Inspiration...

... Comes in different forms for everyone. I find that I am inspired by the people around me, events in the world I live in and 'things' that play a role in my life. I've been fortunate enough to have a talented cousin (www.smoothfx.com) who can help me compile all of these factors into one 'mural' which I have with me at all times - mostly because it's 'painted' on my skin and I kind of can't leave home without it.
I've put a picture of the tattoo up here so that you have a visual and I don't have to explain it in detail - you can just see it. The only thing I have to explain is location... It takes up about 80% of the front of my right thigh. And I strive for the day that I can wear (confidently) shorts short enough to showcase this work of art.
I'm also looking forward to the day that it is 'finished'. No, it is not yet finished. I sat through the first part (about 6-8 hours) and this is where we were at the end of that session, all that is left to finish is a bit of detail and some tweaking. Nothing big and certainly not the same amount of time is needed, but it will still require the same amount of healing time which equals time that I can't be in the pool - at all. So it needs to be open water swimming season before I go back - the kind of open water swimming where wetsuits are optional because they would rub on the healing skin.
The little bit of explanation I will do is this - the quote is, in fact, Biblical (Romans 12:1). I firmly believe that everything happens because it is in Someone else's plans that are out of my hands and I am just to continue down whatever race is before me with every ounce of life I've got. And I'm cool with that. The four horses are in fact four horses I have had in my life (one I still have). If you want their stories that is content for either a whole separate post or a private conversation. The horse in the clouds represents those who have touched my life and left - whether through choice or through death. They've all left for a reason and have left an impression on me - therefore they are all a part of my guardian spirit.
There are people who write names of people/causes/events in their lives somewhere on their body for every mile of the race they are participating in that day... This tattoo permanently takes the place of that display of love and care and adequately accommodates ALL of the wishes/thoughts/concerns/cares that I run for each and every day. Sometimes I will write the name of someone particularly heavy on my mind on race day purely so I remember, in the moments I think I can't go on in that race, that someone out there can't do what I am doing - for whatever reason - and then I'm no longer participating for my reasons but for theirs. I usually don't tell them I've done it but somehow they always find out...

PS. I'm working on a 'sensitive' post that will be coming soon. It will be titled Agriculturally Speaking and should spark some conversation... Even if it is controversial I feel the time is ripe for it and I will perfect it before I post it to avoid too much emotion on my part and provide you with the most informational and factual post I can. I invite any of my friends who are vegan/vegetarian to contact me as I'd like to talk with you before I post so I can make sure I keep it unbiased as much as I can!