I didn’t get much sleep last nite. I’m very tired this morning and I know that it is crazy to start my Journey with lack of sleep. I had everything packed and the pile looked small to me…. Then I tried to get it all on my Dragon Slayer. OH BOY, by the time I got most of it on, I knew I was in trouble. So, the items came back off and I got the T-Bag out and repacked my stuff into that. Finally, everything was strapped down tight and I felt like I was ready.
At 4:30 I was up, getting dressed and people started to arrive!! There must have been 15 women and Reggie, standing in my driveway, praying. Tears streamed down my face as I reliezed that these people care about me and want me to enjoy my Journey!! I’m so grateful to God for placing people in my life that have taught me to overcome my fears and live life. Each of you, are like a little flashlight, shining bright when the darkness of my fear overwhelms me. All the comments and text messages that I am getting help me to push forward. Your belief in me, allows me to also believe in myself!! You each continue to give so much to me!!
Reggie and I started out to Glendale H-D and Fallon followed in her truck. She was so cute, snapping pictures and video taping my departure!! Her enthusiasm for the Journey is exciting to watch!! An older gentleman, with white hair and beard, stood across the street, watching us. I raised my hand and waved to him, smiled and we went to breakfast!!
Gary called and met us at breakfast, he brought me a small figurine for my talisman bag!!. He asked me questions and one I had a hard time answering. He asked me why was the Journey inspiring people? I didn’t really know what to say and I stumbled around. Gary said, Journey to Change has caught people’s attention because of where I’ve come from, the story behind it all. I realized he was right. Journey to Change is simple one woman’s trek, across America on her Harley, overcoming fears and living life. Each of us has a Journey. Some of us have Journey’s that we are to afraid to start. Use Journey to Change as your flashlight, to chase away your fears. Think about what steps you can take to make your Journey possible!! Share your Journey with me!!
When people are on their own Journey and doing what they love to do, you can see it!! The joy that radiates from them is exciting to watch!! When we went to Forest Lawn, you could see that joy in both Gary and the photographer, watching them pick the perfect spots. The buildings are beautiful there and I want to go back and explore the grounds when I return!!
Tom and Melinda joined me, to ride the first leg of my Journey to Vegas. When we stopped the first time for gas, I unloaded that full gas can, right into my Dragon Slayer’s gas tank. She road a lot better after that.
At lunch, my daughter kept telling me how proud of me she was. There was a time when that girl was not proud of me, she didn’t even want to be with me. My dad was worried and I kept reassuring him that I would be ok. My dad said, “I’m not worried about you, it’s all the other people I worry about.” God will look out for me dad.
I had to make a choice in Vegas, lay down and rest; continuing my Journey in the dark or push forward. I decided my fatigue was great and I took a short nap. I followed Traci to the gas station, filled up and I off I rode.
The traffic on the I15 in Vegas was difficult and I split lanes. When I arrived at the Arizona border, I was jolted with shock. I realized that I had already traveled through three states; California, Neveda, Arizona!! I’m only in Arizona for a brief time, but it’s still a piece of a state!! I’m was in awe of where I’ve been and where I’m going. The mentor’s in my life have taught me to believe in myself and taught me to believe in others. Through that, I can find courage to LIVE LIFE OUT LOUD.
As I rode into the Virgin River Gorge, I felt swallowed up by the great walls of the cliffs and I felt afraid. I thought to myself, “Why am I doing this Journey all alone?” My mind answered back, “Your not alone, you have all the people that care about you, right there in your heart.” I felt an overwhelming joy for my Journey!! The pink on the mountains, with the sun setting was beautiful to gaze upon!!
I stopped at a gas station in St. George and I knew I would be finishing my Journey today in the dark, with the moon full and bright over my right shoulder. A young man came up to me in the gas station, “That’s a beautiful bike.” I started to chat with him and he spoke about his Journey. He was going to New York in a few months, to be a fighter!! The excitement on his face and in his voice, created excitement in me!! He told me his father taught him and he had big shoes to fill!! We wished each other luck on our Journey’s and we started on our way!!
I finally arrived at the KOA in Beaver, I was tired and my feet were unsteady underneath me. I tried to be as quiet as I could in the campground but it’s hard to be quiet on a Harley!! When I arrived at my cabin, I sent up a silent prayer to my darling daughter. The cabin was sweet and so inviting!! I rolled out my sleeping bag, laid my head down and allowed the first day of my Journey to come to a close!!
