One of the many things I’ve noticed over here in Grenada is how often people spread peace and love….especially the Rastas and Elderly.

It’s such a beautiful thing, and it makes me wonder why more of this is not done in other parts of the world.  The other night we were leaving the beach and a Rasta woman called to us from behind her fence.  Our North American reflexes immediately put us on guard and I have to be honest that negative thoughts filled my mind.

But all she wanted to do was wish us a Merry Christmas, Peace, and Love.  She then called my Son over to see her.  He walked over to the fence and she took his hand, kissed it, and said “Bless You” to him.  Then as we all were leaving, she sent us off with more positive words.

It’s a shame that having someone spread genuine love for another person could ever come across as anything other than something beautiful.

Along this same line of thinking is the reminder of always seeing the good in people, and to love everyone.  I’m not trying to get sappy on you here….but my Wife often reminds me to see the good in someone’s actions and to not always jump to conclusions.  I tend to fall into this situation more than I should, but that welcomed reminder helps me see past a situation and fill my thoughts with goodness.  Well, at least until the next time it happens.

I know these things, and I’m doing my best for them to sink in.  We don’t know people’s circumstances, we don’t know the reason behind their actions, we don’t know their intentions.

I may be Loving the Bike, but it’s time for me to further spread that love around.

So are you with me?  Will you try your best in 2013 to spread love, accept it, and give out love to everyone?

1 Love.  Enjoy Your Ride.

 Top photo c/o hotgoss84

With a huge event like the birth of our third child happening this week, of course I just had to blog about it.  So here I am.  My son, River, was born at 7:23AM Wednesday morning….and just started his training for the 2030 Tour de France.  You gotta start ‘em young these days.  Seriously though, it has been such a joy to welcome him to our family.  His name is River and he is Amazing, Beautiful, Peaceful, and resonating with Love.

This week, I was once again reminded just how incredible the human body actually is.  For something that I walk around with each and every day, I somehow forget just how intricate and perfect the body really is.  Watching him come out…his little toes and fingers, his healthy little body, the miracle of life….totally blew me away.  And it’s not only the fact that we can recreate such perfection, it’s also the amazement of how a mother’s body adapts to be everything a baby needs.

After the birth….after all the tension and emotion of the event had slowly slipped away…I had to just sit for a moment and let all this wonderment settle back down for a second.  When I stood back up, the only thought in my mind was of how our bodies truly are walking miracles.

Then today, with images of perfection still sprinkled across my mind, I sat there on the seat of my bike demanding more from myself.  We were made to be great.  Built to live.  Born to do more.  So as my joints all moved in unison; and my muscles, veins, lungs, and everything else provided me with all I needed to ride; I rode with all I had.  Loving the Bike.  Loving my Family.  Loving Life.

To My Boy

You’ve been in there so long, we couldn’t wait for you to come out.
Already grown so much….in more ways than just size.
Started your wonderful adventures.
Living as a Pirate in the Caribbean.
Traveling many miles across land and sea.
Changing the lives of those around you.

You are my Boy.
Already making me emotional.
Bringing happiness, panic, and wonderment.
Totally unsure of how any of this is going to be.
Hoping that you’ll help show me the way.
Already loved more than you’ll ever know.

Unknowingly, Unwillingly, Unsure…
…but nevertheless born a gypsy.
What else are you going to be?
What will your personality be like?
Will you like blondes or brunettes?
So many questions.  I’m only curious about the answers.

Some theorists say that you chose us as your Parents.
Selecting us because this path will teach your spirit what it needs to learn.
No matter why…we are happy that it is you we can call our Son.
Knowing you’ll teach us as much as we hope to teach you.
Wishing you worldly knowledge, not only that found in a classroom.
Always wanting the best for you….always.

Holding you in my arms for the very first time.
Making your mom cry with emotion
from my first kiss.
I Love You So Much.
You’ll always be my Boy.  You’ll always have my Love.