Autumn Ride at Noxubee

Song for Autumn

Don't you imagine the leaves dream now

how comfortable it will be to touch

the earth instead of the

nothingness of the air and the endless

freshets of wind? And don't you think

the trees, especially those with

mossy hollows, are beginning to look for

the birds that will come - six, a dozen - to sleep

inside their bodies? And don't you hear

the goldenrod whispering goodbye,

the everlasting being crowned with the first

tuffets of snow? The pond

stiffens and the white field over which

the fox runs so quickly brings out

its long blue shadows. The wind wags

its many tails. And in the evening

the piled firewood shifts a little,

longing to be on its way.

~Mary Oliver

Quiet Indian Summer Morning at the Refuge

I managed to enjoy one more quiet, peaceful morning at the refuge. We are so fortunate to have that resource nearby. Up next is the second concert in the second series of a different cycle: Beethoven’s Complete Works for Cello and Piano.

Tomorrow, all donations to the Great Cycle Challenge funding Children’s Cancer Research will be matched. If you would like to contribute, it would be greatly appreciated.

I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported me and this cause in so many ways. You are inspiring changemakers!

9/11 quiet morning ride

Remembering this day 25 years ago, the sky was as beautiful as it is today. Then everything became quiet. I have completed 77 miles on my bike since September 2. Now I will turn my attention to upcoming recital preparations and keep cycling outdoors as much as possible, since it is restorative on many levels. My friend Warren Churchill taught me a few years ago that ability is temporal. This fundraiser also reminds me of life's temporal nature. Thank you to everyone who donated to this cause, cheered me on, and checked on me.

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

Onward to new paths and fresh perspectives.🎶🚲🌤️

Labor Day Sunset Ride

What do you think? For me, the beauty was worth it. Staying inside would have been easier (100-degree heat again today), but a trio of raccoons welcomed me as I entered the refuge, and tonight’s sunset didn't disappoint. #sunsets #gravelbike #taketimetobreathe

Gravel Ride around the Lake

Today’s gravel ride was slower, partly because it takes more effort to ride on gravel and partly because the perspective is so different from riding on the familiar road. Highlights included watching a bald eagle fly, spotting red algae in the lake, and noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary. #grateful #birdflight #effort