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Friday, March 28, 2008

Dances with Dirt anyone?


Those of you who know me well, know I'm a person who doesn't like to get dirty. I wouldn't be caught dead gardening because a) I could get sweaty being out there so long pulling weeds, and b) I could get dirt under my fingernails. I hate camping because, after a long sweaty hike, at the end of the day, there are still no showers in the woods.


So why, oh WHY would I sign up for a race titled Dances with Dirt? Dances with Dirt is 50K (31 mile) adventure race in Nashville, Indiana through Brown County State Park. In fact, I thought for sure I was going to throw up when I hit the "submit" button to sign up for the race. Something sick about it appeals to me though.


To run a marathon is tough as your body stores only enough glycogen for about 20 miles. It's the 6.2 more that makes the distance a challenge. The last six miles of the race are the most miserable I've ever felt in my life! To add 5 more miles to that distance, to see how far I can push myself, to prove that I can still use a compass in my delirium...that's what it is. And, as Chris points out, I'm crazy.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Chris Competes in Second Triathlon!

No stranger to triathlons, having competed in the IronKid in the mid-eighties, Chris has decided to compete in the Belle Isle Sprint Triathlon this June 15. I'm not much of a swimmer, but I agreed to be his inspirational coach and training partner. This time, while Chris competes, it will be my turn wear the skirt and shake the pompons. It will be strange for me to be on the other side of the finish line, but good to experience what Chris goes through as I drag him to each boring race I enter. Have a look at his training program. Let us know if you've been inspired to compete too!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

From Fat Elvis to Skinny Elvis

As you may or may not know, we have a superdog living with us named Elvis. Elvis is a six year old Alaskan Malamute who is skilled at snuggling, opening jars and drawers, chasing cats and taking long naps in his dog house. Three years ago, he weighed in at an unhealthy 162 lbs. With all that fur, who could tell that he was fat? We immediately put him on a diet. As it turned out, both Chris and I were giving him enough treats to equate to six full-sized Snickers bars per day. I just know we'll make great parents some day. Now he's down to a slim 118 lbs with a sweet little waist line which was sadly, hidden for so many years. I think those pesky last few lbs. finally peeled off when we finished our kitchen and Elvis was no longer able to supplement his diet with delicious items from our trash can. Check out the transformation:

Before: Elvis in the backyard after a good summer brushing

After: Elvis, in a slimming Dracula cape, after months of starvation








Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who came out to Chris' Gallery Opening March 10 and all those who have supported us along the way! It feels great to have such amazing friends. We've finally got our website up in working order: http://www.formvibrations.com/. Please check it out when you have a minute, and pass along the link to anyone you think may be interested!

Monday, March 17, 2008

The Orange Vest

Chris and I volunteered to be Course Marshalls yesterday for the Corktown 26th Annual St. Patty's Day Four-Miler. It is amazing how much more respect one gets when donning the orange vest. Chris was enjoying it so much he wore his straight through the rest of the day, well into the evening.

We were situated at the two mile mark at the corner of Woodward and Montcalm, sandwiched between the Fox Theater and Comerica Park. The race started at noon with the earliest runner coming by at 12:10. We checked in at 10:30 and figured we start walking that way. We wanted to start conservatively to make sure that we could A)make it there on time while dragging our heavy cooler of adult beverages, and B)start our day off right with a few spicy bloodies.


We arrived, oh, and an hour or so before the race was to begin. It was freezing but sunny. Our corner was swarmed by cop cars. I would venture to say it was cop central. We sat in our orange vests on the sidewalk, poured ourselves a couple of cool ones, taking in the action, both with our eyes and through our straws. We were so impressed that there was so much police support for the race. No matter that Jesus Christ Superstar was playing at the Fox across the way featuring Ted Neely (who?).


Turns out that the race and the musical began at the same time. What a coincidence. Chris and I moved to the center of the street eventually to assume our positions (bloody in one hand, cooler in the other). We thought we could help direct the Fox traffic as well as keep an eye out for the first runner. Some officer screeched his SUV angrily to a hault, rolled down his automatic window and asked us how long we'd known about the race. I wanted to roll my eyes. Maybe I did. Good thing I was wearing sunglasses. We told him we'd known about it for exactly one year. It's St. Patty's Day, for Pete's sake!


With our orange vests, nothing could stop us. We promised to keep the race contained, as best we could, to one side of the road. We even offered to help move cones knowing full well that we only would be able to contribute one hand each. The race must go on!


It was fun to see so many fast and familiar faces out there! So many runners thanked us for volunteering. I do that when I run, but I certainly did not expect to be thanked today.


The race went on without a hitch, that is, until the police force began directing traffic one block earlier to avoid the Fox. We stood our ground, refusing to get out of the street until the last runner ran by. One officer pointed out that my drink wasn't an energy drink. Because I was wearing the orange vest and feeling particularly confident, I told him it was my kind of energy drink. He laughed and left me alone.


I think the race was a success. Detroit Police Officers aren't all that bad and we learned that one can achieve almost anything when wears an orange vest.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Venue Change for Chris' March 10, 2008 Gallery Opening

Hi Everyone,

We have changed venues for Monday’s gallery opening. The show will now be held at Howe’s Bayou in Ferndale . It is one block north of 9 mile on Woodward, at the corner of Vester and Woodward. Howe’s Bayou will be serving a complimentary sampling of their tasty cuisine. The opening is at the same time (6:30) with the same great artwork.

Please get the word out to anyone who you think may not check their e-mail. Sorry for the late change. I hope to see you there.

Libbie & Chris Rutherford






Monday, March 3, 2008

Gallery Opening - Chris Rutherford - Amici's Living Room - Berkley - 03/10/2008 - 6:30pm

Hello Friends,

Please join us for the opening event! There will be art, free pizza, and a cash bar. The opening (and pizza) is from 6:30-8:30, but Amici’s Living Room is open until 10:00. See the flyer below for additional information. I hope to see you all there.

If you need more detailed directions you can follow this link to Amici’s web site: http://www.amicispizza.com/location_IE.html.
If you have any questions, please e-mail or call me: rutherford@formvibrations.com, (313) 492-6143.

For more information on design services, or art purchase, please visit our website at www.formvibrations.com. The site is currently being updated, and I will add a page with pictures of us all eating pizza and having a great time after the show. Feel free to forward to anyone you think might be interested.

See you there!
Libbie & Chris Rutherford
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