The Bike Ride

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I rode my bike home from work twice last week. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for several years, but was afraid to try. The route home includes driving alongside very busy traffic and crossing two freeway ramps. But I (finally) conquered my fears and did it!

While riding, I couldn’t help but see how riding a bike home was analogous to life: there are choices you make that send you off (literally) on a different path. Every bit of the way, you make choices:

  • smile or don’t smile at those you encounter;
  • appreciate nature (or don’t);
  • follow the rules/laws (or take dangerous risks);
  • breathe and enjoy the journey OR stress and rush to get to your destination

All journeys (literal and figurative) share a common theme: It’s beneficial to look ahead and do a little planning (to be prepared), but most pleasant and constructive to be fully present.

It is rarely helpful to look back.

 

 

 

 

Two Funnies

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I made the inner flowers go the wrong direction. Or…is it the outer petals that are incorrect? Either way, I find the end result interesting. It makes the outer petals look like thorns.

 

A funny quote from my 15-year-old daughter yesterday:

“Mom, I’m out of chocolates and I’m out of hot Cheetos. I’ve lost the will to live.”

 

Peace in Unlikely Places

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“Instead of seeking liberation in some future moment, realize that the “limitations” you are experiencing right now are openings into presence…into space. When you surrender to that, you are rooted into the formless and deep peace.

Nothing in the world of form matters that much.”

Eckhart Tolle

 

Yellow – Corn – Wealth

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Took the photo – not completely dry yet

The yellow poppy symbolizes wealth. This is due, in part, to a legend:

“It’s mainly due to some legends and stories that these meanings were attached to the flower.  According to a Greek legend, the poppy was the creation of the god of sleep.  Helping the goddess of corn when she lost her daughter, the poppies were used to sooth her to sleep.

If she rested the corn grew and because she fell asleep, the corn started to grow again.  It’s viewed that the poppies are essential to the growth of corn.  Corn is more than food but also a source of income.  That’s why yellow poppies mean wealth.”

Source:  https://www.auntyflo.com/flower-dictionary/yellow-poppy