Edith Macefield’s house today.
This post has been surprisingly difficult to write. Mostly from being wholly distracted by the Oscars tonight. But didn’t Lupita Nyong’o have the sweetest acceptance speech?
Today started with defeat but by day’s end was mostly redeemed. As I mentioned last week, today I was supposed to participate in the Hot Chocolate 15/5K. I’ve been worried about it for some time due to increasing pain in my feet when I walk briskly. Like searing, full on hobble inducing pain. I convinced myself that as long as I walked a slower pace, I’d be fine. I showed up and joined the ladies at the start line. Unfortunately, even the moderate pace wasn’t enough to stave off the pain. I made it two miles and had to withdraw. I met back up with the group at the finish line and enjoyed some hot chocolate before parting ways. Tomorrow, I will be seeking referrals for a podiatrist so I can get to the bottom of this problem and be back stronger than ever for the half marathon.
After departing Seattle Center, John and I headed to Ballard to take photos at Fisherman’s Terminal. But before that we stopped nearby to see the home of Edith Macefield, who defied big builders to keep her home and her way of life. Her story and her house is fabled to have been the inspiration behind the home in Disney’s Pixar movie, Up. When Edith refused an offer of $1 million to level her house in favor of a grocery store and fitness center, she became a symbol of resistance – a women with principles or credo*. And while she is that way for those of us looking in, I suspect she was just a stubborn woman, who in her old age, didn’t want to start over. Her neighborhood friend, Mike Semandiris, had this to say, “she didn’t give a damn about preserving old Ballard. The lady just wanted to live in her house.” (Source) Isn’t that as good a reason as any? I think so and I admire her for it. I’m sure she had a lot of people pressuring her to move for their convenience and benefit. But she wouldn’t be bullied. She stood her ground.
Edith’s tenacity and credo* is my inspiration for the week. She reminds me that we all have to stand up for what we believe in. To not back down in the face of adversity, bullying or pressure. We’re not likely to find ourselves the symbol of larger social issues, but every day in little ways, we are faced with a choice to uphold our beliefs or to let them falter. Choices that we have to live with..
When I find myself faced with such a choice, I will do my best to channel Edith’s moxy and steadfast nature so that I too can live life on my own terms.
Here’s to a fresh (and principled) start!
*The theme, credo, comes from the Edith’s House at Credo Square project that seeks to restore and renew Edith’s home into a community place. It appears to be stalled at the moment but hopefully will resume soon.
