Lessons From A Stalk of Corn

This is my corn crop. There are many remarkable things about my corn crop, the first of which is that I could actually grow corn. Actually, I didn't even plant the corn. This particular stalk has only one ear of corn on it. However, there is something even more remarkable about my corn crop.

My corn crop is growing in my flower bed, right underneath my bedroom window. I don't know how it got started. All I do know is that earlier this week, I saw this big plant growing in my flowerbed, and when I went to yank it up, I saw the sole ear of corn.

Of course, I think God put the corn in this particular spot to teach me a few lessons like:

• You can grow and thrive in places you don't think will accept you.
• You may look like something undesirable, but when people see you up close, they see your value and admire your tenacity.
• You don't have to be a part of a group similar to yourself - you can stand out all by yourself.
• You don't have to produce something huge - you just have to do what you were created to do.

But I think the most important lesson is this: there are wondrous things everywhere, if you just take the time and look.

Best Friends

When I was little, I had an imaginary friend. I don't really remember her (she moved before I started school), but my mother told me her name was Bessie Prinn, short (in my pre-speech therapy days) for best friend. In the years since, I have had the privilege of having many friends, and I think I have figured out what makes them "best."

A best friend doesn't care how often you call, but is so happy when you do. It doesn't matter why you call, because your best friend considers every call a blessing. It doesn't matter what you say, because your best friend listens to every word you say and holds it in her heart as long as you need her to.

A best friend doesn't keep track of how often you see each other, because every time you get together it seems as if you've never been apart . Every visit has to begin and end with a hug, because her heartfelt embrace is the first thing you want to feel and the last thing you want to remember. No matter how much time you have together, it's rarely enough because you know how precious the time is. And it doesn't matter what you do - it just matters that you have the time together.

A best friend feels your joy, your frustration, your anger, and your sadness as her own, because anything that affects you affects her. Words are never necessary to convey emotion - she feels it with you. If there is nothing to be said or done, she will just sit and hold your hand until you feel better.

A best friend is a gift that you don't have to earn. It's a part of you that will never leave, will always have your back, and is your lifeblood when you think you have none left. It's a constant in life that you can always count on.

Best friends - all it took was a phone call today to remind me of how precious a gift they are.

Picture Proof

I told you that I was once a dairy princess. Tonight as I was cleaning out and organizing the old family cedar chest, I came upon evidence of my reign. What kind of princess has to pet a cow and has no tiara?! Anyhow, it just goes to show that you can run, but you can't hide from your past - even a 45-year-old newspaper article will show up somewhere!

Changing Course

Yesterday I got a routine race update for the Chicago Half Marathon, one that I have on my calendar for September. While reading it and the race's website, I noticed that they had a 13-minute per mile pace. I looked at last year's results and saw that there were several finishers with a greater pace than that, so I emailed the race officials and asked if the 13-minute pace would be enforced. Chad replied and said:

"Yes, the previous management group allowed participants to move to the sidewalks after the pace. However, we do not feel that it is safe for participants to be on the course with no support (medical, police, water, course marshals, etc). So yes, the 13 minute per mile pace will be enforced."

So, with my current lack of pacing progress and my lingering ankle issues, I had to decide my future with this half. Was I going to try really hard to meet this requirement or let it go? Was it time to push myself or continue to take it slow? I have decided that Chicago will be a "did not start." With the potential for August/September heat, it is certainly not the time to try to push a faster pace (for me, anyway). Although my ankle has improved, it is not miraculously healed. And let's face it - 51 is staring me in the face and shaking its head.

Am I disappointed? Yes, but also a little relieved. My monthly half-marathon plan for 2008 didn't quite work out, but I'm okay with it. There's always another plan out there waiting for me.

Olympics Observing

I've been watching the Olympics in spurts. I've watched teeny bits of beach volleyball, bigger bits of diving and gymnastics, and every minute of Michael Phelps' medal events. But I think I've found another Olympics to view. Wonder if Shaggy the Cat is interested?