A SpotsBug’s World

the twin spires experience

On the first Saturday of May each year, crowds enter the gates under the iconic twin spires and fill the grandstand in their Sunday finest.  The ladies wear hats that are more like works of art and the people will drink mint juleps while the wagering windows open.  At Churchill Downs the excitement will build as race after race displays the remarkable speed and grace of the horses crossing the finish line.  But most have come and are waiting on the 10th race of the day, the Superbowl of horse racing, to see potential history in the making, the run for the roses - the Kentucky Derby. 

For the horse racing fan this is a race like no other.  In its 134 years it has not only become the longest running racing event, but it has also become a tradition rooted deep in American history.  The inspiring tales of all who work so hard to get here, the horses they live for, and the everlasting glory that comes from winning all combines to create one of the most exciting, emotional, and grand displays of horsemanship, sport, tradition, and patriotism.

Since I was a little girl it has always been my dream to be in the grandstand on this day to experience all the sights and sounds of the Kentucky Derby.  And while that dream has not yet been fulfilled, I came very close yesterday.

Here in Louisville, my only mandatory request was that I have a chance to visit the iconic racetrack and for a moment be able to close my eyes and envision all the activity of the biggest race day circling around me.  To be able to picture in my mind the greats like Secretariat, Citation, Affirmed, Giacomo, and Barbaro crossing the finish line and winning the races that over time would become some of the greatest sporting moments ever.

As I drove over a hill on my way to the track I could begin to see the famous and historic twin spires that sit atop the oldest part of the grandstand.  They glistened in the warm, early morning glow of the sun and my heart melted.  It became a more emotional experience then I was prepared for.  Tears welled up in my eyes. 

Growing up, and even now, I have spent every Derby Day since I can remember in front of the television sizing up the horses, watching all the excitement from home.  For most of those years a permanent fixture of that day has been sharing my opinions and excitement with my parents.  It became another connection between us, my love of horses became their passion as well – so much so, that I know through the years they often would have given anything to be able to have afforded for me the chance to have my own horse growing up.  I know they have also always wanted me to have the opportunity to go to the Derby in person.

So as I pulled in the quiet, nearly empty parking lot, my thoughts shifted to my parents and how grateful I am to have had them in my life and how incredibly supportive they have been of all my dreams both big and small. 

I composed myself in the car before going into the park.  I did not expect the overwhelming feelings I experienced.  But throughout the day as I walked through the tunnel path that the horses follow from the paddock to the track, and visited the grandstand, the jockey’s quarters, millionaire row, and the barns and stables on the backside, I could feel my parents, especially my father, walking with me.  I know my dad was soaking up the information, the history, the sights, and my enjoyment every step of the way.

The twin spires experience is one that I will not soon forget.  It was not a race day, but the empty grandstand and quiet track seemed to fit the moment and allowed me a time to reflect on the history, the magnificence of the venue, and how inspired I felt.  Not only did it partially fulfill a little girl’s dream, but it reminded me just how much my parents love and support me.  And for a little while, I was able to share some time, if only in spirit, with my father who I miss very much.  I know he would have been so excited to hear all about my twin spires experience.    

horse town and those one way streets

We have finally arrived in the riverside city of Louisville.  Driving in we found this equine-friendly place alive with activity as people filled the streets and horse carriages maneuvered in and out of traffic.  Horse images are all around, the peaceful river is glistening in the lights of surrounding buildings and bridges, and here I was, little me, trying to figure out the one way streets…

If you know me, or have ever ridden in the car with me, then you are well aware that one way streets are not my friend.  I seem to always get caught up in the vicious square of up one – over two – turn right for one – and back two…  such is what happened tonight.  We travelled about 18 blocks out of the way and through some questionable areas of town just to be able to make one right turn onto the street where the hotel was located.  I ended up with an unintended 30 minute car tour of the downtown area at 10 pm at night. 

But it was great, and I had my dear friend Esther to join in the fun.  Now that we’ve checked in with our family to let them know we arrived safely we are settling in the hotel room (which has a beautiful view of the city and river) getting ready for the exciting week ahead…

my active weekend

This last weekend was a busy one.  Not busy in a bad, doing-things-you-don’t-want-to-do kind of way, just busy. 

Friday, my boyfriend and I went out to eat and to a movie.  I am a horrible decision maker (and really so is he even though he wouldn’t admit it) and so we had dinner at a local restaurant named Fuji.  It’s a quick, Japanese stir fry place that has become our place to go when we can’t think of a place to go.  I always get the teriyaki shrimp and he always gets the steak & chicken combo with no mushrooms.  Not a lot of variety in our lives apparently.  It’s a good, fast, and filling meal and solves our problem of mealtime indecision. 

Anyway, once we finished there we trotted off to see the new Al Pacino/Robert DeNiro flick “Righteous Kill.”  Okay, so since I am often indecisive I also regularly forfeit my opportunity to pick a movie too… because I definitely would not have picked this one.  For one reason, I’m not particularly fond of either actor – GASP!!!  I know, I know… probably some of you reading this are thinking “how in the world could you not appreciate two of the greatest actors ever?”  Don’t worry, my dad would’ve thought the same thing.  But no, I do not find either actor or the types of movies they typically produce remotely appealing.  Which leads me to my next reason… this type of film is not the kind of storyline I prefer.  The dark, “I’m a macho cop let me shoot someone” kind of flick just does nothing for me.  My boyfriend enjoyed it and so I suppose it wasn’t a complete waste.  But just know that I will be picking the next film and he’s going to sit through it whether he wants to or not… 

So Saturday morning I spent cleaning up a bit, doing laundry (always seems like I’m doing laundry), and trying to keep the peace in the backyard between Casey, the mother cat, and her kittens.

About a month ago, I received some free tickets to a Little Theater production of “Peter Pan.”  Again, not really my first choice for an evening out but the tickets were free and I knew my mother would enjoy the show.  So on Saturday night, she and I went to a nice dinner and then off to the performance.  I must say that for local community theater the performance was good.  The costumes and sets were actually quite elaborate and they even made Peter Pan fly… a nice special effect for such a little theater.  It was a much longer show than I anticipated – nearly three hours. 

Sunday brought another day spent with my wonderful mother.  We went to church that morning where I was able to meet our youth minister’s four day old daughter – yes, that’s right she was only four days old.  She was born on Thursday and he, his wife, and new daughter dropped by a couple of Sunday school classrooms for a few minutes to show off their new bundle of joy.  She is so tiny, couldn’t believe they brought her but I’m glad they did.  I then met up with my boyfriend and my mother in the sanctuary for worship service and afterwards all three of us were off to the house to have some lunch.

We stayed at my mother’s that afternoon, watching the Ryder’s Cup, reading the newspaper, chatting and laughing.  Then we loaded up in the car again and all headed to the annual church picnic.  Everyone brings a plate a food, a hungry appetite and an open heart.  The weather could not have been better, a little overcast, a slight breeze and temperatures in the mid-70s.  The smorgasbord of homecooked green beans, mac n’ cheese, chicken, desserts, etc… was delicious and makes me wish I could actually cook something remotely as good.   The little ones played on the swings while the adults and teens could amuse themselves by way of the basketball court, a large open field for football or the volleyball net.  At the end of the meal our pastor gave a brief devotion and prayer and then everyone was back to the activities.  I love to go to the church picnic – its a great time to catch up with the wonderful people of our church. 

My Spot of Thankfulness today is for my church family.  The people that make up my church represent some of the finest, most generous, loving Christian folks I have ever met in my life.  I could never truly describe how dear these people are to me and my family.  Four years ago when I entered the sanctuary for the first time, I was greeted by many smiling faces and friendly handshakes and that hasn’t changed.  With all the setbacks and losses my family has experienced over these last several years, our church family has never failed to envelop us with their support and love.  And most importantly, these individuals are centered in God’s will and provide such a shining example of His forgiveness, His love and His teachings.  I have a wonderful church home and for this I am tremendously grateful.