Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2007. We took Mattie down to the Washington National Mall to see the cherry trees in bloom. As you can see this made for a very beautiful backdrop for this photo. However, this was one of Mattie's typical looks when he complied with a photo but did not really want to be taking one. He was used to plenty of these moments with me, but thankfully despite his disinterest at times, we captured many special moments we had together.
Quote of the day: Inspiration is always a surprising visitor. ~ John O'Donohue
Today was another full day of Walk preparation. The Walk is a full time job and then some. Planning the Walk in any given year is an enormous task, but in a year when I decide to revamp the event, that makes it three times more challenging. It is more challenging because everyone is used to the Walk being a certain way. Change is hard. Getting used to a new concept.... from the registration process to the fact that we are asking people to get involved this year and help us fundraise takes time, being on hand to answer questions from supporters, and at times walk people through the actual process to get them started. Started with creating a Walk team, building their own fundraising webpage, and also how to go about soliciting friends and family for funds. These are all new skills we are asking our supporters to use this year. However, these are vital to the health and development of the Foundation. The promotional awareness of the Foundation and fundraising can't only come from me. Ironically what I am seeing is that many of our supporters really like this challenge. They like the spirit of competition to raise money for a good cause, and to see which walk team can possibly raise the most funds for the Foundation.
Later this afternoon, I took a break from the computer and went to Alexandria City Hall to finalize my Walk permits. This year I was able to do most of the application process through emails. Thanks to the contacts I have developed in the permit office over the past several years. Therefore when I went in today, I only had to pay the fees because the application was already completed and filed. I am very thankful to Sandra and Tara for streamlining the process for me, and I even wrote to their boss tonight to commend them for their outstanding service. It was my best experience in the permit office yet! However, the reason I am showing you this photo of our orange Mattie Miracle bags is because while driving through old town Alexandria I saw a woman in the distance carrying an orange recyclable bag. The color caught my eye, but I figured there are a ton of orange bags around, so it probably wasn't a Mattie Miracle bag. To my surprise, as I got closer to this woman and I looked at the logo, it was indeed a Mattie Miracle bag! I did not know the carrier of the bag, but as tonight's quote says... inspiration can sometimes be a surprise visitor! Seeing this bag on the streets of Alexandria perked me up today. 
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