Running and Baking

What a day! If you would have asked me at 4:30 this morning how the day I was looking, I would have had a very different response than what I have at 10pm.

At 4:30 this morning, I was crawling out of my slumber after a brief 4 hours of sleep. One of the things of truly appreciating running and training is the gift of getting to release any negativity that might be brewing inside. For me that is what is a run is for. It is not an escape from reality, but a true moment of appreciation and blessing...and who the heck wouldn't feel positive after taking advantage of those feelings. Of course, it does help that I run with some of the most fun people! I am so very fortunate to be surrounded by such a phenomenal community of healthy people who think a 5:30 run is the best place to be.

I showed up for the run with the cold front blowing in. Right as we get started, Amy comes running up from behind totally giddy. She tells me that Dorie posted on her blog. Two pieces have to be mentioned here: Amy's blog is INCREDIBLE (see the first blog favorite of mine). She touches my foodie passion with each of her posts and creations. Second, she recognized that only another foodie would be almost skipping to the thought that Dorie Greenspan commented on her bundt cake entry. If you don't know who she is, look her up and BAKE! Amy just brightened my morning. I promised her that I would have pics of my creations today (they are coming in a moment). I love having that connection with someone...the passion of wonderful food.

The run was really great, everything about it: the route; the company; even the cold front coming in...it was just the magical miles that my body needed to be renewed for the day to come! Although, I will admit that I am looking forward to partaking in the full glory of Testosterone (Estrogen if you ask Asia) Tuesday next week!!

After the run, it was time to get in a full workday as well as a full prep day. As I went through the day in a perfect symmetry of time balance I came to realize what a joy it all is. There is truly nothing more wonderful than creating food for others. I enjoy nothing more than sharing my creations of healthy foods and treats with those who I care about. In good food: the preparation, the serving, the delivering...it's the entire act that gets to come from pure raw ingredients to effort of your hands and skill to final product...well, that end result is just like a great run. The gift of food to another person creates that same moment of joy and renewal. I came to realize in my food prep today, I LOVE sharing that. I love bringing a smile to someone's face with the food I prepare. It is such a great gift!

With that level of joy, I created some very requested cakeballs (red velvet...my signature...and Boston Cream Pie, my sweet husband's request), prepped vegetables, and roasted sweet potatoes (they just need the addition of fresh cranberries and orange juice) in the midst of my workday. As promised this morning, Amy - here are the pics! If you go back on my blog you will note that I have stepped up the artistry on them. It's about time that these little wonders look as beautiful as they taste...but no tastes for me. Seriously!!

What a wonderfully full day! So many gifts and "little blessings" to be thankful for and prep to share with those I love!

I am so very fortunate!

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