Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.

Words of Reflection

by 18 Comments

Christmas wreath hanging in Saint's Cafe in State College, PA.
A wreath in the window of Saint’s Cafe.

Quiet Moments

My dog Junior is lying at my feet. The sound of a soft exhale of breath as he prepares to descend into sleep. The ceiling is splashed with green and red lights from the laser projector outside which paints our house in a festive sparkle and shoots through the livingroom window to add the effect indoors. The room, and myself, are quiet. A fine time to write a few words of reflection.

I’m tired, a soft ache through most of my body, a result of the head cold which insistently pushes me toward the bed and the gentle escape of sleep. But first I wanted to tap a few words of reflection

Sitting here now, a cup of tea and a few ginger cookies to provide emergency fuel, I recognize the satisfaction and serenity of this moment. And of the gratitude I feel for this life. Perhaps the Christmas season continues to work on head and heart.

Norman Vincent Peale, author of the Power of Positive Thinking, once commented on the power of the season, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

I can’t disagree. I remain under the influence of its magic. Wandering through State College, Pennsylvania, I see icons of the holiday season. The wreath in the window of Saint’s Cafe reminds me of how many things, great and small, for which to be grateful.

Continue Reading

Cold Christmas Ride

by 19 Comments

Vespa GTS scooter in State College, Pennsylvania on Christmas Day.Christmas Morning in State College, Pennsylvania

Penn State is closed, the students are gone and the town is empty.  Not a soul around.  It was 13F and windy when I got up and there was a dusting of snow when I got up on Christmas morning — not ideal riding weather.  The dogs weren’t overly excited either.  And suddenly I’m trying to rationalize a little Christmas ride on the Vespa scooter.

It didn’t take long to hatch a plan or to convince myself it wasn’t all that cold outside.  Told myself there were ideal conditions for testing the Tucano Urbano gear — the hand grip muffs and the Termoscud apron.

The test: Can I ride without the heavy winter overpants and with only my LL Bean deerskin gloves?

So off I went, fully expecting to have cold hands, legs and body.Continue Reading

Search for the Spirit of Christmas

by 38 Comments

tea and journal on a tableExploring in Words

It’s late and I’m still searching for the spirit of Christmas. There’s no tree for it to hide under and my heart is worn and tired. Despite the twinkling lights and colorful trappings of the season, Christmas remains elusive.

Writing always helps clear away the noise that can mask the truth. A small collection of chocolate and tea fueled a pen laying ink across a journal; thoughts of life and Christmas on my mind.Continue Reading

Christmas Blessings

by 42 Comments

Christmas tree in the snowSparkling Trees and Lights

Christmas — a time of magic and wonder. As a child the crackling energy of lights and presents and visions of Santa Claus. More years added ideas of spirit and faith, magical and wondrous in different ways as I journeyed through my own notion of God and Christmas. At the very least, I find this a time of personal reflection,  a search to rediscover magic and recognition of the Christmas blessings that I can easily overlook.

With Christmas just a few hours away I wish each of you reading these words, regardless of your belief, good tidings and cheer in hopes that your life, your family and yourself are blessed, healthy and safe. Best wishes for the road ahead and all that it may reveal.

Vespa GTS scooter in a winter wonderlandWinter Riding with a Vespa Scooter

With my Vespa in the body shop, there are no opportunities to navigate the world on two wheels and ponder the Christmas spirit.  Instead I’ve been wandering through memories of past Christmas experiences and rides.

Vespa GTS scooter in snowy Rothrock State ForestChristmas Eve Vespa Ride

A couple years ago I was on the road on Christmas eve riding through Rothrock State Forest in a light snow.  All that was missing were the jingle bells that are etched in my brain as an element of the season.

Steve Williams and his VespaMerry Christmas to Scooter and Motorcycle Riders Everywhere

My wish for each of you — to find comfort on those difficult days we all experience, and recognition of the beauty in the world to help fuel hope when it’s hard to find, friendship to brighten the journey you’re on, courage to continue on when you want to stop, patience to accept the things you learn and experience that aren’t always what we want, faith that everything will be ok, and love to complete your life.

Christmas greeting from Scooter in the Sticks

Merry Christmas to all!

Vespa Scooter into the Christmas Season

by 20 Comments

Vespa GTS scooter in front of a festive display of holiday decorationsSigns of the Christmas Season

Passing through town on the way home I noticed a flock of flamingos.  Evidence of the coming yuletide holiday season.  Had to stop for a picture though I’m not certain why exactly.  Perhaps it’s the color.  I have a mountain bike that’s the same color as those birds.

Salmon.  Not pink…

Not sure how much riding I’ll get in before the holidays.  At the end of the week I supposed to drop the Vespa off at a local body shop to have the rust and corrosion from many winters of salty riding taken care of.  They say that will take two weeks.  Could be the next time I’m on the road I may run into Santa Claus.

Ho ho ho…