THE RIDE HOME

A Picasso Masterpiece,
by Kristin

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE

Did ya ever get tired of being happy? I do not mean to say I wish I were unhappy. Certainly I will not "pray to be" sad, depressed, unhappy. But toward the ending of this 3,000-mile scooter ride, I will need a rest. I intend to go to meetings and not talk. (Ha! I'll let you know how THAT turns out!) Whatever the outcome, I CAN picture the Great Reality, the God-Spirit--"resting on the seventh day".

About 30 years ago--sober, and in AA--I decided to ask God for "adversity" in my life. I had read that true saints prayed for bad things to happen to them, so they could observe God overcome their difficulties. See how SICK I really was (am?), peeps? Well, I'm here to tell you, that WAS the worst year of my life. All hell, all chaos, mayhem, illness (as yet undiagnosed, 33 years after!!), split family, penniless, it was a BAD year--it SUCKED!

That year 1976 is as memorable to me now, as THIS year and this "ride" will be twenty years hence. Except that replays of 2009 and my scooter ride--especially of the people I've met, lived with, worshiped with, scooter-toured with and enjoyed good times with--will live beyond this life. It just will be that way. Somehow, I know this.

WEDNESDAY:

It is nearly 350 miles from St Augustine to my home in Naples FL. I enjoyed the ride immensely. Something about the freedom of two-wheeled highway action which is SO appealing to me. The camaraderie of riders everywhere seems even stronger and more real--honest--than alcoholics, sharing their stories and their lives. This was my first exposure to that beautiful, immediate oneness--that willingness to be helpful--which is felt by most every rider out there. No matter how far one is from home. In fact, the farther ya travel, the more they seem willing to assist in nearly anything and everything.

Lots of McDonald's "triple-espresso" stops kept me awake--and alert. One store they overcharged me $2 for the three shots of caffeine...it's usually a buck a shot. The manager simply stated that, even though the sign had the "old" price, their computers were set with the right price...3 shots, $5.

Understand that--for me--this was NO BIG DEAL: no excitement, no resentments, etc. However, the girl who made the drink later whispered to me, "I put in two extra shots of espresso." And she smiled so nicely...I told her (Lisanne) that I would blog her tonight.

And I briefly told her about my trip, and that she might possibly be the final act of kindness at the end of my 17-day ride. Another sweet smile. All this melodrama (--grin!) in a McDonald's store near Disney parks south of Orlando.

On nearing home, I began to wonder...what had I expected from this trip as I began 17 days ago? And was that what happened? How was it different?

Rather than write a book here, I'll just assure ALL you peeps, that God is never outdone by my imagination. The whirlwind experiences of the past two weeks-plus will take me a few days to sort. But I know already, they FAR EXCEEDED any dreamy reasoning I might have started with. As you know, I truly believe God was out there with me and friends (in-and-out-of-recovery) in a special way. Thank You, God!

AFTER THOUGHTS

I used to wonder how it felt for a military guy to come home after three years away. All those memories--how he felt as he had gone away 3 yrs before. Now, walking up to door saying, "Hi Mom...I'm home!"

Now I have an inkling of how it might be...away only 17 days and nights, thoughts about what I had earlier planned--what happened to all those plans--I walk up to the door, and say, "Hi Prayer Girl. I'm home!"

Right back into reality! (But it was NOT a dream, after all! It WAS reality!)

Let's be clean, sober...maybe even happy(?) today--all together!
Peace to you, Peeps.
Steve

OH! THAT SPIRITUAL "TOUCH"

REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE!

During the past 17 days I have endeavored to reach out and "touch" as many peeps as were possible. My touch was not me, nor mine. It was a spiritual "touch", in which I participated as a receiver, as well as a giver. It was/IS a touch of enthusiasm for recovery and for God's healing power.

In like fashion, each person I met received--and gave stuff--to me, to others, and to themselves. I strongly believe these actions of receiving , giving, and therefore loving...were and are of the spirit world. Others, and myself, felt that God was present and smiling His approval in a real sense.

I do not wish to put words in others' mouths, but I'm going to take that risk and say that WE ALL felt that God was heavily involved in the workings, the happenings, relating to and resulting from my "fantastic" scooter ride.

For some of us it was like the occasional uplifting of the hearts and minds to God, such as might happen (in a much more direct, thorough and consistent manner) at a retreat.

Others "seemed to find" a certain good feeling just "becoming", simply "being" a part of the great WE, who make up the humanity of our fellowships, which were somehow built around our programs.

I happened to notice Monday's "Quote-For-The-Day" on refdesk:

"Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose.

From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy.

Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received."
- Albert Einstein


Peeps, I am really tired, just wore out, frazzled. I'm in St Augustine, FL tonight, will get to a 7 AM AA meeting tomorrow. Then I shall make a stop in Orlando. Hopefully that is shaping up to become a Twelfth-Step stop!

(Say that fast, 20 times: "Twelve-Step-stop"!) If anything of what I've written above sounds "not-so-humble"...put me in front of a firing squad tomorrow morning AFTER the meeting. Believe me, I know (especially now) ALL power comes from God. Not 99%...but 100%. Okay?

So can we all just be still for a moment, and know that He is God? And let us find him now! And let us stay clean and sober today. Peace, Peeps.
Love.
Steve

RECAP OF TRIP THUS FAR

YOU MEAN THERE'S MORE????

I know some must be tired of reading about an old man on a scooter running around the country visiting peeps...but here is an URL for those who are still with me. It is sort of a recap, up until "laundry time" which has just now been finished. It is on TSR, this link will take you right to my blog on The Second Road.

By the way, I'm beginning to feel quite comfortable there, possibly because I visited with them and saw first-hand the wonderful work being done there. (It has nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING --grin! to do with the fact I've been invited back "any time"!)

Tuesday is a "travel day" to either St Augustine or, if I'm able, to Orlando--that's 7 hours, a long time on a scooter...Sure hate to ruin this ride, now that the end is in sight.

Alix said of her 22,000 miles on a small scooter, that it was the final 2,000 miles during which she became a bit stressed...safety-wise. Maybe that's what's happening to me?

Stay Clean and Sober, with me today?
Peace?
Steve

http://www.thesecondroad.org/tsr/2009/09/07/4387/

CHATTY PEEPS

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS
WHAT THEY SEEM

Sunday night chat on TSR was good, several of my friends, Alix, Gin, Andrew were there. Also prayer girl was host. Only problem for me was--well--I missed it. (Went to a meeting, ate Chinese after.) Didn't show up for the Sunday evening 8 o'clock chat--I'm totally ashamed. It just was not what I had planned...totally not what it seemed like it was going to be.

I did read back into the chat an hour after it had ended. Very interesting ideas. More of us should look into registering with TSR The Second Road (it's easy) even if only to join the chat now and then and on SUNDAYS at 8 PM. Of course, there is SO much more there, all recovery-based. I love it.

Sunday morning Jessie and Shawn picked me up for mass at St Andrew's Church. WOW! "Contemporary" worship has taken on a whole new meaning in the church, I was thinking. I LOVED the new mass. However, there was no consecration, no Creed, no Lord's prayer, no beginning. The music was totally stupendous! I loved it, really got "into" the song-fest. At the end i asked Jessie, was that REALLY a catholic mass? She answered "No, it's a part of the Episcopal church which broke away from the mainstream Episcopalian" (or something like that!). And so mass was just not what it seemed. It was not even "mass". (But it WAS a spiritual affair, for sure!)

At 6:30 PM we went to an AA meeting held in a conference call situation, with the chairperson sitting in Michigan. About 14 of us sat in luxury around the speaker system, and shared at will. Sure it was an AA meeting, but a different kind of one!

Even though it wasn't what it seemed, it was certainly good for ME! And another experience which just wasn't quite what it seemed.

Life itself is not always what it seems. But life is ALWAYS what it IS! And I'm loving it, even when some would say, "Boy, life sure threw you a curve ball that time!!" I have seen many a curve ball hit over the right field fence.

Thought for today: When someone in Alcoholics Anonymous says to me, "Ya know Steve, I don't think I'm really an alcoholic."

My answer: "GREAT!!! Now you don't EVER 'have to' drink again!"

Peace in sobriety, PEEPS!
Steve

DANCE THE CHARLESTON (SC)

Picture on left is 1865 Civil War Ruination of Charleston, South Carolina. Photo on right is 2005-new Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.


"LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU"

Somehow I feel very special today. Yes god IS smiling (He always smiles, He knows something we do not). Two days ago I stopped to visit here in Charleston SC. The one blogger-person I know who is present is Jessie. She IS A present, sent from God. Syd also lives here but is out of town. We will connect next time, I suppose (read: hope!).

So, since Friday evening at 6:30, I have been to four AA meetings, a beginner (a REAL "beginner" meeting, next to a Salvation-Army-type house--YOU know what I mean!), a speaker, and two discussion groups.

Jessie has been like a personal taxi service for me these three days. Sunday morning she will pick me up for mass, where she is the "Reader". Saturday, we "toured" the historic Charleston SC area--mostly afoot. My only pair of shoes--sandals--are about ready for a Confederate cemetery. It was so much fun, stopped for a 3 PM lunch (is that a "drunch"--dinner+lunch?). There was an ice cream store which barred our way, so we had to "pay the price" and lick some cones. It IS a tough life, peeps. Jessie, Shawn (her husband), and two guys named Rick and Simon, have been ultra helpful with their support and kindness, and fun and serious conversations. Some of you can just "hear" us...I know.

And yesssss, I am being and have been entertained here, Peeps! Were it not for a dead battery on my scooter (yeah, on a holiday weekend!!), with the attending un-ability to start,

I am at the mercy of these dear friends, who have accepted me as the "family" we all are. Until this trip I had only HEARD of "service", much of which is/was "lip service" (on my part?). Now I realize that we ARE in the service business, the SERVICE INDUSTRY...in the service of the God Who gave me/us these wonderful Twelve Steps to sobriety, peace, and eventually LOADS of happiness.

All professional help for my battery problem is "closed until Tuesday". But I have this feeling that it will be resolved Monday.

I may still be here until Tuesday morning, on the advice of my "bestest" recovery-friend in Richmond. She (VERY experienced in these matters) claims that holiday travel (like Labor Day) on a scooter is brutal--dangerous. She (well, "she" is Alix, of course) spent time on line with me to explain just what I need to do to get the scooter rolling again, and I appreciate SO much her caring support, and friendly advice.

Please pray for her, and for me, and for the families of ALL of us in recovery throughout this wonderful world. Did I ever ever mention that when I first arrived on the "www" scene, I immediately became the "analogist" and put words to (www): "What a Wonderful World". that was in 1994, and I still feel that appropriateness.

Just received a call from Jessie, they will take me to church "early, will that be alright?"

Well, early for me is fine for church or AA meetings. The one place I never want to be early is my own funeral. The Program of Alcoholics Anonymous has allowed me to be already more than THIRTY YEARS LATE for that event. How grateful can one be?

Stay gratefully sober with me today--please!
Peace.
Steve

FOUR FEET OF DAWG

MY BEST FRIEND?

And "The silence of midnight.......
rung in my ears" (Mary Shelley).

Huntersville, North Carolina This day (early Friday) is shaping to be "special" for steveroni. First thing, Lexis came bounding up the fifteen steep steps to my bedroom door to make certain I was up-to-stay. Let me explain.

Dogs and I don't normally have an affinity. While young, I loved the farm dogs...we had one with the papers to prove she was a dog. I'll never forget "Tabitha of Burnham Woods IV" and her beautiful light-brown-and-snow-white-patched Collie hair.

Well, somewhere while trudging my drugged and drunken road, friendship between dogs and me abruptly ended. One lovely, meek, mild, gets-along-with-children-type snarled, lunged forward and upward, and, knocking me to the ground, bit me in the neck.

Years went by. Then, little by little--and only recently--that love and friendship became again a reality between me and them.

One of my hosts on this trek--Jinx--also "hosted" 7 (SEVEN!) "rescue" dogs. And we became friends. One--named Marco (Polo)--belongs to Alix, and became my sleep-companion, climbed right into my bed and slipped himself under the cover!

Now, at Granddaughter's (and Great grandson's) home, there is a dog named Lexis. Immediately, Lexis and I "took" to one another. We played, romped with her stuffed toy animals, and she curled about my feet as I blogged. "Upon awakening" (before prayers!) she met me--at the top of the stairs-- with a toy, for early-morning pray--I mean PLAY!

She patiently posed for my attempts at picture taking. And she is making--even now--those "sounds of love" which can only be uttered by a canine. Peeps, I'm telling you this was instant attraction--which sometimes happens between people--but this was, like, BANG! YOU'RE DEAD!

She will miss me when I'm gone--in a few hours. I shall miss her--more than she will ever know. The next best event of the morning--for me--was my Granddaughter saying to me, "You have not changed in twelve years!" You may guess I am not a "frequent-flier-visitor"...and you are correct. But I will never pass up this place again when traveling the eastern part of our beautiful chock-full-of-history country.

Now, "On The road Again" with "Flex" (my scooter), heading for South Carolina.................... Peace! And a clean and sober Saturday for us all.

55-WORD FRIDAY--HANDS HOLDING FEET

PHOTO OF GREAT GRANDSON (FEET)
AND GREAT GRANDPA (HANDS)

Every Friday write a story of 55 words
no more, no less and then report it to the g-man!!

TWO FIFTY-FIVE-WORD FRIDAYS TODAY

Number one "55":

Granddaughter had a baby, my first Great Grandchild. His name is Carson Patrick, he lives somewhere in North Carolina (I know where!). As part of my motor scooter ride around the east coast, I stopped to visit with him. So just now, I jotted a "FIFTY-FIVE-word" which I hope you will not understand.


Number two "55":

The past nearly two weeks I've been traveling
And during that period unraveling
Some twisted thoughts...knotted ropes
Of quashed desires, feelings and hopes.

I've met fathers and mothers
Talked to countless others
And there I've learnt
Without being burnt

That Great Grandchild would be
Safe in his world. See,
It is he, not me.

Hey...Peeps!
Peace!
Love!
Steve

ELEVEN DAYS (AGAIN!)

ROAD WARRIOR

Following is a partial quote. and I found it HERE. You may find it HERE TOO!

From:
Your Humble Road Warrior (that's Jinx)

If you do not know how to be patient, how to care, how to use loving speech, you cannot help other people to change. But if we have the energy of compassion and loving kindness in us, the people around us will be influenced by our way of being and living. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

THE ELEVENTH DAY

(Not to be confused with
"The Eleventh hour" --grin!)

Wednesday began for me too early--and I suspect I am not alone in that regard. However, I got my scooter serviced. The people at Suzuki Motorcycle in Richmond, VA were just SO nice, considering I was an hour late for my appointment. I drove all OVER Richmond again--got completely lost. Not all my fault. Some street signs there are turned to make it impossible to know which is what...street-wise.

So Alix on phone gave me good advice: "Use the damn GPS which you bought for this trip, Steve!" I mean she thinks like a Rocket Scientist! Right? I called Alix (still do call her) my "Trip-Sponsor" because she has been THERE, and done most of THAT! I have great respect and admiration for her and for Jinx, and I know God will take care of them in all their ventures and in their lives.

I was on the way scootering (should I say "scooting"?) to Charlotte NC, when I repeatedly slipped into "coma" mode and my driving--riding--was becoming erratic--NOT erotic, guys! (See, I know you Peeps, well--SOME of you.) When I unknowingly slipped into the fast lane (in front of a fuel truck), the driver angrily--he HAD to be angry!--shot me a few blasts of air, via his horn. That frightened me enough, that I was shaking. Right then I pulled off the road to hide myself in a motel, lick a few wounds, and read some literature on blogspot.

People in town (Creedmoor) were very nice to me, as I was not riding well, so to speak. one after another just waited while I decided whether to stop "or get off the pot" and make my move--TURN!

My socks I will throw out--it's one less pair to wash! They sort of got tore up when I put my foot out--first one, then the other--to keep my scooter from climbing over a concrete curb onto a grassy knoll, and into a culvert, also concrete-lined. To shorten this...it was an interesting part of my trip-today, Wednesday September 2. Hot shower will help sore muscles.

Found the BEST greasy chicken spot, called "Chicken and Biscuits". Lots of cars around the restaurant, always a good sign, unless the restaurant manager is also selling used cars. Ya Never know! The chicken WAS good, and the biscuits, better than at Cracker Barrel, no sugar-taste, and no butter-loaded innards.

I can just see some of my "veggie" peeps, picturing me as having a short-lived time on earth. They do not know I was a spectator at Lincoln's inaugural address.

But Alix ("her" again!) says to go easy on the dripping grease in food, in order to be more alert during the "ride". I'll take that advice, as I DO listen when more experienced peeps tell me things. So tomorrow will be banana and maybe a couple spoons of CHEERIOS! I know--carbs, right?

Sure, PG has told me these things...but am I alone one who "hears" what others offer as advice, while deafness sometimes reigns at home, especially when suggestions for a healthy life are forthcoming? "We Think Not"!!!

Hey I did not mean for this blog to be "Food News You Cannot Use" but what is...IS!

Good night peeps, from your "on-the-road" (Second Road? Maybe!) scooter-guy

Peace.
Love.
Let's stay clean and sober today. And maybe throw in a prayer for
Steve (I'll pray for all of you, too!)

DAY TEN (10)

ELEVEN DAYS OUT

Truly, I thought I might be back in Naples by this date. My guess now is that this scooter ride is just about at a halfway point. I am staying over in Richmond for one more night, by invitation. Actually, Alix said to me, "Steve, you look too tired to get on that scooter and head for North Carolina". I agreed. This was at 1:30 PM...nap time! We had been touring this city on scooters for several hours.

I am having FUN!! Everywhere today we've been meeting people who are enthusiastic about life, and living. of course, it IS a college city. Went to oldest courthouse in the country, took pictures, had a cop take a photo of us, spent some interesting minutes with two Firefighter EMT peeps, enjoyed a fun time with a couple artists who own a gallery, had several nice Starbucks visits, a lunch break. Alix did a photo shoot of steveroni on his scooter (that might be blogged one day?) and I got to pay visits to the University, and the Virginia Museum of History. Going to dinner soon with my friend here, and then I'll hit an AA meeting at 8:30 PM.

Like I said, not much going on...oh yeah, at my behest (behest??? Wow!) A.M. scooted with me to Hollywood Cemetery in which are buried three US presidents, many thousands of Confederate soldiers, and other dignitaries, and some of the not-so-famous, dating back into the 1600's.

Meeting was on Tradition NINE, which is that we are not organized, but we do have trusted servants (meaning) that we argue a lot, but nobody ever wins --grin!
Looked all around for an ice cream store which Alix said was "close by", but we DO have chocolate chip cookies. Soooooooo! Thank you again, Polly!

NOTE: "Close by" to me is across the two-lane road. To one in her thirties, close by is anything under two miles! (sigh!)

Tomorrow I have an appointment for scooter oil change at 9 AM, then it's off for Charlotte, North Carolina. One day later than I had figured. But it was SO wonderfully peaceful to "see" Richmond from above the windscreen of a scooter, and do the other innocuous activities we shared throughout the day. How relaxing to be with a friendly friend, without obligation--other than enjoyment of the many moments. Thank you, thank you, Alix. I pray that God continues to bless you...He already IS doing that, IMO.


Several times today I have called PG in Naples, to hear the temperature was 90 deg. So God (yeah, I give Him credit also for this) has given us (in Virginia) weather which certainly might have induced our Forefathers to decide that here was a heaven-on-earth, in the New World. I would stop short of the "Heaven" phrase...however, heaven is probably wherever I (we) make it. So, for now...............

Peace to you all, Peeps
Love you all, peeps
Steve

DAY NINE ON THE ROAD

Fall happened this morning

THOUGHTS ON DAY NINE

My wife is PRAYER GIRL, so named because, well, that's what she is, what she does. PG. as she is fondly called, is in Naples, FL. Her husband is cavorting around the countryside, having the time of his life....drinking (coffee!) living (good!), and loving life--and people, and Recovery programs, and more coffee.

No wife I know would be so gracious, so caring, so trusting, so loving, as PG when she allowed me to embark on my little sojourn around the southeast US. My dream of not-too-long standing was to travel on my scooter, visit bloggers, go to meetings, see a few (very few?) sights. Oh thank you, Anna. I love you, girl!

The trip has become a rather self-appraised spiritual experience which is on-going. I have witnessed first hand the wonderful gift of people who are "giving" (and receiving) in every way. What is it called, "random acts of kindness"? I have received so many more of those than it is in me to give, out here on the road. I only can be grateful, and show that in my fresh new attitude toward people...ALL people!

I have listened to stories of troubled peeps. I have been troubled. I have experienced forgiveness from some, and shared happiness with almost everyone I've met out here.

I have discovered (uncovered) some amends which have been lurking, waiting, in my soul. It has been a healing ride for me, although I cannot explain that...I can only feel it down deep. And it is true. After all we ARE about change. I pray that the changes in me stay in me.

So tonight Monday I am in Richmond VA, the weather is like fall...wunderbar! Tomorrow I'll head for North Carolina, probably take two days for the trip to Charlotte.

There to meet Number one Great Grandson.

Even though my journey has evolved into a sort of mission, it seems like a "business trip" sometimes. And even though the enjoyment is far more than ever I could deserve, I'm taking it!

And guess what, as I arrived in Richmond there was a "Care Package" waiting--sent by Polly. (Polly, a petite "Harley Girl" from Naples, cookie baker extraordinaire.) And I opened a BIG box of chocolate chip cookies, and lots of assorted goodies without which no biker should ever find himself.

What awesome delight it is to have a friend like you. Oh, thank you, Polly!

But it is time to go now.

Peace.
Love.
Steve