Buried Treasure

In honor of spring break and the deep desire to be at the beach; a Monday morning sonnet!

Buried Treasure

The ebb and flow of waves that fall upon

a lonely shoreline crash noiselessly

on absent ears, grains of sand withdrawn

by rippling waters into salty seas.

A crab scuttles crossing weary dunes

in twilight’s shy approach, in fear of bright

moonbeams who desire to bring deadly ruin

on shelled creatures moving them to fright.

Abandoned plastic shovels, broken bottles

worn to smooth collectibles; left behind,

they’re treasure littering. Decaying goggles

buried beneath sands for a time confined.

All left behind is washed away to sea,

eventually everything will be free. 

Rhythm and Blues!!

Part of my job is assisting in the planning and preparation for the Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon and 5K. This year it took place on February 9, 2014. As someone who has raced in numerous road races and countless cross country and track meets I suppose my standards for a good race are slightly high. I like having water at the finish line; I have had cold, wet towels placed on my neck after scorching races, so I suppose I am a spoiled racer. However, this experience gave me a look at the flip side of races.

Months to almost a year goes into planning a running event….there are all sorts of details to work out too!! T-shirts is a big one: Cotton or tech shirt? Design, color, sizes, and how many?? All parts of the puzzle to figure out. Then there is marketing, medals, organizing volunteers, packet pick-up, vendors, sponsors, bands, security, and many other facets of the race to attend to.

I had no idea how much work went into planning an event for 4000 runners. The opportunity to work with Rhythm and Blues opened my eyes to the other side of competing. I have a much greater appreciation of races and the volunteers who make it happen, and I think anyone who competes in runs should volunteer at a race to get a taste of this. Also, while running is a rewarding experience so is putting on a race. Getting to put place medals around people's necks who had just finished their first half marathon and having them proceed to give you a sweaty hug while they have a huge smile across their face made me tear up numerous times. I was so proud of their accomplishment and was honored to get to be a part of that moment. The moment so many runners have had when they accomplish a distance or PR goal; the satisfaction in those moments is such a pure form of happiness. In the weeks following the race people would come into the store and thank us for putting on the event and remember me giving them their medal or cheering for them as they started their second loop. It was really a rewarding experience when I reflect on it, and was well worth the long hours put into it. 

We already have next year's date set for the fourth annual Houston Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon and 5K on February 15, 2014! http://www.rhythmandblueshalfmarathon.com/

I can't wait to see how much it grows next year!!!

A Poem for Everyone...My Dear,

This poem is dedicated to everyone who has been made fun of by classmates, coworkers, and strangers. To everyone who is constantly misunderstood. To everyone who has had their words and actions taken out of context and subsequently used against them. To everyone who has been publicly humiliated. To everyone who has felt the sting of rumors. To everyone who has felt unwanted. To everyone who has felt out of place in this world filled with clicks. To everyone who knows people do not want to give you a chance. To everyone who hides their pain from the world.

You are stronger than everyone who tears you down. You turn the other cheek and rise above. You are constantly the bigger person. You are more loved than you will ever realize. This poem is for you.

My Dear,

I wish you wouldn’t listen

to their pointed words,

allowing them to pierce your heart

puncturing deep inside;

strengthening from emotions

pumping through you.

Roll your eyes

at my ancient wisdom,

and believe I couldn’t possibly know

what it’s like for you now.

Defiantly believe times have changed

How harsh statements shred the skin.

Instead listen to my truths

use them as a defense against their lies;  

understand your flaws

create a unique perfection.

Know that I have always loved you,

and could never stop.

I wish you would listen

to my words.