Day 45

Last night, I was hosted by my friend Cathy Chen-Rennie. We didn’t get too much time together, but the visit was wonderful and Chandler got lots of love from Cathy, which she loved.

Although today was one of the longest walk days to date in terms of distance, I have to admit I did not have a single in person conversation about Peace, the Walk or anything else. I invited two women to stop and have a conversation, and one of them had a plane to catch, so they said they didn’t have time to talk. Next, I asked a group of men that were walking on the same path that I was on. They were on a working lunch and were meeting during their walk. And later, I approached a couple who, as it turned out, didn’t speak English. Since I didn’t speak their language, we weren’t able to have an in depth conversation. We nodded politely at each other however, and I was aware of the kindness I felt as I looked into their eyes.

I got the feeling that perhaps today was about simply noticing, and notice, I did.

The first things I saw were these giantic dandelions! They were the size of softballs. And I noticed how intricate the design of these fragile plants is.

I laughed out loud when I came across this Capitol dome. The dome had been carefully placed atop the fence – and regally stood awaiting an observant eye.

Next, I saw a yard full of these two plants – the purple of the rose of Sharon complimenting the deeper purple of the butterfly bush drew me from across the street to take these photos.

And finally, as I walked along side a creek, I spied this shopping cart standing in the middle. I wondered who might have put it there. I wondered haw long it had been there, and whether or not the wheels were rusty. I was curious to know who would be responsible for removing it.

Yes, today was filled with noticing – as each of the days have been in one way or another. And tonight – at the end of a really long and very physical day on the Walk for Peace, I’m noticing not only that I am tired, but that it is time for me to sleep.