A Runner's Ode to a Tree

One cannot always explain what makes something their favorite.  It just is. While I have more than one favorite aspect of my various running routes, one which strikes me the most is my favorite tree along my usual weekend running route. 

Taken one frosty January 2014 morning

There is just something about this tree that strikes me. I never tire of seeing it, and in fact enjoy seeing it in it's various phases throughout the year.  And so I imagine that if this lovely tree could talk, it would offer the following to all who pass by:

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring

Photo taken March 19, 2014

The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!
~Poem by By Ilan Shamir ("Advice from a Tree")

And so I shall take this advice and reflect up on it each time I run by this wise looking tree, which for a reason I cannot quite explain strikes me with wonder and awe each time I pass by. 

Photo taken March 29, 2014

Hidden Treasures

Most everyone who knows me, knows that I am a running nerd.  

Holiday Tree along the weekend path I run

One of the aspects of running I love the most is that you just never know what hidden treasures you'll discover when out on a run. 

Every weekend I like to get in one long run, and my long run typically takes me to a pedestrian path which infuses my run with nature: trees, flowers, critters, and the holiday tree.

I first noticed the Holiday Tree at Christmastime one cold and foggy morning, and of course took a photo.  

Holiday Tree at Christmastime

Christmas came and went, and I was excited to see the tree all decked out for Valentine's Day! I snapped another picture, and began to notice a pattern with this wonderful tree off to the side of the pedestrian path. 

Holiday Tree ready for Valentine's Day

Expectations for St. Patrick's Day were high, it did not disappoint for come March the tree was in top top shape for the day of pinch-me-if-I-don't-wear-green! 

There will be no pinching This Holiday Tree!

I have no idea who decorates this tree, but as you can see from the first photo above, the Holiday Tree is ready for Easter, and in fact as I approached it on my run this weekend, I actually exclaimed out loud, "Yes!" as I realized my favorite little tree was sporting Easter decor.

Here's to hoping come 4th Of July this humble Holiday Tree is trimmed in red-white-and-blue.

Aurora Chorus, The Rising of the Women Is the Rising of Us All Collaborates with Team Congo PDX

We are excited to announce that Team Congo PDX is collaborating with Aurora Chorus on International Women's Day.

Aurora Chorus invites Team Congo to an International Women’s Day concert, The Rising of the Women Is the Rising of Us All, on Saturday, March 8. A chorus member will be on hand at the run with tickets and information. Aurora is donating the proceeds of the first 25 tickets sold at the run to Team Congo, and will have materials on Women for Women International available at the concert. Tickets are $10; see below for more details. 

 In this concert, Aurora will present voices from the past – women such as Abigail Adams, Virginia Woolf, and the South African women who first challenged apartheid. We will also look to the future with the world premiere of “I Am Malala,” featuring the words of Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani girl who has taken a lead role in fighting for the right of every girl to receive an education, set to music by our director, nationally renowned choral composer Joan Szymko. Guest artist Anne Weiss will close out the concert with a set featuring her unique musical style inspired by folk, blues, and gospel, among other influences. 

Szymko spoke of her inspiration for writing "I Am Malala":  

"The name of the piece, “I Am Malala,” is the name of her memoir. And when she was shot, there were a lot of young people around the world standing up saying, “I am Malala. We’re all Malala,” with the idea that violence cannot stop the human spirit and the will to better oneself. For the text, I watched a lot of Malala on YouTube, selecting quotes and crafting a lyric. “I am afraid of no one” comes from a longer quote. She said, “I don't mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education. And I'm afraid of no one.” And really, if you’ve been shot in the head and you survive—if you face that and come out on the other side—what happens to fear?" 

For the full interview, visit the chorus website at:  www.aurorachorus.org


Details:
Aurora Chorus, The Rising of the Women Is the Rising of Us All
Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.
First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Avenue, Portland, Oregon
Tickets, $12, are available online at www.aurorachorus.org or by phone at 800-838-3006
Tickets will also be available at the door
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1444063655823168/