Unconditional

Not everyone has it. And some have maybe never even known it. Whether it's in relationships, with loved ones or friends, with our kids, with pets, or with our bikes. Depth of connection means different things at different times to different people. Yet unconditional always means the same.

The connection for some is real, it’s tangible wonderful and pure. It’s the kind of thing that only grows in strength, unshakable. To others it’s incomprehendable, or maybe sadly or even mistakenly unreachable. I believe it’s like the saying; if I have to explain it you wouldn’t understand. Unconditional has different flavors for different tastes, for different chapters in life, and maybe even includes different bikes for different times. For those of us that have been witness, felt, our bikes souls come to life, those who have lived a connection of man or woman and machine, who have maybe been tested in dangerous or powerful ways, the bond can be unconditional. With some connections (of people or bikes), it can be the backbone or frame of strength, it can provide a depth or support compared to none, or if mismatched it can be the force of crumble.

Bob always wants to scream through the night like a banshee with hair on fire. And sometimes I let him. Haha I live for those moments actually. While other times I have to be a good girl and keep him at a trot. And I live for those moments too. His seat has been just right for me from the moment we first met. His intensity brings out a passion and understanding compared to few others. Just when we think it’s safe to go out and play, that we need a ride and roll, somehow we always realize through the windshield that all we’ve got is one another, it’s our wind, and it’s all good. Bring it. Each day, each road, each is a brand new ride, shared between two close friends. Bob and I have been to places and depths that only some understand. There may be different passions for different seasons, but Bob is my truth, to me-he is unconditional.

Respecting and accepting things as they happen, letting answers come, adapting to what life brings, enjoying and appreciating people for who and what they really are, embracing past present and future, hearing the wind blow and the pipes purr, trusting instinct and taking a different road, knowing that we are all looking up at the same stars in the sky, this is all bringing a certain understanding to me that compares to none other. Learning that some things aren’t broken and don’t need fixing or help. Enjoying each day and ride as new. Cherishing each and every step and misstep all the same. Valuing and appreciating others and myself. Unconditional.

This is what I hope for everyone this holiday season, I hope that you all enjoy some kind of Unconditional.
Merry Christmas

salty and sweet

It’s been a year of challenges, and truths. Of tests unlike any others. Of recognizing limits, being pushed to previous breaking points and past. Of blasting through obstacles, rules and fears be damned. Of handling and customizing my shit, my way. Of developing a dislike for certain POS doctors. Of being overwhelmed, and humbly acknowledging so, yet continuing to smile. Of putting my foot down AND repeating myself if I had to, and learning nicer ways of saying no. Of pressing forward, sometimes only being able to see or address one day or issue at a time. Of hearing my gut again, rather than only the critical thinking side of self. Of saying way too much at times, and not nearly enough at others. Of learning more of myself and others than ever before.

My intent in 2009 was to focus on health and wellness. To become the hottest 40 year old woman I can be. To gypsy ride like never before. And to make new good deep friendships. Well, 2 out of 4 isn’t bad (the hot chick and gypsy riding parts slipped, but not for long). Somehow life has this uncanny ability of speeding up and getting in the way, making it seem that there’s never enough time for everything. But none the less, I’m still breathing and riding, so it’s been one monster of a good year. This year, I learned I love kayaking. I learned that I am better watching the tango from ballroom sidelines. And best while dancing Bob’s forward controls along Hwy 1. I also realized how much I’ve missed passion in my life. And that maybe other life changes are needed sooner than later.

This was the year I turned 40. This was the year that I realized I’m not all that bad, actually I’m alright, matter of fact I’m pretty damn ok. This was the year that I grew by some leaps and bounds. Take it, or leave it. I've even learned that there is much to learn from (and in) silence. I’m living more in the now than ever before.

Now hurry up EZ Brackets, lol, I really f’ing need you…

Slow Dance Anyone?

Jumping tracks and dodging thick piles of leaves has been my path of late.

All vodka and no carbs makes me think way to much, too.

Not fun, all work and little play makes me one stressed and freaky ass chick.

Yet riding into grey has my practical and intuitive sides almost in complete agreement, for now.

I'm still learning to navigate these roads in life like never before.

So I’m leaving the confusion and chill of moonlight, and seeking the warmth of dawn.

Wishing everyone happy holidays and very dry roads.

With Love, Salud!
..see you soon..

Questions

"How does a man find or meet you?" That was the start of a very strange but fun conversation I had recently. Well, I’m always around, but I may not be easily found. "Honestly, where do you go, what do you do, what do you like, what makes you tick," he asked? Holy moly, this guy is full of questions, I thought. Where’s a good stiff martini when you want one?!? Or another bike with nice big saddlebags to play, LOL! Seriously… Hmmm, he was entertaining for the moment, so Bob and I sat back and enjoyed some sun and waves while we chatted with the new friend for a short while.

Well, I guess you can find me at an intersection somewhere. Will it be a rolling stop or a long light?..What will you do?.. That relies on you.

Sometimes we pace ourselves, other times we have three seconds to go for it, the choice is really ours for the taking. Either way it’s best to go forward, knowing power and speed, keeping eyes mind and heart wide open, not locked on past experiences, and avoiding obstacles by swerving out of harm’s way. "Great bike, I get that you ride, but where would I find you other than riding?" Honestly, chances are less that you would find me otherwise.

And with that Bob and I rolled. We are still pondering his questions, and still riding...

Oakland SF Bay Bridge Open

albeit temporary, tis open, for now...
apparently engineers arent completely satisfied with this fix, which is supposed to fix a recent supposedly permanent fix of a previous crack, blah blah blah, you get the idea. well, it is a 70+ yr old bridge. and, we still have roadways that have NOT been repaired from the 7.1 Loma Prieta Quake in 1989. so, we're having some roadway/infrastructure/budget issues.

back to a normal one hour commute for 24 miles, whew... :)

i'll post more soon. im needing/hoping i can get a serious roadtrip on radar. bob and i need one long ride before the rains... im dreamin of roads...