I was proud to be among the 2,200+ runners and walkers for the 5K race that began in front of the Grand Theater on Fourth Street and concluded under a picture-perfect arch of pink balloons on Scott Street.
The weather was ideal – not too hot and not at all chilly. It was what we in Central Wisconsin like to call “a recruiting day” – not a cloud in the sky or a whiff of humidity.
The organization of the race was perfect, too. Kudos to the Komen Central Wisconsin Affiliate Board, local organizing team, and the dozens of volunteers who ensured that everything went off as planned. And, that the race raised more than $200,000 for breast cancer research is phenomenal. 
As I waited with my walking partners for the race to get underway, I was in awe of the shades of pink everywhere. From the various official Race for the Cure shirts and signage – identifying survivors, participants, and sponsors – to the array of custom team-wear (including once-upon-a-time prom dresses!) and accessories ranging from hats to socks and pins to beads, pink – there were even pink dumpsters – was most certainly the color du jour!
This time of year, it’s no surprise that most of my waking hours are spent focused on one Birds in Art detail or another. And so while walking, talking, and taking in the sea of pink, my thoughts turned to pink birds. Flamingos and roseate spoonbills are favorites of artists and birdwatchers. These lanky birds sport not only delicious pink shades but also curvaceous shapes and contorted poses. 
For a brief moment as my walking partners and I made our way along the race route, I imagined us as elegant flamingos. Ah, the beauty of pink!
