My New Love

Love is a funny “fickle” thing. We hear people say, “man, I love that” or “I love it when (fill in the blank) happens” or the most incredible feeling is when someone says to you “I love you”. Growing up a child loves their parents and family members and then we have our very first love.

The first time I saw each one of my children, I did not think I could love someone so much. How could someone so tiny and helpless make my heart so full? Then, they grow up and begin their own lives. Isn’t that what we are supposed to teach them? Become responsible free thinking adults, take care of yourself and create your own lives….. And so, they do.

On December 29, 2011, I fell in love – again. Kollin Ambrose Cummings came into this world with full beautiful lips, a head of hair like his mommy and the most precious face with a dimple that I am sure God himself put there. Yes, my heart melted. Yes, I believe he is the most adorable child ever created. I truly did not know I could love so much. I remembered at the hospital while holding him, something I overheard someone say a long time ago, “a baby is God’s way of saying everything is going to be okay”.

Watching your children become parents is hard to describe. We need to be there for them, much like our parents were, but at the same time, we need to let them learn on their own. After all, they are adults.

When I started this blog I was never really sure what I would have to say; it became a way for me to share my photos and motorcycle trips. Please humor me today as I share my love, Kollin. I should mention that Kollin's proud parents are Kyle and Erin Cummings!

These are just a few of my favorite photos and I can assure you that over the coming months and years, there will be many, many more!

The month of January has flown. I hope that you take the time to think about what love means to you.

Peace and love, Pam

Falling Leaves

I always say that summer is my absolute favorite time of year; grilling, warm sun, long days and those nights of sitting outside watching the fireflies. However, when fall rolls around, the beauty that surrounds me is remarkable. The colors never cease to simply amaze me. Reds, yellows, oranges and greens all come together in this spectacular color wheel that makes me stop and appreciate the simple beauty in the landscape around me.

The scientists can explain the reason the tree changes but only God can understand it. The leaves that have already fallen to the ground and trees that are partly green with the other colors that just stand out when the sun hits them.

Take time to enjoy the beautiful colors; they won’t be back for another year!

Peace, Pam

Fayetteville, Bikes Blues and BBQ 2011

It was as if every biker going to Fayetteville, Arkansas for the 11th Annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ dropped a knee, said a little prayer and got their wish! The weather for the weekend was absolutely incredible. The mornings were cold, the afternoons were warm and sunny and the evenings were crisp. Perfect!

We have traveled to Arkansas for a couple of years now and love riding the hills, curves and mountains. This year we decided instead of going to the Pig Trail and Dragon Trail we would take a couple of different routes. Don't get me wrong, those two rides are spectacular and the scenary is beautiful, but it was time for a change.

On Friday, we rode out to the Tyson Center to test drive a Victory, then walked around and checked out the vendors and their wares. After a couple of hours we ventured out to War Eagle Mill. Opening in 1832 it produced fresh grains and flours and today, they still produce mixes, cereals and organic grains. They also have ceramics and several other fine arts and crafts. On the top floor is a restaurant serving comfort food - YUM! No one knows more than Luke how much I love places like this. He is so patient with me, I wander around, exploring every inch, taking photos and just absorbing the entire place. What was it like in 1832? Well, it hasn't changed much; they still don't have indoor toilets. Yep, men's and women's outhouses.

The old bridge is just a blast to drive over on the motorcycle. The clacking of the boards and the precise way that you have to stay just in the right spot makes for an interesting ride. I stood and watched several come and go, maneuvering carefully.

After returning to our hotels, we met up with the rest of the group for Mexican food, libations and lots of laughter. We seem to always be the most jovial group wherever we end up.

Saturday morning Luke and I took off for Mountain View and Mountain Home. Round trip from our hotel was about 325 miles, a day trip for us. Once again, amazing weather for riding. The landscapes with the fog and sun are images that cannot be described. The entire trip I watched for the perfect photos and for deer and other wildlife that might be out early in the mornings. We were fortunate, nothing to get in our way.

We made it back safely to the hotel that evening and once again met up with the group for dinner. The highlight was of course the famous chocolate dessert which made it around the table twice (for some reason it was held up by Gerald and Susie). Great day riding, great night with friends.

Sunday morning came too soon, time to make our way back to Wichita. The time went much too quickly but we are grateful for the perfect rides. Is there really such a bad ride? I don't want to find out.

The pictures are pretty self explanatory except for maybe a couple; Luke on the Victory we test drove and continue to dream about and the funniest "engineering satelite job" using cinderblock to actually hold down the satelite. Do you suppose they are an engineering major at OSU? Clever and cost effective, just can't beat it!

Ride safe everyone. Peace, Pam