Today was the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle.
Sure, it’s not even close to St. Patrick’s Day… but who’s counting?!
What it is for many of us is the kick-off of the outdoor sporting season.
But for me, it was actually my very first outdoor run this year!!! No real training for me!

My friends Chris & Nancy met me at my condo, and the three of us took the El train downtown. Not knowing what kind of weather was in store for us, we all brought a few extra options. So after layering it on, we took our “extras” to Gear Check and prepared for the run. Yeah, me and thirty-thousand other runners!!!

Chris and I were finally all bundled up with layers of moisture-wicking clothes, tights, pants, windbreakers, hats, gloves, socks… and then more of the same… ready for the run ahead of us. Feeling a little “thick” from all the layers… but I’d rather be “thick” than freezing cold!!!

I also ran into Jeff… husband of my friend & college Little Sister Pam.
Surprising, that out of thirty thousand runners, we just happen to be in the same area. It was Jeff that recognized Chris & I as we were in Corral E waiting for our chance to start. It’s a lot of waiting & standing around for those of us in Wave Two… starting at 9:15am.

The Shamrock Shuffle is a really fun race that takes you through a lot of the downtown area. It was quite windy in several sections. Especially in the cross-street areas where it would catch you off guard… and then the wind would SLAM you from the side!!!

I, of course, could not resist a quick photo-op with the Nesquik Chocolate Bunny!!!

Thousands of people flooding through the Finish Line…
each thrilled to be done with their first race of the season!

We all met up after the race at Buckingham Fountain. Including my friend Tracy who had us all sign-up on her team “Step In Time.” Sure, it’s too early in the season for the fountain to be working yet, but still… it’s kind of a tradition. Tracy and I have a very similar photo from our marathon finishes two years ago. Unfortunately, the winds were picking up, the temperatures were dropping and you could tell that some rain & sleet were imminent. So we only hung out for a little while, then walked back to the El for a train ride home.

It felt great to be back home… finally warm & dry after a nice hot shower.
A couple snacks, some more water and feeling good.

And so begins another season… running, biking, racing, Tri’s, whatever… bring it on!!!

Three strange things happened this morning at the health club.
It was a seemingly normal morning when I arrived at XSport Fitness… and then…

1. When I got into the locker room, one of the club attendants (who is usually vacuuming the place) was washing his feet in the sink with a bottle of water? And then using a hair drier to finish the job. And yes, he was still in uniform and still supposedly “on the job.”

2. An elderly man was confused in the Locker Room and asked me where the exit was.
I said “Turn around” as the open Locker Room door was directly behind him.

3. When I got to the group studio workout room for my Step Class, the Zumba class before was still going. But instead of the usual instructor, it was Louis Van Amstel from “Dancing With The Stars” teaching the class.

I think it was a “surprise” guest appearance. I never saw any notices.
And no, the Zumba class was not dressed for the occasion…

What’s going on today?!
Maybe I need to buy a lottery ticket? Or at least stay safe inside my condo?!!!

Kick-off your holiday shopping THIS weekend at my Holiday Home Show!
It’s my biggest selection of the year with pottery in every room of my condo – plus some pieces that don’t travel to art fairs!!! And great bargains to be snatched up in my “Tired Of Shlepping Sale” on the back porch. Both Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am-6:00pm. Let me know by e-mail or Comments if you need address details, and I’ll send you a personal message.

After condo meeting this evening, it was too late to get into the studio to continue glazing. Instead, I finished up labeling & stamping postcards for my Holiday Home Show. It’s just over a week away… gotta get ’em in the mail first thing tomorrow!!!

And for those who might not get a “real” postcard, here’s what they look like…

You’re more than welcome, and always invited to join us. It’s my BIGGEST show of the entire year. With pottery in every room of my condo, food & drink in the kitchen, holiday decorations everywhere, and the ever-popular “Tired Of Shlepping Sale” on the back porch!!!

If you want the exact specifics and address details. just shoot me a quick e-mail and I’ll give you the scoop. It’s next weekend… always the weekend before Thanksgiving!!!

Last Friday night was the Opening Night
for FINDING FOREVER CUP EXHIBITION.

From the sounds of it, everything went incredibly well. So excited that Pam’s charity event came together and was a huge success!!! Thanks to everyone who donated cups, and to everyone who bought them to help the cause!

For a review of the project and the Opening, click here for Pam’s story.
FINDING FOREVER CUP EXHIBITION.

This morning started very early… about 5:30am meeting up with friends Chris & Leona. Soon enough we were on our way downtown on the EL. Lots of other runners were up & about with us, as the train quickly filled up with runners in layers of moisture-wicking fabrics!

We decided what we were going to wear for the day and dropped off extra clothing & stuff at Gear Check. Them we were ready to get going… kinda chilly. But we knew we would warm up quickly once we started running. Unfortunately, we needed to wait a while for our Corral to cross the starting line. About 45 minutes… waiting… as Wave by Wave before us started the race…

Finally it was time to start…

We were moving closer… and watching footage on the JumboTron.
FORTY THOUSAND RUNNERS!!! All flocking to Grant Park for today’s festivities.

And there it was… finally… the Starting Line!!!
And we’re off…

A leisurely 15 kilometers later we crossed the Finish Line… that’s just under 10 miles.
Chris & Leona were ahead of me, and waiting at the Finish Line. Let me just say, this body is not made for speed. I’m more of an endurance kind of guy. Nonetheless, it was great to see them waiting for me as we got our 15K Finisher Medals.

Then we were off to the Post Race Party for our congratulatory HOT CHOCOLATE MUG & CHOCOLATE FONDUE!!! Along the way, I found my friend Pam. She did the 5K and had already done her chocolate celebration!!!

Chris, Leona and I finally made it the goodies… and it was well worth the run!!!
A fun Hot Chocolate Mug with hot chocolate, marshmallow, chocolate fondue, banana, Rice Krispie Treat, pretzels and sugar wafers… oh yeah, and a wet-nap!!!

The wind was gusting… and I was trying my best to get every drop of chocolate…
apparently, not doing so good at it…

I wasn’t the only one with chocolate on my face…

Back at home, I unloaded my goodies… took a hot shower, did some stretching and went on with my day headed back to the studio! Another fun day… and another 15K under my belt.

Last night I went to a one-night, pop-up Gallery Show for my friend’s little boy AJ. He’s a seven year old budding artist who was trying to raise money to purchase the Lego set of his dreams. My friend, and AJ’s Mom, Kristen made a deal with him that if he could raise half the money, they would match the rest. So he worked hard along with a collaborating “slightly older” artist Zach B. to put on this show. It was a great experience for everyone. So much fun. So many pictures. So much support. And so many great lessons for AJ along the way.

As with every good gallery show, AJ had his Artist Statement front & center.

After scanning the artworks, I found that many of them had already been purchased. Luckily, the one that caught my eye right off the bat was still available. So this sweet one came home with me!!!

Plus, to make it even better… I suggested to AJ that he needs to come back to work in my clay studio soon. I made a “deal” with him that he needs to make me a clay version of this drawing!!! He seemed excited. Challenge on!!!

Today’s the day… FINDING FOREVER CUP EXHIBITION opens tonight.
And some of our cups are making a splash in the local newspaper out there.
Great publicity for a great concept with some great charity.

Good luck to my pottery friend Pam Kinsmith as her FINDING FOREVER CUP EXHIBITION opens this evening. Months of hard work & dedication all come together tonight for this wonderful fundraising event. If you’re in the Greenfield, Massachusetts area, be sure to stop by to purchase a cup and help a child in the Foster Care System at the same time. If you stop by early, you might even be able to snatch up one of the five mugs I’ve donated to the cause!

For more information, as well as images of all the donated cups,
click here for their website.

I just ordered the postcards for my Holiday Home Show…
guess this makes it official.

Mark your calendars for November 22nd & 23rd at my place!!!