concerned about sustainability. My goal in being car-less is to increase the financial, environmental and health benefits for myself, my family and any who will join us. How cool to be able to share the love enjoying the beautiful outdoors on Earth day!

A little frustrated because the bus we are waiting to catch is already 30 minutes late! It happens rarely for me, but frustrating all the same. It doesn't help that we've seen several people bike past us while we wait. Makes us wish for our bikes as well. Glad to see people out on bikes during this week when people are thinking of ways to be environmentally friendly. Also grateful that the weather is great. Nice evening to be out, even if we are just waiting for the bus.

The Blessing of Sharing

Well, after literally dragging all of that fresh food home by myself, in the rain, I received the added blessing of sharing. I had purchased as much fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts as I could because my son has been sick, and I wanted to pump him full of fresh things to help him heal. Well, over the next couple of days, we've been taking some of our fresh things with us to work and school so we could 'graze' during the day. Along the way, we've also had occasions to share.
The morning after I brought the groceries home, we were on the bus talking to a young mother with two small daughters. The mother is working very hard to complete a medical assistant certification program, and she is so diligent to make sure her children are well behaved and cared for. I had a couple of extra oranges and offered them to the girls, and they were pleasantly surprised and delighted to have them. The following morning we also had some extra fruit with us when we encountered a homeless woman standing near a trash can. I could tell she was not looking forward to having to rummage through the trash to find leftover food, so I offered her an apple. Again, she was a grateful recipient of an unexpected blessing, but the smile on her face became my blessing. A truly wise teacher once said, 'There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.' I often tell my son that the reason we prosper is to share. The blessing of sharing and giving is what makes the struggle of receiving worthwhile, even if it means dragging several bags of groceries on the bus in the rain.

There are days when being carless is not so glamorous. Tonight is one of those days. After I waited out the tornado warning at work (really not pretty to get caught in a windstorm while waiting for the bus) I headed to the grocery store. It was still wet and rainy, but bearable. I ended up with more groceries than usual and I didn't have my little helper (my son) with me. Usually when I tell the cashier that I'm on the bus, they pack it tight and just right. But tonight things just didn't come together well, so here I am in the rain juggling my backpack, my bag with wheels and two other bags, one on each shoulder. Not glamorous at all! Thankfully, when I finally stumbled onto the bus, the driver was courteous and wearing a warm smile. His kindness warmed even my cold, wet feet and I knew all would be fine. I'm on my way home now, thankful to have several bags full of groceries, even if they are heavy. There are many people who would be happy to carry them if they could. I am grateful.

I am so excited to use my new mobile to stay mobile. What I mean is I am thrilled to be able to check bus schedules, routes and time and even plan my bus route using my mobile phone. Previously, I used to carry at least 20 different schedules in my backpack so I could check the routes and times of just about any bus in any area. Now with my smartphone, I can bookmark the MTA website, and the schedules I use frequently are available right at my fingertips. And if I need to plan a trip using a route I'm not familiar with or need an alternate route, I can check the trip planner feature on their website and see what buses will get me there sooner. I feel so urban and tech savvy when I'm standing at the bus stop and whip out my phone to check the schedule! Definitely cooler than unfolding a bus schedule while waiting. I already feel carefree being carfree and now I'm also staying mobile by using my mobile. So cool!

Convenient Carryall

Anyone who knows me also knows how much I love to have bags to compartmentalize my things. I appreciate functional carrying devices. If you know me well, you also know that I love Trader Joe's because of their mix of nutritious yet affordable food. So, imagine my delight when I found a large reusable bag at TJ's with wheels! I could fit my groceries for the entire week in it and roll on to the bus stop! Then when the bag is empty, I can fold it for easy carrying. Even better than my granny cart! Once again, proving that the little things in life make all the difference sometimes.