I LOVE this Town!

  I LOVE my town, Erie, PA!  I can't help it-- the thought bursts through me every single time I walk the Peninsula.  I started my strolls there back in August and the beauty is mesmerizing no matter the day's weather or season.

   This summer, my daughters and I were captivated by the varying reactions from fellow walkers, runners and bike-riders.  We revisit these responses regularly...mostly while convulsed in giggles. 

   If you've walked Presque Isle on any sunny day during the warm months you'd already realize that the Karl Boyes multipurpose trail is exactly that, multi-purpose.  This is a shared path, with equal privilege given to all.  There is a courtesy reminder painted on the walk every so often asking all to KEEP RIGHT.  For those who travel...well, faster than I (ie, bike riders, roller bladers, skate boarders, and anyone jogging even at a snails pace,) the word seems to have secretly spread that you are to say, "ON YOUR LEFT," to let me know you are approaching behind me.  There's an element of excitement that is inherent in the fact that I will be run over if I don't move.  I truly appreciate the relish with which some announce this phrase, a sort of giddy power that I have no problem respecting.  This "On your left" is not posted anywhere to my knowledge-  therefore, a huge Congratulations to the verbal trendsetter who made it wildly popular!

 I've also noticed a genuine joy emanating from those bike riders who like to use their bell to alert us that we are about to be speed bumps if we choose to not share the path.  My teen-aged daughter and I delighted in the bikers who were prepped and ready to ring the bell with the lever in position, fingers quivering with anticipation to let it RIIIING...when we hear them coming and move over before their arrival.  The let-down of the moment is announced in the deflated "ting" as they depress the lever and utter a sad and unnecessary, "on your left" as if we'd just stolen their glorious, metallic punch-line.  

  Then there are the wonderfully gleeful "Good morning!,"  "Beautiful day today," and "Hello"'s  that highlight what a pleasant microcosm of our town's friendliest folks I am sharing the walk with.  Of course these greetings have offered their share of mirth based on the level of exertion said greeter is in whilst exercising.  A+ for effort to the perspiring runner who tried extending a "Good morning" which morphed into a breathy, croaked out "Meeahh" with a two fingers raised in a tired salutation.  I could only giggle because my level of breathing was barely challenged at my slowpoke pace. 

   There is a sense of comradery, civility, and kindness that seems to be inspired by the beautiful environment.  And it's no wonder, the panoramic view of Erie's skyline is stretched along views of an ever changing Bay.  At times I'm energized by the stark white clouds that invade the bluest of skies over top choppy waters that reach up to tempt birds that dare fly so low.  In contrast there have been moments that seem to have read my mood and offer serenity in the mist that hovers over tranquil waters which lap the low stones in a soothing effort to offer compassion.  With all this beauty in one tiny corner of this place I call home- I recognize how blessed I am to have been raised here and returned years later to raise a family.  I LOVE my town <3


 
 

 

Inspiration Strikes When Memory is Jogged..Now I must Jog...

  Surround yourself with like-minded people...I have heard this phrase way more than once...yet, it now calls to me from the site of another blogger. 

  Last week, while scrolling Facebook, I stumbled upon the writings of a former high school classmate.  I was immediately drawn in by the photos she had posted and the street names she wrote of which jogged my memory and tugged my heartstrings.  The grape vineyards she described let me know she had made her home in the vicinity of my own upbringing--Harborcreek, Pennsylvania.  I can't explain the feelings that surged as I read through the events which comprised her day...and though now a "West-sider," reminded me of my own.

  The surprise came as I viewed her captions and photos describing tough workouts found in reconnecting with nature and the friendships born of meeting others during the journey she had embarked on--the challenge of meeting and surpassing her own limits.  In an odd, distant, whispered way I heard a kindred voice calling my name.  At first it was a novelty as I tried to mesh the memory of my sweet-natured school friend with the physically fit, determined, inspirational young woman encouraging those, such as myself, who wandered into her world through snapshots of her life, to reject our own limited vision of ourselves and strive for strength.  But it has since become a louder invitation, in the voice that remains sweet- yet wizened with experience and well...life.  I have embraced this vision that I just may have some physical strength waiting to be set free from the aging mindset I had handcuffed myself to.  Granted, I have begun on the path to healthy eating several months ago...but to purposely join a group dedicated to sucking the marrow of life from a frigid night's offer to push your limits in 7 degree weather...I concede this thought never occurred to me...yet strangely holds appeal!  I have marinated this type of challenge that appeared heinous and grueling at first then gradually receded into awe before  blossoming into possibility this very morning.  My baby steps in this direction included a jaunt to the local middle school to sled-ride with five of my seven children.  I returned home soaking wet, chilled to the bone..and EXHILARATED with the fact that I DID IT!  It's been a couple years since I went down a hill on a sled for fear of damaging my lower back...not only did I sled ride down the hill...I hiked back up carrying a toddler on my hip!  (Full disclosure-regular doctor check-ups and losing the 25 pounds in the last five months was a huge bonus!).

  I am sure I will visit her blog often, find joys as she shares them and perhaps rekindle a friendship over time.  I admit I am looking toward my own future with a breath of fresh air as I reminisce the robust rural scenes my friend had photographed through her viewfinder utilizing her unique interpretation of life.  I have been blessed to see that although I feel at odds with the world due to my life circumstances of a large family, a house under construction, and children that are thoroughly loved yet not always fully understood, I am not alone in this journey of life.  We all have our own preconceived ideas of what life will be like- it takes a brave soul to write about the reality of the life that is lived out day in and day out.  No two journeys will ever be a mirror image of each other- but in the differences- beauty and wonder can be discovered and shared- experience gained through the eyes of another.  Thank you dear, brave, blogging soul for offering a candid snapshot of your life.  In a way, I felt as though I had come home as I wandered into your post.  Thanks for lighting your Lamp and extending the welcome!  I wish you well as you continue on your journey and hope we can one day soon lift a toast to all we have lived through and our futures yet to come!