Welcome to my World! I love to absorb my surroundings and people watch. I am fascinated by and embrace all walks of individuals. We all vary in our idiosyncratic ways yet are ultimately the same, striving to forge our way through this journey we call life, in the hopes that we might each self-actualize along the way.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a writer, competitive long-distance runner, mother of four. I love challenging myself in all endeavors I engage in. I write novels. I run 100-120 miles per month and participate in races, half-marathons, full marathons and obstacle courses across the United States. have four children: a 25-year-old son, a 23-year-old daughter, a 21-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son who is in high school.
I love to explore my surroundings and can often be found venturing out on lengthy treks of up to twenty-nine miles to traverse: mountains, streams, waterfalls, deserts, canyons, beaches and anywhere else that I can connect with nature to feel her pulse and be fed by her wisdom. Even the streets of the metropolis cities hold wonder for me, with their unique flow and energy.
I hope that you enjoy browsing through my web site for a glimpse into my world of never-ending adventures, perils and awakenings.
Cindy
While reading some postings by others today, I came across one that touched on a subject I often blog about—positive thinking.The difference was, theirs had an interesting spin on it.
Their take was on how people reveal their positive or negative tendencies when answering simple questions.If, for example, they are asked do they want tea or coffee, some get animated and respond, “Oh, I’d love a cup of coffee,” while others will lean towards, “I don’t really care for tea.”
The first response indicates a self-assured individual eager to move towards what they like in a positive manner.The second reply denotes a more reserved person’s negative attitude as they’re focusing on what they don’t like.This got me to thinking.
When offered a compliment, are you more inclined to graciously accept the kind words or make excuses for why or how you could have done better?Leaning towards accepting the compliment, I believe, indicates a positive mindset while stumbling over a compliment and trying to push it away with excuses shows an insecure individual who may be more negative-minded.
In your own life, do you find yourself gravitating towards your desires with an easy flow? Or are you repelled away from them through a complicated series of negative thoughts, reactions and mindsets?When you think of the future, is it with a willing smile, eager to meet the possibilities?Or are you focused on immediate limitations that might hold you back?
It’s fascinating how the simplest things we do or say denote our proclivity towards positive or negative thinking.What do your actions and words say about you?
As of today, it’s been seven weeks since my surgery.I continue to do well in my recovery.Three weeks after surgery, I was able to resume walking two miles at a time.Two weeks after that, I needed to do more, so I incorporated working out at home with my set of five-pound dumbbells.From there, a week later, I was back in the Pilates studio doing the majority of the moves the instructor led us through.Now, I need more.
My body, being trained to push itself hard on a daily basis in order that I can remain active due to several serious injuries I’ve had, is now craving more of a workout.Usually, I’d run four days a week, but I can’t do so right now, and likely won’t be able to take the jarring of running for a bit.Enter my friend and a suggestion that was made to me today.
We were working together to help educate another on how best to begin training to run their first marathon.Ideas were offered as well as personal accountings.Then my friend threw me an unexpected bone by suggesting that I consider competitive stair racing, something they’ve done for two years now.
Competitive stair racing?I’d never heard of it but was oh, so eager to learn more.I sent an email to my friend asking for anything they could enlighten me with.While I waited for a response, I did my own research.And what I found was encouraging.
Since the competitors only run up the stairs, it’s considered a no to low-impact sport.I like this, since I can’t do impact sports right now.And, if the runner trains by placing down their heel first versus their toes, their knees are spared undue stress.This is good, for both my knees have problems.In addition, the time necessary to train for a race is relatively little.Also good, since time is of a premium with me.
Since as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed going up stairs two at a time, increasing my speed and challenging myself to get to the top without having increased my breathing—at all.You might call it a little challenge I like to offer myself whenever faced with a flight or more of stairs.A year and a half ago, my family and I were in Laguna where I challenged myself to see how many times I could run up and down a set of winding staircases the climbed up the side of a mighty cliff.For fun, I did this for over twenty minutes without stopping.My family thought I was crazy.Me?I felt invigorated, like I could do it all day.Of course, the following day, I was sore, really sore, but with the proper training, what I did that day would equate to the number of stories the big stair climbing competitions take place in.And…in the competitions, all the steps are of equal height, while the ones I did on the cliff were of varying heights and made out of different materials.
So, I’m thinking….Will competitive stair racing be my newest form of sport, at least until I can get back to running?I’m certainly intrigued enough to find a worthy multi-storied set of stairs to practice on.
I hope that everyone who celebrated had a great Thanksgiving, surrounded by cherished ones who value them.With the exception of our oldest son and his girlfriend, our table was complete with all our kids.Unfortunately, our oldest son couldn’t get the time off of work to come for a visit, but will join us for Christmas.
Taking our one daughter to the airport this evening, I couldn’t believe how quickly the weekend flew by and how, before we know it, we’ll be ringing in a New Year, wondering where the time went.For the past number of years, I’ve noticed that by the time Halloween rolls around, it’s a blink before we’re celebrating New Year’s Eve.
As a kid, I don’t recall time moving so quickly.Perhaps the perception of time speeding up is due to us, as adults, being busier.Having more we’re responsible for.But if that’s the case, then why does each successive year seem to flash by quicker than the last, especially during the holidays?
I can’t help but wonder if there’s a way to slow things down.Make at least the holidays seem not such a blur.Would it help to focus more on the many things that get penciled onto our to-do lists?By focusing more, I mean that perhaps we should view those lists with a discriminating eye bent on prioritizing only the most important things that need to get done.
If we took that approach, would that gain us extra time in which we might be able to appreciate the subtle nuances of the holidays more.And if we were granted that privilege, would we recognize what a gift it was?Or would we be inclined to add more to our to-list to fill the empty space?
I don’t know the answer, but will endeavor to sort it out this holiday season—beginning today.
I’m a huge animal lover and yesterday, came across a species I hadn’t known existed.Watching a newsfeed about them, I learned that if nothing is done to protect them, most will never know they existed.
Up until now, officials have carefully guarded not only this animal’s existence but also where it lives.The one I’m talking about is the Spirit Bear.It’s a genetically altered black bear that lives in Canada.Its mutation is completely natural and there are only five hundred of them living—only in Canada.
So why have officials opted to release information about this special bear and its whereabouts—now?Simple, because the bears are endangered by an oil company who wants to lay a huge pipeline right along their habitat.Oil company executives say that the likelihood of a spill is remote and thus should pose no threat to the bears or their inhabitance.But…in the very next breath, the same officials claim that they are equipped to clean up a spill should it happen.
Wait!I thought they said it probably wouldn’t happen.
Officials claim that the bears and their habitat won’t be at risk.
Right….
If that’s true, then why are officials trying to reassure that they can clean up a spill should it happen?
Should it happen…won’t that be too late for the bears—an already endangered species?
Should you want to learn more about these bears and their pending endangerment, go to:
My family and I went to see the movie Due Date this evening.Sitting in the theater, laughing ourselves silly, I leaned over to our one daughter and said, “I don’t think I could adequately summarize what this movie’s about to someone.”In between laughing, she nodded her agreement.
When I came home, I was interested in what others had to say about the movie, so I looked up several reviews.(Long ago, I learned to never seek reviews prior to seeing the movie, much preferring to come to my own conclusions, not go in tainted with some staunchy critic’s concept of the film.)Reading the reviews, I was surprised to see several declare that the movie was a flop.
A flop?If it was a flop, then why do my sides still hurt from laughing so hard?
Reading through those reviews, I realized what had happened.The critiques had missed the entire point of the movie.It wasn’t meant to be an intellectual film or alter world perception.No, what Due Date set out to do was to create a product that would provide viewers with a senseless mish-mash of random happenings that would have them laughing a good portion of the film.In my opinion, it did just that.And based on the laughter filling the theater, others thought so as well.
Did I feel as though I got my money’s worth?Absolutely!Was the movie a myriad of disconnected happenings, recklessly tossed together in the hopes of generating a few laughs?Yes.At times, did I find myself wondering if the screenplay concept had been the result of some drug-induced experience?Oh, yeah—several times!Did that lessen my enjoyment of the implausible not to mention often-impossible situations that played out on the big screen?No.Ironically, much like watching Disney’s Fantasia, I found myself further intrigued, not wanting to look away for fear of missing some gem of awkwardness playing out.
So once again, I’m grateful that I followed my instinct to avoid any reviews of the movie beforehand.Doing so allowed me to go into the movie expecting exactly what I got—a couple of hours of good belly laughter.
I’ve never done a combined two-day blog entry before.Normally, I post my blogs prior to midnight so they’ll be available to read the next day.But if I were to do that for Wednesday’s, it wouldn’t have addressed Thanksgiving.And if I’d waited to post Thursday’s until tomorrow, then it would be irrelevant to the holiday.So…here I am, double posting.
As Thanksgiving draws near each year, I think of what I’m most grateful for.This year took a bit of doing, as I’m grateful for so many things.But wanting to narrow it down, I came up with my being thankful for the many opportunities I have.
I’m appreciative for my opportunity to connect with amazing friends.How I recognize the unique qualities of each and nurture that within our friendship.I’m grateful for being alive.For the chance to get up every day, not knowing what the day will hold but certain that I’ll endeavor to make the most of it.I’m thankful for my family and how they’ve always got my back.I appreciate that I can express myself creatively and turn that passion into a career.
After reflecting, I do, indeed, have an abundance to be grateful for.
During my Pilates class yesterday, my instructor said something that impacted me.She mentioned that we should have an attitude of gratitude for what we have.She went on the say that we should be happy for the ability to get up each day, whether or not we’ve achieved our goals.How we should be grateful for the opportunity to come to class and have friends there who will support our efforts, or at the very least, suffer along with us.
I joined others who chuckled at her last comment.But then I saw the deeper meaning behind it.I recognized that she was also telling us it’s okay for us to be grateful for the suffering we endure.And appreciate those who are willing to walk alongside us.
Most have goals they’ve set for themselves, some of which have been realized.Others have yet to come to fruition.But the fact that some are still outstanding shouldn’t weigh heavy on us if we maintain a positive attitude and surround ourselves with those who are willing to support us.To those who are willing to jump in the trenches alongside us as we sludge our way towards our goals, we need to express our gratitude.
An attitude of gratitude….Has a nice ring to it.But better yet, the profound wisdom behind it can be life altering. I like that.
By now, you’re aware of the random thoughts tumbling around in my head on any given day.And that I often share them with you here.So, I figured today’s blog should reflect those random thoughts.Why?Well…why not.
I’ve been thinking about odd things, which are contagious.I’m not referring to diseases or viruses.The contagions that have captured my attention, at least for today, are far more innocuous.
Ever notice how when you see someone yawn, it’s near impossible to avoid the sudden overwhelming urge to yawn yourself.Not that you’re tired or had any intention of yawning just moments before.But seeing another yawn, you just had to as well.Of course, reading about yawning can trigger the same reaction.
Then there’s the whole burping thing.Having had four children, I’m keenly aware that when you place a baby against your shoulder to be burped, often times, you end up burping as you pat their back.This one I get, for it makes sense that the patting motion does translate directly to you by the baby pressing against your chest.
But the one that doesn’t make sense is when I see someone else burping a baby, and then I feel the urge to burp.It’s as if concentrating on the baby being burped evokes some need in me that didn’t exist moments before but now has to be honored with a burp.
And the contagion that totally perplexes me is when I see someone caught up with hiccups, and then I become inflicted with them.Really?Hiccups?Contagious?Who would have thought?But that very thing happened to me after eating dinner this evening.
My granddaughter spit up and then was hit with a body-wracking case of hiccups that went on and on and on.Just when she was relieved of them through falling asleep, I got the hiccups—the kind that make you feel ill to your stomach.And just like my granddaughter, they went on and on and on for over an hour.
So, here’s my question, why are all these “contagious” when we see another with them?And hiccups…why them of all things?
Thanksgiving, for many, seems to herald in the season of folks reconnecting with family.Going to family functions where memorable stories are created.Where fond remembrances are revisited.
For me, Thanksgiving is, indeed, a time to be surrounded by not only family, but by those close enough that in my heart, they’ve become members of my family.It’s a time of breaking bread together, an act I don’t take lightly.Of taking the opportunity to pause life, if only briefly, to gaze into one another’s eyes as we have meaningful conversations that nourish our souls while sharing a meal that feeds our bodies.
In these trying times, Thanksgiving affords us the chance to get back to basics, not overstress about ringing in the holidays with costly gifts that many can’t afford and even more don’t find uses for.Thanksgiving, to me, is a time to give pause to what we already have—family, friends and the fact that we are alive.It’s not a time to begin a spiraling cycle of excessive spending.
And really, what’s the purpose of spending tons of money on silly gifts?Is that what the commercial industry has brought us to?Thinking that the only way others will be pleased with us is if we give them store-bought gifts rather than giving of ourselves?Or from our hearts?
As Thanksgiving grows closer, I find myself beaming over the many gifts I have and grateful that those whom are meaningful to me share my belief that the best gift we can give to another is that of ourselves
Yesterday, I went to my second Pilates class in as many days since my surgery six weeks ago.I decided to throw in this class, an easy one for beginners, since I’d gone to my regular advanced one previous night.
Arriving at the class, again, one that was to be easy for beginners, my eyes grew wide when I spotted who was to teach the class—not the regular instructor.
I’ve gone to classes taught by the substitute trainer in the past.Always enjoy them, but hers are tough to get through.Picture Alvin the chipmunk.Now place him on speed.This is how intense this instructor is at the warm-up of her classes!
Spotting her, I thought, I’m surely going to die today.I’m keenly aware that I’ll step it up and match the instructor move for move, not matter how challenging doing so may be.This is the way I’ve always been.And so, my next thought was, the strange part about my imminent death at Pilates is that I’ll probably enjoy the process.LOL.Yes, I’m one of those—the die-hard athletes who enjoy being pushed just beyond my previous ability level.
Of course, I did have the option to turn around and head out of the studio, sparing myself.But I didn’t go with that option, for I do like this instructor.Also, I felt really good at my class last night and thought I’d be able to keep up again today.And you know what?I did just that.
So, although I’d started out thinking I’d pop into an easy Pilates class, what I ended up with was anything but, taught by an individual who functions at such a high speed as to make me look like I’m a sloth.This makes me smile, for I adore being challenged in such a great way by someone who so outranks me.Makes me try harder.Push myself to levels I didn’t think possible.And at the end of class, I’m always glad that I did.
Don’t you just love it when you’re made privy to the good in people?I know I do.
While putting the stroller in her car, my daughter placed her wallet, which had been in the top of the stroller, on her bumper.She closed the back hatch and got in to run another errand.Arriving at that destination, she realized that her wallet was missing. That she’d left it on the bumper of her car before driving off.In a panic, she called me, already in route to travel the path she’d taken.Mile after mile, I could hear the anxiety grow in her voice as she failed to come across the missing wallet.
When she arrived at the mall parking lot, I told her to drive the exact path originally taken, both of us believing that the wallet was most likely knocked off the bumper at a speed bump.No luck, the wallet was nowhere to be found.I told my daughter to check in the trashcans, thinking that if someone had found it, they would have wanted the cash, not the wallet itself and might have thrown it away.Still no wallet was found.
Frustrated, my daughter then went to her bank to inform them of the loss.That task completed, she headed home with a heavy heart and upset with herself for having placed the wallet on the bumper to begin with.
Goodness prevailed about an hour later when the doorbell rang.Going to answer it, my daughter was greeted by a charming woman who had found the wallet—at the second location, not in the mall parking lot—and driven to the house after seeing the address on my daughter’s driver’s license.
It was amazing that the woman took the time to return the wallet and that everything was still in it.I love it when things like this happen, for it confirms my faith that people, the majority of them, are good.That if given the chance, they will rise to do the right thing, even if it means going out of their way to do so.
Tonight’s dinner table conversation was in keeping with the usual interesting and thought-provoking discussions my family shares with one another.Tonight’s topic—arrogance.
I wondered aloud how it is that when both parents are consumed by arrogance, they manage to have equally arrogant kids.Wouldn’t it seem that for them to create a new generation of arrogant individuals would pose a threat to their own already arrogant selves?That it would take some of the spotlight off of them?
My youngest son, always a quick thinker, answered my question by stating, no, it wouldn’t pose a threat to the adults, since they would view their kids’ acts of arrogance as a good thing that others would take notice of—in a positive way.(The fact that nothing could be father from the truth seems to matter not.)This, in turn, would make the parents even more arrogant, believing that their children were exceptional.That arrogance somehow made them such.And that it’s a good thing.
So how do we get through to these individuals to enlighten them that arrogance is not a good character trait?That ushering in a new generation of arrogant individuals does not serve the greater good?That, in fact, it only acts as a hindrance?
It amazes me how the giving of compliments costs nothing, and yet so few are willing to deliver praise to those who deserve and have earned it.The difference a well-placed or even clumsy bit of expressed admiration can make is incredible.The way it ignites the receiver’s soul with an unparalleled passion.How that passion can be what’s needed to usher them through a rough time…over a hump.Or might inspire them to try just a little harder to achieve their end goal.
Why is it that many are uncomfortable with hailing the efforts or accomplishments of others?Is it really that difficult to take notice of and then say a few encouraging words to those who are worthy?If it costs the bestower nothing more than an extra second or two of their time, then why are they stingy?Wouldn’t they rather give credit where credit is due to lift the spirits of another?
Have we become a society so absorbed with ourselves that we are incapable of seeing the accomplishments of others?Or do the acknowledgements of others make some feel threatened?Like they’re not doing enough with their own lives?Or worse, is it that many have reached the point where they just don’t care?
I appreciate how, when I take notice of what others do and offer encouraging words, they beam from the attention.Stand taller.Carry themselves with more purpose.All that they gain from a sentence or two I take the time to share with them.
At first, many are caught of-guard that I’d take the time to not only notice but also to then acknowledge them.My response is always the same.I tell them that I'm a firm believer in giving praise where, when and to whom it is required.
That right there is the key—required.People need to hear praise.They thrive from it. When it is withheld, little bits of their souls wither and then die, casting off parts of themselves that might have blossomed into something grand.But without recognition, those parts don’t get the nourishment needed to carry on.If a person’s attributes or efforts are ignored often enough, then eventually that person will become a mere shell of what they once were…could have been…should have been—if only someone had taken the time to offer the praise they needed.
There are times when an unparalleled high is achieved from the completion of a long-term task.Tonight, I’m riding that high, for I finished writing the ending of the third book in the Little Girl Lost Trilogy.Feeling as if I was sitting on pins and needles, I prepared to read what I’d generated to my weekly writing critique group this evening.I wasn’t sure if it would satisfy them or if the stylization I’d opted to write the ending in, not my normal, would work with the rest of the book’s structure.
I’m pleased to say that those present were not only satisfied with what I’d written and how but also were relieved.I won’t go into further detail, not wanting to give anything away.But suffice is to say that the ones who heard me read tonight felt as if the trilogy had an appropriate ending.
And that’s the greatest high for a writer—to deliver a product that will leave their readers feeling fulfilled, not as if they’ve been cheated or things were rushed.But the biggest high, the feeling I’m rushing off of now, is having completed the writing process.
Now I can progress to the rewrite process, which will ultimately lead to the publishing process.If all goes according to plan, and there’s no reason to believe that it won’t, readers should be able to buy this newest book by spring of 2011!
There are times when an unparalleled high is achieved from the completion of a long-term task.Tonight, I’m riding that high, for I finished writing the ending of the third book in the Little Girl Lost Trilogy.Feeling as if I was sitting on pins and needles, I prepared to read what I’d generated to my weekly writing critique group this evening.I wasn’t sure if it would satisfy them or if the stylization I’d opted to write the ending in, not my normal, would work with the rest of the book’s structure.
I’m pleased to say that those present were not only satisfied with what I’d written and how but also were relieved.I won’t go into further detail, not wanting to give anything away.But suffice is to say that the ones who heard me read tonight felt as if the trilogy had an appropriate ending.
And that’s the greatest high for a writer—to deliver a product that will leave their readers feeling fulfilled, not as if they’ve been cheated or things were rushed.But the biggest high, the feeling I’m rushing off of now, is having completed the writing process.
Now I can progress to the rewrite process, which will ultimately lead to the publishing process.If all goes according to plan, and there’s no reason to believe that it won’t, readers should be able to buy this newest book by spring of 2011!
For many, living in the now is a foreign concept, for they’re trapped in the past by feelings of guilt or too focused on dreams of the future, which make them forget to live today.
There’s nothing wrong with remembering the past.But allowing it to affect how you live today by harboring ill feelings of things you did or didn’t do isn’t healthy.Likewise, putting too much emphasis on dreams of what will come creates a sense of wearing blinders as it blocks out what’s happening in the present.
It’s good to take pause and appreciate what’s going on around you.What you have—right now.How you can use what you currently possess to achieve your goals.
Although there’s a certain sense of comfort that accompanies recalling the past, don’t allow yourself to wallow in its more negative impressions.Instead, concentrate on what things went right, and how those helped you arrive at your current station in life.
With the future, come thoughts of change, which can be daunting for many.Some try to manage their unease by micromanaging what might occur in the future down to the basest level.Doing so draws their attention away from the present.In addition, it attempts to force their impression of what the future should look like instead of allowing things to work out as intended.
As folks muddle their way through this thing we call life, they tend to gravitate towards activities and concepts that feed their need to feel secure and comforted.What could be better than living in the here and now secure in the knowledge of what led you here while comforted by knowing that you will have a hand in your own future?
There are times when I’m asked why I live in Southern California.My answer—it’s the place I was born, raised and have no intention of leaving.Though I have traveled throughout the United States and internationally, Southern California is where I choose to call home.
California, well, specifically the Los Angeles area, holds such allure to me.Why?Because it’s the only place from which I can get to the mountains, dessert or ocean all within an hour’s drive.Talk about variety.And then there’s the metropolitan aspects of LA that maintain a certain pulse…vibe that drives the city and her residents.The creative expression of those who live here is indisputable.After all, LA is the entertainment center of the world—always has been, most likely will remain such.
Are there downsides to calling LA home?Sure, just like anyplace.The traffic, overcrowding, high cost of real estate and of living are just a few of LA’s less-than-sexy aspects.But the plusses LA has to offer, in my opinion, far outweigh those.
I suppose that what most appeals to me about living in LA is the diversity I experience on a daily basis.Whether it’s the scenery I explore, the people I encounter or art forms freely displayed for all to see, I fell in love with LA long ago and have no intention of ending our relationship.
There are those who bag on living in the LA area.Me, I find myself amused on a regular basis.If you put aside the overcrowding, nasty traffic, high cost of living and lack of jobs, what you’re left with is pretty entertaining.
After an appointment yesterday, I drove through Pasadena up towards the freeway.Approaching an intersection, I looked over to my left.My eyes grew wide.I did a double take.And then I began cracking up while cursing the big bus that blocked my view so I couldn’t take a picture of the strange individuals I saw.
Ugh!
There, walking down the street and then traversing a busy intersection, was a merry band of…of…well, I’m not quite sure what the foursome was meant to be.At the rear of the line, was a grown man dressed like Pinocchio.And…if that wasn’t enough to catch one’s attention, he was carrying a large Eiffel tower made out of foam core that was as tall as he was.Walking on front of him, single-file, where two other individuals who I couldn’t begin to describe what they were dressed as or what the giant signs they were carrying were meant to be.The person leading the odd mini parade was dressed like the king from the Imperial Margarine commercials of years ago.And yes, he was proudly wearing a full-length red “king” robe, complete with a white furry collar offset with black dots.And what was he carrying?A giant Golden Gate Bridge.
Of…course…he was.
I reached over to get my phone so I could take a picture of them.But…a giant bus had other plans and pulled right alongside me, blocking my shot.As I looked around, I saw a man, coming out of a building to my right, almost fall down a staircase as he shot a cautious look at the odd foursome.Pedestrians gave the group a wide berth. And, as I pulled into the intersection to make my turn, I noticed other motorists distracted by the mini parade making its way across the street.Just as the bus passed, and I could have had a clear shot, I completed my turn and headed away from the mini parade.
Darn, another missed opportunity!
Continuing onto a meeting I had in Burbank, I drove along the 134 Freeway where I soon came upon my next odd LA sighting.Alongside the freeway was a raised pathway that ran parallel to a wash.Riding on said pathway, heading towards me, was a bronzed man wearing a snowball white pair of spandex riding shorts and top.
Okay, that part was normal, but what was on the outfit was not.
The man looked like a Valentine delivery person (in the middle of November), since his outfit was covered in pastel pink and bright red hearts, each a whopping half foot in size.I did a double take, just as we sped past one another, thinking perhaps I had mistook that the rider was male.But no, the rider, unless it was a woman, sporting a close-cropped, five o’clock shadow-like jaw framing beard, was, in fact, male.
Man, I love LA!
Feeling extra lucky that I’d been treated to not one but two peculiar sightings in less than fifteen minutes, I smiled like a happy Cheshire cat and continued onto my meeting thrilled that I live in such a diverse place that attracts such an eclectic collection of folks who are proud to display their uniqueness.
