Artists love me and I love trail runs, or Why Sunday is already my favorite day of this week

Yesterday was summer done right. Pushing 80 degrees — hot (for upstate New York). Humid — all the joints were greased with sweat. Sunny — only fluffy white clouds in sight.

Sundays aren’t often my favorite day of the week, but yesterday was an exception from beginning to end. Here’s why.

The sermon was on friendship, meaning I got something out of the message. As a pastor’s kid, it’s tough to find my dad’s sermons helpful. Hearing his voice from the pulpit when I hear it on a daily basis can be like beating on sore ears. But friendship has been on my mind a lot lately, and the passages he pointed out (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 27:6,17) hit home. I’ll be writing on friendship later this week.

This was my writing/transcribing space at the Smithy. 

Who wouldn’t feel motivated with that much natural light and a horsehead staring you down? I finished my piece for the Smithy and started transcribing my CrossFit interviews right away.

An artist (62) called me adorable, and said I reminded her of herself at my age. By her description: brown eyes, light brown hair, tall and — believe it or not — thin.” I’d like to point out that I noticed her brown eyes immediately on meeting her. They’re basically the best.

I drove my little siblings home with Gospel music in their ears.
Four of my little siblings, ages 6, 8, 10, and 12, to the voices of Isaac Caree, James Fortune & Fiya, and Marvin Sapp. Need I explain further?

Went to Gilbert Lake, the lesser-known state park because Cooperstown’s Glimmerglass gets all the attention. I actually prefer Gilbert because it’s smaller and more isolated — less tourists, more woods.

Ran the trail around the lake in 10:52.53. I like trail running. It’s a nice change from pavement and grass. More interesting, slightly scary for the ankles, and a fuller workout for my legs. I usually walk part of it, but this time I pushed myself to run the whole thing. Afterward, I rinsed off in the lake, swam a bit with my siblings, tossed a frisbee, and roasted marshmallows.

What’s been your favorite day so far?