Inspiration from Everywhere

I watched yesterday NBCs show about the 2005 Ironman Triathlon that takes place in Hawaii. Every once in awhile, they show reruns of the most recent Ironman, so I have seen those several times.

I'm not particularly into sports, but I find those shows so inspiring. There are always people who have struggled to overcome some real obstacles in their lives--elderly people (there was an 80-year-old who finished this year!), cancer survivors, the handicapped. This year, a 34-year-old man who has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) finished. So did a young woman with one leg (she has an artificial leg).

Now, the Ironman Triathlon is an especially grueling event and I don't feel that participating in that is necessary, but what I am getting at is that these are people who had a need to prove, to themselves at least, that they could overcome some great obstacle and complete something that was very difficult. These are people who are out there living life and trying things and working hard. They are being persistent and diligent. They have self-discipline. I admire that greatly. I wish the inspired feeling I get lasted longer.

What are some things, big or small, that inspire you? What encourages you to work harder at your own life, in whatever way you need/want to? What helps you hang on to that inspiration?

Hungry for Thanksgiving Already

If you are starting to think about turkey and all the trimmings, go over to our group blog, conversation, and read "Tis the Season..." and "The Recipe Post" for ideas and recipes. Mmmmm!

I would also recommend going over to Food Chronicles and take a look at her delicious posts. Chronicler is also part of the group at conversation.

There are recipes all over the web, of course, and you will be able to find things to make that are simple or intricate, as you please. Some places to look, on the off chance you aren't familiar with them, are All Recipes, Recipe-zaar, RecipeLand, mix recipes at RecipeSource, Epicurious, and Fine Cooking. There! That ought to fix you up!

Food seems to anchor gatherings, especially family holidays, and we all have memories of wonderful special occasion meals with our families. We remember not only the food, but the conversation, the decorations, the family members, the love and warmth. Very special memories.