Tour de Photo
Written by hootenannie on May 1st, 2009I don’t even remember where I was, or how I got there – but there I was, cyber-stalking a stranger.
Sadly, this is how many of my stories begin.
And I came across a random crowd picture of last Saturday’s half-marathon. Taken by a stranger, and uploaded in another stranger’s account. A sea of hundreds of people. What are the chances? But guess who was in the middle, in her bright pink East Nasty shirt?
Looking back on these pictures, it’s hard to believe that the race actually happened. But it did – and now it’s over – and I haven’t run since, making this the longest stretch I’ve gone without a run since November.
And I’m totally fine with that.
Wednesday night was Talent Night at work. We rented out the Basement, a local venue, and 14 acts proceeded to take the stage. We had singer/songwriters. We had a bellydancer. We had a girl who could “woooooo” like a siren. We had a guy in a sandwich costume.
I played. I was only going to do one song, but you get a couple of Long Islands in me, and I’m sorry, but I’m not going to stop.
But here’s the coolest thing about this week.
Remember Little Annie Parsons?
She came to Nashville.
And last night, I met – as my friend Matt calls her – my very own Muppet Baby.
The Other Parsons are wonderful, and we ate with chopsticks at P.F. Changs, and talked about homeschooling and honky tonks and Sarah Palin and the difference between “flirting” and “stalking.” Oh, to be 13 when Facebook existed…
Annie and her younger sister Katie are two of the most poised, comfortable, intelligent, interesting girls I have met – a product of good parenting, and homeschooling-gone-right, and a delightful cocktail of genes. I would choose to hang out with them over a lot of people my age.
At one point, Mr. Parsons said, “Annie?” and we both looked up and said, “Yes?”
They’re coming back in October. We’re hanging out then, too.
I love the internet, and I love The Other Parsons.
1
AM
What a great Friday blog! Yay for Little AP! :)
And Annie– I LOVE your new haircut, you look fantastic!
1
AM
Little AP is too cute!
And I love that you both have basically identical shirts on, just in different colors. I really hope that wasn’t planned. :)
And congrats on running a 1/2 marathon!! I am a sprinter, which is definitely not a runner, so the endurance required for such a race is incredible to me!
1
AM
I was just about to comment on how you and Little AP are wearing the same shirt, but Dani beat me to it. I’m pretty sure I have that shirt too, which makes me feel like I’m part of the AP gang. :)
1
AM
Wow, we did. I didn’t even notice that last night. It wasn’t planned, I assure you.
Oh, yeah, and we found out that there’s a new element to the freaky. Annie and I have the same middle name, too. :P Annie Elizabeth Parsons.
Yay! It was great to see you last night, I had super amounts of fun. Can’t wait ’til October!
1
AM
Hey now, none of this Mister stuff…it’s Tom to you. Yes, you can call me by my first name.
We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to see you again in October!
1
PM
You met little AP!! Oh my gosh!! Annie, is there anyone from the internet you can’t befriend? You are astounding. And I love it. She sounds like an awesome young person and fit to bear your name, however unintentionally. God works in mysterious, fun ways sometimes, eh?
Awesome race photos, btw. I’m sweaty just looking at them.
1
PM
Congratulations on the race!
You look stunning both on stage and following your run.
Can’t wait to see you…
Lv, CT
1
PM
I only wish I could realistically dream of ever participating in a race like that. Good job!
And I’m so excited you got to meet Little AP! She’s darling. So is her sister.
4
AM
I am so impressed that you ran the half marathon – or even a quarter of a marathon! I am going to start biking – now I have a lighter bike – but I do not think running is in the cards for me!