Friday, November 11, 2011

Wide Open Spaces




"Wide Open Spaces"   Dixie Chicks



I thought I'd try something new. Blog upstairs, in bed. Rather than in my usual corner perch on the couch. It's pretty nice. I'm facing the foot of the bed. So every time Steve lets out a really loud, obnoxious snore, I can kindly jam my slipper up his nose.


This is what I woke up to this morning. (okay, yesterday morning...it's kinda still my Thursday...yea, yea, I know. I'm seriously thinking about becoming a vampire.)
Mr. Twinkie. Just chillin' at the bottom of the steps. Sitting there like, *Yo! You up there...the food's gettin' low in my bowl...get your butt down here*

So, I head to the kitchen, top off his Purina Fat Cat Chow and relax a bit with some coffee and one of the many pumpkin treats my Mom sent me home with this week.

And I no sooner later find this...
What's a matter, Twinks? Too much breakfast for you?!


All day I was itchin' for a run. It looked like the perfect weather. And before I knew it, it was getting later. I only had about an hour until it grew dark.  You know, the new dark that comes right around 5 o'clock.  I could have just went around the neighborhood or stayed local...gained an extra 20 minutes or so...
but I didn't want to go 'round in circles. I didn't want to see the same darn things every 5 minutes I completed a lap.
I wanted to feel free.
I wanted my space.
And that's just what I got.
And what I'm getting from this new chapter's first few pages.

It was cold. The kind of cold that smells of snow. I love that smell.
I wasn't out long. Maybe 40 minutes at most.
But, they were some good 40 minutes.

I liked breathing in the chilly air and seeing a few trees still full of color and life. I liked the clarity I gained from each step of my run, and the calmness I felt when I'd stop to walk.
I loved passing by this adorable little chubby boy, walking with his Mom, that kept repeating, "Mom!!! That's it! NO MORE WALKING!!  I mean it!"
(seriously, he was so cute...I was cracking up!)

I loved these simple, almost bare trees that reminded me...
Winter is coming soon.
(Yea, I totally listened to about 2 hours of Christmas music today.)

Having a choice in which path I chose...not having to go round and round...
that's what made it so exhilarating.
And never boring.


Each time I go on these runs and walks, I learn lessons.  I see things in the light they need to be seen in. 
This past week, I've had much time to think about things. 
I've gathered more peace.  Sometimes, in the most unlikely of places. 
I've realized even more...
that if you put the crowded thoughts inside your head into words.  Write it out.  Type it out.  Whether it be just jotting it down, responding to an email, or publishing it in a blog post...

It is amazing what you can discover.

I'm thankful for this weekend's openness.  It's the last one in a while, that won't be busy and full. 
I enjoy a packed calendar.
But every now and then, we need a few of those spaces open.

It hasn't been quite 20 days.  Saturday, will mark 3 weeks since we said goodbye to that chapter.
It took a lot to get there.  To say it and mean it.

And in time, I'll say more.

Some days are easy.  Some nights are bittersweet. 
But ultimately, each day and night reveal more truth.

And that's the beauty in taking this time.  Having space...
There's room for it all to make sense.

I hope everyone has a FABULOUS weekend!! 


Muffin and I wish you a VERY...
(woahhh, I see some fangs there...Vampire Moofy)

(this was her, so innocent, just seconds before the pic above)

She's crazy. 
I can relate.
:)



Weekend Lovin',

23 comments:

Unknown said...

What a great post!!! There is something beautiful in that place where we let go and allow our life to happen. I have been there twice before and both times it got me ready for the next chapter to unfold. I need to get there again, but am really resisting this time. It was such a blessing to read your post. Thank you!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!! Much love to you!!

Maria said...

I hope you have a great weekend!!! Your cats are hysterical!

<3 Maria

Mrs. E said...

Hmm...vampire cats? Vampire Maria? =) All I can say is that when you have kids, *they* might be the ones saying, "Hey...don't you ever sleep?" Haaga! I'm glad you had such a great run. I love that kind of weather--the smell of snow on the air. It's been rainy and gross up here, so I hope it stays away from you! XOXOXOXO~~

Unknown said...

Great post!

I'm a new follower visiting from the My Saving Game Blog Hop and would love it if you would stop by my blog www.itsmylife4.com

Stephanie said...

Ha! I love the pictures of Twinkie! I think he is the canine equal of my chubster Yogi. lol.

Ooh, I could smell the air you were describing. You're right - it's PERFECT running weather. I feel like I need to get out in it now for myself. Especially after the pictures you've posted - it's BEAUTIFUL! The only pesky problem? The 5:00 darkness! With Jake not getting back until after that, it puts a damper on the timing. Ah well... perhaps a nice long Saturday run is in order? ;)

I'm glad you were able to get out and clear your head -- I think it'd be nice to get my crazy thoughts out that way! ;) I hope you enjoy your coming unplanned days - days with wide open spaces! Here's to hoping for a good weekend and more clarity! :)

(Did I miss one of your posts?! I just scrolled down... get ready for another too long comment, I'm sure!)

Stephanie said...

Ha, nm. I've read that one... But I DID enjoy looking at the pics again. ;)

Stephanie @ Blonde Highlights said...

Hahahahahahaha! I love those dual pics of your kitty!! ... I think that I can have that feeling/look happen to me way too often (I'm sure my hubs would agree!)

Love this song and love this post and love the chubby little boy - hahahahaaha! And of course kicking the hubs is a must when they start to snore - lol!!

Have a great weekend pretty lady!! Xoxoxo

Unknown said...

Beautiful post! :0)

waitingforarainbow said...

I guess I missed your post about starting a new chapter, but I clicked on the link and read that whole post too! I have tears full of probably 10 different emotions for you right now. I'm thinking the biggest emotion though, is joy. I'm glad you're opening a new chapter, and that it is bringing you peace. The best part of a new chapter is just that. It's new! It's exciting, and full of surprises. Thank you for sharing every chapter with us. I look forward to watching this one unfold with you.
My cat sits like your cat does ALL THE TIME. I'm like, "Ohh you think you're human now?" And I was cracking up about the lil chubby kid you saw, haha too funny.
I hope you have an amazing weekend! I remember what it was like to be a vampire oh too well, I hope you find some time to get some good rest in, on your very open weekend!

Unknown said...

I love this song. I'm a new follower w/ GFC from the Lots of Lovin' hop. Hope you follow back. Cheryl
http://hearttoheartathome.blogspot.com/
http://createabeautifullife.wordpress.com/

LOVE MELISSA:) said...

First off, this is one of my favorite songs! I listen to it every day. Huge dixie chicks fan. That picture of your cats when you just woke up is priceless. Vampire cate-lol. I had a cute growing up and it was the same thing. I hope you had a great run and I wish for you a fantastic weekend!

Ashley said...

Your cats are too cute! I am glad that you are finding peace in your decision and that things are getting a little bit better. :)
Enjoy your weekend!

Rachel said...

Hey Maria I have been thinking about you and I am so glad you are doing well. LOVE your cats they are to funny, I miss having cats. Your run looked beautiful. I hope you have a great weekend with your hubby :-)

Unknown said...

This is one of my favorite Dixie Chicks songs:) I hope you have a great weekend, which I am sure you will. You are always doing something and going somewhere. Your kitties are so cute.

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

Beautiful post Maria!!! I used to love running. I haven't been able to for a while because of a silly health issue, but it's time for me to start up again. I've had some of my best moments of clarity during a run or walk.

Keeping you in my prayers.
Janae :)

P.S. I love your cats.

Unknown said...

I can't wait for you to share more of this new exciting chapter in your lives!!! Great post...I've been listening to Christmas music every day, lol!!! Love ya!

Anonymous said...

They are so cute and I love the pics of the trail!

Thank you so much for linking up for our hop! I'm your newest follower! Would love if you would stop by when you get a chance! :) Hope you have an awesome weekend!

Kim
Chubby Cheeks Thinks

Unknown said...

Hi Maria,
As always an awesome post. A sense of peace came over me as I read it and saw the lovely pictures. Running and seeing such beautiful scenes must be good for the mind, body and soul. By the way, it gets dark here at about 5.30 p.m. now. Your cat is oh so cute! It is nice to have a wonderful pet. My pets are dogs. I wish I could taste one of your mom's pumpkin treats. They look delicious! I love your Dell laptop. I should have bought myself a Dell laptop instead of a Dell desktop. It is not easy moving around with this!LOL. Thanks for the great vibes. You have brightened my weekend. Lots of love and best wishes to you and I hope your weekend continues to go great.
Judy

Kerry said...

Hahaha your cats are too cute! Look at the full belly on the hungry cat and those fangs on the otherwise, innocent looking cat (sorry, can't recall their names at the moment).
Great pics Maria, glad you enjoyed your run. You write so well and are such a beautiful person. Even when you kick your husband in the nose for snoring lol (he deserved it - sorry Steve! But my husband has been known to snore too lol)
Have a wonderful relaxing weekend. Thanks for all of your recent comments and for always visiting, I appreciate you so much xoxo

About Bernadette & Duane said...

I love this time of year! So glad you are keeping up with the running-- it is the BEST stress reliever. Please, feel free to email me at any time regarding "Chapter 2." I know our stories are a bit different, however, as someone who is finally pregnant via Plan Z, I consider myself a wealth of information on moving from one chapter to the next.

n*stitches said...

I love to run! It is cheaper than therapy and works better too! Grea post! I am your newest follower!Stop by and say "hi"!

Lizzie Barbie said...

I love the pictures. New follower.

http://evescrochet.blogspot.com/

Hi, I'm Aleisha! said...

What the heck!?!?!? I swear I read this post! And I really, really thought I had commented...but I can't find my little ol' comment anywhere! Which means I might have been hopped up on Nyquil!! AAAAHHH!!! Did I ever email you?? About being sick?? Holy smokes, I've been in such a fog with this stinky gunk I caught. I loved this post!

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