‘Journal’ Category

  1. Dragon Slayer in Prison

    July 11, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    Quiet day yesterday.  My Dragon Slayer  is locked up in prison… SIGH…

    I guess that bee got in a few good punches before he died.  My right cheek swelled up on Sunday.  I look like the elephant man!! I’ve been taking Benadryl, although it does not seem to be working.  I hope the swelling goes down before I leave on Friday!!

    I’ve been going over the lists of things to do in my mind.  That will make you crazy, I can tell you.  Today, I will write down my thoughts and maybe my head will be peaceful.  I keep feeling like I will forget something.  My friend, Nick, reminded me that anything can be shipped ahead.  OH YEA!!  What was I thinking??  I sometimes think, I will leave my house and warp into this world where there are no people to help me??  I will be in a place where there are no stores??  What could be so important that I NEED it??  Everything I need is right where it’s suppose to be, inside my heart!!  The rest is just stuff!!

    The weather has cooled slightly and I’m happy about that!!  I have a cooling vest for the ride although it would be nice to be in cooler weather.  I’m hoping for a thunderstorm or two along the way!!  I want to lay in the grass and let the rain pour down on me and watch the lightning run it’s jagged fingers across the sky!!

    I appreciate all the donations that came in this weekend!!  Please keep them coming!!  If each of us donates $10.00, we will make our goal!!

    Please remember to post in my questbook, so I don’t think I’m all alone out there!!  I’ve added a few new stops, so please check the route page!!  For those of you near the Statue of Liberty, please join me in grateful reflection of all that represents freedom!!

    This coming week will be quiet centering and getting everything ready!!  The Journey is about to begin!!


  2. Mechanic Again!!

    July 10, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    Took my Dragon Slayer into the mechanic again today.  Paul installed a charging system on her so I could keep my phone charged!!  He said to me that he really wanted to change the cam chain tensioner.   I smiled at him and said, “Love, I’ve placed my life in your hands when it comes to my Dragon Slayer, so if you think there is a problem, I trust you.”  My thought process was a little different.  I thought to myself, I was suppose to pack my bike this weekend and I don’t know when I will squeeze that in during the week.  Life on life’s terms!!  Some how, it will all come together, I know!!  A few hours later, Paul called and, in his booming voice, said, “Linda, you never would have made it!!”  Thank you God for giving me such a great mechanic who takes his job seriously and takes such good care of me!!

    When I was riding to his shop, a bee decided to fly straight into my path!! Silly bee!! I’m sure he has now seen better days although he did leave a mark!! Stung me on my right cheek before slamming to the pavement in death.  I won that battle, Bee!!

    It’s only a few more days until the Journey begins!!  The excitement is building!! I want to again thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement!! It means a lot!!  The donations are starting to come in quickly and I am happy about that!! My qoal is $100,000 and I can’t do this alone!!  The generosity of people always amazes me!!

    When I show love and kindness, I get the same back and your support has proven that to me over and over!!  Everyone is changed when they are shown unconditional love and support!! It humbles us and makes us feel important!!  I will show others all that you continue to show me as I travel through my day!!  Today I will do my part and express appreciation for someone else!!  I will see what I can do to bring love and kindness to someone’s day today!!


  3. Iron Works Magazine

    July 9, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    Sam Kanish of Iron Works wrote, “Here’s a story from a young woman whose life has been changed since she started riding a Harley. She is about to embark on a journey many male riders I know wouldn’t attempt. We at IronWorks wish her good luck and hope she has a safe ride!”  To read the full article  www.iwbloggers.com Sam believes in the Journey!!  Thank you so much Sam for your well wishes!!


  4. Barger Harley-Davidson Canoga Park, CA

    July 8, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    MIRACLES NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME!!

    Loretta Hanson of Barger Harley-Davidson has agreed to open her Dealership on Monday, August 1, 2011!!   I will conclude Journey to Change at 4:00 PM    22107 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA  91303!!  Loretta believes in the Journey!!  She will invite their Hog Chapter to greet the grand finale!!  We will get the media to attend!!

    Loretta has invited me to share in leading the charity ride on 9/11 @ 9 am from Barger H-D to the new Veterans Home in West LA!!  She has also asked me to say a few words about Journey to Change at their patriotic program!!  What an honor!!  To ride among the Veterans that have fought for our freedom!!

    Sue of Barger H-D has showcased Journey to Change on their web site!!  www.bargerharley-davidson.com Sue believes in the Journey!!

    Thank you Barger family!!

     


  5. Flying into Vegas

    July 8, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    I looked out the window of the plane as we descended into Vegas yesterday.  The perfectly laid out plots of land were beautiful to look down on.  The sunlight danced along the wing and I could see the dark rain clouds building on the horizon. I was glad I had dressed light, as both the humidity and heat were high.  I thought to myself, “What are you doing, Girl?? What are you thinking, going all the way across America, alone?  You must be crazy!!”  The sour metallic taste of my terror makes my stomach feel queasy.  My palms are wet with sweat, I am sure someone can see my heart slamming in my chest.

    I have had a low burning fear for a week now.  Well, the truth is, it’s been a great fear that I refuse to acknowledge.   I know I can do this… I just have to walk through my fear.  I’ve overcome so many obstacles.  I always see tremendous growth after having reached the other side.  I didn’t think I could defeat most of those challenges, the pain was so intense.   It is looking back, that I see the perfection of God’s plan.  People were placed in my life that were instrumental in helping me achieve independence from my fears.

    I am inspired by the comments and emails that I have received from all over the world!!   Others, who take time out of their busy schedules, simply because they believe in the Journey!!   I am humbled and awed by the encouragement that I continue to get from people who I don’t even know!!  I threw a small pebble in the pond of life, now, it is awesome to watch the huge ripples that are made below the surface!!  Just when I want to give up, run and hide, I get a reminder that Journey to Change is bigger then me.   When I believe in others, I then believe in myself!!

    I am convinced that I will grow and change from this voyage; sometimes I think, that is what I fear the most.  Venturing into that unknown territory of growth and transformation can be frightening!!  I can walk through my fears, by keeping my focus on helping others achieve the freedom that I have found!!  Together, we can each have a Journey to Change!!


  6. American Throttle

    July 7, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    David at American Throttle will be donating to the charity!!

    American Throttle

    Hey Linda, it’s awesome that you are getting over the fear and into the life! Love your map, I have over 7000 miles as well. However it’s in my ford focus as I’m carrying our biker trivia game. When I get back to the house this weekend in Denver I’ll see how much we can donate to your charity. If we can’t inspire others, we do need help ourselves. It’s awesome to see the 7k journey and the journey you have taken within to inspire others. Best wishes, David at American Throttle

    David believes in the Journey!! Thank you David!!

    Posted by Linda Patterson on the run!!


  7. Pleasing All

    July 7, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    The sunrise is beautiful today!! The sky is a soft baby blue with streaks of pink and white and black wispy clouds. Its already hot and the air is still. This weekend I pack my Dragon Slayer!! Watch for the new page “Talisman Bag” to see what I am carrying.

    When I try to please everyone, we all lose. I must keep my focus on trying to do what I believe God would have me do. The formula is easy… Be kind, be gentle, be helpful and be grateful!! Today I will look at my blessings and I will reach out and make someone’s day better!!

    Posted by Linda Patterson on the run!!


  8. Bucks County Herald

    July 6, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    David of Bucks County Herald in PA wants an interview and photograph!! David believes in the Journey!!

    Posted by Linda Patterson on the run!!


  9. My Son Travis

    July 6, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson

    Yesterday I went to see my son.  From the moment I saw his face, I could tell he was distressed.  The frown was deep on his forehead and his eyes were clouded.  He took charge of the meal I brought him and would not allow me to help set up things so I stood back and watched him set the table and lay out the food.  There were very little words between us and I could feel the tension radiating from him.

    When we finished eating I gently placed my hand on his shoulder and asked if he was ok.  He turned to me with pain in his eyes and asked if I could take his dog for him.  His girlfriend can’t take care of the dog anymore.  It breaks my heart to say no to him, although I know that I can’t fix his life for him.  He’s 29 now and a man…

    I remember when he was a baby and had such a sweet Gerber baby face.  People would always comment on what a beautiful boy he was and he had such a wonderful disposition!!  I know I damaged him greatly growing up and I have worked hard at making that right.  It has taken me many years although a few weeks back I knew I had finally leveled the field…

    On that particular visit, my son’s eyes sparkled like violet diamonds and he was so happy and it showed!!  He was excited to see me and he had some gifts he made!!  The best gift of all though, was not a gift he made…  It was a gift from his heart!!  He reached into his pocket and pulled out $10.00.  He looked at me with tears in his eyes and he said, “Mom, I believe in what you are doing with the Journey and I’m very proud of you!!  I want you to give this money to your charity from me!!”  The tears started to flow down his face as they flowed down mine…  I couldn’t believe what he was doing!!  This boy, who was locked up and unable to get out.  He was giving up his hard earned cash because he believed in the Journey!!  I was overwhelmed with the power of that gift!!  You can bet I made that contribution right away!!

    I am grateful that I can remember the sweet moments to help carry me through the difficult ones.  I need to remember that my son has a path and I can’t steal his opportunity to grow and change by taking charge and doing it my way.  I have to place him in God’s palm and continue to remember that I am not in control!!

    It is days like yesterday, that bring tears to my eyes and a heaviness to my heart.  I have to work extra hard today to be present and reach out to others so I don’t get lost in my own pain.  It is in helping others that I find relief from my sorrow…