I'm bringing sexy back

I didn't want to be the one to tell you, but yeah, I'm bringing sexy back. That is...my own sexy.

Last summer I made huge advancements in my fitness level. I looked better, I felt better. I was really proud of myself. And, while I'm nowhere near my unfit level of three years ago, I have a lot of work to do to get my sexy back.

As a nod to Brian Adams, 'since the summer of' 39, I have been pushing myself to go further and faster than my previous couch-potato years allowed, including my annual pride, the Bolder Boulder 10k race with my Dad. Wait! Let me set the record straight: I hate running. Or at least, I think I do. Running can be so boring, and yet there is something indescribable that happens when I run. I feel like I can accomplish anything, I feel strong, I feel healthy...and that, my friends, is addicting. But getting my shoes on and taking that first step out the door has been so hard lately. Working full time, going to school, volunteering and some other out-of-the-ordinary circumstances has led me to be tired and unmotivated.

It's crunch time. I have two weeks to whip my butt into shape before the 2011 Bolder Boulder. I've been running here and there but not consistently. Last year, my time for the 6.2 mile race was 1:07 which allowed me to automatically qualify for running with the big dogs this year. But, it ain't gonna happen and that just breaks my heart. But I tell you what will happen. I will train hard the next two weeks and I will run the Bolder Boulder and will do okay. And after that, I will continue to run, will do some mountain biking and will add in some swimming. My goal? A summer triathlon. Sounds sexy, doesn't it? I think so...and I'm bringin' it back!

Spring is here, friendship is in the air

It's amazing what magic the first bud and blossom of the season bring to my soul. After such colorless winters, finding color emerge is like finding my center, finding my balance.

So when the YPAAC: Young Professionals Alzheimer's Association of Colorado asked for volunteers on their annual 'Spring Spruce Up' at one of the local care facilities, I was excited for the opportunity. (Not to mention, I've been involved with the Association in other areas for the past four years and have found it to be a rewarding experience.)

The day arrived, it was cold and cloudy but full of vibrant color in the 40+ pallets of flowers. Toward the end of the day, I was headed back outside after washing my hands when an elderly woman, with kind eyes, said to me "it's getting cold out there, do you want a cup of coffee?". I politely declined and thanked her for the offer. Somehow, that brief introduction led to a much deeper discussion. There was an immediate connection.

I don't remember the sequence but Mary began to tell me of her faith, her husband who had passed away, her 60 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and of her battle with depression. In the sharing of her stories, she got choked up on numerous occasions which led me to do the same. She spoke of the three friends that passed away that week and the acknowledgment that she knew she was on the same path. She also shared some of the loving memories of her family. After probably 20 minutes, I was feeling a bit guilty in not being outside helping with the flowers, so reluctantly let Mary know I needed to get going. She asked for my phone number and shared where she lives in hopes I would come back to visit her. She also asked how old I was and why someone as "pretty as..." isn't married. I left her with such feeling of love, connection and appreciation of the experience.

Had I not planted a single flower that day, my time was not only well spent but unforgettable.

Unexpected vitality

After ordering my drink at a local coffee shop, I started to scan the patrons to find where my co-workers were sitting. Immediately, I was drawn to the lady in the corner, who appeared to be out of a scene from a movie, highlighting an angelic presence. All natural light beamed upon her and her bright yellow accents seemed to exaggerate her glow even more.

Adorably spunky, I had to take her picture. My only hesitation was to sneak the shot or ask her permission, as a bad experience in Spain came to mind. In that case, I saw an older woman, possibly homeless, with unique character sitting in front of a grand church which, at the time, seemed like a prized capture. Wanting to get in close and take my time, I asked permission by motioning with my camera while simultaneously handing her a Euro or two which she accepted. Getting the camera in position, the vieja started yelling angrily and pulled her arms up to shield her face which drew the attention of the nearby la policia. Needless to say, I didn't the get the shot and kicked myself for not just stealing it in the first place.

Taking the chance, I approached the woman in the corner of the coffee shop. "Excuse me, I think you are just gorgeous, and I would love to take your picture." She smiled approvingly and continued to look down at her laptop. Camera phone in hand, I took the shot then mouthed a "thank you", smiling back at her. With her index finger, she motioned for me to come over. I bent down eager to hear what she had to share. With such energy, "What's your name? I'm Nona Lee. You know, I started a blog awhile back but forgot about it and would like to bring it back to life. The name of it is...oh gosh, I forgot....oh yeah, VitalityMentality.com. My email address is..." I realized she wanted me to send her a copy of the photo so she could possibly add to her blog. I was honored. This lady had such warm, positive energy, I felt so drawn to her. I wanted to be able to later visit her and learn of her experiences.

When I returned home, I forwarded the photos to her. I never hear back. Either way, this woman greatly impacted me. Life is so full of meaningless noise, action and interaction. Every once in awhile, you come across people who add an emotional response, a feeling, a flavor. Connections are powerful.

Kandinsky Miro

As you'll see from the following posts, I've enjoyed experimenting by digitally integrating the masters. Here's a Kandinsky/Miro blend:

Seurat Monet Series

I enjoyed the previous, self-assigned VanGogh / Chagall experiment, and decided to try another round. This was harder to blend to my liking.
 

Chagall VanGogh series

I wanted to experiment with color and composition by digitally integrating two well-known artists. Who better than Chagall and VanGogh?

Not your everyday aspen tree

When I create things just for the heck of it, I often incorporate eyeballs. Maybe it's my way of letting you know I'm keeping an eye on you.