For each person reading these words, for every bot and robot that crawls these pages, for each breath I take as I type this note — thank you. In remembrance of Thanksgiving Day, some moments of reflection on blessings require from me some thanks and gratitude. Those words, thanks and gratitude, are simple yet difficult destinations due to neglect or resistance. Sometimes a forced, mechanical effort in their name help brighten the world and give meaning to the road ahead.
This morning I went for a short ride on a winding road in Rothrock State Forest. The road goes nowhere and everywhere — the choice is mine and resides between my ears as part of the swirling thoughts, ideas and expectations that make up each moment.
With the Vespa parked along side the road and my wandering thoughts fading I see the road ahead. I don’t know where I’m going, what I might see around the bend, or how long the ride will be. All I know right now is I give thanks and gratitude for being on this road.
I’m reminded of a quote by G.K. Chesterton:
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
Perhaps there is a destination toward which I can travel.
For each of you today, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and that you find yourselves in a place of thanks and gratitude.
And a very happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Steve.
Thank you for your blog and your thoughts that are often thought-provoking for me. I appreciate the depth, the occasional melancholy – all of it.
Please keep riding and keep writing.
Thank you Melu. Riding and writing is my plan — for as long as I’m able.
Wise and thoughtful words. Thanks for enriching so many of my days with your posts.
Not sure how wise anything I write is but thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you find some value in the things I write. It remains a helpful activity for me to sort out what’s in my head.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones… and may you ride peacefully on both busy and less traveled roads…
And the same to you Steven! Be safe and find peace.
…was peeling potatoes when the iPad went “ding”…have stopped long enough to read your post and write this note. I am thankful you are still with us…continue to take care of yourself. Best Wishes, Mike
Thanks Mike. And thank you again for sharing your adventure.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! And that looks like a wonderful road to be wandering on. Who knows what surprise awaits you around the bend…
Could be a bear around that turn or a crowd of runners. I’ve seen a lot of things on that road.
Thanks for your timely post.we are most fortunate to live in this country and enjoy peaceful days such as this.Safe riding!
Thanks John. Be safe.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Same to you Robert. We still need to get together!
Steve – thank you for the thoughts and images brought forth here. Including today.
I’m glad to be able to share a bit of what I see and think. And the weird part — if I hadn’t gotten a Vespa scooter, I probably would have never decided to write anything or share any pictures. It just would not have occurred to me.
I’m thankful for your words. Great blog.
Hope it was a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The family was great and the meal was as well. It’s one of those that my cardiologist refers to as an occasional indulgence.
Hope you had a great day as well.
Thank you for continually posting such beautiful pictures along with your wisdom.
I hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving with your family yesterday.
It was a fine holiday with the entire family together in one place. And thank you for the kind words about the pictures — photography has been a healthy passion for me since I was a kid. Wisdom… I can’t make claim to that though. I just try and keep my eyes and ears open in hopes I’ll find a smoother path.
Steve,
Once again, thank you. Your site is always a wonderful place to return to and spend time with.
Thanks Doug. I’m glad my little world has some value for others. Take care and ride safe.