Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.
First SnowfallSimple pleasures. Helping shape the mind to accept change. Finding joy and satisfaction where I can. The dual challenges of my wife’s medical situation along with the frigid weather we’ve been having (judged by my growing intolerance of cold) have pushed my ability to go with the flow.
The first snowfall of the season thrilled the dogs. Me — not so much. Still, it was good to see the sunrise.Continue Reading
Reflections in the DarkSeems I’ve been having as many adventures on foot as I do the Vespa scooter. Night and day. Same with writing which more and more seems to happen after sundown. Thoughts at midnight and beyond. Circumstance and the ebb and flow of life are too blame. My job is to follow along as necessary. I believe in ritual. Have always been attracted to schedules and natural rhythms but am mature enough now to seem them for the necessarily selfish actions they require to maintain. Three meals a day, in bed by ten, up at 5:30. If riding the Vespa has taught me anything it’s that I’m not a machine.
If I were, I’d be broken.Continue Reading
Giving Thanks Fueled by Hot ChocolateWhile sitting at the window in Saint’s Cafe last night, a short interlude during errands, fueled by hot chocolate, the moment provided space to reflect on Thanksgiving and what giving thanks really means to me.
As a kid, Thanksgiving Day was always about food and hanging out in front of the television with my dad and uncles watching the Detroit Lions lose to someone. The fine china came out and I usually had to polish the seldom used silver for this special event. The entire family played their roles as the warm and familiar event unfolded each year.
I don’t remember giving thanks for anything though. At least not consciously.
Fast forward 55 years and Thanksgiving Day has a different meaning. I’m fully aware of how grateful I am for the bounty of physical, emotional and spiritual gifts that have been bestowed upon me and my family. I’m grateful that I can accept the days as they come and that pain as well as happiness are part of life. My job is simple — to stay present and experience what unfolds each day.Continue Reading
Moving Through a Gray WorldAs autumn fades and winter approaches it feels as if a heavy, gray blanket is being pulled across the world. Perhaps it’s just me gripped by grayness. Doesn’t help that I had a head cold for a week which is now burning into my chest and leaving me feeling indifferent to pretty much everything. With great effort I push myself out of the house. If not to ride, at least to walk.Continue Reading
Grayness and the LandscapeIt was one of those days when the light and atmosphere changed minute by minute. And to make things even more unpredictable I was riding for the first time with fellow Vespa rider, Andy Heckathorne.
Two Vespa scooters on the road.
Riding with another person, especially for the first time, is a bit unsettling. You’re letting someone into your personal space. And you have a choice of being yourself or to put on a facade.
For me, the biggest concerns I have when riding with someone else are my slow speeds due to rubbernecking and my desire to stop and take pictures.
Andy experienced a little of both.Continue Reading