I had a strategy for the morning and was looking forward to writing about it. I planned on going for my maiden run in Italy. As you know, I had my tour yesterday and sorted out getting from my little sanctuary to the wall that surrounds the old city, not that the outlying area is a replica of American suburbia.
After fiddling around here for a few hours, I got into my running gear, consisting of red shorts, an old mesh shirt with the Zia sign from my New Mexico days, plus my brand new, Royal Blue running shoes. At that precise moment, I heard the familiar sound of rain falling all around. Back home on Kauai, the rain has a way of making its present felt and then it disappears, almost like it never happened in the first place.
Fortunately for me, I can just sit down right here and kill some time with you. I did a small bit of shopping yesterday and immediately decided to reap the rewards due to the weather interruption. I had a banana and some yogurt, but the highlight was going to be tackling the electronically controlled, espresso machine. Yes, it was the prototypical Man vs. Machine. It is with an inflated chest and ego that I can report I am actually drinking a cup, a very small cup!
In the midst of the rain delay, I figured I might as well check in with you guys and say hello. It was kind of revelatory to realize whenever I am stuck for something to do, I can write, especially while I am on this trip. I know I am kind of taking advantage of our relationship, but you don’t have to read any of this if you don’t feel like it.
You’re not going to believe what just happened. The rain has stopped and the sun is out, which means the run is on. I probably should get going and pick this up when I return…………..
I freakin’ did it! I just got back from running the wall, an ancient ring that fits snuggly right around my Lucca. Now, because it is a circle, there was little concern about getting lost, only mustering the stamina to complete. OK, when I was getting tired, I did ask someone how far it was from my starting point. For those of you giving me shit about Google Maps, I did not use it and found my way back to the kitchen and the computer, so, eat your heart out. I have been running religiously for over forty years and it is a grounding experience, pun intended. At the completion of my circle, walking back here, I felt more at ease than I have since leaving Kauai, filled with anxiety, frightened I could not do any of this.
When I first got to Lucca, I started seeing the familiar, protruding red tongue of the Rolling Stones logo. The Boys are coming here on September 23rd, when I will already be back home, participating in the Rice Street Block Party. Let’s think about that, where would I rather be? I ran right passed the construction sight for their concert just now, which is right outside the wall.
I feel something right now and tears are welling up in my eyes. Life has just touched me ever so gently and I am simply flooded with gratitude. Now would be the right time to end this note because there is no place to go from here, at least not a place where words are allowed.