I flew today!
I picked up my “new” 1970 blue Western Flyer cruiser bike from the bike shop. It’s totally old school. And I love it. Or I should say, I love HER. Her name is Petunia and she is beautiful. Not because she is new and shiny. But because she is old and slightly worn. She carries a story that I will never know, but it shows in the personality of her little scratches and rust marks. She has been loved. And I will carry on that tradition …
I know that Petunia has had previous owners that she has made very happy. But i don’t think one of them could have come close to the joy I felt today when I hopped on and rode her through the streets of my neighborhood. I felt like I was seven again! I’m sure I looked ridiculous with my helmet and dorky smile that I couldn’t contain, but I didn’t care. I could hear the wind whistling gently past my ears and kissing my face with a wonderful cool breeze. Going up hill, I could feel my muscles working, recognizing that running and biking are two very different things. And then coming back down the hill – nothing less than glorious! I was flying! If I were more coordinated I totally would have done the “no hands” thing, but that wouldn’t have ended well. So I just enjoyed the glide home…the wind now pushing me gently. I could not hold back the giggle that spilled out. The very essence of a purely happy, childlike moment. So, so, so, so much fun!
My sweet Petunia. Such a simple pleasure. But offering more joy than even makes sense. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!!!!
So if you ever feel like flying, grab your helmet and join me and Petunia. For at least a moment, you will feel like a kid again, like never before 🙂
