Festivals

Beauty is all around, changing with the seasons. Here again, a delightful bouquet from Tennessee.

Our weekend was all about the Upland festival--yard sales, food vendors, Saturday rib fest, Sunday chicken noodle dinner, ice cream socials, fire works, a 5k race, and culminating with the Labor Day parade.

I debated long, should I participate in the 5k this year or is it time to give it up. Michael's example of bicycling 80 - 100 miles per week, encouraged me to keep on keeping on as long as physically possible. So, Monday morning I set out early for the annual race. The sunrise was beautiful and the weather perfect. 

Alternating between a run and a walk, I managed to finish in 46'09" and earned a third place medal. However, it was not quite fair in that everyone else was competing with their five-year age range, and I was up against those thirteen years younger in the 65 and above category.

Nevertheless, to push one's self, put one foot in front of the other and hang in there to the end, is a worthwhile experience to empathize with those who go through difficult life circumstances every day.

I was thinking especially of our daughter, who couldn't be there to watch the parade with us like every other year.

My favorite parade entry was that of our church, led by a couple of our pastors. I especially liked the theme: "God is wild about you." One of the hardest concepts to grasp and appropriate is how much God loves us. 

Tuesday, Michael and I walked the trail and were greeted by this beautiful lighted path. I was reminded of a phrase I often hear on the Daily Audio Bible podcast when Brian Hardin welcomes a brand new sparkly, shiny day or week.

Wednesdays, whenever my friend Petey is in town, we meet for coffee and delightful conversation. 

That was the day Michael fell off a small ladder, flat on his back and hit his head, but thankfully had no broken bones nor a concussion. He continues to work almost daily at Stephan's, almost done with the electrical and now mostly on the heating system. The job also requires multiple trips to Menards where he's become a favored customer!

The Matthew's Covered Bridge festival September 10-12, was a good time to promote the robotics club, a few parents, students and mentors took turns there selling some items, showing off one of the robots, and talking to passersby about the program. 

Meanwhile on the mural side of the building there was a tent set up to meet the artist and accept donations to cover the remaining expenses incurred.

Abby Braswell, the artist and designer

A sign explaining the mural

A few pieces of Abby's ceramic art were also displayed there in the tent. These were unique pieces she made for a couple of college courses incorporating Greek mythology and pottery styles of the day. Can you guess which zodiac sign each represents?

Saturday, 9/11, yet another festival! I took Diane to Swayzee Days for her 68th birthday. My new friend, Kate Carpenter--folksinger, songwriter, storyteller--had three gigs scheduled throughout the day. We got to participate in her lively interactive 2:00 o'clock session with these kids pictured here.

In the evening Michael took me to the Covered Bridge Festival. We met a lot a friends and acquaintances amidst the crowds, and had fun visiting with vendors, viewed very much merchandise we could live without.

Only one photo: a sample of pour art, which a good friend had tried to teach me.

Michael got his 100 miles in for the week! The group had an early morning start on the Dam to Dam event.

Did you enjoy any small-town festivals this summer?