Saturday

Woke early for that 6 a.m. pick up from Kat. Ran 12 miles, and it went by fast. It didn't feel like 12 miles. It just felt good. Last year, running 12 miles was a bit harder. I give thanks for discovering that I love these long, quiet runs, early in the morning, with occasional outbursts from the ducks, the coots and the crazy rooster who lives at the canoe rental place. When I started running, almost 2 years ago, the time running alone and with the group gave me time to sort things out, find my center, find some peace. I may have to cut back a bit after the half marathon as I am still losing weight and athletes shouldn't be a size 2. I don't want to cut back on my running though, thank goodness Central Market is giving out so many chocolate samples this week.

This morning, the coots were chattering like crazy. All huddled in the water on the east side of the trail, catching up on things, having a coot meeting, something. It was funny to hear their little chat session. As for our discussion while running, we reflected on Valentines day a bit and how much emphasis is placed on one kind of love, the romantic kind. Despite the other kinds of love, the deep abiding love of a good friend and the complete, proud and giddy devotion to your child, and despite the truth that in matters of the heart it is just as romantic and hopeful to walk away when you've given all you can and seek what's next.

I finished a big pile of paperwork yesterday and now can devote my Saturday to Roadside, Texas. I'm utterly charmed by Barney and Herb, two souls who haven't lost their curiosity and love for life.

Two things you might want to do today:

1. Central Market is giving away lots of chocolate samples this week. I sampled about 6 types yesterday. I love that about Valentines Day, rich dark chocolate with raspberries, and this crazy dark chocolate with just a touch of chocolate liqueur that the sampler told
   me I could have as much as I wanted. He winked at me and handed me some for the road.
   
   
2. Vote for Kat on the Austin Move awards page. She deserves to be there. She motivates and inspires many people, she works hard, and she won't take "no" for an answer. That my friends, is a powerful combination of attributes. Here's the link.