Yeah, yeah... another Friday come and gone. I know your life is not complete without... this. ;)
I don't have much, but a few tidbits from my week. It was actually a nice one.
1. LUNCH AT SWEETWATER
Once a month or so I have lunch with a group of older folks who were regulars at the Y where I used to work. Most of them are older than me, and not only do they all still work out there regularly, but they've even added a few to the group over time. Usually we have just over or under a dozen people show up (the whole group may be just over 20 now).
The last couple times we've gotten together have been at the Sweetwater food court. It's a fantastic place to have lunch and/or meetings (not to mention the largest online and physical music store in the country). This time, the couple who set up these lunches (who are a fantastic older couple who travel the world extensively and live life to the full) made sure it was on a date their friend was hosting a one-hour show during lunch time. I can't even remember her name now, but she was a student of theirs in high school, played on the volleyball team they coached, and is fairly well-known in the area (I know she plays in Hubie Ashcraft's band locally).
She had put together a band for a show she was supposed to be opening for a fairly well-known country artist in northern Indiana, but it was cancelled at the last minute (again, I can't remember who, but I was familiar with the name). So they played at Sweetwater instead. Twangy country is not really my thing, but these people were good! The fiddle player/singer used to play with Alabama, and the guitarist had played with the Charlie Daniels Band. The four-piece group were simply incredible musicians/performers. While not my style, it was an enjoyable show, and there was a really good crowd.
Anyway, as I sat with my friends gathered around a table for fourteen, it felt good to be part of this group of people. I sat by Tony and his wife Jane, who I am fond of. Tony actually coaches the boys high school volleyball team where my granddaughter goes to school.
2. HOLDING SPACE FOR PASTORS
Another day this week I met with our pastor. We had coffee, and I always think I keep him from doing more important things for far too long... but we always have good and heartfelt discussions. This time seemed a little more special. He is in the midst of some difficult family health issues, so I wanted to focus just on him.
I don't know how good I am at listening - I suppose it varies from time to time - but as he shared his heart and soul... I felt like I was exactly where I should be right now. I haven't felt that for quite some time. I don't want to say too much, but it really made me wish I could do this more, for more pastors. Maybe being a pastor isn't my thing anymore, but... maybe this is even more important. I don't know. It made me want to read Richard Rohr's book 'Falling Upward' again...
3. CONCERT SET-UP
Later that same day I set up for an upcoming show at the Baker Street Centre where I/we volunteer. Usually it's me and another guy, plus the hall manager who tells us how it needs to be. This day it was just me.
For the last show we used every table we have. Maybe 40 or so tables of various sizes (and they're the old metal/wood type), and around 400 chairs. For the next show, we aren't using ANY tables. So I had to move all of them out; by myself. It was a chore, but I like doing it. It makes me feel needed. I also re-positioned around 170 or so chairs.
There were several ladies who showed up who are putting on the upcoming event, and it made it a little more challenging to know who to listen to, but I - even I - am learning to keep my mouth shut and smile politely. There was also another band leader who showed up, and some vendors. I kind of like being on the 'underside' of things. It took around two hours, and I felt good (oh yeah, and I unloaded a new alcohol shipment by myself).
4. RUNNING AGAIN
I took three weeks off from running after the last half marathon. I can't even remember why now. Anyway, I used our Assault bike in the basement a couple times a week, rode my bike outside now and then, and took walks only occasionally. I also started lifting weights a couple days a week again (egym).
This week I ran three days, for a few slow miles each time. I actually feel pretty good. It's nice to be free of aches and pains. I'd had some minor plantar fasciitis in my right foot, and my left achilles would sometimes act up... but both feel much better.
It's funny, sometimes when I return to running after a break, it's like I've completely forgotten how to run. But this time, I almost feel like my form is better than it was before. I'm running straighter up and down, and my hips and core feel stronger. Although, I'm thinking I need to work on leg/core strength to keep from wearing down as I begin to add miles.
I'd like to do a half marathon trail run in December again, so we'll see how it goes. Then, towards the end of the year, I plan to start marathon training back up.
5. FALL FEELINGS
The weather has begun to change, and the temperature drop. It was 33F when we got up this morning, and we finally decided it was ridiculous to not turn on the furnace. It was down to 60F inside. I don't know why I always want to wait as long as possible.
Anyway, Fall is my favorite season. Some people don't like that it seems like everything is dying. I, on the other hand, like to think of it as everything is taking a rest... renewing. Plus I like the clean look of barren fields and empty trees. It's pleasingly serene.
Wearing a light jacket, sweatshirts and/or flannel... that's the best, as far as I'm concerned.
6. A QUOTE
"They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds." - Mexican proverb
So, there you go. Just a little reminisce and peak into my world as I get ready to turn the page on another year. This week felt good. Thanks for listening.
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