It happens slowly of course but some where in a month of time and hours on the road together there is a blending of color and light and energy and purpose that begins to feel more like a tapestry than a trip.
Remember the song...Every thread of creation is held in position by still other strands of things living--in an earthly tapestry hung from the Skyline....
Our group is well and just arrived in Austin, Texas yesterday. It was a tough 65 mile ride, with many large trucks -and many small roads with no where for bikers to escape to. Still -I enjoyed the ride. Arriving and riding through major cities via bike still overwhelms me -- but the route we came in on was very cool-- took us right past Texas University and out on to route 35 east to a Days Inn. Today is our first day off in a while, so we are all excited to have some time off the bikes. Althought despite the fact we are not riding there is still alot of fussing around with bikes and gear. Trading of skills comes in to play...I did some hand sewing in exchange for having Andy install new, cool green grip tape on my bike handlebars. I definitely made out on that deal...but don't tell Andy!
Some of the gang did a bus tour of Austin and really enjoyed getting to see the city -- some of us went to a bike shop that had a cool outdoor lounge across the street and had a great lunch.
We are at our half way point now ...and I find there is a lot for me to wonder about. I never could have imagined where this trip would lead me -- and I foolishly thought I was just riding across the country. No life path we veer off on to is ever as simple as we might think. I can tell you that I savor every moment --- that I even hate to sleep for fear of missing a part of it -- that it is hard for me to think about the veering back on to the road of a month ago... but I am well and I think of you all -- I am getting stronger and learning so much. --love, Dee
Every breeze that blows kindly-- Is one crystal breath we exhale on the blue diamond heaven. As gentle to touch as the hands of the healer....the hands with the Tapestry.
Sunday Update from Rob: Return of the Ring..it sounds like a J.R. Tolkien sequel but it concerns the recovery of a new wedding ring Dee got me last Fall. I only had it for a few days and lost it while mixing cement for a project at my mother-in-law's house. Despite intensive search efforts, it was nowhere to be found. Then, today, a guy cutting & trimming my MIL's grass found it. Dee's brother Chuckie called Dee who got a hold of Kali who called me. Good news travels fast!
Today Jamie and I attended the IUP English Department Awards ceremony. Kali made us proud and received awards for: "Outstanding English Education Student", "Outstanding English Major", and "First Place in Expository Writing" for her paper "The Human Face of Immigration" which will be published and presented at a conference next Fall. It was an amazing day. On a less academic note, Jamie and I had a great time paddling at the Stony Creek River Festival and plan to attend a similar event at the Cheat River next weekend. Take care. Robbie
13 comments:
Half way .. Yeah!!
It sounds as if you are having great fun. Be careful and enjoy the "home stretch"
You are the topic of conversation always at Curves and we look forward to getting the in person reports ahter you get back.
Take care, ride safely
Heather
Hi Dee,
Sounds like you are right where you are supposed to be right now, and enjoying every minute of it. Also, sounds like Rob, Kali and Jamie are doing fine, except for missing you. When I read all that Jamie did while Rob and Kali were out for the day I was amazed. What a good son. He could sure teach my great neices, ages 11 & 13 a thing or two. You are really blessed to have such a wonderful family. I thought Texas was flat, the hills on pics sure look steep. You just continue to amaze me. Can't wait to hear all your stories. Be safe, stay strong.
Love you,
Linda T
Hi Dee,
All is well here. Carly and I are busy at the barn getting ready for her horse show. I loved the Horsepatality sign. There all great picuters. It was great to get up to the cotteges - we got alot of work done. Some of the Pink is gone ya! Lime green is coming.
We all miss you.
The trip sounds amazing - 1/2 way done - keep up the journey - be safe - we love you
Sue
Ma!! It was great to talk to you today! I love the new pics...looks awesome, except for that one with the giant hill! I forgot to mention to you that your son's hair is out of control right now. I tried to get a picture but of course he resisted. Looks a little like a squirrel nest right now. I know you'd demand at least a trim and I just wanted to know I tried to put in a word, but alas I think it will go unheaded. We miss you here! Looking forward to being done with school! Stay safe! Love you!
PS-This blog is for your trip! Not embarrassing your daughter...can you delete that stuff that Dad wrote about the ceremony from your blog. haha Dad-Don't be one of "those" parents! We had a nice lunch together today and it was cool to see Jammers unicycle!
Ma-If you click on the little icon by my name on this post it will come up with a bigger picture of Jamie and I that was taken today...thought you might enjoy seeing our lovely faces... hehe
Hi Aunt Dee,
Sounds like you are having a great time and enjoying the moment. I really enjoyed all of the pictures and the postcard I got made my day. Enjoy the 2nd half of your trip.
Love
Dave
Hello Dee, Rob, Jamie and Kali --
WhooHoo!
Awesome accomplishments, all. Dee, keep enjoying the journey. The tapestry of old and new will be even more awesome than you can imagine, I suspect.
Rob, you are one lucky dog! Can't believe the wedding ring showed up. A good omen, I suspect.
Kali -- Really well done. You have always been so insightful. Nice to see that others also are recognizing your considerable talents.
Jamie -- unicycle, skateboarding, and simply growing!
Kelcey placed first in her crew race last week :-) Life is good, it seems.
love,
Laura
You are amazing....I've know it for some 35+ years...but this is over the top Dee! I feel so blessed to have you in my life all I can say? I am so touched by the whole blog thing and I am reminded what a beautiful writer you are. It sure sounds like Rob misses you. Please stay safe and be careful. I know you are so proud of Kali and Jamie too with how strongly they have embraced this trip and supported you. I know your new found bike friends will miss you dearly, but they have to give you back soon. (how selfish of me?) See you soon!
xot
Vula
Hey Dee
Wonderful news of the half way mark...I can see your smile and enthusiasm as you write. Getting closer to home (yeah)and you are missed by so many. Take care, be safe, keep the pictures coming and I will write soon. Love the picture of Jamie and Kali and congratulations to you Kali... xoxo MJ
Hello Dee,
Although I haven't checked in with you for a while, I still carry you in thought and heart every day. I pass the Curves studio each day on my way to see my parents and I give a nod to you. Also, the cyclists in our area are out and about now, so when I see the pelotons gathering on Saturday mornings, I think of you then, too. How we all appreciate your sharing of this amazing life adventure that you are undertaking. Congrats on reaching the halfway point. Continued happy trails . . .
Roseann
Hey Dee Dee...Great to read the uplifting and amazing postings from you and Rob! Maybe you could post a cranky blog one day just to maintain your credibility. Rob,what an amazing story about the ring. Are you wearing it now? How about wrapping the back with heavy yarn or wearing it around your neck on a heavy gold chain? Could be a fashion statement.
Kali - congrats to you. It is just a shame you didnt keep up with your art - you had so much potential. I guess being an awesome,award-winning teacher is ok too! You should be very proud and let your parents brag!
I loved the pic of you Jamie. I wouldn't have recognized you on the street. How handsome! Your hair doesnt look like a squirrel's nest either. Although I am not sure fashion advice from a 55-year old woman is what you are looking for.
We are headed out to colorado for jim's graduation this week. It truly seems like yesterday we were taking him there. Great time to be looking for a job - these graduates are going to have their hands full!
Dee, I cant believe you are half way finished. This reinforces that you are right to just go for it. Time flies by so fast, you've got to seize the moment. I remember Rob's comment once ages ago when we were having one of our marathon days - he advised, "just let the day end". Sounds like you are still unable to just let the day end - good for you.
I dont know how much I will be able to check your blog for the next week or so, I do watch your weather each day tho - it gives me yet another reason to watch the weather channel. Thanks for the call and card. I was so sad I missed it but you sounded great. Keep on keepin on.
Sal
Hey Dee, Cottages are great. Sue and I had our first night up. So happy you call got through. Glad all is well with you, we are all over the moon about Robs ring. Sebastian is done with school and Thane wishes he was done with school. Jamie looks great, hair and all and looking forward to seeing Kali when she gets home. Stay healthy and be careful. love you, me
Hi Dee!
I can't even imagine what amazing accomplishments you are making--- biking wise and personally and emotionally. I'm so proud of you! (and I thought the Ohiopyle Trail was a challenge!) Congratulations on your family's perseverance also. We're really proud of Kali's awards! Outstanding! Alicia is now an official Pitt graduate! Where is the time going?! I'm envious of your serenity and adventures. Keep savoring every minute. And I hope you don't get the dreaded "saddle sores"!
Take care, Love,
Denise
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