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Gary Spangler's avatar

Something in your voice sounded different this morning? Lengthening of daylight? Warming of outdoor air temperature? (I imagined an overdraft wheel operating a D.C. generator that powers carefully placed strings of white LED lights, highlighting certain trees along the trail you run each morning/day.)

Different, you wonder? Brighter. Evident enthusiasm. A smile on your face! Oops! Smiles aren’t usually heard. Then again, being “usual” may not have been your goal.

Notes of enthusiasm accompanied your writing today. Any exhortation to “enjoy your day” is totally unnecessary. To run or write for 30 minutes? Unless rolling down a grassy hillside counts as running, writing is likely a better choice today. I’m looking forward to dipping a toe in the writing meet up tomorrow. Practicing words and presence.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thank you Gary! I'm happy my voice sounded more upbeat! I want that to be the case. :)

Rolling down a grassy hillside sounds fun! Walk and write is just has beneficial.

We can't wait to have you join us tomorrow. YAY. The link is at the bottom of this post. I will also post it in tomorrow's email.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

I hope I didn’t seem to be making a weighty comparison. Here’s a suggested edit to what you just wrote: instead of “I’m happy my voice sounded more upbeat” how would “I’m happy” work? I suggest this from a playful place in my heart, yet there’s an implied existential question.

Are you familiar with Pharrell Williams’ song, “Happiness Is The Truth?”

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thank you Gary!! Yes I'm Happy...and Love that song. See you tomorrow.

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Clark Rose's avatar

“Just do it” we must

Living vicariously?

We so miss the point...

Jules, I applaud your welcoming , open and inclusive invitations to all those standing on the sidelines. My Dad once told me that life is all about “just” showing up for yourself and others. The “just” part is easier said than done but you know what it takes to engage people wherever they are. That is both an Art & and a Blessing.

One day, maybe you’ll share how you became so brave...

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

As much as I'm not a fan of Nike they sure do have the best tagline..."Just do it" Good morning Clark and thank you for your powerful haiku. I loe hearing about you Dad. Thank you for sharing his wisdom to us.

Hmm..the brave part...I hope my memoirs are lighting the way for others...and becoming brave I'm still working on. :)

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

Of course I'd rather have both -- the running and the writing. First some writing (in my running gear) and then some running to energize myself. Thank you for the question. Looking forward to writing with you tomorrow. I love today's poem.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

I'm with you Linda! Both is where I find the magic. :) Thank you so much for being here. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Truth be told I'd rather write for 30 minutes than run for 30 minutes, but trust me, I 'WANT to want to' run for 30 minutes!

I'll get back to it, I'm sure I will.

Having said that, any kind of movement spurs my writing brain into action. I spent an hour in the garden sweeping and raking leaves and having a tidy-up out there, and as soon as I came back in I had to grab my notebook and write soooooooooo much stuff down.

Running and writing belong together, of course, don't they?

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Oh you got it! Movement of any kind gets out creative spirit running. :)

You keep at it Rebecca...you're doing a great job.

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Kym Dakin's avatar

Beautiful!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thank you so much Kym.

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Clark Rose's avatar

Yes, Nike still has a lot of growing up to do. I have yet to buy a Nike product over all my 50 years of running. I did love the book “Shoe Dog” which is a great insight into the entrepreneurial mind set and how close Nike almost never became NIKE. Fascinating read…

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

They sure do. I haven't read that book. Thank you for the recommendation Clark.

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Claudette Henson's avatar

Foggy out! Looks soft and comfy. Have a lovely day!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Hi, Claudette! Soft and comfy yes...and the streams roared. Have a terrific day. :) Sending you and yours hugs.

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