June 5, 2008
"The Iron Maiden"
It's that time of year again. Sometimes the things we do today don't feel good until they are over, or sometimes we don't feel better about it until tomorrow; but all the more reason to do it today.
I remember my daughter saying to me many years back (out of the mouth of babes) while I was dreading my yearly Mammogram, "Mom, wouldn't you rather know, if something was wrong, so you could act on the solution"? I always try to keep that in mind as I pay my yearly visit to the "Iron Maiden". For the sisterhood who has sat in that lonely chair as your films are being reviewed, it's a pretty lonely moment. But it's the best feeling when you get your little report card in the mail saying "All Is Well". I have been reporting on health issues lately because it is that time of year, "SPRING...into action. I am including a picture of Sandy who performed the procedure, she has been doing this with me now for several years and hopefully you will have someone that is just as professional, thorough and caring. Thanks again for making it a "Non Issue" Sandy.
My message is, that if you want to stay young at heart and feel the best you possibly can about yourself, you must be your own advocate for your health. "Women Who Ride" represent the real Woman. "We are not perfect, we are perfect examples." Where do I find these words, I love that saying! We want to share our lives so that you will want to do the best you possibly can every day. Make that appointment , whether it's for a Mammogram, the dentist or with your hairdresser. Don't sit around. Let's all be mindful of Cancer Awareness. I promised I would use this Blog spot to keep this project on my mind and yours, and I'll keep reminding you because I care.
Come Ride With Me
May 25, 2008
"Speed Racer"
We are celebrating a different kind of "Speed Racer" this time. Will Bove celebrated his 7th birthday today by taking his classmates to see the entertaining new movie, and then a walk up the street to the hot new hangout in town, "The Milky Spoon".
This was a new way to celebrate a birthday party, and kind of a healthier alternative; A Cereal Bar. It was a cloudy day in Southern California but Will brought sunshine into the day for all his guests. If you notice in the picture, he even wanted to dress the part of Speed Racer to draw everyone into the celebration. Very cute.
Quite often my grandsons celebrate their birthday with a movie for their friends and my daughter Gina, as an educator herself, carefully researches the movies to make sure they are appropriate for the children. She did a good job this time but without seeing the movie first hand, you cannot anticipate every scene. We had one moment when we looked at each other with our mouths hanging open and the children caught the moment too. We won't even go there, and that was probably the smart thing to do. It was a good day and it gave me some comic relief.
Come Ride With Me.
May 12, 2008
"The Hampster"
I have been struggling for about 10 days with the flu and in order to build myself back up after a nasty bout with Bronchitis, I am putting on my shoes and taking a walk on the "Treadmill. Just like a hamster, I will follow the path of least resistance and take it slow. The problem with starting up after a layoff is stamina. I doubt, for me anyway, that a huge rush of strenuous exercise is the answer. Especially with my breathing still quite labored, I will try 20 minutes. I will rest and maybe later on in the day I will try another session.
Then my plan is to visit the gym the following day and do a workout but be very mindful of what I am doing. I will get it all in but take it slowly and just see how I feel.
These kind of setbacks make for "Grouchy Marie" to show up. I dislike the loss of time from my schedule and working full time also suffers. I become so focused on what seems like the negative of healing myself and I am not necessarily comfortable with that place. By tomorrow, as I return to the workforce, I will have my tunnel vision back, and the support of my workout partner Kathryn. I will put one foot in front of the other and so on.
I know there are more of you out there that have experienced this more than once, so I will write again after my visit to the gym and report on my comeback. It all about the "Never Give Up"
Come Ride With Me. (very soon)
April 30, 2008
My First Blogs
I have had some really nice conversations with Coach Mary Daubert in the past few weeks. Because of a few issues in my life that have taken a strange turn, I began to question if I could stay on track; and, I continue to be a skeptic about completing the challenges I set out to do. I am here to admit that it's a scary thing for me to go riding with another person. I am terrified to make a mistake and look stupid. Do they have bicycle psychologists for this kind of disorder? I do it because I know that is the only way I will improve my self confidence. This is one of my major hurdles.
Sometimes is takes someone standing in a different corner to see what I cannot see in a mirror. Mary suggested that I read my first blogs and see just what I have accomplished.
Within the last two weeks I have been presented with challenges I didn't ask for, (What's new to all of us, right!). There was a great tool that was on my very own little laptop; I went back and read my first blogs. A year ago I didn't know anything about bicycles and thanks to all my friends, I have learned quite a bit in a year. Sometimes it pays to look back from time to time to see that winding road behind us. I'm learning to love this sport although it's a slow process. I know it will take me forward for years to come. I'm ready to start again.
Come Ride With Me.
April 28, 2008
"Molly" 1998-2008
I know this is very sad for people to read about but please indulge me for a few sentences.
My dear sweet companion Molly passed away this weekend and I want everyone to know that she gave me unconditional love and protection for over 10 years; and the last five of those years we helped each other to fill a big hole in our life together. I am trusting that my heart can once again adjust to another heartbreak, and the space left behind in my life.
I know it will take some time but I also know that somehow life seems to go on and there are new things to learn about tomorrow. Please give me a few days to get my act together and I'll be back on track soon.
"Sweet Molly, I know you will find your way home and be able to run and play once again with your family. Thank you for being my sweet blog helper. I'm missing you so much already." Love, Mom
April 20, 2008
We "Walk" Because We Can
Saturday I joined my daughter Gina and her son Will to participate in a Walkathon. Will is sitting on the statue lap of John Greenleaf Whitter. And this beautiful artwork in located in Whittier's Central Park. 
This is the 12th annual 5k fitness walk for the Shelter's Right Hand to benefit the Women's and Children's Crisis Shelter. The walkathon helps to support the end to domestic violence and to create awareness of a safe place in the community where women can get help. I feel that it is important for people to be aware of all the good work that is being done to help people in need.
Notice I am wearing my Dream Bikes t-shirt which is another good project to get people on bicycles within their means. There are a lot of good projects in our communities; take the time to investigate, and perhaps get a little exercise in as a bonus. We were pround of Will because he did the walk and was able to walk another mile back to the car. He is only 6 but I think he is on the fitness path.
On the same firness note, I am very proud of my daughter Gina who was diagnosed with Diabetes this week. Although she has made some big progress on her long term fitness goals, she handled this setback like a trooper and it's only going to make her persevere with more ambition. The whole family is making healthy choices, including the boys. Today is a way to celebrate, with a walk in the sunshine. Gina would like to join her sister and I in next year's Danskin Triathlon by being our relay swimmer. She was on the varsity swim team in high school and is determined to get back to the place of her own design. I promised to support her with her goal and we are going to support each other with our diabetes training by taking classes at the hospital. Take a look out there and see how you can support someone and make them feel good about the challenges that they are facing; people need support not lectures. It will make you feel very empowered in the right way.
Come Ride With Me
April 14, 2008
"Molly" to the rescue
Molly has been slowing down these days and she is board. She is 10 years old now and has arthritis in her front shoulders. She is somewhat depressed and has confided in me that she hates it when she becomes "Wendy Whiner" So we talked more and since her exercise is limited to when she feels like walking, I have decided she needs something to occupy her time, other that watching television. All of us "Seniors" need to feel important and she is no exception.
Here is what we decided to do. I need someone that can pitch in and help with some of my paperwork and administrative tasks and "M" has happily agreed to become my assistant. What a win, win idea.
From time to time you will hear from her putting out information looking for answers and so forth. If you want to direct questions to her, it will make her feel very important. She will be working from her home office.
My gosh, I loaned her my glasses, got her a steno pad (she is from the old school) and look, she has turned into an "Animal" with a purpose.
Come Ride With Me.
April 5, 2008
"A Watched Pot Never Boils"
It always happens, and never fails to amaze me, when you are waiting for something, it always takes longer. According to UPS my bike was to arrive on Thursday and I have been holding back on the introductions through my blog. By Friday night, the bike had been located, will be assembled and checked out on Saturday morning (Today) and I am going to see if I can pick it up by noon in order to take a test ride.
In the meantime I have been trying to busy myself and getting other chores completed. That way, I will be guilt free and available to spend time with my new family member.
Here is what I have accomplished:
- Cleaned the carpets
- Shampooed Molly (my doggie)
- New spring plants in my front entrance way
- Cleaned the garage (making room for more equipment
- Balanced my checkbook before going to the bicycle store (it's hard not to spend there)
- Laundry, laundry, laundry
- Touch up paint on the walls, affected by moving bicycles around a small area.
Now it wouldn't be fun unless I left a few things on the "To Do" list, but one important thing to do today...watch the NCAA basketball tournament. What a surprise, I'm rooting for UCLA
Come Ride With Me
March 25, 2008
"Birthday Bicycle Briefing"
OK, the birthday is over and it's time to get back on track. I had a nice visit with my sister over the weekend and now the work begins.
Back to the gym today to get in a good weight workout
Plan my week to get in several sessions on the trainer
Complete a grocery list so I have all the right things in the pantry
Get the bike outside before it begins to rain this weekend
Recruit some new participants for an after work ride (Daylight Savings)
It's all about staying focused, so as I re-group myself for the week, and get pysched up again, give me a few days to get some new blogs going and think about things to discuss. By the way, they are setting in place some nice cycling programs in Sacramento, CA. I'll tell you about that later.
Come Ride With Me
March 19, 2008
Baby I'm Amazed
So,,, here is how it started. I was born on or about Easter Sunday in the year that was. My parents promised to name me for my Aunt Marie who had recently passed, in honor or her life and my Uncle Larry who was also my Godfather.
Well, I was little, kind of, and the name Marie Annette was terribly sophisticated for an infant. I don't know who thought of it, probably my father, because he was the "Nicknamer" of the family. From day one it was little "Bunny". By kindergarten I was Bunny Marie and by the time I was in junior high school, as friends were calling the house, my brother and sister would summon me to the phone as "BUN". I had to stop this insanity immediately, and insist that everyone use the name Marie. The family respected that and from that time on until I had children of my own, no one ever mentioned Bunny again. Then, one night when I was sitting around a YMCA Indian Maidens campfire with my two daughters, the story came up and instantly people started using the reference once again. It's funny that as you get older, names that make you seem youthful are once again acceptable; although I love the reference Grand Marie. It's my birthday this Easter week so I have been thinking about some of these years gone by.
In case anyone wants to know how this story relates to two and three wheeled transportation, please note the whistling child in the photo. This is me at 9 months, very happy because I am in my first Tri equipment. Does anyone remember what these were called? It was a "Tailor Tot". You all know more about me now than my relatives.
Come Ride With Me
March 18, 2008
"Stop It"
Well, I am feeling it this week. For the first time in quite awhile I feel like my time is just being chewed up. I continue to find new things I want to accomplish toward achieving my goals and continue to push myself close to my limits of energy every day. I am beginning to feel pressed for time to accomplish my tasks and at the end of the day I am completely running on empty. Bla, Bla, Bla,
STOP IT right there. I am going to take the weekend off and fly up to my sisters home in Sacramento. I'll,,,
- Visit the Trek dealer
- See about getting Arnold a bike helmet
- Take in a little scenery.
I spend so much time inside my home and the office as well as so much training. It's all good and all part of my life now, but it's time to get outside and smell the "alfalfa". Spring is around the corner, my favorite time of the year. Stop and Smell The Roses
Come Ride With Me.
February 5, 2008
"Bad Hair Day"
In the course of many TREK goodie boxes that show up at my doorstep, I receive some interesting things. I have two packages right now that are compliments of Bissell, one is a "Grab 'n Go Cleaner". While this is very nice and I know that Bissell is a TREK sponsor, I was not sure what the connection might be.
They just must have known about Molly. Not only is Molly a doggie hair factory, but this time of year especially, when it's raining like it has been in the past two weeks, it can be a muddy mess having a dog around the house. Couple that with the Bad Hair Days, which is almost every day, it's almost all I can do to keep ahead of the shedding game. I have purchased brushes, combs, devices that are supposed to thin out her undercoat, and have even used the vacuum on her. I think Bissell now has a vacuum designed for using on dogs. Actually my vac is not set up for that purpose, but when I tried it, Molly almost went to sleep, because she though she was at the doggie spa getting a massage. I failed to collect any hair.
Here is another aspect, part of me has resorted to getting dressed in the garage. No, I am not kidding. There are times I have to leave the house without Doggie DNA all over me. So I take Molly out for her last walk in the morning while wearing old dog walking pants. Then, just before I get ready to jump into the car, I slip out of my pants and into my good slacks. Don't laugh because this has worked for me many times. What so darn funny?, I can hear you laughing from here.
I have only considered stopping on my way to work to use a gas station bathroom; but I'd rather not even think about the unknown there. My last word of caution; don't try and do this holding the garage door opener in your hands. Keep the garage door closed at all times until you are safely inside your pants. By the way, one reason I love bicycle riding, spandex repels dog hair.
Come Ride With Me.
January 30, 2008
"Class of 1965" Part 2
I received an e-mail recently from a girlfriend that I have stayed in touch with since high school graduation. While that wouldn't seem like such a feat for the majority of you, we graduated from Pioneer High School, Whittier, California, in 1965 AD.
Maria Falchi Stenner, also known as "Mud" and I, go back to our Typing 1 and 2 class with Mr. Armstrong. Please note we were typing 90+ words per minute,(Don't laugh) on Manual typewriters; that means non electric, before keyboards. Mud was the class clown and I was the quiet one.
Our graduating class was real good about staying in touch and att
ending all the reunions through the years. After my husband Cliff passed, it just so happened to be time to start planning our 40-year reunion. Always attending and always on the committee; Mud contacted me along with the other committee members and asked me to participate. It was a painful experience for me to show up as a newly single person, still heartbroken about facing the future by my myself. Alas, these girls came to my house once a month and picked me up to see to it that I attended every planning meeting for the next year and a half. We laughed and had more fun and it was the best of times for me to start to begin socializing again. We had a great reunion, great attendance, played golf, and drank a lot of wine and martinis. About two weeks later we started planning the possibility of the next reunion. We laughed about the suggestion of having a brunch next time because everyone goes to bed so early these days. I am looking forward to Part 3 of this story where I share Muds picture, her hobby today and part of her viewpoint about these best of times right now. "Were we the Breck Girls or what"
Come Ride With Me.
January 21, 2008
TGIF Maybe
TGIF: I hope I will be saying that Saturday morning and be happy that I accomplished everything I was supposed to do by Friday. I have fitness exercise to catch up on.
This is how my story started out for the weekend. This is me today. Yuck, I have been zapped with my first cold in over 2 years, and it might even be longer, I cannot remember. How can I possibly have a cold when the temperature has been 75 degrees outside. Can I blame it on the plane ride back from Wisconsin? How about all the coughing going on at work? I cleaned out the refrigerator at work last week, did I touch some germy food? Who knows, but traditionally I do miss at least one day at work because I don't like the Germ Trail to be linked to my cubicle.
I am a little disappointed, a Lot disappointed that I didn't get in the quality bike ride I was looking forward to. OK, I'm a wimp but I can barely hold on the handlebars as it is. How was I going to tend to my runny nose. I didn't want to be that person that everyone was joking about when we all got together at Trek. Yes, the subject came up about bike riders and runny noses, and I will leave it at that. I'm going back to bed.
Come Ride With Me, when my nose stops running.
December 25, 2007
"Happy Holidays"
I think we all might as well take a deep breath, sigh of relief, or sip of wine. The time is upon us and so we might as well relax and enjoy the day. There will be children laughing, children crying. Boxes and wrapping paper everywhere. The kitchen will probably be a mess but the house will smell wonderful, even if you are opting for a pine room deodorizer. I hope it was all good for you. It's up at 4:30 a.m. tomorrow for me to return back to work and my normal schedule.
Happy Holidays to all my friends, readers and Trek Sisters.
Come Ride With Me
December 19, 2007
"My Favorite Super Hero" Part 2
If 
you haven't figured out my mystery party by now, here is a glimpse of what it was all about. The superheroes were all 5 years old. I decided against dressing up for this particular party because it was all about the children. Although they seem to delight in just about every whimsy, I felt that the day belonged to Jack, not Grand Marie showing up in a costume. This snapshot has so many children pictured, it's almost like a game of "Where's Waldo". Although he is hard to spot, you will remember Jack Bove from the story about "My Own Little Moat", where I took his picture sitting in the trunk of my car.
Fun was the order of the day in the beautiful California sunshine. We were at William Penn Park in Whittier California, a park that I remember using while attending Brownie Day Camp and where my daughter had wedding photos taken. Everyone was meeting up in there busy December schedules to celebrate an important five year milestone. Big brother William helped to keep the festivities going even though he was shy his first lost tooth. I rode my bike through this park many times and used the beautiful photo opportunities to take some of my pictures. It would probably take a year to visit all the local parks in your home town area. Make a point to do that as soon as your can. Not only are they beautiful treasures to pass along to future generations, they are peaceful places to visit when you need to get away but just have an hour or two to spare.
Come Ride With Me
December 12, 2007
"My Favorite Super Hero" Part 1
Dilemma Alert
I've been invited to a party on Sunday and the Host has requested that his guests dress for the occasion as their favorite super hero. Jeeze, I thought I was too old for this. "I mean, I'm all", I just slipped past Halloween without having to dress up, and so I thought I was off the hook for the next year. Are there any costume stores even open after October 31st? I'm up a creek here because I have not seen any of the Spiderman movies, I don't think Shrek qualifies, and to be perfectly honest, the last Superhero movie I can remember watching is Batman on Christmas 1967 at a drive-in movie; "Holy ---- Batman".
I really need some quick advice here because I would not want to disappoint my "Host". I am more of the Heroine being rescued type. I will be busy the next few days, racking my brain over this one so if anyone has any ideas, I would be very grateful. After I figure this one out,
Come Ride With Me
December 9, 2007
"Once A Year" Visitors
I have been camped out at a hotel this week with only my computer to keep me warm. This is the time of year our business hosts all of our employees for a holiday party. At the same time, we conduct a winter sales meeting that brings in our reps, their spouses and partners from all over the United States. While my role is to keep all the activities humming, I am allowed some free time too. So, I packed up my bike which fit beautifully in the back of my vehicle (it's a beautiful thing not to have to juggle those bundgie cords) and brought it along.
While I must say the planning process for an event like this is quite extensive, it's always good to see the out of towners to catch up and socialize. I had a chance to connect with many people about my role and relationship with Trek and was surprised to hear how many people were riding bikes, with a pretty respectable showing for our Trek brand. A fact to note here is that these bike riders are, for the most part, people with children ready to leave the nest, in college or grandparents. I was thrilled to gather statistics of that nature and demographics. 
As I drove up to the hotel, I found they had bikes available for rent, and since my pit crew would be attending the event, it was a natural. So what would any red blooded Trek Sister do? I started asking our guests to,
Come Ride With Me
November 30, 2007
Cross Town Rivalry and A Family Secret
This weekend is big for college football and California is no exception. Our flavor of the day is UCLA vs. USC. For 15 years I was a season ticket holder and part of a "Band of Buddies" that could be classified as pofessional tailgaters. The weekend we played our cross-town rivals took on even more meaning and we pulled out all the stops. Our faire included linen tablecloths, fresh flower arrangements, Eggs Benedict, champagne and candelabras on the tables. It was not unusual for us to be on the evening news.
One of those years we were unable to attend the game because my daughter Gina picked that weekend to get married. I couldn't believe it, and she couldn't believe that I couldn't believe it. No worries, the whole family was sitting in the front pew of the church during mass where we had worked out an elaborate code with hand signals. Her little bother was monitoring the game with earphones and he was in charge of scoring updates. This is spilling the beans to Gina and Ed who have now been married eight years. They are very happy and have two wonderful little boys to complete their family so I am hoping they won't be angry as they read this deep dark secret.
I have mentioned before, nothing stays the same and that is OK with me. I have all these great fun times to look back on. This year I will be riding my bike on game day, but for sure I will be rooting for my team; can you tell which team is my favorite?
Come Ride With Me
November 28, 2007
Stopping By to Say "Thank You"
It dawned on me that I have been remiss about something very important. I want to take this time to thank everyone that has responded to my blog with the most generous comments that I could ever imagine. When I began this expedition I had initially thought of only MY personal growth as the ultimate goal. As I started to get more and more comments from my readers, I was so inspired that they too were finding motivation, possibly from my age, possibly from my experience level (none), or possibly from that fact that I was a hopeless women who had no intention of continuing her life after the death of her husband; but who found a way to turn it all around.
I am here today (rather teary eyed) to tell you I have not only grown closer to my friends, but I have also developed some really fantastic relationships with people that were nowhere near my life a few years ago. Soon I will start introducing you to people who I have been communicating with and people that have entered my life, supporting me and my lifestyle. Some of these acquaintences are people that have carried their comments over from the blog website; and we all share a common interest in "The Bicycle". I certainly don't have the answers to all of the questions that I am asked but somehow Inspiration and Support is really what most everyone is looking for.
Know this my friends, feel free to ask my anything. I have seen it all and experienced most of it. Some I brought with me, some I left behind. If there is anyway I can soften a day in the life of "you", I owe it to you all to make that effort and pay you all back for your support.
Come Ride With Me
November 25, 2007
Making A List, Checking It Twice
I have a busy week ahead of me.
- I am starting week 4 of my training with Mary Daubert (Coach Mary)
- Christmas shopping and all that implies
- A scheduled bike ride with a new friend.
- Planning our company Holiday Party - the invites are in the mail
- Composing new Blogs
- Going on a field trip to a very special bicycle business (more later)
- I have two appointments scheduled at car dealers
- Non blog communicating with new acquaintences
- Chores, chores, chores
The list goes on. Operative word here is "List" and this is a good time to start making those lists and checking them twice. It's very satisfying when you can cross off items and add a few new ones. I am by myself, I have no help keeping up my home and fullfilling comitments etc; it's just me. Although in my opinion everyone can benefit from lists, it's my secret to getting everything done on time. Someone once said, "If you want to get something done, give it to a busy woman" Yeah, you go girls, and then,
Come Ride With Me
November 23, 2007
I'm Not Here
Hi there,
I'm not here today. My sister came to town and we are in line at the shopping mall in order to get the best bargains ahead of everyone. I cannot speak for the rest of the states, but in Southern California people would rather camp out at the malls than cook a turkey dinner. We are actually not that extreme but managed to get some shopping out tof the way on Wednesday night. Again, the malls were packed and I wondered why everyone wasn't at home cooking like I was when my children were young. I can say this, Thanksgiving should be about connecting with people. If it's over a meal that is great. If it is over a table of sweaters that are on sale, that is OK too. I hope you all had an opportunity to share time with someone special this weekend. Remember, this is just the start of a very hectic season; keep your priorities in order, don't feel guilty to say no thank you once in a while and plan a gesture to feed your spirit.
Come Ride With Me
November 20, 2007
Guru Or Gigolo
As a single woman I have to be careful about the men that come my way. I have a list of criteria that usually eliminates everyone. No it's not designed that way on purpose; well maybe it is.
- Will my life be better if he is in it?
- Is there something new that I can learn?
- Does he see the finish line with me?
- Does he like children and animals?
- Is he health conscious?
- Does he ride a bike?
- Does he respect Lance Armstrong (Again, more material for another story you wouldn't believe)
That is the first of a very long list of which I will postpone sharing right now because it really doesn't matter; I am not shopping for a man. It doesn't matter if I am in love with someone right now or not. What is important is that I have stuff to do and unless I can comfortably share all of the above, it's not a fit. One thing I have learned along the way, nothing in life stays the same but "change" so if you know me, you know I am open to whatever life puts in front of me. If it sticks, it's meant to be.
All my younger readers,which is just about everyone, know this; Be open to new experiences but don't work too hard looking for them. Your life is ready to show itself to YOU. Put on those Rose-Colored glasses and take a look. He's probably right in front of you.
Come Ride With Me
October 11, 2007
A Grateful Celebration
I am lucky to have two girlfriends that are Cancer survivors. These "girls" have been my friends since we worked together in the 60's. Considering the mischief we found back then I am surprised we still have the stamina and energy left to celebrate. We are all grandmothers now with a peaceful awareness of how good life has been to us. This picture was taken a few months back when Kit was undergoing chemo. We visited her home in Arizona and made a trip with her while she received treatment in Palm Springs. Kit, Susie and I are Kindred Spirits and we try to rendezvous at least once a year. In November we will meet at Susie's house, on the ocean in Central California. If we have to, we will rent bikes and have our own Cancer Awareness ride together to celebrate Kit's latest victory, a clear Mammogram, one year later. Be sure to note, I will publish that upcoming visit.
This weekend, I will be riding in the TREK Breast Cancer Awareness ride and I will celebrate that my friends are healthy. Go out and celebrate life with someone who is beating or battling this dreaded disease. Give them a hug, hold their hand, take them out to lunch. It's so important to have friends; more important than anything. Celebrate Life, Celebrate Friends.
Come Ride With Me.
September 2, 2007
"The Merry Widow"
I have a friend who calls me The Merry Widow. If I didn’t like him so much, I would probably tell him that I think the name is an insult. Now that I am on my merry way down a new path in life, I thank him for the reference. Life goes on and for me that’s exactly how everyone wanted it to be; to enjoy living my life once again.
Sometimes it is so easy to indulge others, and we forget to feed our own spirit. We need to be nutured too so don't forget to add fuel to a most important element. Me, Myself and I..
Come ride with me.
August 21, 2007
"You Will Be With Me"
As I start this new chapter, (I have lost track of which chapter number it is), I need to psyche myself up about doing this alone. Most of my adventures will be close to home and uncovering simple pleasures. It is what is is, and this is what I have to work with. But you know what, it reminds me that adventures are what you make of them and it also reminds me of something I want to take care of right now.
I want to dedicate my efforts here to a man that taught me about living life to the fullest, dealing with one day at a time, and most of all Courage. If it wasn't for real men like Cliff Westrope and the clinical trials that he endured, many people would not be surviving their Cancer battles today. Thank you Sweetie for being so brave. I promise to take care of myself and help with Cancer Awareness in every way I can.
As I forge my way along the bike paths, you will be with me.
August 19, 2007
Two Butterflies
I felt as I start this journey that I wanted to remind myself about some of the roads I have traveled.
When my sister and I were exploring Seattle, I decided that it was time to look into the possibility of a tattoo. I had been giving the idea quite a bit of thought for some time, but didn’t share it with anyone. After all, I was recently widowed and all of my friends and family were watching me very closely. They assumed that any abnormal behavior was probably a call for help or psychiatric care. I wanted to have a constant reminder of where I was, where I was going and validation to address fears, and be open to new experiences.
So I bravely walked up to “HUBBA” the artist and explained my design idea. He agreed that my choice would work and before I could wink, two Butterflies perched on a twig will forever remind me of the transformation of two souls. One beautiful butterfly passing into eternity the other experiencing a metamorphosis that would have exciting new adventures to discover on this earth.
Thanks Hubba, Seattle Tattoo Emporium.
Come ride with me.
