Archive for January, 2011

So it’s been a rough couple of days around here. I wasn’t sure if I was going to participate because I’ve been pretty under the weather. I had a flu test this week – came back negative, but I’m not convinced I don’t have it. I was lying in bed today thinking I just needed to bow out this week – but for some reason I just can’t quit! So, it’s in that fighting spirit that I shot a picture of one of my favorite pasttimes – my bike. Three years ago, I was in the best shape of my life, participating in triathlons and half-marathons…but my favorite part of my training by far was the bike rides. AND THIS BIKE is just one of the things that makes me happy just to look at it. It’s the most beautiful color of blue – and when I look at it, it takes me back to flying through those races at top speed (well, my top speed…ha ha). I miss those days. I completed St. Anthony’s olympic distance triathlon in April 2007 – I always say it was one of the greatest days of my life. It changed me somehow. Made me believe in myself in a way I hadn’t before … or since really. 1 mile ocean swim, 26 mile bike and 6.2 mile run. It was exhilarating. Shortly after the race I suffered an injury to my thigh that I struggled with for an entire year. I went from doing 35-40 mile bike rides and 10 mile runs to not being able to do ride 3 miles without pain. Running? Forget about it…I couldn’t make it to the end of the block.

I fought and fought but the more I fought, the more my leg fought BACK. It was very hard to take. For those that know me, I’m NOT a quitter. I don’t give up. I push and push to make things happen. I can’t just sit still and let things go. My physical therapist told me I HAD TO SIT STILL and not ride, not run…I ignored him. My injury continued. Because…as my mom always says…TERESA knows better. She always told me I had to learn things the hard way and this was one of those times in life where that was true. About a year later, I was getting back on track…was able to ride moderate distances, run moderately – and then – SURPRISE!! Baby on board! Yup. BIGGEST BLESSING OF MY LIFE – don’t get me wrong…but I also knew, once again, it was going to be a while before I could get back to my triathlon days. Here I am three and a half years later and finally feeling that fight again. I’m ready to see these wheels spinning!! There won’t be a St. Anthony’s this year – but my goal is to do at least one smaller race this summer…hmmmmmmmmmmm Mad Dog?? Dunedin?? (that was my first triathlon). Whatever the race, I’m looking forward to recapturing that part of myself that has been missing so long…that confidence and drive and determination. I’m sure it’s in there somewhere!!

Head on over to Jennifer’s blog and see her version of “lines”! Fort Wayne, IN- Jennifer Olivas

When I saw the assignment for week 3, I didn’t think much of it. That is, until it came time to find something to shoot! I searched my house – searched and searched – and there is nothing yellow here that isn’t made either by #1. Fisher-Price or #2. Nestle Toll House. Neither of those items are very pretty to photograph – and certainly a bit uninspiring. So I procrastinated. I left my camera on the counter and basically ignored the project. I woke up this morning going OKAY today’s the day. So as I drove my kids to school in the fog and mist and enjoyed the beauty of the brown, wet grass and gray skies, I figured I was doomed. Either that, or I was going to subject you all to a picture of Eddie from the Little People carnival and call it a day. I have literally been stressing OUT about this all day. I knew it was coming down to the wire and I needed to figure something out.

On the way home after school with the kids, I was talking to them about our mission tonight to find something interesting that is YELLOW. I no more than pulled in the driveway and looked out my window – and low and behold, a ray of sunshine was shining down in my neighbor’s yard – DIRECTLY on this little lone yellow flower. This little flower was surrounded by orange flowers and green leaves – it was all alone – like it had been waiting all week for me to discover it!! I was so excited. We ran into the house, grabbed the macro lens (which I NEVER USE by the way – shameful, I know) and a diffuser (the sun is really bright today) and headed over to the neighbor’s yard. I’m no expert in macro photography by any stretch of the means…but I love this picture – it was a sort of triumph for me. I think we all need to look for the yellow in our lives – sometimes it’s right in front of us!!!

I’m excited to see what everyone else has found this week! Head over to Jennifer’s blog and see what she found and then check out all the other talented ladies participating – there’s some serious talent in here! Fort Wayne, IN- Jennifer Olivas