Last Saturday Danny, Lauren, and I participated in Raleigh's Race for the Cure. We were part of the team Danny formed and headed up through his work. (He is on their fitness/health committee or something like that!) As a whole, we raised over $2,000 --- thanks to many of you who contributed! This Race in particular raised over $2 million (imagine me saying this like Dr. Evil from Austin Powers).
I've never done the Race before. I think this is Danny's 3rd. He ran the actual 5K race in 27 minutes (Good job!!) and then joined Lauren and I for the walk. So he did his 6 miles for the day!
The weather was perfect and the course started in Meredith College and ran through a historic neighborhood in Raleigh where most of the streets were shaded by large Oak trees. Praise God!
The coolest thing about the race was its sense of community. Danny said you couldn't get this kind of feeling in D.C. As we worked our way through the neighborhoods, people were on their lawns with signs and sprinklers; kids were shooting us with water guns, musical brass bands played the theme to "Rocky" and so on. One of the coolest sights was a survivor sitting on her porch with her friend and dog with a huge sign that read: "Survivor since 1980." The groups that would walk by her would all start to roar in clapping and cheering as they passed her sign.
It was truly a warm, fuzzy community experience. I loved seeing how different all the participants were and I think it was a great reflection of the diversity of Raleigh -- one of the things I love about this city.
On another interesting note: A couple days before the Race, we found out the organization for Race for the Cure donates money to Planned Parenthood. A lot of money. The funds they give to Planned Parenthood are specific for breast healthcare/education. That's great. But as a wise friend also said, this really allows for Planned Parenthood to free up much of their other funds to focus on their initiative, which as Christians, Danny, Lauren and I do not support.
Since we had already committed to the race we followed through and did have a good experience. We believe in the cause of funding research to find a cure for breast cancer. Let's face it, either I or one of you that I know and love well, WILL probably be stricken with this disease. But will we choose Race for the Cure as a way to fight breast cancer in the future? Not sure.
Here are pix from our day.
6.10.2009
So Sad about Shooting at USHMM
As many of you know, my last employer was the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. I was so sad to hear about the shooting and death of the security guard because of the white supremacist crazy nut.
I did not know the guard or recognize him, but one of the things I learned in my orientation at USHMM is that their security was top notch. They were wayyyy ahead of the game pre-9/11. In fact, after 9/11 many of the other Federal agencies came to USHMM to help up date their security.
Even though its been 2 years since I've worked there, I have a great deal of respect for the work that has been/being done there. I am so, so sad for the staff. I can't wrap my mind around the hate this stupid gunman has.
If you ever get a chance to visit the museum, I highly recommend it.
I did not know the guard or recognize him, but one of the things I learned in my orientation at USHMM is that their security was top notch. They were wayyyy ahead of the game pre-9/11. In fact, after 9/11 many of the other Federal agencies came to USHMM to help up date their security.
Even though its been 2 years since I've worked there, I have a great deal of respect for the work that has been/being done there. I am so, so sad for the staff. I can't wrap my mind around the hate this stupid gunman has.
If you ever get a chance to visit the museum, I highly recommend it.
6.09.2009
Group Show @ Helios
Last Friday was the "opening" for our group show. One of the other artists took some pix so I am sharing. Lauren, Danny, and I dropped by and got to chit chat with my instructor and another painter I know. Even though it was gray and rainy and I was sick with a cold, it was still cool. Lauren told me she was proud of me for getting back into painting and how cool and happy she was for me to return to something I am so passionate about.
We also had a great conversation with my instructor who said unsolicited that I should take my painting seriously because I am "very talented." YAY! Always nice to be affirmed about your talents by someone you respect. My next goal is to find studio space to paint hopefully this fall which Danny is seems to be more determined to make happen then me. :)
I'm so glad God created me to love the arts and painting. It is such a blessing to my inner spirit. Sounds corny, but true. I think I'm coming to terms with the fact that in many ways, painting is a form of worshiping God for me.
We also had a great conversation with my instructor who said unsolicited that I should take my painting seriously because I am "very talented." YAY! Always nice to be affirmed about your talents by someone you respect. My next goal is to find studio space to paint hopefully this fall which Danny is seems to be more determined to make happen then me. :)
I'm so glad God created me to love the arts and painting. It is such a blessing to my inner spirit. Sounds corny, but true. I think I'm coming to terms with the fact that in many ways, painting is a form of worshiping God for me.
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