This is one of my very most favorite places in the entire world - bar none. Jimi played here once upon a time. That's good enough for me.

I spent the entire weekend riding a motorcycle on hot asphalt. I loved every minute of it. I learned a lot about safety. I learned a lot about myself. I received my motorcycle certification. I can ride now - but - I won't. You read right.

I had my bike all picked out. I was going to call this morning and finalize everything. I didn't. Why? Why did I go through two and half days of intense riding and classroom training? Why, after being so incredibly happy to receive my certification a little more than 24 hours ago would I decide not to ride - ever again?

Simple. I love my life too much. I love Lainey. I love my friends. I love my sexy girlfriend. I love my family. I love being able to walk around taking photos. I love seeing the world around me. I love experiencing life with pretty much the same body God gave me over 40 years ago.

The two instructors we had for class were amazing. They cared deeply for their students, and at the end of class last night - after handing out our certificates and congratulating us all - they each took turns telling us a story of losing someone near and dear to them - in a motorcycle accident. They tried, with little success, to hold back their emotions. It's moving to see a seasoned motorcycle cop break down and show a side we hadn't seen all weekend long. I barely contained myself.

I went home, still thinking of waking in the morning and calling the dealership. I dreamed of my first long road trip. When I woke up this morning, the dream was over. It's not death I'm afraid of, it's the pain I'd cause others if I (or another motorist) were to do something careless, and lose my life. Or - worse yet - maim myself for life and burden someone with having to care for me. That just seems really selfish.

So - that's my lesson from the weekend. I feel good about my decision. It was damn fun learning how to ride properly. Now, I'll take extra care around motorcycles - the odds are stacked against them out there on the highway.

All this life lesson cost me was 40 bucks for a pair of riding gloves, maybe 40 more dollars for the few books I picked up to prep for the course, and a little of my time. I learned to listen to my heart, my brain, and my soul. I'll do much better, and live longer, walking Lainey around the lake and taking my time watching the birds readying themselves for the flight south.

Listening to: You Ought to be with Me - Al Green

Favorite Photographer