Another thing that was different about WorldCON and other conferences / conventions I've attended were the parties.
There. Were. So. Many.
I lost count. On the first night, when things were really just getting started, my friends and I attended no fewer than seven. And that was the night we went to bed earliest.
During the course of the CON, we met up with a really fantastic group of fans, some of whom also write, and who took us under their wings as if we were already a part of them. Not only that, they treated us to some of the hands-down funnest experiences of the whole week. The Brotherhood Without Banners invited us in, watched out for us, and I have to tell ya. Those guys (and also ladies) were seriously some of the coolest people we met all week.
And when I say cool, I mean seriously defying the seventies-type stigma-of-sci-fi/fantasy-fan often thought of by those who just don’t know any better, strong-men, jerky-makers, contractors, other great professions, young, old, male, female, every-type-of-person from a hundred different countries C.O.O.L.
But what is the BWB? They’re fans of George R.R. Martin’s work, specifically the A Song of Ice and Fire series. And they’ve been hosting WorldCON parties since 2001. (For the record, I’d never even heard of this group before the CON, but I’m now a member, and intend to remain that way indefinitely.) And though we’d already met GRRM earlier, we had the opportunity to actually hang out with him. We even had dinner with him one night. *cue fan girl squee*
George’s fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated I’ve ever seen. And I've seen a lot of authors with dedicated and loyal fans. What does that say about GRRM as an author? A person? What lesson can I take from his example in order to gather a following of fans even half as dedicated as his?
Well. Being that this was my first WorldCON, and I only got to hang with them for a little while the last couple days, I have a lot of learning to do. But learning? That’s a certain specialty of mine. All I have to do is attend WorldCONs of the future, and I’m sure to figure it out.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
WorldCON: Brilliant Creativity
Okay. I’ve been home almost a week and am starting to feel like I’m catching up on sleep. This is good news, people. I’ve been to a lot of conferences and conventions, and WorldCON was a whole different experience for a number of reasons.
For one thing, the variety of unique people was incredible and exhilarating. It was almost like this convention was the one place where people could be who they are, or who they want to be—including a Klingon or a Jedi or Harry Potter or any other number of fantastical characters—without worrying about being judged by others. Well, except the masquerade judges, but that’s totally voluntary.
The incredible creativity of the people in attendance was absolutely amazing. I loved it.
Not only that, the lets-dress-up-and-have fun mentality there is contagious. I offer exhibit A.
See those corsets? Courtesy of Damsel in this Dress. Can I just say that Michelle (the owner) is a fascinating, brilliant woman who creates her own designs and patterns and keeps her prices totally reasonable. If I ever need a specialized costume of this variety, I have her card. Will totally call her. Her work is A.Mazing.
With Halloween only a few weeks away, I’m looking forward to another opportunity to wear this awesome stuff again. You should check it out. I’m serious.
When’s the last time you had a great excuse to dress up? Do you do the Halloween thing?
For one thing, the variety of unique people was incredible and exhilarating. It was almost like this convention was the one place where people could be who they are, or who they want to be—including a Klingon or a Jedi or Harry Potter or any other number of fantastical characters—without worrying about being judged by others. Well, except the masquerade judges, but that’s totally voluntary.
The incredible creativity of the people in attendance was absolutely amazing. I loved it.
Not only that, the lets-dress-up-and-have fun mentality there is contagious. I offer exhibit A.
See those corsets? Courtesy of Damsel in this Dress. Can I just say that Michelle (the owner) is a fascinating, brilliant woman who creates her own designs and patterns and keeps her prices totally reasonable. If I ever need a specialized costume of this variety, I have her card. Will totally call her. Her work is A.Mazing.
With Halloween only a few weeks away, I’m looking forward to another opportunity to wear this awesome stuff again. You should check it out. I’m serious.
When’s the last time you had a great excuse to dress up? Do you do the Halloween thing?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Impressions that Matter
Last week when I was at WorldCON, my roomies and I got into a discussion about networking, and how much it really matters. This discussion seemed to revolve around two solid points.
First, making personal connections with others who are—like us—first and foremost, people.
Second, solidifying that connection by making a memorable impression.
To me and my roomies, this meant grooming and dressing appropriately for each situation and other things of that nature. Because those are definitely priority. But also being in the moment. Listening. Joking. Laughing. Discussing. Remembering. Connecting.
In my experience, there have actually been occasions which called for singing and dancing. *shrugs* It happens.
My point is if we want to be remembered, we have to be brave enough to step up, reach over, and stand out.
So. What are your secrets to making a lasting impression?
Shout out:
**Also, check this out. It's a critique partner matching website. What a great idea. Ladies Who Critique.
Meet Your Perfect Critique Partner Today!
- Get the valuable feedback you need for your writing.
- Find other writers by genre, experience, & interests.
- Make contact, exchange work, and get critiquing.
It’s Fun, Free & Fabulous!
First, making personal connections with others who are—like us—first and foremost, people.
Second, solidifying that connection by making a memorable impression.
To me and my roomies, this meant grooming and dressing appropriately for each situation and other things of that nature. Because those are definitely priority. But also being in the moment. Listening. Joking. Laughing. Discussing. Remembering. Connecting.
In my experience, there have actually been occasions which called for singing and dancing. *shrugs* It happens.
My point is if we want to be remembered, we have to be brave enough to step up, reach over, and stand out.
So. What are your secrets to making a lasting impression?
Shout out:
**Also, check this out. It's a critique partner matching website. What a great idea. Ladies Who Critique.
Meet Your Perfect Critique Partner Today!
- Get the valuable feedback you need for your writing.
- Find other writers by genre, experience, & interests.
- Make contact, exchange work, and get critiquing.
It’s Fun, Free & Fabulous!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
10 Things I LOVED about WorldCON in Reno
I am still too exhausted to write an entire blog post detailing all my favorite moments from RENOvation. And since school started, like, hours after I returned home, I expect to be exhausted for—I dunno—another week? A month? Anyway, I don’t want to wait that long to tell ya, so I’m going to make a list and hope it gives you just a little taste of my favorite parts of last week. (In the order I come up with them, but not necessarily in order of what I loved most or least.)
1. Upon arrival at the conference center, my roomies and I immediately saw George R.R. Martin and stalked him until he agreed to come to the throne and pose in a picture with us.
2. Checking out the dealer room (and by dealer, I mean where they sell stuff that is legal, like corsets and books and jewelry—what were you thinking?) and finding treasures. Some of which were people.
3. Attending a private party hosted by TOR and hanging with more agents and editors than I’ve ever, ever seen in one single location. (Yes, we met, and yes, we pitched, and yes, requested. *squee*)
This is where they stored the drinks. Dr. Pepper, all around! (Why yes, that is a bathtub.)
4. Being escorted the half mile to our hotel (after missing the shuttle) by bestselling author Peter Brett and his agent friend Eddie Schneider (JABerwocky). They were quite chivalrous. And also lots of fun to hang out with. And now I have to read all of Peter’s books and catch up with the rest of the world because I have—apparently—been living under a rock for the last few years.
5. Becoming a lampshade sister with my roomies, wherein we swore an oath to always attend WorldCON together because it was SO BEYOND AWESOME. (*hugs to my sistahs* Especially Alaina, who is not in this pic, but was in one--somewhere.)
6. Chillin with lots of peeps I haven’t seen for a while, and making SO MANY new friends from around the world.
7. Attending the Hugos, even though none of my Utah friends won, and then actually being allowed to HOLD A HUGO later that evening.
8. Really amazing, creative, beautiful costumes being worn by some really amazing, creative, BRAVE, bold people. Also, my roomies and I dressed up for Masquerade night. It. Was. AWESOME.
9. Being invited to a private party by George Martin himself (and also by Lodey, and Wolfgang, and I think Stego, then later Frisco and Blackfyre—they all invited us) hosted by the Brotherhood Without Banners where we met some really awesome peeps, and joined, and then were invited back the next night so we could be sent on a quest after which we were knighted by GRRM. (That’s Ser Nichole, Awful Awful Lady Knight to you!) Funnest parties ever. I’m serious. Thanks BWB!
10. Hearing this EXCELLENT news about my Lampshade Sister, Jenn, and celebrating by eating Italian food at La Veccia. Twice. I am so happy for her I squealed. A few times. I’m actually hoarse now. Not joking.
So, there you have them—ten off-the-cuff highlights from RENOvation. There’s more. A lot more. But some stuff just has to be experienced.
What about you? What’s one of your most awesome conference/convention experiences? I’d love to hear it.
1. Upon arrival at the conference center, my roomies and I immediately saw George R.R. Martin and stalked him until he agreed to come to the throne and pose in a picture with us.
2. Checking out the dealer room (and by dealer, I mean where they sell stuff that is legal, like corsets and books and jewelry—what were you thinking?) and finding treasures. Some of which were people.
3. Attending a private party hosted by TOR and hanging with more agents and editors than I’ve ever, ever seen in one single location. (Yes, we met, and yes, we pitched, and yes, requested. *squee*)
This is where they stored the drinks. Dr. Pepper, all around! (Why yes, that is a bathtub.)
4. Being escorted the half mile to our hotel (after missing the shuttle) by bestselling author Peter Brett and his agent friend Eddie Schneider (JABerwocky). They were quite chivalrous. And also lots of fun to hang out with. And now I have to read all of Peter’s books and catch up with the rest of the world because I have—apparently—been living under a rock for the last few years.
5. Becoming a lampshade sister with my roomies, wherein we swore an oath to always attend WorldCON together because it was SO BEYOND AWESOME. (*hugs to my sistahs* Especially Alaina, who is not in this pic, but was in one--somewhere.)
6. Chillin with lots of peeps I haven’t seen for a while, and making SO MANY new friends from around the world.
7. Attending the Hugos, even though none of my Utah friends won, and then actually being allowed to HOLD A HUGO later that evening.
8. Really amazing, creative, beautiful costumes being worn by some really amazing, creative, BRAVE, bold people. Also, my roomies and I dressed up for Masquerade night. It. Was. AWESOME.
9. Being invited to a private party by George Martin himself (and also by Lodey, and Wolfgang, and I think Stego, then later Frisco and Blackfyre—they all invited us) hosted by the Brotherhood Without Banners where we met some really awesome peeps, and joined, and then were invited back the next night so we could be sent on a quest after which we were knighted by GRRM. (That’s Ser Nichole, Awful Awful Lady Knight to you!) Funnest parties ever. I’m serious. Thanks BWB!
10. Hearing this EXCELLENT news about my Lampshade Sister, Jenn, and celebrating by eating Italian food at La Veccia. Twice. I am so happy for her I squealed. A few times. I’m actually hoarse now. Not joking.
So, there you have them—ten off-the-cuff highlights from RENOvation. There’s more. A lot more. But some stuff just has to be experienced.
What about you? What’s one of your most awesome conference/convention experiences? I’d love to hear it.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
I'm Back!
Dudes. I just got back from WorldCON in Reno. Sorry about the lack of blogs for the last week and a half, but even though my friends warned me, I had NO IDEA how busy I’d be. I’m talking like, never turned on the hotel TV busy. Didn’t read a single page except while traveling busy. Never opened my computer busy. And I might as well admit that I was sleep-three-hours-a-night busy, too.
It. Was. So. FUN.
And I know you’re dying to hear all the highlights because it might help you decide if attending a WorldCON should be in your future. And I will give a rundown this week. Just not today. My brain is still fuzzy, and I have so much to catch up on that I’m a bit overwhelmed. But I will say this.
Pay the fee. Reserve the room. Buy the ticket.
You will NOT be sorry. I’m already making plans to attend next year. I have somewhere around 371 days to save up and prepare. That’s plenty of time.
ChiCON, here I come! (Translation for ChiCON=WorldCON in Chicago.)
It. Was. So. FUN.
And I know you’re dying to hear all the highlights because it might help you decide if attending a WorldCON should be in your future. And I will give a rundown this week. Just not today. My brain is still fuzzy, and I have so much to catch up on that I’m a bit overwhelmed. But I will say this.
You will NOT be sorry. I’m already making plans to attend next year. I have somewhere around 371 days to save up and prepare. That’s plenty of time.
ChiCON, here I come! (Translation for ChiCON=WorldCON in Chicago.)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Conferences, Projects, and Insanity!
Not to brag, but tomorrow morning, I will be heading out of town for World CON in Reno, otherwise known as RENOvation. I was going to schedule a bunch of blogs to post while I'm gone, but I'm not sure I'll have time so I think I may have to take the week off.
You can survive without me for a week, can't ya?
In the meantime, if you're feeling sad about not being able to attend a conference yourself, you can! This week is the second annual WriteOnCon, a completely FREE online event which teaches all about writing and publishing for young adult audiences. I attended last year (will also try to catch some events this year if possible) and it was fantastic. So be sure to head on over and check it out.
While I'm gone I'll also be working on some editing projects for others, and one polishing one of my own. Cross your fingers that I'll be able to be productive and learn at the same time, cuz there are deadlines coming at me from all over the place.
And, holy moly, school starts for my kids the day I get back. Yikes!
Summer is coming to a close with warp speed, people. I hope you're wearing seat belts, because it's time to slam on the brakes and go educational or something.
See you on the flip side! Have a great week.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Made By Sheer Determination
Did I ever tell you my daughter Sneezy plays soccer? I know we’ve discussed basketball and softball, but all truth be told, soccer is her game. It’s the sport that makes her smile even as she tapes her blisters, dresses turf burn, and ices deep purple bruises.
This year she’s heading into high school as a sophomore (our HS here starts with sophomores, and freshmen attend the junior high—but don’t get me started on that) and decided she wanted to try out for the JV/ varsity soccer team.
At the beginning of June, Sneezy had a large tumor (non cancerous, yay!) removed from her neck. The surgery resulted in tendon and nerve damage in her neck and face that has left portions of those areas either in pain or completely numb. As a result, Sneezy has a tough time fully rotating her shoulder (a bad deal for a keeper/goalie), and occasionally when she runs, the insides of her neck throb like they’re going to "fall out".
Within a week of her surgery, summer conditioning started. Five days a week from 8-10:00 am, players proved their dedication by showing up and working their butts off in preparation for the soccer season. Sneezy missed almost a month, and worried about falling behind. Still, she determined she had to try.
So as soon as she could, Sneezy got up early every summer morning and went to conditioning, worked extra hard, then came home and spent the rest of the day with Ice packs taped to her shoulder and neck until she stopped needing the ice, and stopped needing the painkillers, and started to catch up.
Last week was try out week, which meant two hours in the mornings and two in the afternoons, of very seriously difficult work. At the end of each day, the coaches made cuts, and only those who made it through were invited back the next day.
Monday: Sneezy didn’t get cut. But one of her best friends (who is a phenomenal player) did.
Tuesday: Sneezy didn’t get cut. But another of her best friends did.
Wednesday: Most of Sneezy’s friends got cut. But Sneezy was invited back.
Thursday: Sneezy made the team and was given not just one, but two playing positions, ensuring her playing time as both JV and Varsity.
Friday: To celebrate, the team ran five miles around the city before starting their regular workout routine. But Sneezy got both her keeper jersey, and her forward one.
Sneezy still has pain and numbness. And she’s so sad her best friends got cut. But she has dedicated herself to working hard, moving up, doing her best to be the best soccer player she can be, despite any obstacles or challenges that come her way.
We’d all do well to learn a lesson from my fifteen-year-old Sneezy. I certainly have.
**All you Utahns, don't forget to stop by the big event and say hi!
This year she’s heading into high school as a sophomore (our HS here starts with sophomores, and freshmen attend the junior high—but don’t get me started on that) and decided she wanted to try out for the JV/ varsity soccer team.
At the beginning of June, Sneezy had a large tumor (non cancerous, yay!) removed from her neck. The surgery resulted in tendon and nerve damage in her neck and face that has left portions of those areas either in pain or completely numb. As a result, Sneezy has a tough time fully rotating her shoulder (a bad deal for a keeper/goalie), and occasionally when she runs, the insides of her neck throb like they’re going to "fall out".
Within a week of her surgery, summer conditioning started. Five days a week from 8-10:00 am, players proved their dedication by showing up and working their butts off in preparation for the soccer season. Sneezy missed almost a month, and worried about falling behind. Still, she determined she had to try.
So as soon as she could, Sneezy got up early every summer morning and went to conditioning, worked extra hard, then came home and spent the rest of the day with Ice packs taped to her shoulder and neck until she stopped needing the ice, and stopped needing the painkillers, and started to catch up.
Last week was try out week, which meant two hours in the mornings and two in the afternoons, of very seriously difficult work. At the end of each day, the coaches made cuts, and only those who made it through were invited back the next day.
Monday: Sneezy didn’t get cut. But one of her best friends (who is a phenomenal player) did.
Tuesday: Sneezy didn’t get cut. But another of her best friends did.
Wednesday: Most of Sneezy’s friends got cut. But Sneezy was invited back.
Thursday: Sneezy made the team and was given not just one, but two playing positions, ensuring her playing time as both JV and Varsity.
Friday: To celebrate, the team ran five miles around the city before starting their regular workout routine. But Sneezy got both her keeper jersey, and her forward one.
Sneezy still has pain and numbness. And she’s so sad her best friends got cut. But she has dedicated herself to working hard, moving up, doing her best to be the best soccer player she can be, despite any obstacles or challenges that come her way.
We’d all do well to learn a lesson from my fifteen-year-old Sneezy. I certainly have.
**All you Utahns, don't forget to stop by the big event and say hi!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Oh Summer, My Dear Summer
In case you haven’t noticed, June somehow morphed into August in the blink of an eye. So fast, it almost felt like we skipped right over July (which, FYI, happens to be one of my favorite months of the year). School starts again in like, two weeks.
Get this. High school sports teams (like JV/Varsity soccer, which my sophomore daughter made after an INSANE week of tryouts) have been chosen and practice started. Class schedules and predicted fees have been mailed out, and back to school shopping is in full swing (for most people).
And through it all, I keep thinking…NOOOOOOOO! Not yet. I’m not ready for summer break to be over yet. IT JUST STARTED!
But like it or not, it’s about here. I have a total of two and a half weeks left before it’s officially over for good—and one of those weeks I will spend in Reno at World CON (without my family).
One of my most favorite parts of this summer has been the times I’ve taken to visit people I don’t see often enough, just to chat, or eat treats or a meal, or see a movie. I’ve had a lot of dear friends come into town, and most of them have been able to find time to hang out for just an hour or two.
I think it’s crazy that we only make time for the funnest stuff during certain months. It’s like we’ve been preprogrammed to think we’re only allowed to enjoy ourselves between this time and this time, and the rest of the year we have to work, work, work.
Why do we do this? I propose that we all stop thinking that way and continue living the ideals of summer throughout the rest of the year. I mean, sure, okay. I’ll probably have to put the top up on my convertible about the time the first real blizzard hits Utah, but I can still meet up with my favorite people and eat soup or drink hot chocolate or cider, right? Yeah. Okay.
*Sighs*
Still. I will have to get some work done at some point.
*hangs head*
Guess I’ll cheer myself up by stocking up on notebooks and pens. At least there’s one good thing about the end of summer. School supply sales!
Get this. High school sports teams (like JV/Varsity soccer, which my sophomore daughter made after an INSANE week of tryouts) have been chosen and practice started. Class schedules and predicted fees have been mailed out, and back to school shopping is in full swing (for most people).
And through it all, I keep thinking…NOOOOOOOO! Not yet. I’m not ready for summer break to be over yet. IT JUST STARTED!
But like it or not, it’s about here. I have a total of two and a half weeks left before it’s officially over for good—and one of those weeks I will spend in Reno at World CON (without my family).
One of my most favorite parts of this summer has been the times I’ve taken to visit people I don’t see often enough, just to chat, or eat treats or a meal, or see a movie. I’ve had a lot of dear friends come into town, and most of them have been able to find time to hang out for just an hour or two.
I think it’s crazy that we only make time for the funnest stuff during certain months. It’s like we’ve been preprogrammed to think we’re only allowed to enjoy ourselves between this time and this time, and the rest of the year we have to work, work, work.
Why do we do this? I propose that we all stop thinking that way and continue living the ideals of summer throughout the rest of the year. I mean, sure, okay. I’ll probably have to put the top up on my convertible about the time the first real blizzard hits Utah, but I can still meet up with my favorite people and eat soup or drink hot chocolate or cider, right? Yeah. Okay.
*Sighs*
Still. I will have to get some work done at some point.
*hangs head*
Guess I’ll cheer myself up by stocking up on notebooks and pens. At least there’s one good thing about the end of summer. School supply sales!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Super-Spectacular, Uber-Fun Party/Event—You’re Invited!
I don’t know if you’ve been to my events page or not, but this week I’m participating in an uber-cool, super-de-duper fun event in celebration of the launch of the newest Tristi Pinkston release in the Secret Sisters series, Hang ‘em High. Now, you know I’m not a blogger who frequently uses this space as an advertisement, so it should say a lot about how excited I am that I’m shouting about it here.
So check. This. Out. (Yeah, I took a picture of the flier--so shoot me.)
So check. This. Out. (Yeah, I took a picture of the flier--so shoot me.)
Did you see my name on that list of authors? Yeah. Not only will I be signing, but also handing out balloons and candy and whatever else needs doing. So come say hi. Bring your friends. And your neighbors. And your kids and their friends. And your extended family members. And when you meet me, tell me you read about this event on my blog. I *may* have a special treat just for my readers. Cuz I love you all so much.
Hope to see you there!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Many People, One Mood
I love being social. Love hanging out with lots of friends, with my ginormous family, with writers at conferences, with…just people. It makes me happy. And when I’m hanging out with people, and I’m happy, they tend to leave happy too—even if they didn’t start out that way. And vice-versa.
When this happens, I think it’s because one person has come together with others, and that person brought with them an infectious mood that sets the tone for everyone else.
*dances a jig* Do as I’m doing, follow, follow me… (sing along!)
It could be the kid who runs through the house and pokes you in the side screaming, “Tag! You’re it!” You can’t tell me that if one of your kids (or friends, or siblings) did that, you wouldn’t chase them down and tag them back. (If you wouldn’t—you’re SO missing out.) (I did this as a kid. Got thrown in the pool for my efforts more times than I can count—yes, we had a pool. We lived in Arizona at the time—they’re very common.)
The point is, it doesn’t matter where you are or what the situation. It only takes ONE person to turn the tides, to set the tone for others around you. So choose your moods and your words wisely, my young Padawans, and use the Force. Your friends will thank you for your positive influence. Someday.
**This month, I reviewed Watched by Cindy Hogan, and The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson.Be sure to come see what I thought about them.And don't miss this exciting announcement about a very cool event at which I will be signing.
When this happens, I think it’s because one person has come together with others, and that person brought with them an infectious mood that sets the tone for everyone else.
*dances a jig* Do as I’m doing, follow, follow me… (sing along!)
It could be the kid who runs through the house and pokes you in the side screaming, “Tag! You’re it!” You can’t tell me that if one of your kids (or friends, or siblings) did that, you wouldn’t chase them down and tag them back. (If you wouldn’t—you’re SO missing out.) (I did this as a kid. Got thrown in the pool for my efforts more times than I can count—yes, we had a pool. We lived in Arizona at the time—they’re very common.)
The point is, it doesn’t matter where you are or what the situation. It only takes ONE person to turn the tides, to set the tone for others around you. So choose your moods and your words wisely, my young Padawans, and use the Force. Your friends will thank you for your positive influence. Someday.
**This month, I reviewed Watched by Cindy Hogan, and The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson.Be sure to come see what I thought about them.And don't miss this exciting announcement about a very cool event at which I will be signing.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
This is Why
This.
This is why, and how, and because. It is the motivation, the knowledge, the encouragement.
Every time one of my friends has the privilege of making such an announcement, I am encouraged. Because I KNOW that one day soon I will make one of my own.
It is announcements like this that remind me to never, ever give up.
Back to work!
*In case you didn't click both links, they're different--TWO of my friends had big announcements this week. You should check them out. Seriously.
This is why, and how, and because. It is the motivation, the knowledge, the encouragement.
Every time one of my friends has the privilege of making such an announcement, I am encouraged. Because I KNOW that one day soon I will make one of my own.
It is announcements like this that remind me to never, ever give up.
Back to work!
*In case you didn't click both links, they're different--TWO of my friends had big announcements this week. You should check them out. Seriously.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Running for Tragedy
In case you’re wondering how I did on Saturday, not only did I survive, but I was NOT the last person to cross the finish line. In fact, as predicted, I ended somewhere in the middle. More importantly, I finished. I set out to try a new thing, to do it for a good cause, and I did it.
And look, I didn’t even keel over afterward! Though I did get sprayed by a fire hose.(Yeah, I'm the short one.)
But sore muscles and wet clothes were not my only takeaway. Before the run, the parents of the little boy in whose memory Cooper's Run was created, stood to talk to the crowd, explaining how the raised money would go to help special needs children, and how their son would have been amazed and impressed at all the people who showed up to run that morning.
Those parents took their heart-wrenching tragedy and turned it into a blessing which has touched the lives of many, many others. By all rights, they could have crawled into deep depression and spent the last two years wallowing in grief. Instead, they’ve found therapy in service—and have magnified that service into a huge event which has rallied an entire community to also support and serve.
I think there’s a lesson in that. If ever I’m tempted to feel sorry for myself, I’d do well to remember Cooper’s family and their example. And if nothing else, go for a good long run instead.
And look, I didn’t even keel over afterward! Though I did get sprayed by a fire hose.(Yeah, I'm the short one.)
But sore muscles and wet clothes were not my only takeaway. Before the run, the parents of the little boy in whose memory Cooper's Run was created, stood to talk to the crowd, explaining how the raised money would go to help special needs children, and how their son would have been amazed and impressed at all the people who showed up to run that morning.
Those parents took their heart-wrenching tragedy and turned it into a blessing which has touched the lives of many, many others. By all rights, they could have crawled into deep depression and spent the last two years wallowing in grief. Instead, they’ve found therapy in service—and have magnified that service into a huge event which has rallied an entire community to also support and serve.
I think there’s a lesson in that. If ever I’m tempted to feel sorry for myself, I’d do well to remember Cooper’s family and their example. And if nothing else, go for a good long run instead.
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