At that moment today when the sun pierced the heavy gray sky and the world dazzled for a moment, I thought I might be in a dream.  And after daydreaming of life as the winner of a mega-lottery prize then surely it’s a dream within a dream.

Riding has always sparked my imagination and I attempt no restraint or restriction and let it run wild through whatever conception it might create.  I’ve been young and old, rich and poor, surrounded by wealth as a king or traveling through life as an amiable vagabond.  Or perhaps just the good husband and father I try to be.

On this day I’m pleased my body and spirit has adjusted to the cold and finds 39F a comfortable condition for a ride on the Vespa scooter.

Dreams allow for an escape from the chaos of existence.  For a moment things can proceed smoothly and easily and there’s time to actually appreciate the power chaos has igniting action.  Kim read to me earlier this even of artists and creators finding inspiration amidst chaos and disorganization and how they often strive to create it.

I’m still wondering…

There’s a quiet mystery and beauty in the chaos created by wandering vines.  If those lines are a reflection of my thoughts on a crazy day then perhaps I need step back more often to appreciate rather than resist where my mind is taking me.  Step back, watch, be bored, and see what happens.

Like a researcher of life.

After adding one gallon of premium gasoline to the Vespa I had to go inside to invest four dollars in the Powerball drawing.  I had a pretty good idea of how I would divide the winnings through family and friends, what foundations I would create and how I would quietly announce my retirement.

All part of a dream within a dream.

Daydreams fade when more people and vehicles draw near.  The realities of scooting to Gemelli’s Bakery for bread or the pharmacy to face sticker shock are not fodder for dreams — rather a reminder of what world I inhabit.

Despite the bubble dissolving the Vespa remains a quiet servant of pleasure and discovery.  It’s hard to describe, especially to non-riders, how a little, two-wheeled machine can perform magic.

And not the kind of magic involving juggling or guessing ages and weights…

The chill, the dampness, the gloomy sky conspire to create a physical challenge to surmount — the framework for a Vespa mini-adventure.  After 30 thousand miles with the scooter I’m still smiling, still exploring, still appreciating the secrets a ride reveals, especially when I find myself in a dream within a dream.