Monday, October 16, 2006

i like to ride my bicycle...

One of the most wonderful pleasures of my vacation was my daily bicycle ride.

Just before we headed off on our vacation, we stopped by the bicycle shop to buy a bike rack. While there, I decided I really needed a basket and a bell, too. The basket helps complete the dream I have of casually riding my bicycle with a baguette and a bouquet in the basket. The bell is essential, don't you think? It completes the dream nicely. The bell I got is brass and is very loud and clear. Briiiiing....brrrring!

The epiphany I had on my vacation (which was entirely unplugged, by the way!) was that while it seemed like I had more time on my hands I have exactly the same amount of time here, at home. I want to try to do more things that I love and fill my days with delight more than dread...I want to have more better than bitter.

The vacation couldn't possibly have come at a better time for me. I was feeling completely overwhelmed. So much rushing about and too little recovery. My to-do list (which was never really committed to paper) had a life of its own. And my life was getting lost.

So today, after I prepared my orders, I decided to go on a bike ride. My first stop was the bike shop for a lock. Certainly my cruiser with such charming accessories as a brass bell and basket attached would tempt a sticky-fingered passerby. I love the fellows at this bike shop. When we bought the basket and bell there, we had such a lively and fun exchange that as we drove away Rich said to me "Amy, life with you is like being in a Doris Day Musical!" Well, if you know the least little thing about me, you know what an incredible compliment that is. It's just the nicest thing he's ever said to me.

So today, the bike shop "musical" turned comical. I asked the bike man to show me how to use the new lock. And when I went to unlock the contraption, the key snapped completely in half, while engaged in the lock! So just imagine this scene...the bike man, who had just explained how exemplary this particular bicycle lock device was because it is so terribly difficult to cut open, witnessed me breaking the key in the lock rendering it permanently locked to the rail in front of his shop!

The bike man had to employ all manner of gadgets and electrical equipment to cut the lock apart. You should've seen the brilliant display of sparks that the rotary tool made as it cut through! They gave me a new one, even though it was clearly my fault that it broke (I must have some sort of hidden superhero strength!)

Since the grocery is right next to the bike shop, I decided to keep the bike securely fastened to the front rail and pick up some things for dinner tonight. Baguette and bouquet, excluded. So I put my two heavy packages in my basket on my bicycle parked in front of the bike shop. When I carefully opened the lock on the bike, the weight of the packages unbalanced the bicycle and all of my groceries fell all about the sidewalk. Can you imagine the scene?

Embarrassed at causing such a scene, and especially so when I looked up in the window of the bike shop and there was the bike man shaking his head in disbelief at what a character I am (Doris Day, maybe?) I quickly repacked the bags, hopped on my cruiser, and headed home.

19 comments:

Mama Urchin said...

Oh, you poor thing. I'm so glad you're back and that you had a lovely trip.

Anonymous said...

Wow - what a day!! Quite an adventure! It does sound like a Doris Day movie - so, stay plucky like Doris would! Nothing beats Doris and Rock on a rainy afternoon!

Glad your vacation was great!!

Saucy said...

I'm glad you are back. I saw Doris Day on the classic movie channel the other night and wondered how your vacation was going!

Lena said...

I can hear Doris singing Que Sera, Sera in the background just now! LOL! Whatever will be, will be...if only we all had your great attitude about things Amy, life would certainly be sweeter!

Anonymous said...

I love Doris Day movies! What a complement!

Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

Simply one of the most delightful tales I have read on the blog this week! Doris your Day is charming!!
(ps if you ever come to France bring your bike with basket and bell, and we can fill it full of B and B!!!

Anonymous said...

I love Doris Day, if you are anything like her I would love to be around you all the time. Have fun on your bike!

Nel said...

I can here the bell ringing and see you coming baguette and bouquet leading the way...Nel

Anonymous said...

WElcome home! I certainly missed you, and all of your tales. I love all of the misfortune that happens to you because of how you handle it. It is a huge part of your charm and why I adore you so. :) Best of luck filling your days with things you love. This is a goal of mine, as well. Let me know if you find any secrets. LOL

Danielle Muller said...

thank you for the smile! i was able to envision the whole scene. very cute!

Anonymous said...

That cracked me up! Thanks for starting my morning off with a big laugh! You're so cute!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the smile today! I like your attitude, "more better, less bitter".

By the way, I've just recently discovered your blog, after following a link from Posie Gets Cozy. I love your style, and will be checking in regularly to see what you're up to. :)

Lesley Austin said...

Dear Amy,

Yes, I missed you very much! And I loved this post. That is indeed a compliment that Rich gave you....and I wish you only lovelier and lovelier adventures with your dear bicycle. When you wrote about it and the basket, I remembered this sweet period in my life when I would ride my bicycle (with basket) from my little cottage in Williamsburg to my work in Merchants Square at a wonderful bookshop. I would park the bicycle outside all day and sometimes find notes from a really cute waiter from a restaurant next door, or a rose from a secret admirer (who turned out to be a bit creepy) or my eventual beloved waiting to go with me for a ride. It was a heady time! And I wish you and your bicycle such fun times.

Junie Moon said...

What a funny story! My husband says something similar to me (the Doris Day bit) but he says it's like having Lucille Ball running amok in the world when I'm in action.

Anonymous said...

What an adorable story, lol. :O)

Anonymous said...

I, too, have the baguette and bouquet of flowers in bicycle basket dream. Unfortunately, the only thing riding my bike right now are the spiders that live in the garage. You have inspired me though.

Thanks for sharing your story.

Deb said...

From one Doris Day fan to another ~ there is no greater compliment!! Yours was a very cute story.
A few years ago my daughter "won" me 2 autographed pictures of Doris Day at a silent auction for our local animal shelter.

Anonymous said...

Maybe not Doris but Lucy or Ethel?..LOL, sounds like something I would do. Good luck on your biking. Glad you're back, sweetie, missed ya.

robin said...

You "inspire!" I have loved your blog and your attitude toward life! I saw your bicycle story just as I was finishing up my second handbag made with a bicycle fabric I love (shameless self promotion here..) I kept the first one and I'm selling the other one on my etsy shop! Yah for Nice People!!