The Power of Fog and Riding

Powerful Motivator

Fog still has power over me. Awakening at 5:30 AM and catching a glimpse of that magical murk drives the sleep from mind and body and I am ready to ride. Or more precisely, ride so I can document the world I seldom see. The one shrouded in fog and stripped of the noise and clutter of too much stuff.

I was surprised how quickly I could get up, take care of the dogs, and get out the door on the Vespa. The power of fog and riding to motivate and inspire hasn’t faded.

Note to self: I’m not old yet.

Out Early

It’s good to be reminded that I can get out of the house quickly. I was moving down the road before 7AM in search of the best direction for the photographs that can only be made on a foggy morning. It wasn’t a heavy fog, but rather the sort that existed in pockets. At the edges the sun was already burning it away.

Peering Into the Mist

Hidden in the mist is a herd of dairy cows at a local farm specializing in raw milk. I can’t help but wonder which has more risk — drinking raw milk or riding in fog. Just as fog can obscure the road ahead, social media can hide the truth about anything and everything. I’m careful riding in fog just as I’m careful where I get information. And I’ve become adept at differentiating fact from opinion.

I yield to the power of fog. I don’t drink raw milk.

Beauty Leads to Happiness

Riding makes me happy. The machines and landscapes change but the results don’t. Often I am too busy or self-absorbed to notice what is beautiful in people and in the world around me. It’s so easy for me to rush through the day, focused on myself, and blind to what really makes life worth living.

Sitting this morning with my breakfast, an apple, a muffin with peanut butter, and a cup of tap water. As I held the cup I realized how many people don’t have the luxury of a clear cup of water to drink. I ride to me reminded of the beauty and gifts around me. I’m glad the riding effect lingers into the rest of my life.

Being Attentive

A thought drew me out of bed early. An action, riding, connected me to my small part of the world. Only a few miles from home I breathed in the gifts of attention and action. Thinking about riding, thinking about the power of fog, it isn’t the same as actually riding in the fog. Silly me, I often try to give myself credit for good thoughts as if they are the same as good actions.

Small acts make my life richer. Writing a short blog post, making a photograph, or taking a short ride early in the morning on my Vespa scooter in hopes of touching the power of fog.

Another fine ride to start my day.