Yesterday morning, when I left my flat for work, I made a terrible discovery: my bike had been stolen (as had Joe's). What follows is my farewell letter to my dear bicycle.
Dear Bicycle:
O Bicycle, my bicycle, I do miss you! I am so sorry I left you outside and did not bring you in where you would be warm, and dry, and safe. Thinking about you chained up in someone's shed, or sold off to the cash converter breaks my heart and fills me with regret. I never thought I would see the day when you, my beloved, would be wretched from my life by some evil, thieving, villain.
It is true, Bicycle, that our relationship started as one of mere convenience; I was using you for your wheels and the ease and speed you could take me places. But, Bicycle, you quickly wheeled your way into my heart and I loved you, truly. I used to think about the day we would move back to the US and imagine how I could convince Joe to let me take you with us (don't worry, he loved you too. I'm sure he would have agreed) so we'd never have to part. I imagined you and I riding through the streets of some American city, inspiring those around us. Bicycle, I imagined you in my life forever. That is how deep and how true my love was for you.
Through you, Bicycle, I regained my childhood joy of bike riding. You brought back memories of riding bikes around the neighborhood with friends and of bike rides with my dad along the river. You reminded me of the joy of the wind in my face and the exhilaration of making it to the top of a steep hill or finishing a long journey. And, we had so many fun adventures, didn't we, Bicycle? You took me to places I would never have gone without you--we explored Crammond, the waterfront, Dalmeny Estate and the Almond River. We've been over many, many miles of West Lothian. Do you remember all the train rides we took together? And the holiday to the Western Islands we were planning?
Bicycle, you didn't just take me places but you helped me connect to a whole new world of cyclists. I took you to see Dr. Bike, we entered cycle challenges, and were learning all sorts of new opportunities that were open to us now that we had each other. We've even had some great times with strangers--all those times we've ended up stopped at a traffic light with other cyclists and enjoyed the instant connection and even conversation with them as we had a momentary pause in our journey. Bicycle, you really changed my life.
Oh, Bicycle, wherever you are, I hope you know the depths of my love for you. Every time I leave our flat or walk up the street, I hopefully look for you in your old place and my heart sinks every time I realize you are not there. I hope you are safe and happy and that whomever has you is treating you right.
In the words of Celine Dion, "Near, far, wherever you are, I believe that the heart does go on."
Bicycle, I will never stop looking for you. And, I will always love you.
Amanda
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Cramond Island, Another Visit
Cramond Island is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to bike to. I have always really been drawn to water (of all kinds) and am really loving living so close to the North Sea and Firth of Forth. The bike to Cramond is extra appealing because the trip down involves cycling by a beautiful river and the trip back involves 4 miles along the coast.
Several weeks ago, my friend Alicia and I decided to make the trip when we knew the tide would be down and we could make the walk out to the island. You may remember from a previous post that Cramond Island is only an island during high tide when the causeway is completely covered by water. During low tide, however you can easily make the 1 mile walk out to the island with plenty of time to walk around, have a picnic, and get back in before the tide starts to roll in.
It was another really beautiful day for this trip and we enjoyed a bright blue sky, warm air, and the beauty of the island (not to mention good conversation with a good friend!).
Our trip to the island happened to coincide with the punk rock festival (seriously) and so we shared our time on the island with literally dozens (and dozens) of punk rockers who were congregating for an afternoon of music, food, and beer (of course) while stranded on the island until the next low tide. We left before their festivities got started, but I would have to guess it was quite the party!
Several weeks ago, my friend Alicia and I decided to make the trip when we knew the tide would be down and we could make the walk out to the island. You may remember from a previous post that Cramond Island is only an island during high tide when the causeway is completely covered by water. During low tide, however you can easily make the 1 mile walk out to the island with plenty of time to walk around, have a picnic, and get back in before the tide starts to roll in.
It was another really beautiful day for this trip and we enjoyed a bright blue sky, warm air, and the beauty of the island (not to mention good conversation with a good friend!).
Our trip to the island happened to coincide with the punk rock festival (seriously) and so we shared our time on the island with literally dozens (and dozens) of punk rockers who were congregating for an afternoon of music, food, and beer (of course) while stranded on the island until the next low tide. We left before their festivities got started, but I would have to guess it was quite the party!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Coastal Walk
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Diana and I headed out to the Scottish Borders for a walk. It was a perfectly lovely afternoon--sunny and breezy and warm. The walk started in Bournemouth and we walked along the Coastal Path until we reached St. Abbs--about 10 miles, before heading in to Coldingham where we caught the bus back to the car.
The Coastal Path was amazing. The path is right along the coast, atop some magnificent cliffs, with various up and downs to the various villages and beaches. The views from the cliffs are breathtaking--the sparkling, North Sea to one side and endless, golden wheat fields to the other. The warm air and clear water made the sea so inviting, and the breeze blowing through the wheat fields added an element of charm and serenity to an already perfectly picturesque scene. The villages were sweet little collections of harbours, boats, and shops. In one village we treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream and were surprised with a chance spotting of a seal basking and playing in the harbour.
At Bournemouth, there is a small memorial to the women and children left behind after a fishing vessel exploded. The small sculptures are unobtrusively placed atop a wall, with a small plaque beneath.
As we made our way into Coldingham, we took our time to stop in a fun yarn store and a (very full) antique shop. We even had a few minutes to stroll about the old Priory before the bus came.
It was a great day with a great, new friend! And, I am looking forward to exploring more of the coastal path soon!
The Coastal Path was amazing. The path is right along the coast, atop some magnificent cliffs, with various up and downs to the various villages and beaches. The views from the cliffs are breathtaking--the sparkling, North Sea to one side and endless, golden wheat fields to the other. The warm air and clear water made the sea so inviting, and the breeze blowing through the wheat fields added an element of charm and serenity to an already perfectly picturesque scene. The villages were sweet little collections of harbours, boats, and shops. In one village we treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream and were surprised with a chance spotting of a seal basking and playing in the harbour.
At Bournemouth, there is a small memorial to the women and children left behind after a fishing vessel exploded. The small sculptures are unobtrusively placed atop a wall, with a small plaque beneath.
It was a great day with a great, new friend! And, I am looking forward to exploring more of the coastal path soon!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Happy Birthday, Ron!
Happy Birthday, Ron!
Today is my brother-in-law's birthday! Ron's always up for a little adventure and we've had some great times in Colorado and Canada, skiing (Ron is a great skier and even better--and really patient--teacher), snow-shoeing, and hiking. He's always fun to be around and has been a great part of our family these past years (even if he does always threaten to make me sleep outside when I visit).
We love you Ron, and hope you guys have a great day doing something you love!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
1 year ago...
One year ago today, Joe and I arrived--jet lagged, excited, and a little bit overwhelmed--in Edinburgh. We didn't know quite what to expect but hoped for good things. We've not been disappointed and have been surprised with how quickly Edinburgh has begun to feel like home. One year has gone by so much faster than I would have expected and has been filled with so much.
I've been thinking about all the ways to measure this past year--trips taken, visitors hosted, friends made, days on the job, conference papers accepted--but really none of that seems to capture quite what this past year has been about. Edinburgh, in many ways, has been our first home together, a place that wasn't mine or Joe's but ours. We've had the chance to build life together from the ground up this past year--finding and settling into a new job, finally being able to delve into study that thrills, making friends together, exploring and experiencing new places together, and creating home. And, all the while learning about and integrating into a new culture and, in many ways, a different approach to living that what we've been used to. I think we've grown a lot in this past year and it's been an exciting journey--though sometimes a little less than fun (there have been some hard days and tears, I'm not going to lie). Does this sound cheesy? I think so. But, it's what I'm thinking and feeling about all this.
We spent our first anniversary having (an absolutely extraordinary) dinner with some friends from our church. It was a perfect evening with friends from various countries, various ages, and various backgrounds. An evening full of laughing and talking. And a picture of what this past year has brought us: a year ago we were, literally, strangers in a foreign land and now we feel settled and happy here in our Edinburgh life.
It's amazing what can happen in a year.
(And it's amazing how cheesy this post turned out to be).
I've been thinking about all the ways to measure this past year--trips taken, visitors hosted, friends made, days on the job, conference papers accepted--but really none of that seems to capture quite what this past year has been about. Edinburgh, in many ways, has been our first home together, a place that wasn't mine or Joe's but ours. We've had the chance to build life together from the ground up this past year--finding and settling into a new job, finally being able to delve into study that thrills, making friends together, exploring and experiencing new places together, and creating home. And, all the while learning about and integrating into a new culture and, in many ways, a different approach to living that what we've been used to. I think we've grown a lot in this past year and it's been an exciting journey--though sometimes a little less than fun (there have been some hard days and tears, I'm not going to lie). Does this sound cheesy? I think so. But, it's what I'm thinking and feeling about all this.
We spent our first anniversary having (an absolutely extraordinary) dinner with some friends from our church. It was a perfect evening with friends from various countries, various ages, and various backgrounds. An evening full of laughing and talking. And a picture of what this past year has brought us: a year ago we were, literally, strangers in a foreign land and now we feel settled and happy here in our Edinburgh life.
It's amazing what can happen in a year.
(And it's amazing how cheesy this post turned out to be).
47 years!
Today is my parents' 47th wedding anniversary. 47 years! I think that's pretty impressive.
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!
We hope you have a great day celebrating your marriage and reflecting on all these last 47 years have brought. It really is amazing to think about partnering with someone for so long, building your family together, and going through life together. You've definitely given us an example of commitment that we hope to emulate throughout our lives.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Happy Birthday, Ricky!
Happy 34th Birthday, Ricky!
Ricky, you're a great brother (and brother-in-law) and have one great sense of humor! We love being around you and miss seeing you often.
Hope you guys can come visit us in Scotland soon. We miss you and the family.
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