Sunday was a leisurely day and a hot one also. Thank goodness for AC! We usually try to get by without it, having come from that generation of open windows and fans, but it sure is nice to have it when needed.
I struggle with falling asleep anyway and when it's hot and sticky it's harder than ever. Strapping on a rigid plastic face mask while sweaty and sticky is unbearable. And if the Queen doesn't sleep well...nobody sleeps well!
We ventured out a bit in the morning to care for a few things. After watering my garden Left Brain showed me the basics of the scooter and sent me on my first trip.
Do you remember the harrowing feeling of taking life in your own hands the first time you rode your two wheeler without the training wheels or someone running along side of you to help you balance?
Those memories washed over me as I blazed out of here at 5mph for a trip around the campground.
My choices for terrain here are gravel, soft dirt or patchy grass....none of which are great for learning how to ride a bike. I did well for a bit and then I had to make a left hand turn. After managing that one my confidence grew and I handled yet another! Then I blasted forward at 10 mph with the wind blowing my hair and starting humming "born to be wild" and other motorcycle songs....there are no good scooter songs. I may have to compose some.
Then I thought I'd try turning right and realized that the bike only knows how to make left hand turns. Must be a NASCAR scooter! It probably had more to do with the fact that the throttle is in the right hand and I had a death grip on the left handlebar. I did finally manage to go to the right....once. The second time I tried it the bike simply refused and my choices were to plow through someone's tent or turn left...so I turned left. Can you imagine their surprise if I came driving through? This is where I learned that giggling can accompany abject terror.
My legs shot out for an emergency crash and I learned that I really can stay upright, even if it's just to stop and put my legs out on both sides. After catching my breath....and yet trying to look cool...I cranked back the throttle again to return home. Certainly Left Brain must be worried about me by now and is probably thinking about forming a search party for the body.
But I did manage to return home again, safely and intact. My goal is to attempt a trip around the park each day until I can navigate all the various paths and roads with confidence. He tells me that when I get on blacktop it will really feel easy. I hope he's right and that I can look forward to jumping on my scooter and actually enjoy the experience.
This is just another part of my new life, trying new things and conquering fears daily. It is a bit like revisiting ones childhood where every experience seems new and exciting...or scary. Just as a child you need to learn to crawl before walking, and to walk before running. Each of our new experiences are like that, testing new abilities and learning to breathe and not be afraid. Then developing the confidence that goes with mastering those steps to attempt yet another.
We don't grow by just sitting at home in our recliners and watching the world on television, where everything is always safe and comfortable. We need to burst out of our comfort zone and push the limits a bit to find out what we are made of. I realized this as I matured in life, but mistakenly had thought at 60 I had it all wrapped up. I'm learning now that it never ends. We're always pushing and learning something new and dealing with the discomfort that change brings. And that it's okay. There is a great line in the movie "the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" that goes....
everything will be okay in the end...and if it is not yet okay, it's not the end.
Long Live the Queen of the Highway
I struggle with falling asleep anyway and when it's hot and sticky it's harder than ever. Strapping on a rigid plastic face mask while sweaty and sticky is unbearable. And if the Queen doesn't sleep well...nobody sleeps well!
We ventured out a bit in the morning to care for a few things. After watering my garden Left Brain showed me the basics of the scooter and sent me on my first trip.
Do you remember the harrowing feeling of taking life in your own hands the first time you rode your two wheeler without the training wheels or someone running along side of you to help you balance?
Those memories washed over me as I blazed out of here at 5mph for a trip around the campground.
My choices for terrain here are gravel, soft dirt or patchy grass....none of which are great for learning how to ride a bike. I did well for a bit and then I had to make a left hand turn. After managing that one my confidence grew and I handled yet another! Then I blasted forward at 10 mph with the wind blowing my hair and starting humming "born to be wild" and other motorcycle songs....there are no good scooter songs. I may have to compose some.
Then I thought I'd try turning right and realized that the bike only knows how to make left hand turns. Must be a NASCAR scooter! It probably had more to do with the fact that the throttle is in the right hand and I had a death grip on the left handlebar. I did finally manage to go to the right....once. The second time I tried it the bike simply refused and my choices were to plow through someone's tent or turn left...so I turned left. Can you imagine their surprise if I came driving through? This is where I learned that giggling can accompany abject terror.
My legs shot out for an emergency crash and I learned that I really can stay upright, even if it's just to stop and put my legs out on both sides. After catching my breath....and yet trying to look cool...I cranked back the throttle again to return home. Certainly Left Brain must be worried about me by now and is probably thinking about forming a search party for the body.
But I did manage to return home again, safely and intact. My goal is to attempt a trip around the park each day until I can navigate all the various paths and roads with confidence. He tells me that when I get on blacktop it will really feel easy. I hope he's right and that I can look forward to jumping on my scooter and actually enjoy the experience.
This is just another part of my new life, trying new things and conquering fears daily. It is a bit like revisiting ones childhood where every experience seems new and exciting...or scary. Just as a child you need to learn to crawl before walking, and to walk before running. Each of our new experiences are like that, testing new abilities and learning to breathe and not be afraid. Then developing the confidence that goes with mastering those steps to attempt yet another.
We don't grow by just sitting at home in our recliners and watching the world on television, where everything is always safe and comfortable. We need to burst out of our comfort zone and push the limits a bit to find out what we are made of. I realized this as I matured in life, but mistakenly had thought at 60 I had it all wrapped up. I'm learning now that it never ends. We're always pushing and learning something new and dealing with the discomfort that change brings. And that it's okay. There is a great line in the movie "the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" that goes....
everything will be okay in the end...and if it is not yet okay, it's not the end.
Long Live the Queen of the Highway
My hat's off to you Lady! I'm very proud of you for learning to ride the scooter safely. However, I think I'll stick to the three wheeler kind of cycle. As soon as I find one that I can sit on to see if it fits me, I'm going to get me one.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm off to see if there are any new blooms in my garden. You have a fabulous day. Hugs, Edna B.