Kirk blAug

On a crisp morning, I embarked on a solo run to Laumeier Sculpture Park, a sanctuary where art and environment converse in silent splendor. With each visit, I discover new layers of meaning within its vast, open spaces. Today, I revisited familiar sculptures, each resonating with memories and inviting reflection on their deeper meanings. The park's verdant paths led me to Tony Tasset's 'Eye,' an oversized, hyper-realistic eyeball sculpture that commands attention. Its unblinking gaze seems to challenge the observer, a reminder of the omnipresence of nature and the constant observation we're under in today's society. It's as if the 'Eye' encourages a deeper introspection, a call to look within as much as it looks out onto the world. Not far from this arresting vision is Alexander Liberman's 'The Way,' a towering assembly of red cylinders that reach skyward in a complex yet harmonious arrangement. Even as it undergoes renovations, it stands

This morning's journey with Goat, my steadfast four-legged companion, led us to the Lewis and Clark trail system in Weldon Spring, a place that holds a special spot in my heart. On a whim, I decided to break the routine and traverse the Lewis loop in the opposite, clockwise direction. This slight deviation from the norm felt like a refreshing change of perspective, a small rebellion against the expected. As we reached the point where the Lewis and Clark trails diverge, I chose the path less traveled by us lately — the Clark loop. The decision proved serendipitous. Away from my usual favorite bluff on Lewis, I stumbled upon a new bluff accessible from Clark. There, enveloped by the stillness, I paused to meditate. The tranquility was palpable, seeping into my very being and carrying through the rest of my run. The trails were quiet, with the overcast sky and brisk air deterring most from venturing outdoors. For Goat, this meant the freedom of roaming off-leash, a joy mirrored in his

 This morning, Goat (my loyal canine companion) and I ventured out for a hike at Emmenegger Park, a hidden woodland gem nestled intriguingly between a bustling interstate and an industrial zone across the Meramec River. The contrast between nature and urbanity here never ceases to fascinate me. Emmenegger is my go-to spot for hill training when I'm in the mood for a trail run close to home. However, today was different; I chose to hike rather than run. Hiking allows me to slow down and absorb the scenery more intimately. While I firmly believe that there's no better running experience than a trail, engaging with the same paths through hiking, biking, or running each offers a unique perspective. The same trails reveal different secrets, depending on how you traverse them. The park's layout is particularly striking, with bluffs on either side and a central stream that flows depending on the recent rainfall. Goat especially enjoys this feature; it’s his favorite spot to cool o

Today marked my first Thanksgiving without the kids, a milestone that brought its own set of emotions and reflections. Despite this, the day was punctuated with moments of gratitude and connection. Watching Jupiter perform during the halftime show at the annual Kirkwood/Webster Thanksgiving game was a proud and heartwarming moment. I also participated in the Kirkwood/Webster Turkey Day Run, a tradition I've cherished. Running alongside friends, I found comfort and camaraderie, reminders that even in times of change, some things remain a constant source of joy. The day was one of activity and quiet contemplation. I spent hours walking and running, interspersed with moments of rest. My eating habits were different this year, less focused on the feast that typically marks the day. However, this shift felt okay, especially since the boys and I had already celebrated with a Thanksgiving feast last Sunday. It was a joyous occasion, filled with laughter and shared memories. In quieter mom

This morning, as the first light of day touched the streets of our neighborhood, I set out for a walk with no particular plan in mind. My faithful companion, Goat, a dog with an adventurous spirit, was by my side, eagerly sniffing the fresh morning air. The crispness of the morning had a way of clearing the mind, and soon, the thought of a warm beverage began to appeal to me. Nestled a little over a mile away in downtown Kirkwood is a quaint coffee spot known as Teleo. It’s not just the quality of the coffee that draws me there but the convenience it offers, especially for a dog owner like me. As I neared the coffee house, I placed an order online. The walk-up window service at Teleo is a thoughtful touch, allowing me to grab my coffee without leaving Goat outside. Today, as has become my custom when out for coffee, I ordered a red eye. It’s a simple yet powerful concoction of drip coffee with an added shot of espresso. I first came across this option at Protagonist Coffee House in Sou

Epilogue: A New Dawn In the new dawn that broke over Serenadia, the Weaver, with the Royal Children in tow, gazed upon a tapestry that spoke volumes. It was not just a piece of art but a symbol of their journey – a journey of rediscovery, resilience, and hope. The kingdom, once engulfed in the turmoil of deceit, now radiated with the promise of a brighter future. The Weaver and the Royal Children, hand in hand, stepped forward into this new era, ready to embrace the adventures and challenges it would bring. The tapestry of their lives, once unraveled by betrayal, was now being rewoven with threads of love, trust, and strength. In the heart of Serenadia, the Weaver and his children stood as a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unbreakable bond of family. 

Chapter 5: The Resolution As the seasons changed in Serenadia, so did the tides of the Weaver’s journey. Armed with the truth and a renewed sense of purpose, he began to weave a new tapestry, one that symbolized hope, resilience, and a new beginning for him and the Royal Children. The resolution was not a moment but a process, a gradual rebuilding of the life they had known. The Weaver focused on creating a nurturing environment for the Royal Children, one where they could grow and thrive, unburdened by the shadows of the past. He engaged in new rituals and traditions, weaving new memories that were untainted by deceit. The legal battles with the Gardener continued, each encounter a reminder of the path he had chosen. Yet, the Weaver’s spirit remained undaunted. He knew that the journey to healing and rebuilding was not a solitary one. He found strength in the community of Serenadia, in the support of friends and fellow artisans, and most importantly, in the love and resilience of the

Chapter 4: The Struggle The kingdom of Serenadia was no stranger to adversity, but the conflict that brewed between the Weaver and the Gardener was unlike any it had seen. The Weaver, once a symbol of unity and strength, now stood as a beacon of resilience in the face of the Gardener’s deceit. The struggle was not just personal; it extended to the legal realms of the kingdom. The Weaver and the Gardener found themselves entwined in a labyrinth of legal battles, each seeking to defend their version of the truth. The Weaver, however, was not fighting for himself alone. His primary concern was the well-being of the Royal Children, who remained oblivious to the storm that raged around them. The Weaver’s days were consumed with meetings with the kingdom’s counselors and legal advisors, navigating the complex terrain of separation and custody. He sought counsel from wise sages and sought support from fellow artisans, gathering the strength and knowledge needed to navigate this challenging ph

Chapter 3: The Awakening The days in Serenadia grew longer, and with them, the Weaver’s realization of the extent of the Gardener’s manipulation deepened. He saw through her words, which were once comforting but now seemed laced with deceit. The kingdom, which had thrived under their joint care, now bore the scars of her duplicity. The Weaver began to piece together the fragmented truth, each piece a painful reminder of the years spent in oblivion. The Gardener’s words, once sweet and nurturing, now echoed with hollowness. He saw how she had spun tales, not only to him but to the entire kingdom, masking her true intentions with a veil of innocence. As he reflected on the past, the Weaver recognized the signs he had overlooked. The late nights the Gardener spent tending to her gardens, her sudden and unexplained absences, and her growing distance – they all painted a picture he had refused to see. He realized that he had been living in a world crafted by her manipulations, a world where

Chapter 2: The Betrayal In the days following the Apprentice’s confession, the Weaver found himself in a state of turmoil. The tapestries he once wove with pride now felt like illusions, each thread a reminder of the facade that had masked their reality. He looked back on the years spent with the Gardener, wondering how many moments were tinted with lies. The kingdom, once a sanctuary of love and trust, now echoed with the whispers of the Gardener’s betrayal. The Weaver, known for his strength and resilience, felt the weight of vulnerability. The betrayal was not just personal; it was a crack in the foundation of their family, a threat to the stability they had promised their Royal Children. As he delved deeper into the past, unearthing more about the Gardener’s deceit, the Weaver's sadness intertwined with anger. How could she, who had nurtured the kingdom’s gardens with such care, let their personal garden of trust wither? Her actions had consequences that rippled beyond their un

Chapter 1: The Discovery In the kingdom of Serenadia, the Weaver, renowned for his exquisite tapestries, stumbled upon a hidden thread in his latest creation. This thread, unlike any other, seemed out of place, hinting at a secret yet to be unraveled. The Weaver, curious and apprehensive, began to follow its path, leading to an unexpected revelation. As he traced the thread, the story of the Gardener, his spouse and the kingdom’s nurturer of flora, began to unfold in a new light. The young Apprentice, a figure of innocence and naivety, approached the Weaver with a heavy heart, burdened with a tale of sorrow and manipulation. He spoke of the Gardener’s pursuit, a tale so starkly different from the image she portrayed within the kingdom’s walls. The Weaver listened, his heart sinking with each word. The Gardener, whom he had loved and trusted, had woven a web of deceit, entangling the unsuspecting Apprentice in her schemes. The tale was one of unrequited pursuit and inappropriate advance

As Jupiter turns 15, I find myself in a reflective state, marveling at the journey of fatherhood and the incredible changes it has brought – both in my son and in myself. Jupiter’s Growth: Strength from Challenges Jupiter's entry into the world wasn't without its challenges. There were medical complications that initially gave us a scare, but he emerged as one of the strongest individuals I know. His resilience is a constant source of pride and inspiration. Over the years, he has developed a diverse array of interests, keeping not just himself but our entire family actively engaged and always on our toes. Family Dynamics: Embracing Change The shape of our family today is vastly different from what I had envisioned 15 years ago. But this evolution is not just okay; it's a testament to our adaptability and commitment to providing the best for Jupiter and his brother, Tsunami. Families, I've learned, are not static entities but living, breathing units that grow and adapt t

This past weekend was a whirlwind of activity, marked by a unique blend of community, running, and, yes, a bit of beer. As someone who cherishes both the quiet of solitude and the joy of social interaction, I often find myself walking a fine line between engaging with others and preserving my own space. This weekend was a testament to that delicate balance. Saturday: Brewery to Brewery Run The day kicked off with Happy's Running Club's Fall Brewery to Brewery run, an event that epitomizes two things people are incredibly passionate about: running and beer. The atmosphere was electric, filled with a sense of camaraderie and an unmistakable buzz of enthusiasm. The people I met were avid beer enthusiasts, their zeal for the frothy beverage somewhat eclipsing my own. Despite feeling a tad out of my league in the beer department, the warmth and friendliness of the group were infectious. I also learned more about their Tuesday weekly runs, which seem like a great opportunity for soci

In the circles of skeptic thinkers and bloggers, a phrase often echoes, "Be open-minded, but not so much that your brain falls out." While not attributed with certainty, it's most commonly linked to Walter Kotschnig, a voice of the early 20th century. This clever quip, however, isn't just about skepticism in the intellectual sense. It's a concept that resonates deeply when we talk about empathy, especially in the context of personal relationships. Kotschnig's era, marked by significant societal and scientific upheaval, mirrors today's world in many ways. Just as then, we are constantly challenged to discern truth from fiction, sincerity from manipulation. The quote serves as a reminder: be receptive, yet discerning. This balance is not only crucial in intellectual debates, as often seen in discussions between atheists and Christians, but also in how we manage our emotional investments. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, i

Today was one of those days when the midweek blues needed a swift kick to the curb. So, I made a spontaneous decision - Goat (my trusty four-legged companion) and I were going trail running. It used to be a midweek ritual for us, but lately, the weekdays have been filled with pounding the streets of Kirkwood while we save the trails for the weekends. Today was different, though. Work was under control, and the trails were calling. We ventured to Emmenegger Nature Park, a familiar haunt for us. The trail system here holds a special place in my heart, and I have a peculiar tradition I call the "yin-yang of the trails." It involves creating a course that takes me both ways on every trail in the system, exactly once. The resulting map from the first time I did it reminded me of a yin-yang symbol. But beyond the aesthetics, running each part of the trail in both directions brings a sense of balance to the run. Emmenegger's trails aren't for the faint of heart. Over the cou

Today marks my in-office day. As a remote worker, the allure of software development has always been the freedom it offers, the ability to craft code from the comfort of my own space. Yet, here I am, stepping into the office just once a week. But you know what? It's not all that bad, and there's one thing I genuinely look forward to – the burrito. Allow me to paint a picture. In our workplace, there's a charming little cafe that boasts a selection of breakfast delights. Among them stands a culinary masterpiece, the breakfast burrito. This isn't your run-of-the-mill burrito; it's a symphony of flavors that make my office day a whole lot brighter. Picture this: fluffy eggs, the comforting sweetness of sweet potatoes, the smoky allure of roasted peppers, creamy slices of avocado, a generous sprinkle of cheese, and the pièce de résistance – Poblano sauce. It's a tantalizing combination that, once you've tasted, you can't help but crave. This burrito isn'

Last night, Jupiter popped the question: "Do you want to see Metallica?" My initial response was, "Not really." But curiosity got the better of me, and I started exploring last-minute tickets on SeatGeek. When I asked Jupiter how much he wanted to attend, his response was a solid 69%. Admittedly, it's an illogical question, but I didn't know what to expect. Metallica boasts a massive following, and their concerts tend to take place in large arenas. This one was at The Dome at America's Center in downtown St. Louis. Stadium-sized concerts have never been my cup of tea. I can never justify the cost of getting up close, and the nosebleed seats don't offer much of a view. Moreover, while I don't detest heavy metal, it's not a genre that dominates my playlists. I recognize a few Metallica songs, and I appreciate the talent of the musicians, but my excitement for the show was rather muted. Not too long ago, Les Claypool and his Frog Brigade were in

It's been a long hiatus since my last entry here. Over the nine intervening years, much water has flowed under the bridge, and I’ve even ventured into writing a few other blogs along the way. The idea of revisiting this space sparkled in my mind recently while reading a post from a trail-running friend on Blogger. It was a pleasant surprise to rediscover this old blog, like bumping into an old friend. So, what’s changed? The kids, Jupiter and Tsunami, have grown like weeds. Jupiter has stepped into the exciting world of high school, while Tsunami has embarked on the middle school journey. Their lives are now filled with the sweet sounds of band practices, with hockey games sprinkled in for good measure. Our shared love for music and video games has spun many enjoyable afternoons. Lately, we've taken a liking to exploring roadside attractions, reminiscent of our adventure chasing the STL250 cakes around the city years ago. Professionally, I've nestled into a full-time softwa