I want to introduce you to my bicycle. I can’t remember how we (Brian and I) acquired it, but I do know that I have had it for many, many years. When my son and daughter were little, I had a child-seat bolted to it and as they were big enough to ride on their own two wheeler, the bolts were removed (along with the seat). Additionally, it sported a small, white basket attached to the handle bars which had a blue license plate on the front with the name, “Dorothy”. This bike has been a friend to me all these years, getting me to and fro and back again as I so desired. Its little basket has held more weight than it should because I would load it down with treasures from the store or the farmer’s market. It accompanied the children and I many a times to our local California Mission, and waited patiently outside as we contemplated man’s adoration of G-d as painted on the chapel walls. The Raleigh has doubled as a dirt bike, beach cruiser, mountain bike, and exhibition parade rider. It is small but perfectly sized to me.
Now this past Christmas my loving husband totally, thoroughly, and completely bombed on his gift to me. That is right, I did say “bombed”! He bought me a pair of Jessica Simpson brand pumps. They were water colored and extremely high. So high heeled, in fact, I could have put them on and just stood in one place…that is all. Not to mention my style is rooted in influences OTHER than Jessica Simpson, so needless to say I made no qualms about my complete disdain with his erroneous purchase. My husband now stands corrected.
And in all honesty, the only thing I really wanted (besides a Clarisonic, Yves St. Lauren dress–or Dior for that matter, an excursion to the Greek Islands, five million cash, or a house on the beach) was to have my little Raleigh bike spruced up and new tires put on it. …after a year spent land locked to my feet, I am ready to feel the ocean breeze in my face as I ride, ride, ride.
So after belittle-ling the multi-colored street walkers I had just been given I told him my bicycle could use some lovin’. His response was, “well geez, that is easy…I can do that right now!” And you know what? He did. …what a guy, the best in the west–for me!! So here I am with my shined and ready Raleigh. The basket was too sad to keep, but “Dorothy” is patiently awaiting her new replacement.
“Vive le vélo”
P.s. Let me introduce you to a very cool bicycle blog. Here is the url for an entry written a couple of years ago but with a similar subject matter: lovelybike.blogspot.com
- My “new” Christmas gif
The Noise