Summertime

Summer means shorts and sandals. I'm no different from the rest of you. Here, I add a new bodysuit that's fun to wear. And a pretty pink hat.

I enjoyed playing with this outfit and took time to relax in it. Often, I rush through photoshoots and don't give myself a chance to enjoy them. Today, I did. And I'm glad about that. While I can rarely wear clothes like this in public, I can enjoy them at home so I should.

Any thoughts about the outfit?

Spurts of Growth

I've observed that I grow in spurts. After periods of dormant inaction, I get seized by inspiration and then pursue a new activity with manic fervor. Enthused, I can't learn fast enough, can't move fast enough and throw myself into a new passion with crazed effort.

 Are you like this? Do you grow in spurts or steadily?

Twenty years ago, for example, my life was boring. I examined my dissatisfaction and resolved to do something adventurous. Something exciting and fun. I knew that's what I needed to inject into my staid life as a middle-aged lawyer. Without advance knowledge. I stumbled into motorcycling and the rest is history. I avidly pursued the activity, learned all I could and grew quickly as a person.

Last year, I started feeling that familiar sense of dissatisfaction. I knew I loved riding but was foolishly doing less and less of it. Not for any reason, I'd just fallen out of practice. The turning point was when I realized I hadn't taken a long motorcycle trip in years. Years! So I committed to changing that -- and improving my life in the process.

The first thing I did was to create momentum. I replaced my aging bikes (15 years old) with new machines. That simple act stimulated me to want to ride more. Plan, I can now travel far away with the security of reliable transportation.

In the past six months (which include three months of Winter), I've ridden over 6,000 miles. I've gone to:

- Boston
- Detroit
- Pittsburgh
- Philadelphia
- Punxsutawney, PA
- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Potsdam (on the Canadian border)
- Greenport (east end of Long Island)
- Rhode Island
- Montclair, NJ
- Toronto, Canada (in two weeks)

This recent spurt of activity has lifted my spirits and given greater depth to my enjoyment of everything. Even work seems easier now because I'm in a good mood. My physical fitness has also improved and my energy-level is higher.

When you feel irritated or listless, it may be time for a change -- for some personal growth to help your overall attitude. Symptoms like irritation tip me off that my life is lacking something vital.

Do you get what I'm describing? Do you grow in spurts too? When was the last time you improved your life?

Toronto

I was pondering where to ride this month and just came up with a great idea -- Toronto! 

It's the fourth largest city in North America. (The first three are Mexico City, New York and LA.) People tell me that Toronto is cosmopolitan and fun. It seems worth a visit.

The journey is a long ride (550 miles) but I can do that in one day. My new touring bike is very comfortable. There's a cool thing at the top of CN Tower -- 1,200 feet up in the air, you can walk outside tethered to a harness. How neat is that?!

Anyone been there? Suggestions or advice?

Blogger Meetup (Patti)

New York City is a powerful magnet that draws people from far away. Which is great for me 'cause I live near the city and can pop in when friends visit. Tonight I went in to see Patti who blogs at Not Dead Yet Style. I've met Patti in person before and consider her a good friend. She lives in Florida and comes to New York often.

We dined at my favorite spot (Russ & Daughters) where we ate delicacies like pastrami-cured salmon, caviar, deviled eggs, matzo ball soup and babka french toast.

We talked about our lives, politics and culture. Of course we also gossiped about our blogger-friends like Suzanne, Sheila, Lynne, Megan Mae and Tiina. I told Patti about my girlfriends Aimee and Jen. We had a lovely conversation.

I can't walk around New York without taking pictures, so a few are below. Have you ever visited New York?

Holiday Weekend

Here in America, this weekend is not only a holiday, it's the start of Summer festivities. Millions of people will hit the road to visit places and have outdoor fun.

I'm riding my motorcycle to Rhode Island which is a half-day away. My niece graduated and is having a party. Her two older siblings had similar parties the past few years so I know what to expect. It's a nice occasion for me to catch up with my (late) brother's wife's family who live in RI.

What are you doing?

The Jolly Roger

Reliable sources at sea report that Captain Jack Rackham, also known as Calico Jack, has just commandeered a powerful new vessel. Bright red and dangerous, the impressive pirate-ship is named The Jolly Roger.

Little is known of Calico Jack's early life. He began sailing the Caribbean seas on two-wheeled ships when life got boring in his thirties. Always in search of adventure, Calico Jack sets out into uncharted waters with nary a care in the world. That courageous spirit fuels Jack's new ship which can out-run and out-handle any other vessel on the water.

Some question Calico Jack's motive for speed and plunder. Jack explains that life is short so we should stuff as much treasure (of experience) into our chests. Rules of decorum are for the timid, he says, not roving pirates armed with potent weapons. And The Jolly Roger is certainly one of the most powerful ships on the Seven Seas.

Safe sailing, matey!

 

 

 

The Rockettes

If you're a girl who likes dance, chances are you love The Rockettes. I do. I just bought tickets to see their new show, "New York Spectacular" which opens next month.

The Rockettes are a world-famous troupe of dancers who perform at Radio City Music Hall. They've been doing it for 85 years. The Rockettes are best-known for their perfectly-synched choreography and high-kicks. 36 of them perform in each show.

I love their athletic skill -- these are real dancers, not pretty showgirls. Their costumes are always amazing. And the vibe at their shows is one of pure girly delight.

At the time Radio City was built, it was the largest theater in the world. You can't believe how impressive the place is -- the stage is actually several stages that can move independently by hydraulic pumps. For big shows, they move things around and knock your socks off.

I'll report on the show next month. Have you ever seen The Rockettes?