How Does YOUR Garden Grow??

So much is happening here with respect to Trails for Dale!! The scooter (Joy) is road ready, we have tee shirts and sweatshirts (thank you Betsy), and have already raised over $8,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (thank you Mom and Betsy). What better a time to reflect on ALL the wonderful things we have in our lives. As we move toward accomplishing our goals it becomes very easy to look forward to the next without ever fully having appreciated and ENJOYED that which is "growing in the garden" right in front of us.

This became clear to me recently when I had the wondrous opportunity to travel with the family to a wedding in southern Oregon (thank you Sarah and Taylor!!). Oregon was beautiful with its mountains, rivers, flowers and undeveloped, relaxed atmosphere. I must admit that it was very difficult to leave, and upon returning home I spent some time lamenting the "what ifs" and "how comes" of being here in the northeast. Slowly but surely my perspective shifted (thankfully) and I was reminded of all the opportunity and beauty right here in front of me. A family retreat in Antrim, NH which looks out on the mountains is a short ride away. And so we went this weekend and felt the joy and peace of that place. On the way (on my scooter), I made a brief stop to a friend's home and she showed me her flower garden. It occurred to me that we can create, and do create, our own beautiful gardens, perhaps in our own way. But do we take the time to "smell the roses", to water, nurture, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Or do we get caught up in "the grass is always greener" syndrome.

Dale enjoyed remarkable gardens. Dale was a woman who knew the meaning of reaping what you sow. Most importantly, Dale knew the value of enjoying the fruits of her labor and finding peace and contentment in it. So next time you find yourself looking "over there" thinking it looks so much better than "over here" , start looking for the flowers in your garden, and if you can't find any........start planting!!!

Penny's From Heaven!!!!

All you have to do is look at Penny's engaging smile and caring eyes to know where her heart is. The Town of Milford, New Hampshire is not only blessed with the most rockin' Biker Chick store in New England, but also one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet as the proprietor, Penny Allen. Biker Chick Essentials is an awesome store with everything you could want or need in the way of clothing and accessories for your biking needs, both FEMALE and male alike!! Inspired by the lack of female gear, Penny opened the store to keep biker chicks in the style and comfort (not to mention protection) that they need and deserve!!

As a new biker chick myself, I thought I would visit the shop to let them know about the Trails for Dales journey. Penny called me personally to tell me she was very interested in being a sponsor, and her enthusiasm has only caused me to feel more determined and validated in this cause. After a visit to the shop, not only did Penny donate a fabulous pink helmet,tee shirt, and more, but also helped to outfit me so that not only will I be safe, but I will be stylin'! I feel so fortunate to have met this wonderful woman, and discover her cool shop. I consider myself a regular now, and thanks to Penny, I will make it to Atlanta with bells on!!!! Thank you Penny, and I will see you soon to keep on shopping!!