@Patrice – Hi Patrice. If we see our life much like a rainbow, filled with amazing color, then that is certainly exciting! Thanks for stopping in…

@Danny – Hi Danny. I’m smiling…timing, right! And seeing a rainbow in the sky – pretty magnificent! Thinking of the sprinkler and creating our own rainbows…this is much like life – and the rainbows we can create in our lives…and that’s pretty sweet too!

@Liara – Yes, every moment can be a rainbow…if we allow that to be.

@Angel – Angel, you are so, so sweet. And really, I can’t help but think of you, and how this IS you. I know where you’ve been in the past couple of weeks, and you’ve shown your own rainbow, brighly and beautifully! And that (and everything else about you) makes you a truly lovely person. And it’s such an honor to have you here…

Rainbows are great and I never lose the thrill of seeing one–even when it’s in the water thrown from a sprinkler.
Danny Clayton´s Last Fabulous Post ..You can take everything away from me

And, thanks for the push there to go forward with something outside of our comfort zone. I have been pondering something for awhile now and it goes completely out of my comfort zone. Late tonight, reading your post, I’ve decided to take a deep breath and step out and forward, thank you!

Smiles always,
Bella/Amy
Bella/Amy´s Last Fabulous Post ..I Find Me There.

@Lisa – Hi Lisa. The picture is so captivating for me, so I’m glad you like it too. And that was it, when I got to the field, the whole focus shifted from being a time to learn new skills, to just really going with a way to have fun “in the moment”. And yes, if we as a team measured everything in wins and losses, our season would be a major disappointment. When we measure by the fun we’re having and the camaraderie we’re building – our season is filled with success. And Lisa, thanks so much for sharing your own special connection with rain. Did you know, when our family visited Disneyland in California a few years back – it rained so hard the day we were there – we jokingly called it the “wettest place on earth!”. And so, I love that you see rain as your good luck! In fact, it’s shifting a thought I’ve had in my head about rain, after reading this.

@Marelisa – Hi Mare. Yes, we’re definitely the underdog. And it’s been so fun with this group of kids! They all take it in stride, and really just have a lot of fun – and that’s a great attitude they’re developing! And I love it – you getting out there in the rain, and running! I’m guessing this is your rainy season, then?

@Hilary – Hi Hilary. Rain can sure be nourishing, can’t it. And sometimes it takes a lack of something to make us appreciate it. And yes, there can be rewards at the ends of these moments, too. For us, it was hot cocoa upon arriving home… Thanks much, Hilary!

@Katie – Hey Katie! See, you have me laughing already (King!!!!)!!! And I love the story you’ve shared here, definitely a moment of “no expectations” I’m sure, as you brought in random people to make this event a success! And that is moving indeed. So, the question is – how often am I willing to let these expectations I have be shattered? Hmmm…you’re challenging me today, Katie…(in good ways!)

As you say – doing the things you don’t want to do ..often turn out to be memorable .. or you regret that you didn’t make the effort because it’s cold and wet.

Long walks along the cliffs, or up on the Downs in the tipping rain coming back drenched for a really good warming tea .. and perhaps crumpets .. so well deserved. Quite often those ‘miserable’ wet or cold times, when you’ve stretched yourself are the things that spring back into the memory more easily. The long hot sunny days blend in ..

Sounds as though and the kids had a great session and will have many happy memories to share for the years ahead .. brilliant ..

All the best Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Rhythm of Life ….

above is the Best phrase within your blog post, i believe. Living life to the fullest comes from attacking daily challenges we fear or worry too much about. t ending pessimistic protruding thoughts with action, not excuses. Its the mind state of happiness which in my book consists of the progressive realization to a worthy ideal. I think if we create an attitude of optimism,mixed with an adventurous mindset, we can really enjoy life to the fullest with out any regrets or hesitation of self doubt.

Great post and by all mean keep it gangsta as along as its posiitve.
Positive Gangsta´s Last Fabulous Post ..Never Give Up Unless Your In The Grave

@Sami – Hi Sami! It would have been so easy to have just stayed home, hot cocoa in hand…looking out at the nastiness in the air. Being out there, though, gave us a bond, something we have to hold onto – and maybe, just maybe – these kids will remember this down the road when they face other “storms” in their life…and how they can weather that storm. And maybe…just maybe…their coach will remember this too… Sami, thank you! You are super kind and wonderful and sweet!!

@Audra – Hi Audra. And thanks about the new banner – it sure feels “right” for me, and where I’m at right now. And growing up at the base of Pike’s Peak – Audra, how gorgeous a setting that must have been! We vacationed there a couple of years ago, and loved the “Garden of the God” park, especially with all the mountain scenery in the background. And you know, they are really taking this losing season in such great stride, even before our rainy practice. And that’s what I love about this team – a team that’s really out there having fun! And that just has made the whole season fun. And that’s not to say we don’t try – we certainly do, but in our losses – we’re perfectly okay, especially when we’ve given it our all…

@Robin Easton – Hi Robin. Your words are so, so sweet and kind. Know that they touch me deeply. Every one of them. And yes, we can always grow, can’t we. Even in what are less than ideal situations. Or maybe especially in less than ideal situations. And I love that you see this as conversational…that’s so wonderful for me to read! Robin, thank you for being you, and for sharing your rainbow with the world! Many hugs to you, sweet sweet Robin…

@Diantha – Hi Diantha. Yes, if we just “show up”, we’re so much further along than “the other guy” who didn’t show. And in this case for us, it’s probably not going to mean any more wins because we had this practice. Wins come in many forms though, and they win because of the camaraderie they continue to build up. Thanks so much for being here today…

@Tristan – Hi Tristan. Yes, we all will have challenges in our life. What we do…how we handle those challenges…can make all the difference. And I love the Woody Allen quote – so fitting here! Thanks for visiting today!

@Evita – Hi Evita. And thank you, so much for really seeing the good in people…you do! And it’s so good to be the recipient of the love you share so freely! I am blessed to know you. And it can be so easy to compare ourselves to someone else – just like the soccer team I coach can be tempted to compare themselves to the teams we play. And really – considering we’re a coed team with several novice players, playing in a league of all-boy teams with much experience – comparisons really aren’t it. And the neat thing is, they’re seeing this – and relishing in the moments they have, as a team – not in comparison to another team. So, so awesome to witness them doing this…on their own! And that is life, too. being the best “us” that we can be. So, Evita, keep doing that…keep being the best “you” that you can be…it’s wonderful to watch, your rainbow growing brighter and bigger always!

@Conquer the Monkey – Hi Cameron. Thanks much for reading this today! And great to have you here!

@Jannie – Well, hello fellow Wonderful Human Being! Same name? Are we related? So, I’ll give you an update right here. First two games, lost by about 8 goals each game. Third game, canceled due to three players being gone. Fourth game – a win (just this past Saturday) by one goal! And the team relished every moment – when we tied the other team (our first tie) early in the game, when we scored our second goal of the game (we only had one goal all season) and when we won! A fun, fun day for all of them! Happy “showing-up”…and woohoo for Friday!!

@Jodi – Hi Jodi. Yes, and I think it would have went downhill fast had I stuck to the original plan of working on skills practice upfront. When I let that go, and let go of any expecation that practice would be a “learning experience”…the truth is it was probably more of a learning experience than most practices. This team has been so fun to coach…Jodi, I’m truly the lucky one here! Thanks so much for being here!

@Sharmilla – Hi Jen. And good for you, getting out there and walking in the rain. In fact, I went for a short run this morning, in the darkness and drizzle of the early morning hours – and it can be hard sometimes to get out there, but once we do – how good it feels! I’m sorry to hear about your week being a rough one. Know that it brightens my day to read your words here, about how this post was there at the right time for you… So, yes it is enough to be the best you…at this moment…whatever that is. And you are, Jen…you are so, so the best you – and it’s beautiful… always remember that. Big hugs to you, my friend…

@Lisa’s Chaos – Ha!! I’m laughing at the rain comment! Well…and you get lots of snow, so you’re in luck there! And you know, sitting in the rain isn’t so much fun – somehow being the coach seems to make it much easier to take the rain! And glad I could provide a little more thankfulness in your life, Lisa! Those indoor soccer leagues…it’s summer all year long in there!

@Tess – Hi Tess. Ha! You know what…I can recall several nasty and rainy practices over the years…maybe I just love sloppy! And yes, it’s definitely not just about winning. In fact, we won this past weekend (lucky, we were…really we were), and it will likely be our only win. I love the attitude all the kids have – always – games, practices, after the games – it’s all so positive and encouraging (and laughter-filled!). And yes, you did get it right – I really am the lucky one here – in our short time together, there’s so much they share of themselves – and really of life – even if they don’t know it – what examples they are – all of these kids!

@Wilma – Hi Wilma. You know, you’re so right. I debated canceling or not – the phone ringing with parents wondering if practice would go on. And then, I finally decided we should at least try. And try we did – and fun it was. We did end early, because it was raining so hard – but our time together was very much fun-filled moments! So, thank you, Wilma – your words really mean a lot to me!

@Tom – Hey Tom. Being the rugby-playing fellow you are, I really believe this is probably something you can relate to! Each practice has brought our team closer together, a team that has players from four different schools. And this practice was especially good – in that their bond was strengthened by the adversities they worked through. Tom, I know you live your live “out there”, and know that that’s such a powerful example of truly living! Awesome!

@Mimi – For some reason, I’m not surprised, Mimi! And yes, sometimes those moments when we don’t want to do something, but do it anyway – they end up being such great moments for us…a good thing to remember!

@Mama Zen – Hey, thanks much Mama Zen!!