Category: Uncategorized

Welcome to NaBloPoMo

It’s November 1st and I’m in a creative slump. A place I’ve been hanging out in lately. Not a fun place, but one filled with the ghosts of “what if, when I and I should have.”

In an effort to change my address, I briefly posted on IG some images I snapped with the hashtag “I Choose Joy.” Joy is a space I want to know intimately. A place that makes me smile in the midst of the tears. Where exactly is that place, it’s wherever and however I find a reason to smile.

The photo above is an example. After two hellish days, I came home built a fire and began to contemplate my journey to Joy.

A fire on a chilly night is definitely one of the crossroads of Joy, but in order to keep intersecting with her I had to develop a plan.

No need to recreate a plan when it’s November 1st, I could begin #NaNoWriMo again, but I don’t think any of the novels floating in my grey matter are ready so I decline. Then I had an “Aha” moment and remembered #NaBloPoMo! This was the answer.

I could rejuvenate my suffering blog by writing a post a day for thirty days. To challenge myself further I will also pick up my camera and shoot for 30 days utilizing a 50mm 1.8 lens only.

With this challenge and a few cheerleaders I think I’ll be able to reside on Joy Lane for the next 30 days.

I encourage you to join me and help keep me on the right path!

Thanks for joining me and I would love to hear from you!

Biking is therapeutic!

A selfie of Slow Roll Cleveland and my bike buddy and sister Sharyn (in the striped shirt).

A  few years ago I started biking for the first time since high school – a good twenty plus years ago. At the time I just knew it would be fun! I had no idea it would be good therapy. Until today it was fun, and a great way to get in shape.

Tonight after a grueling day I participated in the weekly Slow Roll Cleveland. The rides are an opportunity to promote safe biking and to increase awareness in the concept of a shared road – auto and bike traffic.

Today’s Roll was in my general neighborhood and served as a true stress reliever complete with beautiful views of Lake Erie.

A selfie as I ride along Lake Erie at Euclid Beach Park.

So if you’re looking to relieve some stress join Slow Roll Cleveland. For details check out their Facebook page. If you’re not in Cleveland, don’t fret there’s probably a chapter in your city.

Land of Champions 

We’re just hours away from what will be a historic game 7. Our beloved Cleveland Indians are perched on the cusp of a victory 58 years in the making.

The whole city as stated above is abuzz and we are rallying together behind OUR team.

As I reflect on this journey I hear the words of LeBron James, “In Cleveland/northeast Ohio nothing is given – it is earned!” That may not be quite verbatim, but the meaning is there.

If you have followed sports over the last few years, you might understand why he made that statement. Everyone counts Cleveland out, that is if you don’t live here.

Clevelanders received some flack as the Cavs fought for a championship because we proclaimed and believe there isn’t a fan like a Cleveland fan. We know that there is something in our DNA causing us to proclaim we bleed Orange and Brown, Wine & Gold and of course Red and Blue. With little exception, Clevelanders stand behind their teams win, lose or draw! 

If you don’t believe me check out the Browns stadium in any given Sunday when the Dawgs are at home! Better yet, check out the Muny Parking Lot – diehard fans camp out from sunrise to party and cheer on their winless team!

Many of us have that same allegiance to the Indians and the Cavaliers even though the attendance stats don’t always prove that theory.

It’s been a great year for The Land, so let’s go Tribe – continue the party!

Be Encouraged

Gray clouds high above my head

Dark foreboding clouds

Filled with the tears of my soul

They open and expell the pain

Not in tiny droplets but large mega drops 

My soul cries in anguish as the words

Inside my head chastise and demonize

You have failed, it’s your fault they admonish

Through the tears I plead for forgiveness 

Pray for mercy, healing and hope

As I bow my head and praise His name

Forboding is replaced by the tiny glint

Then a luminous glow showers me as I

Recall the soulful song “Be Encouraged”

No matter how dark the road may appear

I am Encouraged in the Lord!

This hurt will subside and I’ll be cloaked

In My Father’s arms, so no matter the challenge

Be Encouraged in the Lord

~Until next time!

Street Etiquette 

A beautiful day in Cleveland.

When you are walking city streets do you greet passersby? 

As I walked the streets of Cleveland today I noticed that many people avoided eye contact and rarely did anyone offer a greeting.

This led me to consciously take note and actually count the interactions, and to observe the behaviors of everyone.

My first interaction was no more than 500 feet from my office, when I was greeted by one of the local homeless men who frequent the area. He smiled, waved and offered a friendly hello.

My walk was a little more than 1.5 miles to give you some context. After the pleasant greeting I walked in silence for about a quarter mile. During this time I encountered several people from the brother on his cell phone to the guy who slightly glanced my way, but did not make eye contact. This was the primary action of all those I encountered.

As I my walk was coming to an end, two gentlemen passed, and one offered a “Good afternoon,” before jokingly inquiring, “Is that my lunch?” Referring to the package I was carrying.

About a block later, just as I reached my office a gentleman was walking by and we exchanged pleasantries before my last greeting from a homeless gentleman.

So, what is the point you may ask? Well I have found that many people, I dare say most without conducting a true survey, do not exchange the most basic pleasantries with strangers. This lack of communication, I think helps to reinforce the climate we are now experiencing in our country.

I know I often forgo theses exchanges, but I have found that I enjoy a kind hello every now and then. 

I plan to increase my interactions with those I pass on the street – just because I believe it’s the right thing to do.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so take a moment and leave a comment.

Happy Monday!