W. Somerset Maugham once wrote, “Nothing in the World is Permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.”
Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins takes delight in everything she does. Believed to be the oldest woman to formally complete on an American track, she took up running at age 100.
Back History: In a recent interview, Sarah Mervosh, a New York Times reporter, asked Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, age 103 if she had any closing thoughts after have had completed the 100-meter dash race in the National Senior Games in Albuquerque. The centenarian who set a record for the 100-meter dash when she was 101, said: "Keep yourself in good shape if you can. Have many passions. And look for magic moments. That is something that I have done in my life—think of the things that are magic moments that happen to you, like sunsets and sunrises, rainbows, beautiful birds, music and people who make lovely comments to you. All of those are magic moments and they are free for all. Be sure to keep your eyes open for them."
When the reporter called her for the interview, she was taking a break from running, the Louisiana native was enjoying the day at a botanical garden. It turns out the flowers are another passion of hers. “I’m a big flower person,” she said, “I usually wear a flower in my hair, even when I’m running. I would rather be the 'Flower Lady’ than the 'Hurricane Lady.’”
As a tribute to this inspiring grand lady, I have dedicated this post and photos—mostly of flowers that I recently took as well as images (sunsets, etc.) I captured recently of other magical moments that have brought me a great deal of joy. After all, life is short or as Julia says, “As I get older, I feel like I only have so many 100-yard dashes left…”—a perfect metaphor for living and enjoying life now. It’s never too late.
Credit: Sarah Mervosh, The New York Times, June 2019
Photo Credit of Julia Hawkins (Brit Huckabay/National Senior Games, via Associated Press)
