You know, after spending the day and riding with a friend yesterday. that has a spinal chord injury, much was talked about with regard to achieving and overcoming everyday obstacles. Simple things like walking and how that plays in to so much of our everyday life. Steve, my friend have opposite obstacles. His upper body is strong and his lower body is weaker. My lower body is stronger and my core is weaker. He talked about the realization he went thru, regarding his limitations. We both talked about independence, patience, frustrations and depression.

He has a hand peddle tryke, I have Bernice and we'll be bringing up the rear of The Lone Star Ride this year. We road yesterday and we'll be riding again ob Monday. We got our bikes in and out of the cat=rs, Helped me and with team work, we got it done.



I've been going thru some very tough stuff for me, more mental. Trying my best to figure out what I can and can't do. It's not like this is a one time thing, it happens everyday and I realize it happens to everyone. I guess, I'm more in touch with me, if that makes sense.

What is true will come to the surface. What is false will eventually be swallowed up in its own ego.

It may seem easier and more convenient in the short term to ignore or hide from what you know to be true. Yet you cannot really hide from the truth.

Instead of striving, to deny or to fight against what is true, put yourself on the side of truth. By fully acknowledging and accepting what is true, you can put that truth to work to achieve whatever you wish. (This I can tell you is more than tough, looking and listening to yourself as you

Whether it is lying yourself or lying to others, deception requires much time and energy. And because deception never really achieves anything of value, it is a great waste of your precious life and resources.

Instead, put that time and energy into successfully dealing with the truth. After all, you'll have to deal with it eventually, and the sooner you begin the more you'll be able to accomplish.

Live every moment in truth. Align yourself fully with the truth, and bring great power to your purpose. What I mean to say is listen to yourself. be truthful with yourself and move forward. We only learn by trying, just don't be stupid...know one likes a dumb ass

If you're gonna start sometime, why not now

Today I have a meeting at noon, I'm riding my bike with a friend early this afternoon and painting tonight. Dallas, is no supposed to leave the 80's today. We are not, out of the woods with triple digits, but, the long stratch we experienced in August atr pretty much history.

So change, what does that mean and how can we all experience it on th positive side...

As a human, we arte constantly changing, something I'm finding out the hard way. You, yourself decide if its going to be a push pull or an easy flow. Mine si far? Internally a push/pull.

Things change, and in that change there is an opportunity, if you allow it. Change can be scary and difficult. It can leave you feeling vulnerable and wishing that things could go back to how they were before. I that's me at the moment) But wishing won't make anything happen. Instead, look at the change and decide how you can make the best of it. Ugg, this is so friggen difficult, because of course, I make it difficult

Changes will come. They will bring with them new challenges, you can count on it. They will also bring new positive possibilities. Always keep in mind that change can equals opportunity. The bigger and messier the change is, the bigger and more valuable the opportunity is.

If you to see and make the most of that opportunity, the day will certainly come when you'll regret it. The world is changing faster than ever, so what does that mean? It means more opportunity than ever before. Rather than worrying too much about the changes, seize the opportunities that are embedded in them. Find a way to make change your friend, and you'll have a powerful ally, I believe.

If you're gonna start sometime, why not now

Earlier this morning I posted an entry that was entitled Disconnected. I accidentally deleted it instead of saving it. I spoke to several friends on retrieving the entry, but it's gone forever.

I just spoke to another friend, who told me there are no accidents. I use this in my art, but, have a tough time doing it with my life.

Trusting that what you nee, will come to you. A great concept in theory, but, does it work? I say yes.The universe/God/higher pwer, brings you everything you need. It may not be what you want, but it's almost always what you need.

It's been a challenging month to say the least. But, by continuing to put myself out there, things happen. Things beyond my control and if you know me at all, you know I'm a huuuuuge control freak! Letting go and Trusting


As I continue this path. I remember:

The way to build endurance is to endure. The way to build confidence at doing anything is to practice doing it.

The way to build a friendship is by being a friend. The way to build trust is by being trustworthy.

The way to build wealth is by creating and providing value. The way to build a reputation for integrity is by being sincere and honest.

The way to build a life of meaning and fulfillment is by honoring and valuing every moment. The way to build a future that's bright is by making the most of all you have in the present.

The way to build strength is by welcoming challenge. The way to build wisdom is by exercising your mind and your heart together.

The way to build true greatness is by living with positive purpose and passion. The way to build whatever you want is to give the best of whatever you have

If you're going to start sometime, why not now

It's been a rough month for me mentally and yes, physically.

Sales are slow this summer and my motivation to be creative, was halted a bit by fractured ribs as well as a stomach virus. All that said, life goes on. I reminded myself that it's all about the direction you are thinking.

Where you go in life is determined by the direction you travel. That seems obvious enough right? But, too often it is forgotten when making the moment-by-moment choices that make those directions. Bear with me, I'll try to explain.

The direction that is easiest or most comfortable usually does not lead to a destination that is the most desirable....duh. That's because creating something something worth while involves challenge, effort, sacrifice, and moving out of your comfort zone....again, duh.

Imagine what would happen if you went for a drive in your car, and at every intersection you selected the road with the least amount of traffic. You would probably have a pleasant, comfortable drive, but would have a very difficult time getting anywhere in particular.

Traveling through life works kinda the same way. If you always take the easiest, most comfortable road, you make it impossible to reach a destination of your choosing. The choices you make each moment are what control your direction. And the direction you choose to maintain will determine the destination at which you arrive.

To really get to where you want to go, move at every chance in the direction that will take you there.

And this brings up the piece I'm almost finished with called Drive.

In Spain, particularly Madrid as well as Barcelona, there were many handicap walk ways. Like the Metro subway stops, they were every where.



I decided to sketch and start to paint the wheel chair symbol on the canvas, because, it symbolized my experience in Spain. The symbol will be painted in a simple white



I didn't know how it was going to happen, that, I would travel abroad in a wheelchair, but, with the help of many great friends, I did. A time I'll never forget and am very grateful.

So go find your direction.

If you're gonna start sometime, why not now

I walked in yesterday to The Lone Star Office to hand in a donation. The director of the ride, informed me that I was nominated for the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council as a potential honoree for my efforts with the ride. I was not chosen, but, was a part of 6 finalists city wide.

I was given a certificate of merit. It made me think...



Why do I do what I do and what exactly am I?

In the past I rode for different reasons. Since, I've been back to Dallas, riding with my current condition, reminds me that anything is possible.

I have my share of bad days, I always have, but, I am someone who has always thought outside the box.

Recently, people have asked me if PML is contagious, ignorance is not always bliss. Ignorance is contagious, this I know. I am undergoing some big stuff personally. One of the bi-products of living-we all are. It always hurts to think of yourself as different. I wish I could explain more. I know the contagious comments were stupid, but, it doesn't stop the sting.

For most of human history, the daily lives of ordinary people were literally consumed with simply staying alive. Top priorities were getting enough food to eat, maintaining some kind of shelter, having clothes to keep warm, and avoiding dangerous threats such as wild animals and invading humans.

By forming and participating in civilization I believe, we have largely freed ourselves from these immediate things. We try to develop systems which provide food, clothing, shelter and physical security.

As a result, the immediate, physical challenge of everyday life has for the biggest part, disappeared. Our consequences have grown more long term. A pre-historic hunter would have gone hungry very quickly had he suddenly chosen not to work. The modern-day worker can use savings, credit cards and food stamps to hang on through years of unemployment without going hungry.

Life without challenge is meaningless, it's just tough and really sucky at times. As our most basic needs are met, we (I) develop higher and higher aspirations in order to provide a challenge. In some ways this goes against our nature, because for thousands of years mere survival was challenge enough.

Think about your legacy for a moment. Realize that thousands of years of blood and sweat and tears have put you where you are -- with your microwave oven, air-conditioned car, Internet access, 50-channel cable TV, cellular phone, supermarket and dishwasher. The old challenges have been met. To bring something to your life demands that your go after you're (my) own challenges. It is an exciting and scarey proposition and a serious responsibility.

I forget as lot that I'm here for a reason. I don't have to understand the reason, but, I do have to participate

If you're gonna start sometime, why not now