PIC OF THE WEEK - FINDING YOUR POT OF GOLD

A few weeks ago, while Harley and I were exploring in our new Jeep, we drove past the Kilby Correctional Facility, one of the maximum security prisons not too far from our home. We noticed this rainbow after a brief storm blew through, and even though I've gotten many great rainbow pics before, my sick sense of humor just couldn't leave this one alone. Kind of ironic, isn't it?

irony n.  a manner of speaking or writing in which the meaning literally expressed is the opposite of the meaning intended and which aims at ridicule, humor or sarcasm.

FINDING YOUR POT OF GOLD
The state of Alabama has 7 State Prisons and 2 Federal Prison Camps, so it's not unusual for us to pass one of these facilities when we venture out of the city limits in any direction, since most of them are near Mongtomery.  For some of these poor dudes, chasing rainbows to obtain their pot of gold didn't turn out so well.

I'm pretty sure I would hate prison life.

I've often wondered what goes through their minds when Harley and I would pass by on our Glides (which we did... often!) and they would be hanging on the fence... looking... watching... dreaming.

Freedom! Freedom! How I wish it were I... freedom!

Have a nice week everybody! Ride free!

Lady R

** Author's note:   Be sure to check out yesterday's post and don't be surprised if things look a little different soon. GLIDER RIDER is getting a new makeover and a new title!  Stay tuned...

RIDIN' WITH RAINBOWS

Dear Diary... a glimpse into the pages of a journal written by a woman rider.

Saturday,
March 26, 2011

Dear Diary,

One of my favorite reasons for riding a motorcycle is when I have the good fortune to experience... a special moment. You know, those moments that only occur when you happen to be in the right place at the right time. A moment when the only evidence of it's existence lingers in the scrapbook of your mind. A moment that usually never happens to you when your driving in your car.

We were riding back from Sylacauga this afternoon, trying to make it home before some terrible weather caught us. H was watching the sky as we were splitting a pair of ferocious storms moving along on either side of us. One minute we were heading south, the next thing I know, we change direction and go west for a few miles. Just when I think we're going to get wet, I see his blinker come on and we're turning south again. The asphalt was wet everywhere we turned, including some golf ball size hail in some places, but sparingly, we weren't getting drop on us.

As we rounded a long sweeping bend and cleared a large patch of trees, I noticed H raise his left arm and point. I looked up in the direction he was pointing and there it was... big and breathtaking... the widest most brilliant rainbow I've ever seen, laid across the stormy sky. In spite of all the darkness around us, the sun was slicing through the clouds, creating a natural spotlight on the highway as if it were trying to lead us in the direction of safety. Where the two elements merged together, the unmistakable colors of orange, yellow, green and pink formed a flawless arch as it went from one side of my panoramic view to the other.

I tried in vain to keep my eyes on the road, but I couldn't help but gaze over to my left as much as my lingering senses would allow. As I continued to process the beauty I was seeing, another rainbow came into view. It was a softer less vibrant mirror reflection of the first and positioned right above it. Twins! I was definitely looking at twin, full arch rainbows!

I wanted to capture this, but there was no safe place for us to pull off. It was in that instant when I realized I was experiencing one of my cherished moments. I seem to get more and more of them lately, and I'm usually riding my Glide when they happen. I could feel my smile widen as my senses went on overload with the smell of newly fallen rain, freshly mowed hay, and looking a palate of color that only God could make.

For the next several miles I pondered many things but mostly, how blessed I really am... to be ridin' with rainbows.

Me

PIC OF THE WEEK - SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

SOMEWHERE... OVER THE RAINBOW

When Harley and I spent some time up at Lake Martin this past summer, we had the opportunity to see a beautiful rainbow that touched the ground from one side to the other. We stood there for a moment and enjoyed the awesome view and tried to think if we had ever seen that before.


















This Pic of the Week fits my mood right now. It's been a bit of a rough year for my family and I, and I'm very glad to say goodbye to 2010. For me, this full arch rainbow represents a fresh start and new beginnings. You know... that place where "troubles melt like lemon drops... and happy little blue birds fly."

My Christmas has been good, but a little bittersweet. Even though we're all missing my Dad, as we experience our first Christmas without him, I have been enjoying the company of my awesome mom who escaped the snow in Iowa to spend a southern holiday with Harley and I. Now, I feel so energized by her presence and love, I feel like I can tackle 2011 with a renewed attitude. I resolve to change any habits that need changing and continue to live my life to the fullest. And yes... there's motorcycles involved!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

Lady R