Tuesday, June 3, 2008

O, Beautiful For Spacious Skies

Sometimes I really like running.

Sometimes, it's a chore, but there are times when I love it. When I'm out of my usual area, I always love it, because it's such an intimate way to connect with the place I'm staying. When you're out at 6 am, Niagara Falls is a completely different place. Watching the sunrise over a beach in Hawaii (with sweat running down my face) is awesome in the truest sense of the word. And how could I not list the morning sun on the cliffs of Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah as one of my all time favorite runs?

But today may have taken the cake.



Today I got out this morning in beautiful Yuma, AZ. I ran several miles down an irrigation canal, with mature amber wheat in fields as far as the eye could see on one side of the canal. On the other side, the corn the farmers were starting was already taller than me, and not even sprouting any ears yet.



And as I was admiring the beauty, and the bounty, and the symbolism of it all, three military jets flew over my head in perfect formation. And I have never in my life been prouder or more grateful to be an American.

26 comments:

mindyluwho said...

Wow, I'm first! That never happens to me. Probably someone will post while I am writing this comment, so I'd better be brief...

Seeing military jets in formation always gives me chills and makes me cry. I saw one a couple of days ago.

Cynthia said...

Yuma? I thought you were going to be joking . . . being Yuma and all. But, that is actually quite pretty. Go figure.

The Dillon 6 said...

I'm so happy that I checked in this morning...this is a great way to start the day!! Seeing something like that would have made me cry. Although, quite honestly I probably would have been crying because I was running. ;)

Lynell said...

Thanks for the reminder. I too am proud to be an American.

Way to go on the running. Something I have always thought about. Ü

The Wiz said...

Heh. Yuma. Glad you found something beautiful there.

sweet nectar sara said...

great post, sometimesjust the fresh air is all you need too. so, is 'team werewolf' a reference to twilight?

Caroline C. Bingham said...

See, Arizona can be pretty.

Yvonne said...

Oh, that must have been something to see. I remember one time going across the Bay Bridge in SF and a couple of military jets flew overhead and, like you, my heart was so full of pride and gratitude for my Country.

I wish I loved running ; (

Amy Peterson said...

I wish I was there instead of floating a way in the rain today! I love my country and I am so thankful for the soldiers who sacrifice for us!

AppleNat said...

Perfect formation? As in, like, perfect, perfect? Did you measure?

:->

Marilyn said...

Love the photos. And 6 AM or earlier is the ONLY way you can enjoy Yuma AZ in June.

elasticwaistbandlady said...

I was totally ready to screech out "Randi has the runs! Randi has the runs!" but then you went and got all poignant in the last line and I couldn't do it. :(

Melissa said...

I'm allergic to running. :) But I do love an amber wheat field... makes me miss where I grew up just a bit... not too much, but a bit!

Super Happy Girl said...

:'o)

Unknown said...

great pictures...and something about the jets in air make me feel so happy to be an American too. I can't imagine being anywhere else that those aircraft are a threat and not a relief.

Whitney said...

Wow. That's so cool that you run, and a lot!!! It's really neat to just be out in nature when it's still quiet and you can enjoy it. I love military jets, we always try to get to the parades early to watch them fly over! I always get chills and a little misty. :D

AppleNat said...

Did you take those picures? Or did you get them somewhere else?

Barbara said...

Yea:) I found you again!!
You didn't know you were missing did you!
I missed reading your great posts...this is certainly a wonderful one.
I am not a runner but love ot walk early in the morning. You are so lucky to have seen the jets and felt it so strongly in your heart.
I am putting you on my favorites list so I don't loose you again.HEHEHEHE
Fondly, B.

Anonymous said...

That is something I really love about running too. It is done early enough that you get to see the world wake up. ---And it clears your head for the day.

Tonya said...

What a great way to give exercise a whole new meaning. It sounds marvelous as long as you minus the running part for me :o)

Heather said...

oh fun.... i'm missing running, but I'm sure I won't once I start up again.

Nancy Face said...

I loved reading this! Your descriptions were so vivid! :)

I run on the track at the high school where I graduated l-o-n-g ago. Once in a while I am lucky enough to see a gorgeous sunrise! :)

Anonymous said...

You didn't mention that you're an "amber waves of grain" theif!

ganelle said...

I love moments like that...
minus the running that is!

N.F. said...

Well said. And, well documented by photos.

N.F. said...

PS. I think I invited you to my blog, right? Is it OK that I link you on mine?