Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker

Many people don’t like storms, but even in storms we can find beauty. I probably shouldn’t have ridden today, or at least for as long as I did, but if I hadn’t I would have missed this beauty as well as some wonderful insights on life.

Is she not absolutely beautiful? ❤

I had checked the radar before I headed out and I thought it looked like I had a couple of hours before the rain started. I stopped for gas shortly after heading out and all looked good still. As I headed down a favorite route, suddenly the skies were looking very dark the direction I was traveling towards so I turned and rode away from the darkness. Again the skies were now looking good. A short time later, I took another turn and soon I again saw dark gloomy clouds. I changed direction one more time and saw blue skies ahead.

As I was cruising along a side street, I saw a deer in the yard ahead. At first it looked like a statue, it was standing so straight and still that I decided it was probably just a yard decoration. As I approached, I soon realized she was indeed real. I was able to pull over and park my bike in order to take a closer look as she remained in the same location. She was very inquisitive and watched me closely, but only moved her head to watch. As cars passed by, she paid them no attention whatsoever. From the picture above, you can see she allowed me to get pretty close to take her picture. She didn’t appear to feel at all threatened by my presence. We watched each other for several minutes then she snorted, turned away, and leaped through the grass gracefully to the nearby woods. I got back on my bike and realized there were again dark clouds on the horizon, despite the sun that was obviously still out as I just took that picture. This called for yet another change in direction.

I felt like I was in one of those arcade games where you have to try to get an object safely between other objects that are trying to capture it or at least hit it, in order to get it back home. I hoped I was going to make it home without getting wet, but that was not the case. Just as it started to drizzle, I was near a gas station that has a covered area so I pulled under it while I was still dry and hoped for the best. I watched the radar for a bit and as soon as it looked like there was an opening I headed for home. I ended up in a slight shower but I’ve definitely been caught in worse storms. At least this one was simply rain, no thunder and lightning or wind. As it turns out my hubby and I had gone just yesterday and gotten me some new boots for riding, so I had great treads to assist with safe stopping and no worries of my feet slipping on the brake pedal or the road.

As I continued to turn away from darkness in the skies today, I realized that’s what we also need to do in our daily lives. Our lives can go through dark phases; storms, but even in those times we can find beauty if we look for it. We need to turn from the darkness of the world we live in and turn towards the light of Jesus. Ever since the beginning of time, siblings, friends, families and entire countries have been “at war” with each other. What we are seeing isn’t anything new, it just seems to be more widespread and thank to the media, it becomes glamorized and widely publicized now. We can blame each other, the divorce rate, our parents, and any other number of untold reasons. In my opinion it’s simply that we’re human, we become complacent and tolerant, and we turn away from God far too often to focus on other things, selfishly.

Have you ever just had a bad day and out of the blue something beautiful happened to make it better? Do you think it’s just a coincidence when this happens? I don’t believe in coincidences. Not long ago I had a day like that and I heard from 3 women that I’m close to, who do not communicate with each other and had no idea I was having that kind of day as I hadn’t discussed it with anyone or been in touch with any of them. I received a very special message from one that I had been “heavy on (her) mind” and it included a picture that I love, another sent a silly picture that made me laugh, and another a beautiful version of a favorite hymn. I received them all within a 3 hour time period. There was light and beauty in the darkness and storm I’d been feeling and the darkness soon disappeared.

As a popular saying goes, it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain! Today my bike and I danced in the rain. There are just some things that you can only learn as the result of a storm.

Distance is relative. The thought of driving 10 miles to the store is much less appealing to me than riding the bike for 100 miles. Distance has been a very real issue I’ve struggled with this weekend. I got a call from my sister in law that my brother had a heart attack while fishing, doing what he loves. Everything fell into place how it needed to and he was able to get to the hospital and had 2 stents put in. If he lived closer I wouldn’t have stopped riding until I was there. Unfortunately, he lives 900 miles away.

I found myself riding along roads that felt like home and reminiscing about some of our fishing trips. I recalled many conversations we’ve had over the years, how he’s always been as much a best friend as a brother. He’s not a big conversationalist, but sometimes you just need a listening ear, not a lecture. It’s funny some of the memories that pop into your head at times like this, some serious and some funny. What I wouldn’t give to be there now to support and harass him too. There’s a special bond between a little sister and her big brother when you’ve shared as much as we have over the years. There’s never been a time when I felt like I couldn’t reach out to him and for that I’m thankful. I know that’s not the case for many others.

I rode along totally engrossed in my thoughts and at one point was on a road I travel often and I couldn’t remember if I’d passed where I meant to turn or not. Once I refocused I soon realized exactly where I was and that I hadn’t missed it. Do you ever get so consumed with your thoughts that you lose track of where you are when you ride? To me that’s just part of the joy of riding because it doesn’t really matter where I am, just that I’m out enjoying it.

Shortly after I got off the country roads and onto the main highway, I saw a funeral procession coming towards me. Here in the south that means pulling over to the side of the road and stopping while they pass, out of respect. I’ll admit it’s the first time I’ve had that experience on my bike and I was hoping the vehicles coming up behind me would see me and would also realize what was coming towards them and stop. I know many times we’re not seen on our bikes and hoped this would not be one of those times. There was what I call a bicycle lane on the side of the road so I tried to pull off onto that as much as I could just in case they decided to pass me. Thankfully they too realized it was a procession, they saw me and they also stopped.

It was pretty warm riding and even warmer stopped with the heat of the bike and I was glad to be on a road where I could get up to a high enough speed to feel the wind to help cool off a bit, it was 91° according to one thermometer I passed.

This weekend also would have been my nephew’s 40 birthday. How I wish he was still with us and I could ride with him just one time. He lived life for sure, he didn’t sit around waiting on things to happen, he went out and made things happen. He, like my brother and myself, enjoyed being outdoors much better than in. The great outdoors have so much to offer if we only take the time to get out and enjoy it!

Distances are physical of course, but they can also be psychological/emotional. You can be sitting right next to someone and feel further away from them emotionally than someone who is hundreds of miles away. Although my brother is so far away, I feel closer to him than I’ve felt to many people I’ve been in the same room with over the years.

I know most of us at one time or another realize we will most likely outlive our parents, which is a tough enough thought, but personally I’ve never given any consideration to the fact I could outlive my brother. I’m absolutely beyond grateful that was not the case this weekend and that God had His hand on my brother every step of the way. The physical distance is too far, but the emotional distance is not.

As I rode each time this weekend I thought way more about health and life and death than I have in a long time. My initial thoughts were about eating healthier, exercising more, the usual “healthy ” thoughts. The more I considered that the more I realized that when it’s our time to go it’s our time regardless of those things. I honestly believe stress causes way more health issues than diet, so why add the stress of what to eat to the list? You can read a different report on any given day about what we should and shouldn’t eat or drink and what is and isn’t healthy. I’ve known people who lived into their 70’s and 80’s who ate whatever they wanted, smoked their entire adult life, and got relatively little exercise. On the other hand I’ve known people who ate well, were physically active, didn’t smoke and died in their 20s and 30s. There are no guarantees in this life so we may as well just live it to the fullest every day and ride every chance we get!! Go the distance, whatever that is for you!You never know what you may see or learn along the way.

Don’t panic mom! 😘

I saw a house all decorated with that sign and pink ribbons just after I started my ride. My initial thought and reaction was of what joy and love they must be feeling. I absolutely adore my 2 granddaughters and know how precious and sweet they are to me.

The longer I rode and the more I thought about it the more I realized something else. That little girl will be growing up in a world very different than the one I grew up in. Our society sees girls/women very differently now than it did 50 plus years ago. Some of this is a good thing and some not so much.

Many of my rides this week were in the early evening hours when it was cooler and on very familiar roads for safety reasons. I know pretty much where to expect to see deer if they’re out moving around and stick to other roads at that time or just am on the lookout more purposefully. I must say I really do love riding later, after the sun has started its slow descent but before it’s totally dark. Living in the country where there are no street lights, I don’t ride after dark when it’s too hard to see critters that may come running out of the woods though.

The route I took yesterday, early before the sun was overbearing, was to check out a new road (new to me) that I saw recently and mentioned I was going to have to try. I am soooo glad I did it. It was a very windy road that took lots of unexpected twists and turns. The countryside was absolutely beautiful and thanks to the large trees that canopied over the road in areas, there was some much appreciated shade along the way as well. The time of day I rode, there was very little traffic which made it even nicer. Nobody was riding my tail or jutting out of side roads and driveways without looking. It was a very relaxing but thought provoking ride. I kept thinking back to the sign I saw announcing the arrival of a baby girl.

There was a time when moms stayed home to raise the kids and dads went off to work to earn the money to support his family. Now women are out in the workforce as well and children are with grandparents and/or other family members or in day cares many times. I was fortunate to have been at home when my boys were little and although I later had to go to work full time to raise them, I’m thankful I was there to see those first steps, hear those first words, and watch them learn to explore the great outdoors while they were little.

Even though I had all boys, I realize that our society views girls/women so differently now in my opinion. It’s as if women now are expected to work, shop, cook, clean, keep up with school and other activities AND look like a model. Much of this has come about slowly as society has changed and as more women have wanted to be viewed as equals to men and to prove they can do everything men can do. To some degree this may be true, but in other ways it’s not. We were not created to be exactly the same. We each have important roles and should complement (and compliment) each other, not compete with each other, in my way of thinking.

I want my granddaughters to grow up knowing they can do anything they put their mind to, but also knowing that men serve an important role in their lives as well. Men and women are wired differently and have different strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. All children need to see their dads treat their moms with respect for who they are, not who the world says they should be. They need to know that beauty is not just about how someone looks on the outside, but more importantly who they are on the inside. I would love to lose about 40 lbs., but whether I do or not, I’m still the same person on the inside. The sad part is women, more so than men, are judged by our outward appearance. I don’t want any little girl, or woman, to ever feel like they are less than someone else just because they don’t look “beautiful” on the outside. I see too many women and young girls who are trying to make themselves into something specific for the man already in their life or the man they want. Ladies/girls be yourself. If you are meant to be with someone, he will love you for who you are! Take responsibility for your own actions and let things fall into place, don’t force them into place. I pray that the little girl just born, those already here, and those to come will value themselves for who they were made to be, not for what someone else tells them they should be.

I’m thankful to have grown up in a small town like most of the areas I ride in, like my ride yesterday. It seems in many ways small town living can be a little less worldly in some ways. I’m very thankful to be able to ride because I have a loving husband who encouraged me and taught me how. Last night he even surprised me when he got off work and we went for a ride together, on more roads I hadn’t been on yet. Times like that are extra special to me.

There was a time when not very many women rode their own bike, this has been a good change. 😎 I probably ride in a radius of about 50 miles from my home, but in less than 4 years I have put on about 30,000 miles or so. That’s allowed me a lot of alone time with my thoughts and my God and I am blessed beyond measure. I’ve learned so much about riding, about my surroundings, about myself and life in general.

I have a friend who would love to ride but told me she can’t ride a 2 wheel motorcycle. She’s not letting that stop her though. She recently told me she got her permit and is looking to buy a 3 wheel motorcycle. I’m thrilled for her and hope we’ll have the opportunity to ride together one day. As they say it’s not about what you ride, but that you ride. It’s still wind therapy!

Riding in the open air is like nothing else. Feeling the cool and warm breezes, sometimes strong gusts of wind, rain, the sun beating down on you, the amazing sights and smells, are all experiences I treasure. Every ride has it’s own special feel. When I first started to ride an hour seemed like a long ride. Now my hubby knows if I go for a ride he’ll get anywhere from 1-3 hours or so of peace and quiet. Some days I just want to ride and keep on going, it never gets old. As I look back at the miles I’ve put on, I think of all the places I could have gone in that amount of miles, but cherish the moments I’ve had just the way they’ve happened.

By definition it’s the time from Friday evening through Sunday evening; especially regarded for leisure. I can remember many years of my adult life where I honestly dreaded the weekends for the most part. I won’t get into that here, but suffice it to say I am extremely thankful that is not the case now!

Weekends are a time to stop the craziness and stress of the work week and relax, regroup, rejuvenate, and reconnect. It’s time to take care of yourself; body and soul. I know for many who ride, it’s a time to get together with other couples or a group and go. For me it’s more solo time, but for longer rides than I get to take during the week. Having a job that now requires being inside looking at the computer for most of the day, it makes being outside even more important than before when I was working both outside and inside. Having been raised to be outdoors the majority of the time, I definitely prefer those types of activities.

This weekend’s rides were just what the Dr. ordered. They were long, relaxing, and peaceful even in the heat. My hubby probably enjoyed the peaceful time too without me rambling to him while he watched TV. 🤣

Some of the riding was on very familiar routes, but some was on roads I’ve never been on before. One such road is one I will most definitely be taking again soon. It was a smooth ride through farm country and the road had no tar snakes like so many other roads do. There is one favorite route I like to take that I absolutely will not ride until cooler weather gets here, simply because of it being covered with tar snakes, which are just like black ice to a bike, and that particular area has more of those than it does actual pavement it seems.

Back to the country road and weekend travels though. The scenery has been awesome. I was privileged to see a baby deer as it ran across the road a ways in front of me. I didn’t see it’s mom at all but assume she probably had gone across before my arrival and maybe the baby all of a sudden realized she was gone. It was running as fast as it’s little legs would go by the looks. In contrast I saw a very slow box turtle crossing the road. I was not in a spot where I could pull over to help it cross safely, but am hoping it made it as there was very little traffic on this particular road. I saw a cute fuzzy little bunny just sitting along the side of the road munching away on clover. We have a whole lot of those at our house this year, they scatter across our driveway just about every time we go in and out.

As I rode along through the farm country with its rolling green hills and valleys I felt like I was in New England again. The smells and the views; the pretty little streams, the corn fields, the hay fields, and the simple older homes. The road didn’t go on as long as I would have liked, but it was wonderful while it lasted. There was a road that turned off this one just before it ended that I will check out next time I’m there as I’m sure it too will meander through the country rather than back onto the state road.

Once on the highway again, it was back to higher speeds and most definitely watching out for other drivers. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry and the fact I was doing the speed limit or slightly over didn’t matter, it still wasn’t fast enough for many of them. I noticed the smells were different too. No longer did I smell the country smells of farm life, but instead the smell of death. I assume it was animals that had probably been hit then walked off into the nearby woods and died. That made me think about life, about the choices we make, the places we live, and how that all affects our lives day to day. Having grown up in the country, that’s where life makes the most sense to me. It’s not so fast paced and crazy. City life would drive me absolutely insane. To me it’s not relaxing in any way, yet to so many who were raised in that setting, the country life is boring and stressful. It’s all what we’re accustomed to I guess.

After a while on the state road, the speed dropped down to 35mph and just as it did I noticed the beautiful crepe myrtles lining the street. There were stunning reds, pinks, lavendar and white beauties. There were also some gorgeous orange day lilies, many different colored impatiens and a variety of other flowers blooming all along the way in people’s yards.

As I passed by the lake both days there was the smell of sunscreen, charcoal grills, and I thought I even smelled fish. There were pontoon boats, fishing boats, and jetskis. Families were swimming, fishing and cooking out and all seemed to be enjoying that leisure time that is defined by the weekend.

The more I rode, the more I reflected on the mountains and that simpler life I experienced growing up now gone by. If I ever move again, I believe it will be to the mountains. I love the ocean as you know if you’ve been following my ramblings for long and it holds a very special place in my heart for so many reasons, but the mountains are home and I know hubby would definitely prefer mountain life to beach life. A little cabin nestled in the woods with clear mountain streams and places to hike and ride would be awesome. Views of deer and other wildlife along with the changing of the seasons and all that goes along with it are special as well. The air is typically cooler and refreshing and the overall “speed” of life is slower. My son and his wife recently took my granddaughters on their first little family vacation, just the 4 of them, and when I saw pictures of my son playing in a clear mountain stream with the girls my heart melted. To me that’s what life is all about. Taking time to enjoy the simple things in life in nature, not with technology and worldly things. There are many things I wish I’d done differently, but teaching my boys to enjoy the simple beautiful things in life, like playing in a stream, is a memory I’m grateful for. We used to hike down behind the house we lived in while they were growing up and play in the creek often.

As I passed over rivers and streams riding this weekend I was reminded just how special they are, and how I sometimes take those things for granted. I wonder how many people may have never experienced playing in a stream, swimming in a lake, or hiking up a mountain. Maybe it’s not appealing to everyone, but taking in all of the beautiful sights, sounds, and smells of country life are good for this country girl’s soul. Being able to take time out to do that makes me so thankful for God’s amazing creation. We are truly blessed!

Sometimes the little things can make a big difference. I recently purchased a throttle lock for my bike being I don’t have cruise control and it is more than worth the $23 it cost! It’s easy enough to stretch my left hand and fingers while I’m riding if I need to but it’s not something I could do too easily with my right hand, until I got this handy little gadget. Now on longer rides if my right hand or fingers need a brief repositioning or stretch I can do it while I ride as well. It’s such a simple little item, but very worth it and I’m so thankful to have it.

Riding along today I came upon a motorcycle wreck. I didn’t see any marks in the road or another vehicle, just a crashed bike on the other side of a ditch along the road. There was a state trooper on the scene looking at the bike and it appeared whoever was in the wreck was no longer at the scene unless he or she was in a nearby house. That can be a very sobering sight when you’re riding believe me. I’m a very cautious rider anyway, but I think I may have been even more so after seeing that. As I was cruising along the beautiful winding country roads and thought about that wrecked bike, it got me thinking about what really matters and what’s really worth it. I have no idea if the person(s) on the bike were injured or not but either way, it made me think a little deeper. Sometimes we may get into disagreements with friends, family, and coworkers about things, but how many of those disagreements are really worth it?

If we really think about it, most of them are probably not about things that truly matter in the scheme of things. I used to be one of those people who was up for a “good argument ” and would keep it going trying to prove my point. The past several years that’s not been the case. I don’t need to have the last word nor do I feel I need to prove my point in many cases, it’s just not worth it. What’s worth more, having the final say or having peace in your heart and mind? I prefer personal peace. I’ve had people close to me in the past say, “Well you used to agree with me.” No, I didn’t agree, I just chose to not argue and to have peace inside and let them think they were right if that’s what they chose. You cannot win an argument with some people so there’s no point in stressing about it, I just let it go. Of course it depends on the subject matter, but in most cases it’s just not worth it. I read a book many years ago called, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, and it’s all Small Stuff.” In reality, so much of it is just small stuff. If it’s not going to matter a year from now, maybe it shouldn’t matter now.

There are a few subjects I will always stand up for; my belief in God, my family, freedom of speech, and my right to bear arms are a few.

I know there are those who do not believe in God and Jesus and that is their choice. I do believe and will not back down on this subject. I don’t force my beliefs on anyone, but I will share with anyone who wants to know more. If you’ve read any of my previous ramblings, you know where I stand and that my rides are one of my deepest connections with Him and with this beautiful country He created that I am blessed to be able to see and enjoy on 2 wheels. I love to see the elegant deer eating in the fields, the cows standing in ponds to cool down, the birds as they swoop down for food. I love to feel the crisp cool breeze as well as the warm baking sun and even the rain as it falls because it all makes me feel alive. To me those are the things that are worth it. You can’t feel those things in a car or truck. I have always loved being out in nature over being inside and riding just allows me to capitalize on that.

I guess we all have to decide for ourselves what’s worth it to us. Whatever is worth it to you, do what you can to be at peace. Don’t allow this crazy world we live in to steal your joy. We are only here on earth for a short time, make it worth it. Stand up for what you believe, go for that ride, spend time with those you love while you still can, it’s worth it and so are you.

As I’ve mentioned before, sometimes what I share is written in more than 1 sitting after more than 1 ride and not all rides lead to sharing. This is definitely the case this time. I’ve felt lead to change the title alone at least 3 times already and have deleted more than I’ve written so far. 🤣🤣 Have you ever had one of those dreams where you wake up and then when you do go back to sleep you start dreaming right back where you left off? Well that’s the same way with writing. I think there’s something I’m supposed to share and I start, then the words don’t come, then as time passes and after more rides, all of a sudden it comes back again.

As I headed out to ride on the 4th of July holiday to get in a ride before the predicted storms arrived, I debated on whether or not to wear my leather vest due to the heat. I decided that BECAUSE it was the 4th I most definitely would wear it for a few reasons. First of all because it has an American flag patch on it and my bike so far does not. I’m looking for a small flag decal for my windshield or a sticker for my saddlebags but so far have not found what I want. I also chose to wear it because I realized although it would be a bit warm while riding, it’s nothing compared to what the men and women in uniform would be wearing in this country and others on this and many other days in order to protect the freedoms we enjoy. They wear full military gear no matter how hot it is and are away from their families while most of us celebrate with our own in whatever clothes we choose. While I’m riding and enjoying the freedom of the open road, they are training, working, fighting, and defending our freedoms. If they can endure that for us, I decided surely I can try to honor them by wearing my flag proudly on my vest for a simple ride.

While riding on this and several other occasions I thought about how much most of us take for granted day to day. For the most part I dare say everyone reading this has food, water, clothing and shelter readily accessible. Not everyone or everything is so blessed. This past week on two different occasions my hubby asked me to come look at something. The first was a baby bunny that didn’t even have it’s eyes open yet. It was in the 90s this day and the bunny was just out in the open all by itself. It had no protection and obviously nothing to eat or drink. I checked on it several times throughout the day only to see it was still alone and seemingly lost. After looking for a nearby nest it could have crawled out of, I finally located it and placed the baby back in it and immediately it crawled down the hole. I’m sure it took for granted mom would be back to feed and care for it. I’ve not seen it out of the nest again so hopefully it’s ok and will be grown enough to take care of itself soon.

The 2nd occasion was only a day or two later and this time it was a nest of baby birds. A wren had made her nest in my hubby’s truck near the radiator. It had been parked for quite some time not being used so I guess she thought it was a safe place. Recently, however, he started driving it again not knowing he had extra cargo on board. As he got out on another 90°+ day after work he heard them chirping, calling mom for food no doubt. They took for granted that if they called to her she would come. He had worked all day and the truck was out in the heat of course and they were away from their mom all this time. We wondered if the mother bird would return and indeed she did. The next morning she was sitting on the nest when he went to leave for work. There was no way to move them to safety and know she would find them so they remained in the truck in their nest. Again when he came home that day after work, mom returned to them. He is off for a few days and our hope is that maybe they will be old enough to leave the nest before he returns to work. So far they are still in there and mom is still caring for them.

My thoughts on a longer ride earlier in the week had me thinking about my sweet granddaughters. When we’re young like they are we do take things for granted. They know they will have certain toys and books waiting for them when they come over and my little 2 year old knows grandma will have her favorite foods and juice on hand at all times. I’ll admit I sometimes took it for granted when my boys were little and they would give me hugs and kisses and say they loved me. There’s something different and so special about hearing, “Hey grandma, I love you.” I pray I never take that for granted. I cherish it more every time I hear it and I’m looking forward to hearing it soon from her little sister as well. She’s only 1, but is starting to talk and it probably won’t be long. I know there are parents and grandparents who have never and will never hear those words due to their loved ones being unable to speak for various reasons. Never take the spoken word for granted.

Another thing I never take for granted is safety while I’m riding. The more I ride, the more I encounter drivers who are not paying attention. Every ride begins with a prayer asking for protection while I ride and a safe return home on my bike. It never ceases to me amaze me just how many drivers are not paying close attention when they drive. I guess they are taking for granted that everyone else is watching out for them. I see them crossing into other lanes, turning off the road then changing their mind and coming right back out onto the road without seeing if there’s other traffic coming behind them first, turning without blinkers, pulling out of side roads without first coming to a complete stop to check for traffic, changing lanes without blinkers or looking out for others first and the list goes on. Too many people taking too much for granted and focused on something other than driving, in my opinion. I will say that on my ride yesterday I was pleasantly surprised on three separate occasions when vehicles I thought were going to pull out in front of me, actually stopped and waited.

As I rode down one road a few days ago, I recalled a dear friend whose grandson just died a very short time after his high school graduation on this very road. I’m sure they took for granted as we all do, that this was the beginning of an exciting time for him, to adventure out into the world and become an adult looking to make his mark on the world with a job and maybe eventually raise a family of his own. How quickly lives can be changed and friends and family can be taken from us. He did have the foresight to be an organ donor, and in so doing he was able to impact other families by giving them the gift of life, after he lost his own. Although he’s no longer here, his memory and some of his organs will live on in the lives of total strangers. They were given a new chance on life because of him and hopefully they will not take that for granted.

Life is precious, even on those days when we may question if there’s a reason for certain things that happen. I’ve seen enough suffering and hurting people to know that even in those circumstances, good can come out of it. Live every day like it’s your last, you never know when it might be. Never miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them, rather than just assuming you will get that chance later. Don’t take for granted who and what you currently have, it can change in the blink of an eye.

Do you ever just stop and think about how things were when you were growing up and compare them to how things are now? Of course if you’re young and reading this it’s probably not much different, but if you’re in your 40s or more, it’s VERY different.

When I was growing up there were no cell phones or tablets, no home computers or internet, no satellite or cable TV. Microwave ovens came along in my teen years. The phone we had was a rotary dial phone on the wall and it was a party line for several years, so you had to be sure nobody else was already using the line before you picked up the receiver and dialed a number. We didn’t take long vacations, we took special day trips to local attractions and went a few hours away to visit family. I did get to go on a few vacations once I was in my teens and I was the only one still living at home and I cherish those memories with my mom and dad. We went to Gettysburg, Hershey, through the Amish country, and I saw the ocean for the first time ever, in Maine. The water was cold but it didn’t matter. Mom can’t swim so she was excused from going in but my daddy went in with me and mom and I walked along the beach collecting sea shells. I’ll never forgot those special times that I had alone with them, one of the benefits of being the youngest, with 5 and 7 years between me and my older siblings.

As I’ve been riding the past couple weeks I’ve kept thinking back to those simpler times and just reminiscing. The scenery, smells, sights and alone time have been a welcome change as summer’s been approaching and actually officially arrived. One particular ride was truly perfect weather; low 80s, no wind, low humidity, it was awesome and about 100 miles of absolute bliss!

I’ve come to realize that riding takes me to that same feeling of a simpler life. It’s a time when I am totally disconnected from technology and all of the worldly things that try to bombard us daily. I do have my gps on just in case something was to happen and I was needing to be found, but other than that, it is a no technology zone. No internet, no phone, no TV, just me and my maker enjoying this beautiful country life on 2 wheels.

I do see other people; drivers, who are totally engrossed in technology WHILE driving and it seems most often I meet them on corners where they seem to want my side of the road. I tend to take every corner and curve in a defensive manner, not because I lack the skills needed or don’t trust myself, but because I trust no one who comes around them from the opposite direction towards me. I would love to see my beautiful granddaughters grow up and don’t want to be taken out by a driver not paying attention if there’ssonething I can do to prevent it.

I’ve read this past week of some tragic motorcycle accidents, one involving a wife unable to stop in time as her hubby who was leading a group ride had slowed for grass in the road. She then hit his bike, was ejected from hers and died from her injuries. The other most of you are probably aware of that occurred in the state of NH, where I grew up. Seven riders of a club were killed and three others were injured when reports say a truck crossed the yellow line and when he went to get back in his own lane, his trailer jackknifed wiping out the bikers. From what I’ve read the 7 killed were all Marines and from the same club. Both are tragic situations and I pray for their families and friends left behind.

To my friends and family reading this, if something should happen to me on a ride, please celebrate that I died doing what I love and don’t feel sorry about the “how” whatever it may be. I dare say most people die from disease, old age, tragedies etc., so when it’s my time if it happens doing something I love, that’s not something to be sad about. We all know there are no guarantees in this life so let’s just live it to the fullest doing things that make a difference and make us feel alive and happy!

On these recent rides, I’ve also seen some beautiful views. As I was passing a small field of lush green grass, there were at least 10 deer happily grazing. As I was passing by and trying to enjoy them the best I could while still watching the road, they looked very peaceful and majestic. They stood at attention just watching me as I passed them and didn’t seem to have a care in the world. I hoped to find a spot where I could safely pull off the road to get a picture and to just watch them but there wasn’t a safe place to do so on a bike. I passed by a farm that provided that fresh country smell I enjoy from cows, not turkeys or chickens. I saw adorable frisky little rabbits running around, some elegant Canada geese fluffing their feathers by a pond, as well as a billy goat with the longest horns I’ve ever seen on a goat that went along well with his long beard. I actually saw him on 2 recent rides but the second time he was standing in a way that made me immediately think of the children’s story about the 3 billy goats gruff. I told you these rides had me thinking of simpler times.

I’m so thankful and blessed that I have this outlet and this time to just enjoy life, God is good! Ride on ladies-

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.”