100% of the money raised goes to the American Diabetes Association in their efforts against diabetes a debilitating disease that is becoming growing problem in the US -- so please give!
1/16/13
Follow my journey from Midtown NYC (Nov. 2012) to Downtown Los Angeles (Jul. 2013).
THE GOALS: (1.) Raise $20,000 for the American Diabetes Association, (2.) Spread awareness about the growing epidemic of Type-2 Diabetes, and (3.) Experience America up close and personal. [MISSION COMPLETE 7/20/13]
Englewood, OH. Yesterday I reached 10% of my goal and I very happy. Thanks to those who donated and if you haven't please click on the "DONATE!" link above and make a contribution of whatever you can give and if you can be generous please do.
100% of the money raised goes to the American Diabetes Association in their efforts against diabetes a debilitating disease that is becoming growing problem in the US -- so please give! 1/16/13
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The Four Agreements is a book I just finished that was recommended my friend Dorota of Long Pond, PA. I took a lot from this book especially not taking what others do or say personally. I've notice myself being less upset by the actions of others and in turn has made me happier.
Below is a brief summery of each of the agreements, but I would highly recommend to read the book in full for a multiple of great points and detailed examples to bring each point home. London, OH. Sunday morning as I walked into town unshaven and feet sore looking for a hostel to rest, about a block away from my destination a pickup truck pulled up alongside me.
The gentleman that pulled up was John and he informed me of "service" that was about to commence in 20 minutes and invited me to join. I quickly weighed resting verse meeting new people, so I asked its location and navigated my way there. I wasn't sure if "service" meant Christian, Jehovah Witness, Buddhist, or whatever. I just knew it had been 10+ years since I attended any worship service and I was overdue in some regard. Restoration Worship Center, it turned out to be a Christian church and service was great. Pastor Gary Noble spoke about "real peace", internal & external. This is something personally I work on daily and is very important topic that is a big part of my current existence. After speaking with John I discovered he was a great guy, he is a people's person, energetic, very social, humorous, man of God, encouraging, and real. He spoke to me about his full recovery from a long-standing battle with drugs to now holding substance abuse classes and guiding those who need it. The relationship with his daughter, who is now married, has also been rekindled which I think is wonderful. After church service Pastor Gary & his family took Jon, John's lovely wife Cindy, and I to lunch which I wasn't expecting especially after the church had already made a donation to my cause. I'm glad I ate well before arriving into town and the previous night or else I would've wanted to eat everything put on the table and maybe even the table. John & Cindy invited me to stay at their home for the night which was great. We watched sports on TV, which I haven't done in months. Cindy cooked a nice dinner and later we enjoyed John's birthday cake. I'm not the biggest cake person but I thought it was delicious, carrot cake with strawberry frosting. It's not a combination you would commonly think of and as I am writing this, my thoughts are craving for another slice. Him and wife are currently working towards establishing a local halfway house for women which I believe is a noble cause and will be accomplished. John told me that God told him to go after me when he first spotted me and to invite me in. To John: Thanks for everything you've done, keep doing what your doing -- fighting the good fight. Take care my friend! 1/13/13 I want to thank those I recently met while trekking through Columbus & London who made donations to the American Diabetes Association!
The total collected in three days was $192. I want to thank John who I met on the Olentangy River path, the great cyclists I spoke with (Gene, Allen, & Gary) on the Ohio Bike Trail -- thanks again Gary for offering me a place to stay, and the wonderful Restoration Worship Center congregation. Columbus, OH. My whole Ohio visit was planned around spending time with friends of mine -- the warm-living couple (above), The Pethtels.
I originally met them along with their beautiful daughter, Alex, while working at my job in New York as a concierge. Through my dedication working the front desk making sure their daughter was well taken care of we formed a strong bond. A bond that was made even stronger after I suffered from a gun shot in my left torso two and a half years ago. With a bullet permanently lodged in my spine I was unable (for 2-weeks) to work, partake in physical activities I enjoyed, do anything for my son, or even stand for longer than 5-10 minutes. The Pethtels helped me spiritually through that dark time with phone calls, text messages, letters, and even a care package -- and for those loving thoughts I am forever grateful. In the past week I had a wonderful time with them in their home and around the Columbus area. They made sure I was not just fed but full after every meal and constantly gave me helpful suggestions about my journey, my son, and life in general. I'm really going to miss them! 1/5/13 thru 1/10/13 Belvedere, NJ. View of Delaware River facing north right before entering Rivington, PA.
This was a joyful moment because I had covered my first full state, so joyful that I called my life mentor, Edward, and informed him of my journey which I had not informed him of. What's funny is right before taking this photo, the patrol person approached and questioned me wondering if I was looking to suicide jump from the bridge... I had to laugh. Date of occurrence: 11/28/12 Mt. Gilead, OH. Along my journey I got the pleasure of meeting with and hanging out with a very charming reporter/traveler/motorcyclist/everything woman, Taylor.
She interviewed me for an article that will appear in the Morrow County newspaper, I believe this week. After telling her I was going to camp out in the state park, she later found someone that would put me up for the night -- how cool is that! After spending time with Taylor, her plans for the future make me so excited for her! She has a lot to offer the world and I believe the world has a lot of positive, fun, and uplifting experiences to offer her. Date of occurence: 1/4/13 Johnsville, OH. Can you spot the two unleashed canines? Judging from their behavior from a distance I could tell there was an invisible fence system put up to prevent them from running off the property. Something in the system causes them to get docile one they are near the fence, to the point they will stand there and won't even bark
I encounter tons of dogs on a daily basis, so its no biggie. I normally don't pay attention or even look in their direction unless I hear their bark getting louder which means they are approaching me and may possibly attack. In most cases they will not attack, they just want you away from the property. Date of occurence: 1/3/13 Powell, OH. While preparing some food at my good friends' home I spotted these deer right outside the kitchen. I thought it was beautiful and watched them until I remembered I was hungry.
1/6/12 Mansfield, OH. As I entered the city of Mansfield a gentleman starting walking alongside of me with a huge camera. I curiously asked him what are you photographing, he said... you! I agreed and that gentleman, Dave Polcyn, took some photos while walking to the center of town to be published in the local paper.
That later lead to a very sweet newspaper's reporter, Lou Whitmire, wanting to do an interview over coffee at the local cafe. The article was good overall, there are inaccuracies that may have been possibly my fault -- but the overall message was clear: I'm walking to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. Click [ HERE ] to view the article. Date of occurrence: 1/2/2013 |
STERLING CLEVELAND
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Friday, November 28, 2012 AuthorRunner, Writer, Thinker, & Positive Energy. Archives
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