walk | Change Is Hard

October 2, 2015
by dawnkinster 8 Comments

Play date!

Peep and me meeting this morning at the park.

Katie here! Guess what? Remember when I told you that my mama was gone all the time, and then she took me to the kennel and left me there? I was thinking maybe she didn’t love me anymore or something. But today she proved she loved me cause she took me for a long walk in the woods. And even better we got to do it with my friend Peep and her mom!

Peep and I had so much fun! We especially liked foiling all our mamas’ attempts to get cute pictures of the two of us together. We talked about it before we set out on the trail and decided one or the other of us would always turn away when either of them pointed a camera at us.

Got our plan down. Onward!

It worked great.

They hardly got any good pictures of us together while we went on our long walk. After awhile they just gave up. Score one for the dogs!

What’s over there?

We got to walk through the beautiful woods on a very pretty day. And it was cooler too, only in the 50s (10s in Celsius) which I like a whole lot better than the hot summer days when my coat is just so hot!

Want to come to the park with me next time?

Most of the time I got to be off leash, though when we got near a road my mama put my leash back on cause you know I like to chase cars. There wasn’t anyone else out there though, it was wonderful. The whole place was just for us!

This is my good friend Peep!

Peep and I decided that once we got back to the beach we’d let the moms take pictures of us sitting together, as long as they didn’t make us sit too close.

We did this for the moms.

We like each other and all, but we still like our own personal space, you know?

So then after we posed for them my mama was talking to Peep’s mom about calling us so she could get pictures of us running to her, and I heard her say ‘call’ and figured that was good enough, so I took off for her, leaving poor Peep in the dust.

Coming mama!

Peep says the only reason I got ahead of her was because I cheated. I think it’s my due as a princess.

Either way we had a wonderful time out there in the park for a couple of hours. When we got home mama had to comb out my furs to get all the bits of leaves and stickers out of me. I was sort of a mess. But I’m a good girl and stood quietly on my table till she was done cleaning out my armpits.

Then I took a nap. Cause that’s what a princess does after a big day. I heard mama and Peep’s mom talking about when we can go again before hunting season. I’m pretty sure we’re going to get one more long walk together soon.

Wait up!

I hope so. Cause Peep and I are champion walkers in the woods kind of dogs. Plus we look good doing it.

Don’t you agree?

Yep. Will pose for food.

July 16, 2015
by dawnkinster 15 Comments

Walking through debate theory

Thinking about stuff

When you feel passionately about something it’s only natural that you’ll come across others that feel differently, people who are just as passionate about their own views. And with social media we often see up close and personal all the different opinions of the people we call friends. Where a political opinion or a religious comment might be left silent in our face to face dealings, the misplaced feeling of anonymity causes many of us to open right up about what we feel strongly about when we’re online.

I’ve never been a great debater. I don’t even like watching debates because I can see both sides of most arguments, and I don’t like to see anyone lose. But these days with politics continually running on 24/7 news stations there’s lots of fodder for posts. And people take sides loudly and regularly. Sometimes it’s made me uncomfortable…and a few times I’ve thought about unfriending folks who have vastly different opinions about religion and politics than my own.

But I’ve never unfriended anyone. Because if I unfriend someone because they think different than me how will I get to hear the other side of the argument? How can there be any expansion of my mind, any reconsideration of other points of view if I don’t even see their comments?

I thought about all of this yesterday during a morning walk. I was having a Facebook debate about a truck safety issue with a friend. We don’t agree on some things because we come from different life experiences. We base our opinions on the things we know. That’s what everyone does. Some things we will have to agree to disagree about. Other things will be resolved on common ground.

In the end what I came to realize on my walk is that friends don’t have to like the same things, think the same things, support the same things. Friends just have to be open to new ideas, respectful of different points of view. Debate, as uncomfortable as it is, is how change happens.

And change can be good, even when it’s hard.

March 29, 2015
by dawnkinster 6 Comments

Mall walking

I hate to think I’m old enough to enjoy mall walking. Have you ever tried it? In the middle of a Michigan winter (or a Michigan spring apparently) I can walk as many miles as I want, inside, with pretty things to look at, carpet and hardwood under my feet, upbeat music playing and no rain or snow falling on my head. Perfect!

I had pictures all set for this blog, taken on my camera this morning. But I can’t figure out how to download them so you’ll just have to imagine. It won’t be that difficult, a mall is a mall, right? Ours happens to be built in a racetrack oval, so if you walk around the outside edges including the halls out to the exterior doors you’ll do a mile each revolution. Did I mention how perfect this is?

There’s a regular crowd at the mall early, long before the stores open and the shoppers arrive. They hang their coats on the long line of rentable strollers and head off. Some move fast, some move slower. There’s a man who shuffles, head down, leaning heavily on his cane, but he’s there every single time I’ve been there. There are women in pairs, talking away as they racewalk, groups of guys talking just as much, moving fast, and lots of individuals as well, arms pumping, shoes slapping the miles away.

And there is one couple I always look for. They move at a medium steady pace. He wears a big floppy hat, her hair is pulled back in a pony tail, and their hands are always connected. I’ve seen them around town too. In the summer as I drive to work I’ll see them out on the sidewalks of the village, hands clasped, moving out before the summer heat descends. We even saw them one Sunday afternoon at a play in Detroit years ago. The man noticed me and nodded hello, I smiled back.

A month or so ago I saw him walking at the mall alone. He had his hat on, which is what always catches my eye, but his head was down, he wasn’t looking at anyone. And he was moving fast. Just a fluke I thought. But I was worried.

The next weekend there he was again, alone, head down, cruising around the mall. We were going opposite directions and I almost turned around to catch up and ask him why he was walking alone. But I decided I didn’t want to intrude. But now I was really worried.

Then two weeks went by and he wasn’t at the mall at all. It didn’t feel right, and I felt sad, sure that something terrible had happened.

This morning I was thinking about him and his wife as I started my walk. Half way around I saw the hat first, then the clasped hands. They were there. Together. I had the biggest grin on my face as we met going in opposite directions. He raised his other hand in acknowledgement, and I said Good Morning!

The rest of my two loop walk felt really good. He’ll never know how worried I was, but I bet I’m not the only one that is glad they’re back in the routine.

Funny how a little mall walking makes you feel so good. Pretty soon it will be warm enough to walk outside and I’ll be glad to be out in the fresh air again. But I’ll miss seeing and waving to my regulars out at the mall.

I hope they’re all there again next winter; especially the hand holding couple from the village.

They make me believe in happily ever after.

March 9, 2015
by dawnkinster 20 Comments

A walk in the woods honoring our friend Norwood

Katie here. I want to tell you about a very special dog named Norwood. Every morning he and his mom went out for a run or a walk, and they posted the weather report from their hometown and a picture of Norwood being…well…Norwood. No matter what kind of mood my mama was in, Norwood always made her feel good. He had lots of special skills and one of them was making people smile.

Norwood makes a snow angel.

My mama and lots of other people called him Dude for short because he was such a goofy guy. And fun. And very very happy.

Tragically he had to go to the Rainbow Bridge last week, way before his time. It wasn’t anything anyone expected, least of all his mom, and now people all over the world are all weepy eyed. Mom cried all day at work on Thursday; she just told people she had a cold, cause how can you explain crying over a dog you’ve never met? But that’s Dude for you, brightening everybody’s life every morning and leaving a big gaping hole now that he’s gone.

Norwood and his mom ran trails in the woods. In the winter his mom wore snowshoes and the Dude wore his boots. He loved loved loved running in the woods. So after he had to go his mom asked us all to take a walk in the woods to honor Norwood.

He loved to run with his mom Debi.

And yesterday that’s just what my mama and I did. It was a beautiful warm sunny winter day with blue skies and white snow. Norwood would have loved it. We walked along a packed trail between the towering trees listening to the silence. And we thought of Dude and how he’d be running back and forth ahead of us, just grinning like everything. I didn’t once pull any of my princess tricks, we walked in respectful silence most of the time, and just enjoyed being together. I even did my special running recall in honor of the Dude. And because my mama had treats.

Here I come mama!

Mama says we’re glad we went out to the woods to think about Norwood. He will always be a very special dog and we aren’t ever going to forget him. We won’t forget his goofy grin, and his multi colored boots or his florescent collar. We won’t forget how he loved to go on adventures and how much he loved his mom. And we won’t ever forget how lucky we were to know him just a little, here on the internet. We know we didn’t know him as well as some people that got to meet him in person, and certainly not as well as Debi, his mom, but still weren’t we lucky to enjoy him while we could. My mama’s heart is breaking for Norwood’s mom and all his special friends. I know when it’s my time to go to the bridge he’ll be one of the first dogs I’ll look for, cause he’s just so much fun.

Until then I will think of the Dude every time my mama and I take a walk in the woods. Right now I gotta go comfort my mama. She’s getting all weepy eyed again. The Dude can do that to a mama. Anyway, don’t worry about your mom Norwood, everybody’s sending her lots of hugs. We’ll look out for her, just like you did. You run free Dude.

Man, we’re going to miss you.

Portrait of the Dude.

PS: The pictures of Norwood were taken by his mom, Debi Horvath.

August 25, 2014
by dawnkinster 10 Comments

Another weekend, another park

Isn’t this a cool place?

Katie here. You know how I got my Mama to promise to take me on an adventure every weekend? Well this past weekend it was getting to be Sunday afternoon and still no adventure! I stomped my perfect little feet and tossed my beautiful curly locks but all she did was put me outside in my pen.

WELL!

I was having none of that! An afternoon in my pen is not an adventure! I made myself a general pest and eventually Mama said “OK little one, let’s go walk in the woods.” It was about time! But she picked one of my favorite activities so I forgave her for being so tardy.

Which way should we go?

We went to the Holly Recreation Area and walked on a path through the woods that we’ve never explored before. It was awesome. We need to take Peep exploring on that path sometime soon! We did have to go up a big hill.

You sure you want to go way up there Mama?

But I didn’t have any problem with that.

Well let’s get going then!

Mama was very patient and waited for me to check stuff out.

What’s in here?

Some of the path was through the woods with big trees. The mosquitoes weren’t too bad and Mama was wishing she’d come earlier in the day, because we had to turn around before I wanted to since it was getting dark.

Fun times!

We’re definitely going back. And I hope it’s soon!

But I’m still not getting my feet wet.

October 19, 2013
by dawnkinster 18 Comments

“Walktober”

Walking along a country road.

Robin on her blog Breezes at Dawn proposed a virtual group walk a few weeks ago. We’re all going out for a walk sometime this week and then posting about what we found. I am always looking for an excuse to go for a walk, and we’ve had such beautiful weather this fall it’s hard to be inside. I chose this past Friday for my Walktober because I had the day off and because it might be the last pretty day for a long time. Rain is forecast along with colder weather. Besides…this challenge is due by Sunday!

Golden afternoon.

I thought I’d go on my favorite four mile running route. I thought I’d find one photo per mile to share with all of you. I was wrong. Even during the first 1/2 mile I found many beautiful things to show you.

Cottonwood and Oak.

How could I choose just one?

Swamp holly and maples

At the end of my road I remembered a small windmill that I see every morning when I commute to work. Early mornings when the air is cool and the water still warm a gentle mist floats up from the pond. It’s beautiful. I’ve always wanted to photograph it. I knew it was somewhere between where I stood and the next road north…approximately a mile of woods and fields away. I also knew there was no mist that afternoon. But still, I wanted to see if I could find it.

So the planned four mile walk along country roads was exchanged for a hike across country.

Old pasture.

Back behind the trees I found the old rock field fence that lined what used to be a road.

Yesterday’s fence.

I came across this little guy. I can’t remember if this means a long or a short winter. Do you?

Heading toward winter.

Eventually I moved out of the woods and found a mowed path that wound through a field and down to the pond. Such a pretty place, you’d think it would be tranquil. But the freeway was right there with it’s constant roar. The windmill was cute though!

Pretty little spot.

On my way back to the road I noted this bird condo. I wondered who has lived there and whether anyone lives there now.

Bird houses.

Then I was back on the road and walking past a little lake — enjoying the colors across the way. The pontoon boat seemed to be enjoying the pretty afternoon too as it waited for one last voyage before winter closes in.

Summer meets fall.

So I never made it around my 4 mile route. There would have been pretty things to show you if I had gone that way too. Horses, barns, sun, shadows, colored trees, woodlands. But I went the way less traveled and found new treasures.

Thanks Robin, for encouraging us to get out and see our worlds. It was fun. Hopefully we’ll do a “Walknover!”

Stepping out.

March 11, 2013
by dawnkinster 13 Comments

Another weekend another park!

I walked a long way!

Good morning everybody! Katie here. My Mama took me to the park again yesterday, but I can only give you the short version because she says she has to go to work and doesn’t have time for all this dictation.

So anyway, we went to my favorite park, but there was so much snow melting that we ran into this:

Pretty wet out here Mama!

I said we could go right through it but my Mama is a wuss and said it was too deep. So she bundled me up and we went to another park.

This one was a lot dryer and there were lots and lots of people there, riding their bikes and running and walking with their dogs and other peoples. I was very very good. We practiced some distracted heeling…cause I was distracted until I remembered the treats!

Got treats Mama?

We walked a long way. See that first picture up there? What? You don’t believe I walked over 7 miles? Huh. So you know me pretty good don’t you. Yep we walked one mile and then we turned around…and since it’s four miles to the end of the trail and 4 miles back on our way back to the car we could pretend we walked the whole way!

One mile is still a long way!

Oh hey! I almost forgot to tell you! We were almost back at the parking lot and this family was just starting out with a big standard size black poodle. The dog was all over the place. The Dad was busy texting someone and the Mom was trying to get the dog under control. My Mama told me to “HEEL!” and “watch her” and I did, I walked right by the spinning black dog without looking at it!

And you know what the Dad said after they got by me? He said, “Did you see that dog? That was a good dog, did you hear her say watch me and the dog watched her! Why can’t you do that?” And my Mama laughed out loud. Yes she did. Cause she and I know that doesn’t just happen without a lot of work.

I’m a good girl!

But I am a very good girl. Yes I am. Now I need a nap. All this talking so early in the morning wears me out. Too bad Mama has to go do that work thing.

Yep. Too bad.

October 12, 2012
by dawnkinster 13 Comments

Contemplating too much

The sidewalk last week.

I got out of the office for about 30 minutes today at lunch. We’ve been so busy, but it was jean day and I was already wearing running shoes…so no excuses not to get my walk in. Most of the week I’ve been trapped in my cubicle.

As I walked (with camera of course) I noticed how much the color has faded since my walk earlier this week,and certainly since last week’s walks.

Trees reaching for the last bit of warmth.

Still, it was pretty.

I was thinking about how stressed I am at work, and how busy I am there and outside of work. I’m headed to Washington next week for a couple of days to do a little truck safety stuff. And I’ve registered Katie for a Rally trial near the end of the month, a couple of days before the community band’s first concert.

Small groves of trees watch me walk by.

Someone at work, learning I’d be out of the office for a couple of days next week, wanted to know how I did it…he said every time he talked to me I was off doing something else. And a couple weeks ago Bruce’s uncle asked me if I was doing too much. Something to think about I guess, and it’s not like I haven’t considered letting some stuff go before.

Walking and thinking.

But still. All these extras are the joyful aspects of life. Who could give up that moment during a concert when it all comes together and something beautiful emerges? So few people get to experience that.

And when Katie sits at attention next to my left ankle waiting expectantly, and moves seamlessly with me as I call “HEEL!”and pivot to the right, all the while grinning at me…well…who wants to give that up?

Trees and clouds shot with the ‘dramatic’ setting.

And the opportunity to go to DC and make a tiny bit of difference, to know your efforts and those of your family and friends have saved lives. Well. It’s not possible to give that up. At all.

Looking for answers.

In the end I finished my short walk with no solution. It’s not the extras I want to walk away from. It’s the work that consumes me for so many hours each day. But I know I have to wait my turn for retirement. Mom used to tell me that when I complained about work.

Ok. I’ll wait. But I’m making a list of stuff I want to do once I have my freedom. And it’s getting pretty darn long.

Walking toward the future.

September 8, 2012
by dawnkinster 16 Comments

The Crimness of it all

I finished this post on my old blog moments before my server crashed a couple of weeks ago. The old blog was up for a couple of hours Friday and I copied this from the drafts because I know at least one of you has been waiting to hear about the race. So here goes!

The last Saturday of August was the 36th running of the Crim Festival of Races in Flint Michigan. It’s a big race, with thousands of runners, walkers and wheelers. It brings in big name runners from all over, and it’s a spectacle to watch and even more fun if you get to participate.

This year I walked the 8K (5 miles)…though I was nostalgic as I watched friends head off for the 10 mile start, a race I have done many times.

Heading off for 10 miles of hills and heat.

My race didn’t start for an hour and forty-five minutes after the 10 milers left, and rather than stand around I went back to the car and read a book. That saved my feet which was a good thing. Because by the time we set off on our race the sun was high in the sky and it was HOT HOT HOT!

We start out on our own 5 miles.

As usual, this race was well organized and had lots of entertainment. From the drum group that set the cadence at the beginning of the walk…

..to the young band in the parking lot singing “GO BABY GO!”….

GO! GO! GO!

….the woman at the top of three Bradley Hills singing “I never promised you a rose garden…”

No roses were found on the Bradley Hills.

…and the preacher along the way that told us….

Run faster!

“You all are gonna have to step it up if you’re gonna catch up to those Kenyans!” in reference to the lead runners who had finished long before we left the start line.

All along the way we had entertainment and support from both sides of the road. Volunteers were offering water, in cups…

Grab some water!

…and from cooling hoses.

Enjoy the shower!

My feet were killing me…but there was a lot of fun distractions…

Girls cheering for us.

…and inspiration.

Inspirational…but a lie.

I’m really glad I did it. Now I have to figure out what is going on with my feet so that I can start training for next year. I really want to do the ten miles on the last Saturday in August next summer.

Because I’m lucky enough to be able to.

Finally on the bricks..almost at the finish line!

September 5, 2012
by dawnkinster 8 Comments

Embracing fall

It was hard to let August go, to feel it slip away. I tried to make it stay longer but it was like hugging jello. The more I held on the faster it slid away from me. It seems August fled from most of us; everywhere I hear people exclaiming how quickly the first days of September have arrived.

I don’t know why I struggled so much with the loss of summer this year. It’s not as though I have children heading to school so I can’t say that I’m pensive about them growing up. And I’m not a school employee heading back either. My work at the bank is the same regardless of the month at the top of the wall calendar.

It’s not that I truly love hot weather, or pulling weeds, or watering, or watching trees we planted two years ago struggle. My garden produced a handful of green beans and two or three tomatoes. That’s it. We bought most of our produce from the farmers’ market. Our grass was brown for weeks on end and so prickly that even the dog didn’t want to walk on it.

Maybe it’s just that I love the long days and the evenings spent on the deck reading or watching the birds. But I can still do that for awhile as we head into autumn. Maybe it’s just the dread of the dark mornings heading to work followed by the dark commute home. Maybe it’s just the thought of slippery roads, downed power lines, or quick trips out with the dog that require layers of clothes and big boots to be dragged from the closet and worn so that she can prance through the snow to find a perfect spot.

Regardless of why it was so hard for me to let August go this year today I decided to embrace the fall. I went for my lunch walk through the neighborhood and saw maple leaves turning red and yellow and orange. Not all over mind you, just here and there. Hickory nuts had fallen to the sidewalk and asters were in bloom. People with gardens more successful than mine had ripe tomatoes waiting to be picked, and miles and miles of vine covering zucchinis as big as footballs. Children were out on the playground, swinging high or chasing a big rubber ball. The sun shone down and warmed us all.

I admit I was sad to see August go but September has been beautiful so far. I think I’m looking forward to the change.

Change doesn’t always have to be hard.

Change Is Hard

…but change is certain.

Tag Archives: walk