Stop and Smell the Flowers

Our lives tend to get so busy that we forget to stop and smell the flowers. When was the last time you went to a park or a cafe with the intention of just sitting there and relaxing, maybe even playing a game of chess?  

Days, weeks, months go by and the cycle of life, or daily routine, tend to cause us more harm than good. As of late, I have found myself falling into a new routine in life revolved around marriage and caring for my family. My husband recently had a knee surgery which has literally put a hold on pretty much any outdoor activity he and I use to enjoy. Things like hiking, biking and just simply taking a walk. One day I had an idea to break the norm. 

Do you want to go and play a game chess at the cafe on the trail, I asked my husband. I could tell he began thinking of ideas to get out of such a suggestion. I continued to sell the idea by suggesting we get protein drinks and just enjoy the sunshine. Finally, I got a look of agreeance. 

We went and had a great time. So much so, that we ended up going back there two days later and to play some Scrabble. This time we got green tea shakes while creating a new friendship with the staff. We stopped and smelled flowers when was the last time you did the same? 

Appalachian Trail- Hawk Mountain PA

What did you do on Independence day? Well, instead of preparing for a BBQ or fireworks my boy friend Luke and I decided to do a 7.5 mile hike on Hawk Mountain along the popular Appalachian Trail and then ending on the Skyline Trail.   It was a sunny wsadday, but thank goodness it was not humid out. 

Almost to the look out!

The first part of the trail was pretty easy. The path was well maintained. You could tell someone had laid rocks in certain spots and cut fallen trees out of the way. We walked over small bridges that someone had built over creeks and some of the larger washes. We finally got to a part of the path that made you hate your decision to hike that day. It was a slope that completely killed my legs for the following 48 hours after the hike. For someone like myself that hasn't done much hiking in the last 3-4  years, it was a challenge. The whole time I was thinking to myself, why am I not home having a beer and barbecuing. When I finally made it to the top I saw a sign that said look out 2 miles. At that point, I felt that I was threw the worst part and with some motivation from Luke we were on our way. 

Years ago Luke had hiked this trail with his boy scouts club. Oddly enough, he did not seem to remember the killer slop that we had just completed. (ha!) Luke had planned our days hike around the idea that we would eventually get to the Skyline Trail and walk the ridge of Hawk Mountain. Well that is what we did. Only we found ourselves walking most of the Skyline Trail on a path that was less traveled on. 

No path, just following painted markers.

A path! 

Needless to say, it was one of the best days ever! We made it to many different look out points along the way and stopped to admire the views of nature. The landscape makes you think about life, love and what the true definition of happiness might be. In the end, we need to see beyond the beauty in order to get to the core of our own salvation. Stepping away from our day to day lives seems impossible for many folks. It truly is sad that we get wrapped up in the daily grind so much that places like this we may never see and feel the emotion they bring to us. With that being said, I challenge you to take the path less traveled on. Break your own norms, step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Let it change you, inspire you, and feed you with the energy you need to take on life.  

A top Hawk Mountain.

Pure Zen

Waking up this morning was a little different than waking up previous mornings. I actually feel good. I feel like I slept well and ready for the world. I thought to myself, why am I feeling like this? Hump day? Nah! Well after going through the morning routine, brushing my teeth and hair, I walk in the kitchen to brew up some coffee. The kitchen window was glistening with the morning sun. Beautiful, warm and as I look out I see its warmth melting the frost still left on the grass from last night.  As well as a bunny out to sun bathe. When my coffee was complete I had to go outside and drink it. The sun drew me to it like a dog that couldn't get it's eyes off the bone. As I sit in the sun, drinking my coffee, I realize this is pure zen. There is only one thing left to do, GO FOR A MOTORCYCLE RIDE!

Be safe today my friends. May you all find your zen in the power of the sun while on your motorcycle.

#payitforward

Motorcycle Spring Fever -MSF

And you thought MSF stood for Motorcycle Safety Foundation...ha! It really stands so for Motorcycle Spring Fever. I don't know about you, but I have had enough with winter. It has been dragging on. The last two days we finally hit temps over 50 F. Although Tuesday we are expecting lows in the 30s again. Come on Winter bug, GO AWAY! The need for wind in my hair, the sun on my skin, the feeling of freedom and nothing on my mind except how many more rolling hills will I be cruising on. You know the feeling, don't you?

On Friday I rode to work and froze my ass off in the morning. My afternoon ride was much more enjoyable. There is a point when riding becomes a task and not a pleasure. That's one thing I never like it to become.     Cold weather can do that. On Saturday I rode to gym and then came home and spent four hours detailing my bike. I have never done this since I rode it off the dealer lot day of purchase in March of 2008. Boy does it look sweet, and boy do I never want to buy another bike with that much chrome!!! Live and learn! lol

So, it's spring right? I'm not sold on that idea quite yet. Although, I do have a ton of rides I would love to go on and places I look forward to seeing this year. Life is full of adventures, I'm thankful mine begin on a motorcycle. Well sunshine, I sure hope to see you soon, I miss you dearly!!