Reflections on Joy and Hope

We have all heard about things "taking on a life of their own." This has certainly happened with Trails for Dale, and it has become something bigger and more meaningful than I could possibly have hoped. I say this for a number of reasons; not the least of which is the heartwarming and genuine positive feedback I receive from people about this journey. After all, isn't that what we really want from the people around us? We want to know that the things that motivate and are important to us are also valued by others. I believe we call this validation. This is particularly true when we go out on a limb and pursue those things that we feel most passionate about. We wear out hearts on our sleeves and "hope" that the world doesn't think us insane. Well I am here to tell you that when we come from that place, our genuine impulse, that is where we are most sane and purposeful. This has been proven through my experience in life many times, but never like this. It is beyond the use of words to explain.
This past week I started to experience fear and uncertainty about the trip, especially when we had intense rain, lightning and hail storms (the worst of which when I was at the bike shop picking up my scooter). Was it a sign? Should I rethink? Am I insane? My bike was having technical difficulties, again reconsider? NO!!!!! Hold fast to the vision. So when it was questionable if my bike would make it I had options. One was to get a new bike and transfer the unique body of my bike on to the new bike. The new bike a Schwinn Hope bike. The one that Schwinn markets and donates some of the proceeds to breast cancer research. It was where Hope met Joy, and now the two have become One. How perfect that all is, for what is Joy without Hope. What is impulse and inspiration without the Hope, the leap of faith, that following our Joy will lead us to the right place..............and so it has.
The icing on the cake.....The Nashua Telegraph, Andrew Wolfe to be precise, has written a wonderful article about the Journey.........please check it out at http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080705/NEWS01/187593625. Please find your Joy and maintain your Hope and all will be revealed!!!

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!!

It Takes a Village.......a Village Makes a World

Sometimes we do not anticipate the amount of support that we will get from others when we pursue our ideas. Going back to a former posting, where I suggested that we often feel separate, making our way in the world fending for ourselves, either unwilling or feeling unable to ask for help. How delighted I was to be approached by my chiropractor and his staff to learn how they could support and promote Trails for Dale.

It is no surprise that Dr. Gary Zetterberg and his office assistants Janine and Sarah would be anxious and enthusiatic to support this journey. For Gary, Janine and Sarah are all people who believe in serving others. They have devoted the chiropractic practice to it, and actively find ways to serve the community and the people in it. Most recent is their drive to get clothing donations for the less fortunate.

And so it is; that our lives here on this planet are about serving others. Unfortunately, too many of us are distracted by the illusions that surround us in the form of material gain. We identify ourselves with objects, like our house, car, clothes, jewelry or other external "thing." These things take us further away from our spiritual essence, that which is driven by love, gratitude, compassion, generosity. If you are looking for abundance, know that the stuff that Joy is made of is infinate in supply!

On behalf of Trails for Dale, I wish to thank Dr. Zetterberg, Janine and Sarah, for believing in me, believing in the Spirit of Trails for Dale and believing in the idea that serving others is the most significant contribution that we can make to our village and to our world. With love and appreciation, Thank you!!!

The Road Ahead...How Far Can You See?

Well, we have mapped our the journey, and in the process discovered the Blue Ridge Parkway. We decided this will be the a great route to venture in to many towns along the way. I so look forward to this journey, and to connect with all the people along the way. Although I have a map, I am uncertain of the terrain. I do not know how steep are the climbs, how winding the roads, how sharp the turns. At any given time I will only be able to see up to the next bend.

Even with the uncertainty, it is enough to see that which is in front of me. It is just like the living of our lives, one moment at a time. All that is required is to be present in that moment. All that is required is to be present on that hill, on that corner, at that turn.

So enjoy the mystery, enjoy the unfolding of it all, one step at a time. Hope to see you along the way!!

The Power of One is in the Oneness

It is certainly important to know that each one of us can make a difference. The truth is that we can. However, what enables us to impact our world both positively and profoundly is not what we do as a single, separate person, but what we do in connection with others. I am so happy and grateful to have had the blessing of this experience with my Aunty Besty in our work together for Trails for Dale. How fortunate am I to have the love and devotion of such a wonderful Being who unconditionally and tirelessly has stepped up to be a part of this vision.

From the beginning, Betsy Burnes McCarthy was there with me to meet with the representatives at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in New York to get the ball rolling on this project. Betsy has helped create the brochures, business cards, and other necessary details. Most importantly if the fact that Betsy has believed in me and this idea without question, without judgment, without doubt.

So Betsy, please accept my deep gratitude and appreciation, and for teaching me that the power of one comes through the power of the collective Oneness. And it is through that idea that we reach out to all of you, and know that together we will impact our world for peace, for love, for health and happiness.

There is Never Nothing Going On

Sitting in traffic, standing in line, on hold listening to musac?? Wasted time? Absolutely not!! How often have we heard people complain that they are bored, that there is "nothing going on." Well, there is NEVER nothing going on. Just take a look around you. Even looking out the window watching the raindrops fall is something going on. And, if you have ever watched the way raindrops fall, it can be quite an incredible sight.

So what is the point? The point is that our perspective, our decision to see the world around us as "nothing going on," or to open our eyes to see the constant wonderment of all that goes on around us, is a CHOICE.

By choosing to recognize that there is never nothing going on, we choose to create oppurtunity to experience life in the present moment, and gain the benefit of the magical mystery that always surrounds us.

So, have you asked yourself lately, what's going on............Everything!!!