I am taking the Big Walk, today, stretching myself, going farther than I have gone yet on my own two feet. I have a three to four mile hike planned, it involves a straight road, a hill, and a rolling incline. I am following my cardiologist’s advice, stretching myself, listening to my heart. It is important for me to try this, and I will stop it and turn around if I feel I can’t make it or it doesn’t feel right. Then I imagine I will take a good long nap.

Maria is having lunch with some friends, it is a quiet, lazy summer day on the farm. I want to gather myself. I am experimenting with a cardio-approved method of holding my camera, it involves bracing it with one arm. My spare camera weighs about five lbs, if I can figure this out I will be taking photos again soon. But first, the big walk. I’m ready.