I am trying to get up enough nerve to send this photo into the newspaper to be published. Dorky nerves b/c it is a little local paper that gets sent in our Sunday paper. NOTE: I am not being sarcastic and actually referring to PARADE Magazine. I don’t joke about fear, people. Haven’t you read anything on the 37th Year No Fear section of this blog? 
Look--you can ever see the water droplets on the petals.
I recently read in Bicycling magazine about an amazing family. Here is a summary from their website:
The four of us (Mom, Dad and twelve-year-old twin boys) are bicycling from Alaska to Argentina. When we reach the southernmost tip of South America, Davy and Daryl will become the new Guinness World Record holders as the youngest people to cycle the Pan-American Highway!
Wow. It makes me think about long bike rides that Paul and I have gone on. Let’s just say that Paul now carries some cheese to go with my whine. Now add 2 kids, whoa. Then doing school on the road–they call it roadschooling, like homeschooling–get it!? HA! Again, I think about nights at the table with Anna and/or Tyler with their homework. Tears flow, voices are raised, frustration abounds. Then add on prep with no supplies except that which you find on the road or carry on your bike?!
Lastly, eating. Paul is a frickin’ saint. Anna won’t even eat turkey on her sandwich anymore. Mayo and an American slice of cheese on bread, with the crusts cut off of course. Tyler can change his mind 3-4 times about liking something within the span on the same dinner. Can you imagine traveling to other countries on a bike (talk about a Very Hungry Caterpillar!) then get off and there is no Harris Teeter to go get skim milk, hormone free chicken or ingredients to even make tortillas (not that they have a kitchen to make stuff in anyhow). Don’t even think about access to McDonald’s, Domino’s, etc.
Surfer Laird Hamilton says he lives his life well by doing something to scare himself every day. Whether you prefer scaring, inspiring, motivating yourself, I think it is a good message. This family is a good example of this.
The Great Outdoor Provision Company is taking votes for their annual “vote for land” right now. The winner gets a $3000 grant for land conservation. Last year the Piedmont Land Conservancy was the winner, which is here in Greensboro. This year I am hoping Wilson Creek wins since I have spent a lot of time there. You can cast your vote here.
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