The Existence of Life After Work

Walking out the door and down the steps of my sun drenched windswept office on Ocean Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island, I am drained at the end of the business day. However, as I descend the steps my nostrils are rejuvenated by that intoxicatingly wonderful, sea weedy ocean aroma. Walking to my car, which expectantly awaits me, my pulse begins to quicken. Various items are carefully stowed away, and just as quickly forgotten. Rolling down the windows and opening the sun roof, the vehicle begins to quickly flood with cool fresh salt air. An expectation and excitement begin to build within me. Driving along the sea wall, feeling like I am in a very expensive sports car, enjoying the gorgeous ocean views, the cares of the day are evaporating and falling into a clearer perspective. Continuing to rapidly shed my work skin as I drive down the highway, the greens of the trees are brighter, the colorful blue hue of the sky is especially intense, and the jet trails crisscrossing it utterly fascinate me. I notice just how much I enjoy and appreciate looking at everything.

Feeling on top of the world, I continue on to my selected destination. The car knows the way by heart and I almost believe that the vechicle is on auto pilot. Nearing it, two more miles, one more mile, I have goose bumps! Finally the sign looms up, “Belle Vue Yachting Center”, our wonderful marina. Pulling into a parking space I get out of the car attempting to keep my enthusiasm in check, by not running but walking, not too eagerly, down the ramp and onto the dock while maintaining a pretense of equanimity and dignity. Feeling like a million dollars and a small child filled with expectant anticipation, I turn the corner of the dock and come face to face with our beloved boat, “The Leading Lady”. She is a noble vessel filled with a lot of love, many great times, interesting people and enough happy memories to last ten life times. How can an inanimate object provide such joy, whether at sea or docked? Climbing on to the rear deck I sit there relishing and contemplating the beauty, the boats expertly tied up to their respective slips, the varied scents, the sights and, especially, that relaxing resort feeling just ten minutes from my office. Ah………I am so lucky!
Tomorrow I shall walk into the office with a big smile on my face, bright eyed and bushy tailed, because, I know, that there truly is the existence of life after work , to enjoy, everyday!!!

Happy Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July!

We in Rhode Island should be triply proud - Declaration of Independence signers William Ellery, Stephen Hopkins AND the famed songwriter George M. Cohan all hail from the Ocean State!

In fact, William Ellery's grave is right here in Newport's Common Burying Ground. Today would be a great day to honor him by visiting it. On the other hand, it would also be a great day to sit around an eat hotdogs.

Either way, have a great holiday.

Ode to the Bicycle

Something really good is going on here.

A few years ago, I got a new bicycle and rode around the block and down to the sea. I must have looked like I was having fun because the next thing you know, a man in the neighborhood had taken out his old clunker and was touring around, too! Then, another and now it is a regular sight. We don't go far. One man sings cantatas at the top of his lungs. It gives my spirit a little boost whenver he glides by.

Here's what it is not - the 25-mile bike ride with the skid-lid, or ergonomically correct helmet, Italian racing shirt, lycra shorts, hard, bike shoes, toe clips, 2 water bottles, skinny little tires that keep blowing out, and handle bars that are horizontal to the pavement. I did all that stuff years ago and it was great fun but now I am into more leisurely rides where I can take in the scenery.

You can see the looks of recognition peoples' faces - they remember the fun and freedom of riding a bike while the wheels turn on the pavement beneath, occsionally sending little rocks and stones flying out from the tires. Even the sound is wonderful. It is very liberating and really fun. It's being a kid again and just riding for the fun of it. No particular place to go - just the ride itself and living in the moment.

My daughter calls my bike an "old lady bike". Well, OK, maybe it is. But it is not an age thing, it is a state of mind thing. It is not a racing bike. My bicycle has upright handle bars, wide tires for exploring unpaved paths, and a wicker basket for collecting seashells, special rocks I may find along the shore, and maybe a wildflower or two for the vase on the front porch.

Works for me!