Author: christiangrandmabiker

It’s truly a blessing to live in the country. I’ve never been a city girl, even for a visit. Having been raised in the country, it’s what I know and what I love. Today’s ride was nothing overwhelmingly spectacular by most standards but it was fun and relaxing, well most of it but we’ll get to that later.

Initially I was afraid the weekend was going to be a washout that meant no riding, but the weather man was wrong yet again fortunately. My daddy had a saying about weather men that I won’t share here, but suffice it to say he thought they often lied and I can’t help but think of him saying it every time they’re wrong.🤣 I saw both my mom and my mother in law prior to deciding to head out for a ride and had a peaceful feeling about riding today. I used a bluetooth speaker in one ear for a short time, but found it to be too distracting. I now just stop periodically if I feel the need to check for calls instead, but did not feel that need today.

As always I had no idea where my ride would take me and I fully intended to record it on an app I use sometimes, but apparently I never hit the “start” button. Guess I’ll have to try to redo the same ride another day maybe and push that silly button. I glanced at the radar before I left and it showed I had about 3-4 hours rain free to get in a ride probably. I headed out on a familiar route, stopped for gas, and decided to head towards the lake. I love to just ride by it and see the boats, people fishing, kids swimming, and families just enjoying time in nature having a picnic or whatever. It’s one place I’ve noticed people NOT totally engrossed in their cell phones. It also reminds me of when I was young and took swimming lessons in a lake and of fun times with a couple of friends who had camps on a nearby lake. I remember trying to water ski too, that didn’t go so well.

As I rode along I had decided to just take a route I often do, then I ran into a slight bit of rain. As I was about to pull off the road to check the radar, the drizzling rain stopped so I just kept riding. I looked at the clouds and sky in each direction and decided to change my plan. I wasn’t ready to stop riding, but also didn’t want to be too far from home if the weather changed quickly. Another beauty of living in the country is there’s no shortage of back roads to ride. I chose some roads today that I rarely go on, but I knew they would be close enough to get home rather quickly if I needed to due to rain, and they would also offer some fun curves and pretty scenery. I travelled along some streams that reminded me of NH where I grew up and saw some cows standing in ponds to cool off. I actually saw a young cow swimming, which was not something I’d ever recalled seeing before. I’ve seen plenty of cows standing in ponds all of my life, but this was a first. I was actually a bit jealous because I LOVE to swim and just don’t have a place I feel comfortable to do that now that we don’t have a pool.

As I got to the end of one road and approached a main highway, I had to stop for traffic. While I was stopped, I saw a group of 4-5 bikes coming up behind me. I have no idea where they came from as I never saw them at all until they were right there at the intersection. As I pulled out onto the highway I thought about the fact I ride alone, except on the occasions my hubby goes with me. I don’t have to time when I pull out in order to allow for others to also make it out before the traffic approaches. I make last minute decisions often about where I’m going to turn and head next. I would imagine most who ride together have a pre-planned route when they go and that is so not me. I would like to ride with a group maybe one time just to experience what it’s like, but I am definitely a spur of the moment rider. I even surprise myself sometimes when I’m going to turn onto another road and make a last minute decision to change directions.

As I reflect on that now, I realize that for most of my life I wanted a plan. I wanted to know what was happening when and wanted to be prepared ahead of time. I’ve become more flexible about that in recent years and I believe that’s from the type of work I do and also from riding. As I made one last minute road choice I found myself feeling like something had just landed inside my tshirt. That’s not such an easy thing to handle as you’re riding down the road, not knowing what it was or if it might sting or not. I had been hit by multiple bugs on my legs as I rode but this was not my leg! There was no place I could see close by where I could easily pull over, but I was in the country on a straight section of road with no traffic either direction and no houses around. This meant no people, so I was able to remove the bug easily with one hand before it got too far down my shirt, no stings, Thank you Lord! That was the not so relaxing part of my ride I mentioned at the beginning of this. 😉 I don’t even know what it was, I just quickly grabbed it and got rid of it.

The rest of the ride was again relaxing and I just wanted to ride all day. I knew there was bad weather coming though so I decided I better head home soon for safety reasons. Wet roads can be dangerous roads and with people cutting their grass and leaving clippings in the road as well that was not something I wanted to contend with. One thing I’ve also learned from days like this, you don’t have to go far from home to have an adventure.

As I finish this up, having been delayed from finishing writing this over the weekend for reasons unknown to me, I feel I need to share something else. Maybe this is why I wasn’t able to finish writing it sooner. As I have mentioned before we all need to find that one or two things we can do for peace, relaxation and to just clear our minds. We all also need to have someone we can talk to about anything and everything. If not your spouse, then a best friend or family member. Please, if you know anyone who is having an issue with drugs and/or domestic violence, be that person they can come to and don’t give up on them. Pray continually for them and help in other ways if you can. Help them to find that positive outlet before it’s too late. Domestic violence isn’t always physical, it can also be mental/verbal abuse or a combination of them. I read yesterday about a local beautiful 19 year old girl that was fighting for her life. From everything I’ve read it may be due to both of the subjects I just mentioned. I learned this morning that she passed away and it absolutely breaks my heart. She was younger than my own boys. I’ve seen what drugs and domestic abuse can do first hand with friends and loved ones over my 54 years and it’s truly heart breaking for everyone involved. She still had her entire life ahead of her and I can’t imagine what her friends and family are going through. Please if you or someone you know is in this situation, don’t wait to reach out. There is help available and a God who will help if we let Him in, we listen to His calling, and follow His lead. I don’t understand why these things happen but I know He can and will help us if we ask and truly believe.

Just because something is broken, doesn’t mean it no longer serves a purpose. This thought has been running through my mind on so many rides lately. I’m not sure exactly why or what first started me thinking on it, but I’m pretty sure I know who put the thoughts in my head. 😉

Oftentimes when something we have is broken, we may be inclined to just throw it away. Sometimes we’re able to easily repair it but other times not. I remember listening to and watching a Gaither reunion video and Mark Lowry made a comment that broken pots spill more water. That’s not a profound statement on it’s own but think about that for a minute. That means if you’re carrying a pot to water maybe some vegetables or some flowers and that pot is broken, it’s actually also watering everything along the way as it leaks.

This pertains to people as well; the more broken you are, the more you can be used. If you’ve been broken, you have experiences in your life that can help others. If you’ve been through a traumatic experience, you have knowledge to help others that those who’ve not had that experience don’t. Someone who has experienced a loved one that’s addicted, experienced a miscarriage or infertility, suffered the loss of a spouse or child, been abused, battled cancer or another disease, battled an addiction yourself, or any other number of situations they may have scars from, has so much to offer! Never feel like being “broken” makes you worth less. In reality it makes your opinion and knowledge worth more. You have so much to offer and may be just the connection someone needs to survive what they are facing.

Perfection, healing and absolute beauty can come from brokenness. Some of the most beautiful artwork is made from broken glass, broken china, pieces of metal, and many other materials that are recycled after being discarded. While riding I’ve seen some recycled metal made into a large dinosaur in someone’s yard as well as bird baths made into fairy gardens, stepping stones made with what appeared to be broken plates, wagon wheels used as decorative entrances to homes at the end of their driveway, and other recycled projects that all helped to remind me that broken can be beautiful.

You ever have that feeling that something is missing or just not right?! I’ve had it more times than I can count and it just recently happened again. When this occurs it can cause an uneasiness within myself and can affect others around me as well. If that happens I know it’s time to figure it out and quick! Tonight was that time. I knew I had been having the feeling but when my hubby brought it to my attention as well I knew it needed to be resolved, I just wasn’t sure how. We just had a nice weekend beach trip (although it was too short) and that usually leads to calm peaceful feelings yet when we came back on Sunday I had that feeling. Monday it was still there and again today.

You can probably guess what happened next-ride time! Then I realized what caused the uneasy, not right, feeling. I wanted to ride Sunday after we got home and also wanted to on Monday, but due to a little mishap over the weekend on a slick rock, I didn’t feel it would be safe to ride. The mishap caused a minor injury to my right leg/knee and due to the fact it hurt mostly if my knee was in the bent position and that’s also the leg needed for braking, I decided I needed to wait for a bit of healing to take place before riding. Today it felt well enough to ride!

The best part today was when we BOTH rode for a while together which we haven’t done in a long time. It was a great feeling to ride together again. After all, he was the person that introduced me to bikes and taught me to ride which makes it extra special when we do have the opportunity to ride together.

Once my hubby turned on the road headed back home I continued on being the leg still felt ok. As I rode along I realized more and more that the uneasy feeling had been slowly but surely subsiding. I was finally able to totally relax and converse with God uninterrupted, knowing that I could not be reached by anyone. As relaxing as the beach can be, there’s still something different about riding, that temporary disconnection with every day life and total connection with Him.

This weekend at the beach there were several occasions when I saw and heard bikers riding by. I know now this just made me yearn to ride even more. Someday I would love to ride along the coast, that would be absolutely amazing. Now that I was back on the bike today, the missing link was found. If I ever get to the point I cannot ride my own bike, my hubby will be needing extra prayers to deal with me for sure! You don’t realize sometimes how much you take for granted, until something happens that forces you to step back and take a look. I’m so thankful my injury was minor and that all it took to get back to my normal self, whatever normal is 😀, was a simple ride. It’s such a freeing feeling and brings about such inner peace. Getting completely alone with Him and reconnected is just what the Dr. ordered. Jesus Himself took time to be alone to pray and talk to His heavenly Father, so why wouldn’t we need to do the same?! Whatever it takes and wherever it’s right for you, take that time to be alone with Him, you won’t regret it.

Matthew 14:23

“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”

Luke 5:16
“So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.”

If you’ve been following along you know I love the beach about as much as I love riding. Both give me a peace that is unexplainable, because those are where my best conversations and my strongest connections with God occur. It’s as if it’s just me and Him and for a little while I’m able to totally connect without interruptions from the outside world. I’m able to truly appreciate the beauty around me without any negativity and I am extremely thankful for His many blessings.

I’ve been fortunate to have had more walks on the beach the past couple of months than I’ve had in the past several years combined and it’s been amazing. I know it will be a while before it happens again with summer getting closer as it will be too hot and too crowded for a return trip so I’m trying to take it all in and enjoy every moment this weekend. Hearing the alarm go off at 5:45 a.m. to see the sunrise is much more satisfying than hearing an alarm at any time to get up for work. This morning as I watched the sun slowly appear I couldn’t help but think how peaceful yet powerful the waves were as they crept towards the beach before crashing ashore. The ocean is full of life, yet also can be deadly. It’s beauty and power is like nothing else. There are huge whales and yet there are also tiny little creatures such as the pygmy seahorse that only gets to about 1 inch in length that all call the ocean home. That is absolutely amazing to me.

As I sat in a beach side swing later on enjoying the ocean view in front of me, there was a wedding going on in the pavilion behind me. A new life was beginning for this couple as they pledged their vows to one another. When the ceremony was over I watched as they made their way across the street towards a beach access walkway for pictures. The bride was in a simple but beautiful dress and the groom was in his army dress blues which were highly decorated with medals. I watched as he stepped aside for the photographer to take pictures of his bride with her bridesmaids and flower girls. As he stood by watching, I witnessed many total strangers walk up to him, shake his hand, and simply say, “Thank you for your service.” A simple thanks from total strangers but I could tell it meant a lot to him. They could have just walked on by and headed to the beach, pier, restaurants or wherever they were going but they instead made it a point to stop and show their appreciation before continuing on.

As I later was walking along the beach headed back to where we are staying I reflected on this experience and other recent trips to the beach. I couldn’t think of a single time in those many walks when I heard anyone speak an angry word towards another. I don’t recall hearing a parent raising their voice to their child or seeing anyone having to spank them either. Perfect strangers greeted each other with a warm hello as they walked along. The ocean seems to bring peace and tranquility to all that are in her presence. I sent my mom a short video clip of the sunrise as she too loves the ocean and she said as she watched and listened it was so beautiful and peaceful she had watched it 3 times already. What is it about the ocean that brings people such peace?

Psalm 146:5-6

“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever.”

Why did this couple choose the beach for their wedding? Was it because of the peaceful feeling or the pure beauty of His creation or some other reason? I’ll never have those answers, but I’m thankful to have witnessed their joy and others thankfulness in this beautiful place. I watched a baptism also take place on this beach last weekend when someone posted the video to the pier’s Facebook page. How amazing it would be to be baptized in the ocean He created!

Saying thank you to God for all of these experiences and so many more simply doesn’t seem like enough.

Psalm 9:1-2

“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”

Although it may not seem like enough to simply say thanks, it’s a start. I know that He is the reason for the peaceful feeling and that He alone is where we can find peace. No material items or other people can bring the same peace that He offers. We can all help the world be a more peaceful place by simply giving thanks to each other as I witnessed today, but true inner peace can only come from our creator.

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Blinded: 1. Caused to be unable to see 2. Deprived of understanding

Have you ever been blinded by something? I’ve been riding quite a bit at the end of the day shortly before the sun sets, and to me there’s just something different about riding that time of day. It seems like the sun can become blinding then, more than at any other time. I often try to choose the direction I’m headed that time of day so that I won’t have to ride towards the sun for any length of time. Obviously it can’t be completely avoided, but it can be limited. Sometimes when I ride a single word will continue to pop in my mind ride after ride and just keep swirling around in multiple directions until I’m lead to write about it. That’s where I’m at now.

I was riding a familiar road and all of a sudden as I headed down a hill and around a curve there it was, the beautiful but blinding sun right in my eyes. My glasses are transition lenses but it was still extremely difficult to see much. Thankfully it was short lived and uneventful, but it definitely got me thinking. Blinded, that’s the word that kept popping in my head no matter where my thoughts would go. Have you ever been blinded? If so by what or by who? I remember being thrown off my horse many years ago, probably about 35 years, and I was briefly blinded as I lay on the ground. The questions that ran through my mind were never ending . Nobody knew exactly where I was, would they find me soon if I wasn’t able to get up and walk back, would my sight return or was this a permanent condition, how would I get back, if I got my sight back would I get on that horse again, etc. Needless to say my sight came back and it happened rather quickly but at the time it seemed like an eternity. Yes I did get back on that horse as well.

Blinded can take on the obvious physical condition but it can also be an emotional or spiritual condition. If we become too focused on one thing, it can blind us from seeing the big picture. If we focus only on the big picture, we may miss crucial details. If we dwell on negative things, we may miss the positive. We can be blinded by people’s actions or by what we choose to see in them. We can have thoughts we believe to be true about them and become so bedazzled that we miss other signs we should also consider. We are living in a world so full of information everywhere you turn, that it can be a daunting task to figure out what’s true and what’s not.

I find when I’m at the beach, especially at sunrise, I become so overwhelmed and entranced by the beautiful sunrise and all that it offers that I am aware of little else at the time. If I could take rides along the coastline I can only imagine the ramblings I would have to share, it would be the best of both worlds!

As I’ve been riding around home I’ve noticed something else that’s sad to me. I’ve noticed churches that not too many years ago had full parking lots and signs out front inviting people to come to events, now seem to have parking lots that are almost empty and very little if anything posted on their signs. It makes me wonder what happened to change that. I have my personal thoughts on the possibilities. In many ways I believe we as a society have become blinded by the media and by other groups that want to remove God from every aspect of our lives and encourage, sometimes even push, their own agendas repeatedly making believers afraid to speak up. I know I’ve not said things here that I thought sometimes for fear of how someone might take it, but not this time. It’s time to be bold and take a stand.

Last night as I passed by one of the churches that used to be so active and vibrant the verse about being lukewarm came to mind. I’m not saying this is the case for that church because I have no idea, it’s just what popped in this rambling grandma’s head.

Revelation 3:16 NKJV
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Those are some pretty strong words! I envision being lukewarm as being “a little pregnant.” You can’t be. We’re either all in (hot) or all out (cold). I’m afraid that there has been too much “feel good” preaching and not enough good old time Bible preaching. In my experience a preacher is a man who is called to preach and it’s done straight from the Bible and from his heart. Fear of offending others or stepping on toes does not come into play if the Word is being preached. Jesus didn’t sugar coat anything nor did he change his teaching to appeal to what people wanted to hear. We are called to make disciples, not make a society that makes up it’s own rules. Jesus himself said so-

Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We shouldn’t have to change how we worship to attract people to church. I have no problem with a church that worships differently, as long as it’s from Him. The church should not be about making money, lining a preacher’s pockets so he can build himself a mansion to live in, entertaining it’s members, or making it’s members “feel good.” It’s about God’s word and how He expects us to live. It’s about spreading His word for the world to come to know Him and to serve others. We are all sinners and we all need Jesus, it’s that simple. I’m sure some reading this may not agree, and that’s your right, just as it’s my right to share what I believe.

Christians across the world are being singled out persecuted and murdered and the media is turning a blind eye to it, for their own agenda. We cannot continue to walk around with blinders on, acting as if there’s nothing wrong or there’s nothing we can do about it, we can!

Just in the past week or two I know of 2 students in 2 different schools, who gave their lives to save their classmates, by physically taking on another student with a gun who was bent on harming others. Guns are not the issue, hardened hearts and lack of respect for ourselves and other human beings is the problem. If God was at the center of our lives, we would not be in the state of chaos we are in, I truly believe that.

I started these ramblings because I felt God urging me to do so. When He tells me to speak boldly through them, I may initially question it to be sure it’s what He’s leading me to do, but in the end I know if it’s what He expects of me, He will give me the words. I will not be lukewarm nor will I be blinded spiritually. Ultimately He is the only reason I’m here today and I owe it to Him to be hot, all in.

Joshua 24:15

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

If you’re reading this and you’re not a female biker you probably have no idea what IFRD is. Today is designated as International Female Ride Day. There were women all over the world taking time to ride. Think about that for a minute, women all over the world comitted to riding today to share the day with strangers. Some shared stories and pictures, some rode alone like me, others rode in organized groups specifically for the celebration of women who ride. I stopped at a trading post and saw some other ladies that were out riding and if you were there and are reading this, I apologize for not stopping to talk. I’m not one to step out of my comfort zone to speak to people I don’t know. I guess maybe I need to work on that, but I hope your ride was memorable.

Personally it’s also the 17th anniversary of my nephew’s passing and as much as he loved to ride I dedicate today’s ride and ramblings to him, love ya Luke! I know if he were alive today he would have gone on this ride too, if he were living close by. He loved to live life to the fullest, not necessarily the wisest, but definitely the fullest. 😀

Earlier in the week it looked like riding today to celebrate IFRD might not he possible, but thankfully the rain held off long enough for me to get in a ride of a little over 100 miles. Today I did something I don’t normally do before I ride, I actually looked at a map to see where I might go. I had a few thoughts in mind when I left and the one I chose was amazing. I wanted to ride somewhere new and honestly even though I’ve lived here just shy of 30 years, I was on roads I have never been on before and never knew existed. One road was by choice, others were due to a detour.

The road I ended up on by choice was mostly wonderful. At the beginning there was an old house that appeared to have maybe been a farmhouse, but now was deserted and boarded up. I would love to hear the stories it could tell of earlier days.There were many curves and turns along the way as well as some hills and valleys. The view along the way reminded me of growing up in New England. There were old farm houses, horses, streams like I used to fish and play in, and mountain views. The area was very rural and had that simpler life feel. There were no signs of hustle and bustle we see in so many other places. Kids were out in the yards playing ball and nobody seemed to be in a hurry no matter what they were doing.

Riding today made me reminisce of simpler times and of the importance of making memories. My hubby and I were recently discussing how you “can’t take it with you”. He joked and said he thought I was gonna try to take my bike. 🤣 Seriously though, no matter what possessions we may think we need to have, or want to have, they’re not what truly matters. Much more important than things we can possess are memories. When we were in the dating stage I treasured those occasional single red roses he would surprise me with, or the poems he’d send when he was out of town working, but what I treaure most looking back now was the quality time we got to spend together. It didn’t matter so much what we were doing, it was just being together. The same is true with our kids and other family members, make those memories that last rather than simply trying to buy things. Memories can’t be bought and tomorrow may never come, so we need to cherish the days and times we have.

I mentioned my nephew briefly above and towards the end of my ride today I thought about the last long conversation we had before he passed away. I was in the V.A. hospital in Vt. spending the night with him talking and watching a movie with one of his favorite actors, John Travolta, Phenomenon. We laughed and we cried and just thoroughly enjoyed our time reminiscing of his childhood and what we’d shared. We had a special bond and he was more like a son, than my nephew. I’m thankful that we had so memories together.

I mentioned earlier as well that the road I chose was mostly wonderful. Towards the end of this road I saw a sign that showed a picture warning of a slippery road ahead. As I said the rain held off so I didn’t think twice about the slippery road sign. Well I soon realized that wetness was not the only reason for the possibility of slippery conditions. In reality today it was due to gravel in the road on just about every turn for the next couple of miles. Southern gravel, meaning crushed rock, not New England gravel meaning a dirt road. Each curve along that stretch, and there were many, proved to be challenging on the bike, but it’s still a road I plan to take again for sure. I will know next time exactly what that slippery road sign means and will be prepared.

This is a picture of my crazy route. You can’t play it, but I couldn’t get the picture without the play button showing. Happy International Female Ride Day, have a great weekend!

Pretty Spring weather has meant several recent rides; some short, an hour or so, and others for 3 hours. Most of the rides have just been typical with relaxing, refocusing, and rejuvenating. No big aha moments or overwhelming thoughts to share. Many thoughts are reruns of those I’ve had on past rides.

It’s been wonderful to see more and more bikers out enjoying the warmer temperatures and feeling that comaradery as we wave, each going our own way but sharing that same freedom of the open road.

I’ve also thought more about how things aren’t always the way they appear. I actually started writing this a few rides ago, but the words weren’t coming together until now. In addition to my motorcyle, I’ve recently purchased a bicycle I’m also riding. On a recent ride on it, I quickly realized the deception about how things can appear. A road that appears to be pretty level and flat on the motorcycle, takes on a whole new look when you start peddling and realize the entire road back home is a gradual incline all the way!

Due to some recent events I’ve realized even more that people are the same way. They can appear to be one way, but then one day something will happen and you realize that’s not necessarily who they are. It may be sudden or gradual but sooner or later it surfaces. The other day I learned something about someone that shocked me and it has affected my thoughts towards them more than I thought it would. This is not a family member, close friend or coworker, just someone whose things I’ve enjoyed reading/watching, a stranger really. I guess that’s why I didn’t expect it to have as much effect as it did. I find I look at things a bit differently since being a grandma and looking at what role models are out there for my granddaughters as they get older. It has me seeing things a little differently I guess.

Also after my ride that same day, I heard that there had been a shooting at a nearby college campus. Events like that really make you wonder about this world we’re living in and make you cherish those you love even more. As the stories emerge we’ve learned that one young man gave his life by trying to take down the shooter, and in so doing gave others time to get out of harm’s way. Two young men with very different intentions and both have changed the lives of their families, friends, and strangers forever. Did the young man bent on harming others look different? Not really based on pictures I’ve seen. As I said, appearances are not always what they seem. Knowing these 2 young men are the same age as my youngest son seems to make it harder to imagine for their families and makes me even more proud of my son for the husband and dad he’s become.

Yesterday while I rode I had to wonder if my gas light not coming on was a deceiving appearance as well. 🙄 I realized I could hear that “empty tank ” sound and when I stopped to fuel up I saw just how empty the tank was! Thank you Lord for getting me to the pumps in time. I need to learn to watch that tripometer better now that warmer weather is here leading to longer rides. My appearance on the side of the road waiting for gas is not something that needs to happen for sure!

On a happier note some appearances are exactly what they seem, joyful reminders of Spring. There have been some beautiful butterflies along the winding country roads, along with multiple breeds of birds adorning the trees, newborn calves frolicking in the fields, and children running, laughing and playing. Those are the appearances I treasure and prefer to focus on.

There is beauty in appearances as well as inner beauty. How we see others is a direct reflection on us, how they truly are in the inside is a reflection on them. Remember a butterfly starts out as an egg, then a caterpillar, then a pupa before emerging as the beauty we see flying around so elegantly. What we see on the outside may or may not be what’s on the inside, and it’s what’s on the inside that matters most. Most of us probably tend to initially judge people and things by how they look or appear, rather than what or who they truly are. In doing so, we may miss out on warning signs we should see, or on true beauty we could miss.

I’m sure we’ve all had those days when we wished things had gone differently. As I was riding to a meeting today enjoying the beautiful sunny skies I was thinking about a million different things. When I stopped daydreaming I soon realized I was behind a “honey wagon”. For those of you not familiar with this term it does NOT carry honey. It’s a truck used to pump and haul human waste.

I immediately realized that no matter how bad my day may be, someone else may have it worse. I’ve been told many times it takes a special person to do the work I’ve done the past 13 plus years and I believe that’s true, it’s not for everyone. The “honey wagon” job also takes a special person. There is no way I would want that job! I’m thankful there are people out there who can do that. I’m also thankful for police, fire and medical personnel, preachers, teachers, and so many others. If you really think about it, everyone’s job is special in it’s own way. We are all needed in order to do the work that needs to be done and we should all appreciate the jobs that others do. No one person’s job is more important than another.

Many jobs want people with experience, but then where do they get that experience? Others want people with a degree, not everyone can afford the time and cost associated with that. In my opinion the most important thing any worker in any field needs is common sense and a good work ethic and unfortunately not everyone is raised in an environment that encourages that. Common sense is not something you can teach someone who is already an adult if they don’t seem to have it already. It’s something you should learn starting out as an infant/toddler and then develop over the years. That’s a discussion all on it’s own for another time, maybe.

Having been a stay at home mom at one time, that too is a job. Granted there’s no monetary pay for it, but it is a job with very big rewards, the best of which are hugs, kisses, memories and seeing your children grow into adults raising your grandchildren and helping others. 🤗 There were untold sleepless nights, tears, fears, and rough days, but they could have been worse. None of my boys were in bad accidents or deathly ill.

I rode a few different times today and my thoughts each time were focused on the fact it could always be worse. As I came home from work, the long scenic way of course, I was confronted with a large truck and the car behind it swerving way over into my lane as they went around someone who was mowing. Being I was on the bike I was able to move over and out of the way more than I could have had I been in my 4 wheel vehicle. Later on another ride, I was hit by small debris as it flew up from a freshly paved road. That too could have been worse, it could have been slippery oily pavement. I was later hit by small debris from someone mowing, at least it wasn’t rocks or sticks that were shooting out, it also could have been worse. At one point I heard a very loud rumbling noise that had me worried, but it turned out to be 2 military helicopters going over. Thankfully it wasn’t my bike.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that no matter what may happen around us or to us, it could always be worse. As long as we’re still here on this earth we need to try to remember that, especially on the rough days. If we’re having a bad day, maybe we can try to think instead of a good day. If we see someone else having a bad day, maybe there’s something we can try to do to make it better.

Life is what we make it, one day at a time.

It’s that time of year again here in the south, where you most definitely need to keep your mouth closed at all times while riding, unless of course you don’t mind some extra protein flying in. Personally I prefer to pick my own proteins out and prepare them my way.

Riding the past 2 weeks have been packed with so many hits by bugs of all sizes. Anybody who says a windshield stops that is WRONG. I have been hit on my legs, helmet, face, arms, and hands and let me just tell you that a bug can feel like a golf ball when it hits you while riding along at 55mph and can sting for quite a while after the hit depending on how big the bug is! I even thought it was beginning to sprinkle yesterday when I was riding, until I realized it was just bugs splattering.🤦‍♀️ Yes I assure you I did shower after that ride.

I don’t ever recall getting pelted as much as I have these past 2 weeks. I’ve noticed many more wasps than usual as well. Something wonderful I’ve experienced for the first time, however, is the sweet fragrance from wisteria. There seems to be more of it in bloom than I recall in past years and this is the first time I’ve ever smelled the pleasing aroma along so many routes. Maybe this has something to do with there being more wasps too I don’t know. All I know is those magnificent beautiful purple flowers smell as amazing as they look.

I’ve heard it said that if you focus less on one sense, you are more in tune to another. Maybe that’s part of noticing the fragrant aroma. My focus is obviously not on sense of taste or touch while riding (except when feeling those bugs) so maybe my sense of smell is heightened in their place? Whatever the reason I’m grateful to experience it.

As I continued to ride that made me think more about the whole “close your mouth ” idea as well. There are many times when I’m not riding that I also need to just keep my mouth closed. Not to avoid taking in bad things like bugs, but to avoid letting out bad or hurtful things. My hubby and I were recently discussing this as well. Way too often we as humans fuss or complain and maybe even argue about things that really just don’t matter in the big picture. How many arguments could be avoided if instead of saying something, we really thought about it first and determined whether it was even worth saying? I know for me personally, since I’ve learned to be silent more, it’s made a difference. Being silent and not starting something as well as being silent rather than replying to something someone else has said. We can all choose silence over a verbal response or initiating unnecessary comments. I’m not saying I always choose this path, but when I do the resulting peace is evident. A closed mouth can put the focus on another sense like hearing, seeing and even feeling more of what others may be saying and experiencing.

The tongue can fuel many fires that just don’t need to be set. I remember a verse to a children’s song that says, be careful little tongue what you say. If we teach it to our children, then don’t we need to practice it ourselves and not instead use the saying, do as I say not as I do?

We have the knowledge and we know what we need to do, yet sometimes the mouth just opens and those words sneak out. Unfortunately, then it’s too late. We can say we’re sorry but it’s still been said. It’s like toothpaste, once it’s been squeezed out of the tube, there’s no putting it back in.

The next several days have rain in the forecast so I won’t be riding unfortunately, but I will try to remember the sweet smells from this past week and also the thoughts it lead me to in regards to a closed mouth, wish me luck.

Proverbs 21:23

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

I’ve been blessed to have gotten in several rides this week and have definitely noticed that Spring is truly arriving! We had to mow the entire yard last weekend for the first time this season, although I’d previously done a few high spots. This can mean the beginning of a hazardous time as we ride. So many people just don’t understand how unsafe it is for those of us who ride when they cut the grass and allow it to shoot out into the road. I try to ride around it when I can, but it’s just not possible so often due to oncoming traffic. In those situations we have to just hold on and be prepared the best we can to go through it safely. Be careful out there and plan ahead if you see it in the road so you don’t have to put on brakes while you’re on the clippings, it can be quite slippery especially if it’s wet.

There have been some other signs of Spring as well. The pink, white, yellow, purple and red flowers of the trees and bushes scattered in the woods and yards along the roads have been absolutely gorgeous and are great reminders of new life. Winter can get somewhat depressing with the rain, snow, wind and lack of color, but then Spring arrives and you can’t help but feel alive. It seems to awaken all the senses so much more. The smells of Spring are undoubtedly here as well. In the area of the country I live in there is one smell I assure you I could do without! As hubby and I returned from the beach a few weeks ago we knew we were close to home based solely on the aroma.

I love some dark turkey meat as much as the next person but oh my the results of raising turkeys in this area are obvious. I can handle the smell of cow, horse, duck, and even hog manure, but turkey? There’s just something different and unique about it that’s just not the least bit pleasing to the senses. When they start spreading it on the fields there’s no mistaking it and as large an area as is done at a time, there’s no way to hold your breath until you get by it either most of the time. You would think knowing this, I would avoid driving by fields that I know have recently been done, but after not dealing with it all winter while I rode I forget, until it’s too late. I try to make a mental note of which ones have been done so I can avoid them for a little while, but often I get so relaxed and in a zone when I ride that I mistakenly have a memory lapse.

Speaking of turkeys, I came across a hen in the road the other day on one of my rides and I now understand why some people use the term “turkey” to refer to a person who is silly. The hen was almost across the road but I slowed down as I proceeded just to be safe. Shortly before I got to her, I guess she decided she would go back across where she just came from but stopped in the middle of my lane. I spoke to her, nicely, as I approached and she thankfully went back to the side of the road and I didn’t have to completely stop for her.

Some other beautiful signs of Spring are much more pleasing to experience than the previously discussed aroma. There are tulips, daffodils, forsythias and other flowers and bushes blooming in addition to the trees and they add a magnificent array of colors to the scenery. There’s the smell of freshly cut grass and wild onions and the appearance of more children who are able to play outside because the ground is drier now.

I’ve seen hammocks hung between trees, mulch or pine straw being put out for fresh landscaping, new gravel being spread to repair winter damage to driveways and children swinging at the parks/schools. There have been more boats in the river and lakes and people fishing along the shore as well. The signs of Spring are everywhere!

As I was thinking about all of the obvious signs of Spring a song by 4Him kept popping into my head and I was singing part of it over and over in my mind:

“The signs are obvious, they are everywhere
All that we hear about is the gloom and despair, too many would-be prophets sayin’, ‘It’s the end of it all‘
Cause mother earth can’t take much more.”

This seems so true right now. If you watch or listen to the news it seems all they want to report on is gloom and despair and things that are simply depressing and cause division. I choose not to listen or watch because of all the negativity. I know there are still good people doing good things and I will continue to look for that instead.

The chorus of the song is more my idea of what we need to do:

“So I won’t bend and I won’t break and I won’t water down my faith
I won’t compromise in a world of desperation
What has been I cannot change, but for tomorrow and today
I must be a light for future generations.”

I will continue to ride, look for the beauty that abounds and think positive thoughts!