dappled things

Kuliouou XI. Bon sent St. Theresa's prayer in a forward a few days ago, and I groaned inwardly as I always do when I get a "Fwd: Do not break!" message in my inbox. However, I loved the sentiment behind this prayer and brought it with me today as I raced myself up the trail. May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It has been a GREAT summer. To date: 18 consecutive soda-free days (I canNOT believe that's all it's been), 11 table hikes, 10 books. I don't know if I would have spent so many hours hiking, swimming, writing, and finding things to fill the void soda left in my soul if it had not been for a couple of conversations I had with a couple of my little cousins. My Lakewood cousin Mercedes, an LMU junior who is amazing and funny and talks faster than I do, got me thinking about marathons and goals and the thousand and one things you can do with your life, and how all you need is the motivation to take the first step. My other little cousin, Leland, a USC freshman to be who is enterprising and funny and runs faster than a speeding bullet, got me thinking about all the flavors of fun that life has to offer. They are two of the healthiest people I know. One of these days I'll be a role model to the kiddies - for now, I am happy to look up to them.

Okay, going to go relish the rest of my last day on earth vacation. Ta!

Yaay!