Not that there aren’t roadblocks and hurdles, but those challenges allow us to appreciate the peaceful, soulful times.
I am a fortunate woman.
Tag Archives: Photography
Training For the Ride!
My friend Dave likes to tell me that it’s important to train for big summer rides. He’s joking of course (well, he’s sort of joking). Dave & Martha are heading out west this year, so they have a long and wonderful ride ahead of them. While they’ll be covering thousands of miles, I’ll be heading to Maryland and Delaware, for a total of only 1200 or so.
I’m so excited about my upcoming trip and I’ve been riding as often as time and clear skies permit. So many things about riding my motorcycle make me happy. The joy of the wind in my face, the thrill of the sweeps and curves of the road, the towns, historical sites, and people along the way, and absolutely, it’s the adventure. You just never know what gift the road will give you.
Two weeks ago, I took a short 80 mile ride through the back roads of Floyd and Montgomery Counties, and for a good 45 minutes I was worried that I’d run out of gas. By the time I came across a gas station that actually had gas to sell, I was down to my last 10th of a gallon. Phew! I have never been that close to running out of gas!
Then while outrunning the rain, I managed to end up on a road that had recently been flooded and provided some challenging riding. And all of this, my friend Michael always tells me, is part of the ride. I agree!
This past Sunday, a glorious day sans rain, found me riding through Pulaski and Montgomery Counties. I just could not keep myself from stopping to photograph the beautiful scenery.
And the reward at the end of the day (like the ride isn’t enough of a reward?) … a lovely single malt scotch on the deck over looking the river.
My new luggage rack came in the mail today and this year’s adventure begins in just 2 weeks!!
The Garden Fence
Another rain free evening (twice in 10 days!) in yet another lovely backyard.
You just can’t beat the golden hour, especially when you’re enjoying it with friends!
Will It Ever Stop???
The RAIN, I mean!
Honestly, I rarely complain about the weather! I walk out the door in the morning without having looked at or listened to a weather report. Hurricanes, thunder storms, floods, heatwaves … I am often unaware that they are in the forecast until I leave the house and someone fills me in. It’s easy for me to be this way; my work isn’t affected by the weather. And besides, I love the energy of a storm.
Recently we’ve been heartbroken about the loss of 19 firefighters in Arizona. I keep thinking that if somehow the western states could have gotten some of our rain, things might have ended differently on Yarnell Hill. And I’m quite sure that all the folks in my neck of the woods would be grateful to see a bit of that southwestern sun.
Our most recent storm caused some pretty significant flooding in Southwest Virginia. In fact, a pond developed in a friend’s back yard. And since I’m a long time fan of puddle jumping, and playing in the water in general, I headed out for some fun!
Yes! I did play in the pond!
I loved the ripples that were created when I moved around the pond …
and the raindrops caused lovely patterns as well.
These sort of looked like abstract water colors.
So, despite the fact that we are all pretty fed up, there’s no doubt that rain helps to create beautiful images.
One More From Deb’s Backyard: Hollyhocks!
If you’ve seen my last two posts, you know that one afternoon in Deb’s backyard led to a wonderful time and some fun photos. Hopefully, you’ve seen the Calla Lilys and the Sunflowers. Please enjoy these Hollyhocks, too.
With all the rain and flooding we’ve had (photos next post!), it’s hard for me to believe we actually saw the sun a week ago!
Finding Beauty in Constant Rain
Of Horses and Spiders
I delivered some dinner to a couple friends the other night and couldn’t help but go visit the horses on the adjacent property. When they weren’t staring me down, wondering what I was up to, or eating, they were literally kicking up their heels in play. Wish those photos had turned out … I’m still learning animal photography 🙂
I kinda liked these though.
And then there was this spider …
Piano on Solstice
While most of the photos from the Solstice Party on Friday were taken outside, this one was shot while I was inside getting a glass of sangria. Something about the light on the keys and the lovely wood …
More photos coming later!
Planning the 4th Solo Trip
My last post glorified the joy of being home, and I truly am excited to have the next four weeks at home without travel (other than day trips on the bike of course). It’s time however to get serious about planning the 4th Solo Bike Trip.
So many places to ride; so few vacation days!
You may remember that I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon (in Tennessee) in 2010 as a way to celebrate my 5oth Birthday (photos taken with my old Canon Powershot SD1000)
2011 found me riding to the Outer Banks of North Carolina (again, with the old Canon)
Tennessee was the destination in 2012
So it seems that I have, not with purpose, alternated between the mountains and the beach.
This year then, I’m going back to the beach! I’ll ride to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Annapolis, and possibly Delaware.
The near constant rain has had me less than motivated to pull out the maps, but this weekend I WILL get to it! After all, the day of departure is just 7 weeks away!
Let the planning begin!
Prepping for the Bike Trip
My annual solo trip is just 2 months away and the new bike has been in the shop getting ready for the road! It was due for it’s first check up at 1400 miles, but I also had the guys add highway pegs and a heat deflector.
Since I couldn’t be on the bike, I pulled out the camera (ha! when don’t I pull out the camera?)
I loved the shadows of the leaves on the bark of this weeping cherry tree (is that the playboy bunny I see?)
This one is with flash …
and this one without. Which do you prefer?
Not a bad way to spend the evening!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 