“Rainy Weather’ Cedar Park, 2023
Today’s run was very short because it was drizzling a bit. I didn’t enjoy it as much as usual, but the fresh air was nice and definitely needed. 😄
A Rainy Run
“Rainy Weather’ Cedar Park, 2023
Category: Well-being
“Rainy Weather’ Cedar Park, 2023
New Pen and Ink
“Kakuno and Fuyu-Syogun” Cedar Park, 2023
Two additions to my stationery aresenal: Fuyu-Syogun ink and a Kakuno EF nib fountain pen. I’ve come to the conclusion that my Pilot Metropolitan fountain pens are my favorite and most comfortable for writing my Morning Pages, but I wanted to try out an EF (extra-fine) nib. It isn’t available on the Metropolitan body, but fortunately can be found on the Kakuno line of pens, whose nibs are interchangeable with the Metropolitans. I can’t wait to try out the EF nib… but not sure if I will swap it out onto a Metropolitan just yet…
I also bought some grey fountain pen ink, which I’ve wanted for a long time. I loaded up my broad-nib Lamy Safari with the ink and it looks fantastic! Subtle and sophisticated, but also kind of playful. I love it so much!
Best Run
“New Shoes” Cedar Park, 2023
Today I had one of the best runs ever. It started off just like any other, even a bit too cold for me, but soon I was just cruising along. I had so much energy, and the songs that were appearing from my playlist were perfect. A mix of energetic, nostalgic, and feel-good. I was smiling almost the whole run!
“Railway” Cedar Park 2023
In fact, I waved at pretty much all the runners that I saw. I think the combination of morning coffee and two day’s worth of mashed potatoes and stuffing gave me a ton of energy, and I didn’t feel any aches or pains other than the normal muscle soreness. My shoulder usually starts hurting at about 6 miles, but I didn’t feel any pain the whole run!
“Open Road” Cedar Park, 2023
I’m not a fast runner, but today I felt like I was on cruise control. It was lik my second wind kicked in early and never let up. I guess I was experiencing the proverbial runner’s high as well, and I only stopped for drink of water and to stretch.
I mentioned that the music was perfect today, and one of the songs that gave me the most energy was Venus by Hitomi. And I realized that playing the air drums while running is so much fun! 😂
I honestly can’t remember a better run that today’s. It felt so good. And I ended up setting a half-marathon PR. Woohoo!!
“Running Selfie” Round Rock, 2023
On to the Next Notebook
“Notebook Collecton” Cedar Park, 2023
I started writing my Morning Pages a few months ago, and since then I’ve completed two notebooks. Today I am starting a new one, so I need to choose from my unused collection. Most of these are just blank pages (no lines or grid) so I’m not sure how the writing will go, but I’m not too worried about it. I’m mainly just happy that I’ve been able to keep at it almost every day. It’s so therapeutic to write out my thoughts without censorship, editing, or worrying about grammar, spelling, or penmanship.
And it’s such a treat to take the finished notebook and throw it into the recycling bin. Onto the next notebook!
Morning Pages and Old Journals
“Old Journals” Cedar Park, 2023
I’ve recently started a “Morning Pages” habit, where I spend time each morning writing in a stream-of-consciousness journal. It’s supposed to help identify what is going on in our minds and what is perhaps causing us stress or roadblocks. I think it is pretty effective too! Usually by the end (I write 3 pages in a small A5-sized journal right now) I’ve gotten to write out what is bugging me and taking up space in my head.
A bonus for me is that I get to use my fountain pens and fill up blank notebooks that I have laying around. I also enjoy writing and not worrying about editing or misspelling or crossing things out and making a mess. People often will go back and read their morning pages after a while, but I think I am just going to throw out notebooks as I finish them. I think there’s some beauty in that “impermanence” and messiness.
And related to that is today’s photo of a couple of journals that I wrote when I was in high school and college. I actually took a look at a few of the pages, and while they were interesting (and cringey), I put them in the garbage. The past is the past and it feels good to start looking more toward the future. And also with the Morning Pages, the present.
