I took a little photowalk in the Silverlake neighborhood when I stayed in Los Angeles. On the outside facade of a salon was a wall covered in a permeable fabric. The fabric was cut and formed pockets in which were inserted tiny plants. It looked amazing! I wanted to do this to my house.
I spent an extended weekend last month in Los Angeles with my good friends Sean and Bekah. A bit of a last hurrah before they welcome their beautiful baby into this world and I don’t have a spare room to sleep in anymore. They always show me a great time-they are the type of host who has fun activities planned-interesting places to visit both intellectual and low brow. Good times had by all.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Huntington Library. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical just by the name. I do like libraries, but it was a vacation after all. But I was more than surprised. And they pretty much had to drag me away from the place when it was time to leave. It is basically a giant fun-land for people who like art, books, and plants. I could have spent days wandering around the property.
This was an entire collection of each edition of The Origin of Species.
Most people will quote these words to me as I walk towards my scooter. Coming from another rider, it’s a friendly thing to say-there’s camaraderie in it, but coming from a car driver it can be frustrating. I understand what they are saying-they want me to stay whole and hale. But I wonder if their behavior has changed in response to having a friend ride.
Let me say I am safe. I began my love affair with riding by taking a motorcycle safety course. I am hyper vigilant. I am always aware of my relation to cars on the road. I never text, talk on the phone, talk to passengers, look at a map, read a magazine, put on makeup, or eat while driving. I never even listed to music. I only drive. I maintain my scooter with regular services and replace the tires when they require. I know that my safety depends on my level of attention. Most motorcycle accidents considered the fault of the cyclist involve substance abuse. I never drink and ride.
Which leads me to say…if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, it is most often due to the inattention of other drivers. I ask you: are you safe? Do you consider the lives of others on the road as you enter your vehicle? When you tell me to be safe out there, I hope that you are safe. Because my life is in the hands of others.
*update* My friend Monica took this shot