Be aware....a new study shows major molecular differences between GMO and non-GMO corn.

     They are not substantially equivalent as claimed.

http://sustainablepulse.com/2016/12/19/new-study-shows-major-molecular-differences-between-gmo-and-non-gmo-corn/#.WGZ7RdIrKpr

And

     There are GMO industry ties at the National Academies of Sciences.
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/news/new-york-times-confirms-gmo-industry-ties-national-academies-sciences

Commonplace Books

     I just learned that there is a name for what I have always done.....keeping quotes, ideas, notes, poems, bits of lyrics, and information that I like, for personal use, in a notebook.  It is called keeping a commonplace book, and the practice has been around since antiquity.

http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/reading/commonplace.html

     Daughter Kate got me started one Christmas by giving me a blank book with a few of her favorite quotes to get me going.
     Who knew that it was such a common practice, that it had a name, and that people have been doing it forever, or at least as long as there has been writing. There really is nothing new under the sun.

Amerithon virtual challenge update

1-4-17  I just reached Dodge City today.  I'm behind where I would like to be thanks to the holidays. 154 miles to the next landmark, the Great Salt Plains Lake in Oklahoma.

“And now I understand something so frightening & wonderful-how the mind clings to the road it knows, rushing through crossroads, sticking like lint to the familiar.” ~ Mary Oliver

    I just discovered the above quote by my favorite poet. Doesn't it remind you of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost?  We need to slow down at the crossroads, and really consider the roads less traveled;  to stop sticking like lint to the familiar. A new year is a crossroad.   2017....life with gusto.

    I then had to re-read and share a few more of her quotes. There is so much wisdom in her poetry.  

“And that is just the point… how the world, moist and beautiful, calls to each of us to make a new and serious response. That’s the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. “Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?” ~ Mary Oliver

“You must not ever stop being whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.” ~ Mary Oliver

“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” ~ Mary Oliver

“As long as you’re dancing, you can break the rules. Sometimes breaking the rules is just extending the rules. Sometimes there are no rules.” ~ Mary Oliver

Commit.

       I am still thinking of making resolutions....it's a process.  I will be running 2017 miles in 2017....I've actually joined 2 groups doing that, one with my friend Ellen (Team Fierce Fliers as I mentioned previously). I am still working on what else to do.  I need to decide and commit soon.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

― William H. Murray


     I love the following video where a 4-year old explains the problems with New Year's Resolutions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn36cBi9v6A
     I especially love the "thousands of little moments."

Today is a special someone's birthday! Happy happy day.

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” 
― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice



Let there be much mirth and celebration!

"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better (wo)man.---Benjamin Franklin

     I joined a Facebook group called 2K17 Life with Gusto. It is run by my friend Collette.  We create teams and will run/walk/bike 2017 miles this year as a team.

     My friend Ellen and I are the team:  Fierce Fliers.

     This is our mascot....he hangs out at the park by the library and we see him most weeks if we look.

     My walking/running group on Saturday mornings ending 2016 with style.

     I haven't determined this year's resolutions as yet.  It always takes me several days to firm them up.  Right now I am just trying to get over my coffee and junkfood hangover from the holidays, and start actual running again.... so baby steps.
     I didn't hit last year's run goal of 2200 miles, but I did get past my minimum goal of 2016 miles in 2016 (I hit 2169.5). I will try to do better.

     Happy 2017 everyone!

PS Just saw this.....it must apply to our Fierce Fliers Team.