It’s a Done Deal

It’s been a long and difficult search, but the new baby is finally home. Let me introduce Blaze. Blaze is a 2007 Yamaha V Star 1300 tour model. She arrives to us with 627 miles on the clock. Yamaha calls this color Candy Red. She certainly is sweet.

Why have I named her Blaze? Well, a blaze is red hot and not to be messed with. A blaze is difficult to contain. In autumn the leaves display a blaze of color that is hard to ignore. Then too, a motorcycle is meant for travel. We will blaze many a new trail across New England and beyond. In the Urban Dictionary, blaze means to smoke. (We won’t say what.) This bike is certainly smokin’ hot to me. Blaze is a name that fits well with my handle, Sojourn. Sojourn and Blaze will partner for many an adventure together.

Since it is mud season here, the parking lot is the only riding available, but I am surprised by my first impressions of Blaze. In looking at photos you would think Blaze is big and cumbersome. She is not a heavy bike at all. Blaze is nimble, agile and responsive. When straddled, she is the right height and feels comfortable beneath me.

While I am excited to be in possession of a new motorcycle, I feel it is important to express that Blaze is NOT a replacement for Jade. Jade is unique in her own right. You cannot replace one motorcycle with another anymore than you can replace one child with another. (IMHO) They each have their own characteristics, and personalities. I will be looking for a new home for Jade. It will please me to no end, to find someone who will love her as much as I.

Finding my way to a larger more powerful bike has been a long road filled with emotional ups and downs. Yet, it is only half the journey. I must now steel myself for the gut wrenching chore of waving goodbye to Jade, my good and faithful steed.

Setbacks, Disappointment and Strategy

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of sorts, from elation at the prospect of a new bike, the low at being felled by the flu, to my immense disappointment in others. In clawing my way back to good health I realize some of my disappointment could be directly related to not feeling well and having a low tolerance for shenanigans.

Fortunately, in the midst of the blatant reality of human nature, my niece gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. This precious bundle reminded me of a quote I once read on a fancy wall plaque in a gift store:

“Every child born is proof that God is not yet tired of man.”
~anonymous~

The pure innocence of a newborn babe has me in a forgiving mood. Then again, we humans are a resilient sort. With that said I am picking up my marbles and going to play in another schoolyard.

If all this sounds cryptic, it is done so deliberately. For while I like to believe I’m not one to hold grudges, I am superstitious. I want all the i’s dotted and all the t’s crossed before more is said. Also too, I did not want you to think I fell off the face of the earth. If you have a superstitious streak in you, cross your fingers in the hope that I’ll have good news to share tomorrow.

Winter Blues

The bike shopping is not going as smoothly as I hoped. Top that off with a Nor’easter, the flu and a cracked windshield on the van and we’re talking major winter blues. Being a firm believer in mind over matter, I am trusting in the power of intention. “I intend to be successful in the motorcycle purchase therefore I will be.” I hold that in the forefront of my mind. “I am not sick!” I say to myself as I pop more pain reliever. “Friday is not that far away.” as I check the appointment for window replacement. “Spring is just around the corner.” I think as I slide through another intersection. I’m trying to stay positive, but it’s getting harder to hang on.

Thank goodness for Nomad Willie. Nomad Willie loves chasing stuff. He is a way point junkie and has already begun his chasing for the new season. Getting on the motorcycle with destinations in mind is his favorite hobby. This favorite pastime is typically theme related. This year, he is hunting down historical sites. He’s started in his hometown of Uxbridge Massachusetts and is fanning out from there. If Nomad has already begun chasing, then spring is indeed around the corner!

If you need a boost to get you out of the winter doldrums check out his blog. Now if only I can find a cure for the bike shopping troubles and the flu, I might just be able to see that silver lining.