I wondered if your maple tree was a sugar maple? Imagine their suffering so I can have maple syrup on my waffles...
Your initials accompanying your drawings are drawn smoothly, stylishly, and cursively. Before too long they may require AI to decipher for the generations to come. “Marks left by extraterrestrial visitors? Latter day pagans? Druids?”
What’s in front of me and does it register? Sometimes I distract myself by simply overloading my concentration - my focus. Such a kaleidoscope of thoughts for me can quickly take on past and future as distractors, especially when the present part is not my cup of tea. Due to absence of maple syrup.
As always, to have the delight your early morning posts provide, is more than reason enough to rise and shine.
I'm not sure if it is a sugar maple. It could be. I do live in Maple Nation.
"What's in front of me and does it register?" — You are not along Gary. I'm working on this daily. To pay attention, notice to what is in front of me and not get distracted...by all the outside noise or even inside noise.
Love this poem, Julie. When I was a kid, the first thing I felt really good at was prose and poetry reading competitions. I went to the state finals one year reading, an O’Henry piece called The Last Leaf. This brings me back to that feeling.
I'm so happy this brought back happy memories and good feelings for you. Wow! You were uplifting even then. :) Thank you for being here. Curious, any races planned for 2024? I applied for The Chicago Marathon...I will know Dec 7th if I got in. (fingers crossed)
So excited for you! (Though so bummed I didn’t realize the window for Chicago had opened- and closed.) I really wanted to run next year, so tried to apply before the window opened and just went to try again upon seeing your message and the window is closed. Argh. Maybe I’ll do Wineglass again instead.
Oh dang! I feel bad now I didn't mention something to you! GRR...well if I don't get in maybe we can meet up at wineglass or I know a friend running a marathon in Sept. in New Hampshire. I'm also eyeing the JFK 50 miler in Nov. LOL!
Oooh! I like this plan! Wineglass as training for JFK. One of my coaches placed 19th overall there on Sat. So proud of him! And I really want to finally do an Ultra next year.
WOOHOO! Alright! That's amazing about one of your coaches who just ran it. We can get the load down from them. :) Did they have a crew? Do we need a crew? etc...
LOL! Thank you Gail. Even when I read over it a few times AND out loud I'm missing them. It's wonderful to have more eyes on the words. Yes, let's celebrate our imperfections.
Thank you for the encouragement on the drawing. The leaves were super hard.
Yes, from Vermont & Maryland they have safely arrived. My time is no longer my own. I am so grateful. See you next week Jules. Ella loves your book❗️👣❗️
I wondered if your maple tree was a sugar maple? Imagine their suffering so I can have maple syrup on my waffles...
Your initials accompanying your drawings are drawn smoothly, stylishly, and cursively. Before too long they may require AI to decipher for the generations to come. “Marks left by extraterrestrial visitors? Latter day pagans? Druids?”
What’s in front of me and does it register? Sometimes I distract myself by simply overloading my concentration - my focus. Such a kaleidoscope of thoughts for me can quickly take on past and future as distractors, especially when the present part is not my cup of tea. Due to absence of maple syrup.
As always, to have the delight your early morning posts provide, is more than reason enough to rise and shine.
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your running make you write...
I'm not sure if it is a sugar maple. It could be. I do live in Maple Nation.
"What's in front of me and does it register?" — You are not along Gary. I'm working on this daily. To pay attention, notice to what is in front of me and not get distracted...by all the outside noise or even inside noise.
I'm going to send you maple syrup.
I love this: Thank you so much Gary.
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your running make you write...
Love this poem, Julie. When I was a kid, the first thing I felt really good at was prose and poetry reading competitions. I went to the state finals one year reading, an O’Henry piece called The Last Leaf. This brings me back to that feeling.
Hi Aransas!
I'm so happy this brought back happy memories and good feelings for you. Wow! You were uplifting even then. :) Thank you for being here. Curious, any races planned for 2024? I applied for The Chicago Marathon...I will know Dec 7th if I got in. (fingers crossed)
So excited for you! (Though so bummed I didn’t realize the window for Chicago had opened- and closed.) I really wanted to run next year, so tried to apply before the window opened and just went to try again upon seeing your message and the window is closed. Argh. Maybe I’ll do Wineglass again instead.
Oh dang! I feel bad now I didn't mention something to you! GRR...well if I don't get in maybe we can meet up at wineglass or I know a friend running a marathon in Sept. in New Hampshire. I'm also eyeing the JFK 50 miler in Nov. LOL!
Oooh! I like this plan! Wineglass as training for JFK. One of my coaches placed 19th overall there on Sat. So proud of him! And I really want to finally do an Ultra next year.
WOOHOO! Alright! That's amazing about one of your coaches who just ran it. We can get the load down from them. :) Did they have a crew? Do we need a crew? etc...
Yes to all of this!!
Such great words - and the maple tree is absolutely gorgeous, Julie! 🍁
Thank you so much Rebecca. The tree was fun to draw. :)
That's good.
Thank you so much Weston.
Can you recommend some particular poems of yours for me to read?
Hi Weston, I would be happy to. I put together a collection of poetry called Running into Poetry. You can download it as a PDF. You can check it out here. Thank you for your interest https://open.substack.com/pub/juliebhughes/p/running-into-poetry-118?r=t4vun&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I love this poem, pic and prompt- so very sweet. They all remind me to be present. To notice whats here, now.
I always enjoy reading your words when I take a little lunch break. x
Hi Georgia,
Thank you so much for dropping in. I'm so happy it was helpful. Have a wonderful day.
Great tree and poem!
Thank you! xoxo
I think your drawing is lovely! Your poems are always wonderful! You make my day better every day!! Love you!!!
Faith, you are gold. Thank you so much. Love you. xoxo
I love both poem and drawing. ❤️❤️
Good morning Kym, thank you so much for reading and being here.
I have embraced typos as an endearing part of my imperfect self. 😂 I didn’t notice it! Hint: Do not hire me as a copy editor!
Great tree and leaves!
LOL! Thank you Gail. Even when I read over it a few times AND out loud I'm missing them. It's wonderful to have more eyes on the words. Yes, let's celebrate our imperfections.
Thank you for the encouragement on the drawing. The leaves were super hard.
P.S. Love the tree…
Thank you, Clark.
The grandkids are here!
Time for a lovely visit
Enjoy Thanksgiving ♥️
Yes, from Vermont & Maryland they have safely arrived. My time is no longer my own. I am so grateful. See you next week Jules. Ella loves your book❗️👣❗️
Oh YAY! Have a glorious time...I'm so happy everyone arrived safely. Hugs to you all and I'm so thankful for you. Happy Thanksgiving
P.S. Thrilled Ella loves the book. :)