Today’s walk started simply—must get coffee, ideas rolling, mind open.

I raced a pigeon by my kids’ middle school,
crossed the street and heard that Imagine Dragons song and paused to do the Whip. I continued on and noticed corn growing in someone’sfront yard. This Midwestern farmer’s daughter was impressed.

I made it to the Starbucks without incident.

Next, with coffee in hand, I went to the bench by the funky statue in my Grease leggings—Olivia Newton-John energy fully present—and took a moment to sit, think, and let the ideas settle.

From there, I walked to get my haircut.
It went well. I wasn’t too sweaty, and I got to reminisce with my stylist about the man who used to cut my hair starting back in 2008, back when my kids were small and my hair lived in a bun. I remembered the day I finally told him to cut it all off—one inch at a time—and how much life has changed since then.

After the haircut, I started the walk home the familiar way, but slower and more observant.
I noticed flowers along the way.

I passed the church where my kids were baptized and saw a familiar face tending the grounds.

Near home, my neighbor’s yard was full of dandelions—the little blowy wish-makers—and I stopped to remember a lesson my daughter, Amy, taught me, long ago: you miss life if you don’t stop to notice what’s growing out of the cracks.

Then I reached my clovers.
From Ireland.
Here for decades.
They die back every spring and return every November.
Still going.

I finished the walk, came through the garage, shut the door, and was immediately greeted by cats who clearly needed to confirm I had survived.

I checked on my husband, went to my patio.

Put up my walking shoes, and ended the day outside—grateful.

Here are my stats for those interested.

I’m not just still going.

I’m going forward, with curiosity.

Still going. So walk with me. 🍀🪶👣💙

Still counts.

The Starbucks Carrot Method
North Phoenix Walking Series