I love this quote...

For you Sex and the City fanatics...Carrie says almost the exact quote after she walks away from Big and spots a horse going wild in Central Park. She relates the spirit of the horse to her wild spirit.

Oh and have you heard...THERE IS GOING TO BE A SEX AND THE CITY MOVIE!!!!! OMG...it's a dream come true!!!!

Oh Baby...Talk Dirty to Me!!

Last Saturday Mitzi, Todd, Dan, and I traveled over to Newton to see Veins of Jenna, Great White, Dokken, Ratt, and Poison. Great White was actually not too bad and Poison ROCKED the Speedway. I've been to many a concert in my life. The best concert I've seen to date was Rob Zombie but Poison has now pushed Rob down to number 2. I totally felt like I was 17 again. When Bret and the boys ripped into Talk Dirty to Me I had an image of myself in scary Larry's basement hearing that song for the first time and just loving it! I was hooked!! Now all these years later with his long rocker hair(still wondering if it is really a wig) and his rock star look, Bret Michaels was amazing. Thanks for making me feel like a wild teenage girl again! I let out a big whoop when he mentioned Sturgis before he sang Ride the Wind and he brought tears to my eyes when he sang Something to Believe in. I took a few pictures on my phone.(Bret's Bus, Great White performing, Jack Russell, and the crowd during the song Something to Believe in.) They are not the best but there are a few highlights. My final comment on this exciting Saturday adventure is...Don Dokken...hang it up...you SUCK!!!!!!!(you walked off the stage after 15 minutes when I saw you back in the late 80's and buddy...you should have just kept on a walking!)

Oh...and Baby...ahhhhh...Talk Dirty to Me!!!

Cairn by Greg

My father, Greg, built this amazing Cairn in the front yard of their home in Northeast Iowa. He found inspiration from a Cairn that was built at the Des Moines Art Center by Andrew Goldsworthy. Each piece was stacked by hand and no mortar has been used to hold the pieces together. It's truly an amazing work of Art. I'm very proud of what my father has created and wanted to share it with the world. It's beautiful, Dad!

Minneapolis

All involved in the horrific bridge collapse in Minneapolis...you are in my prayers!

Veterans Rally Winter Park, CO August 17 - 19

Click on the picture and it will make the flyer larger. Support Our Vets!

I think this guy had FUN!!!

Here are the effects that hundreds of miles on a bike and too many beers will have on ya! Thanks for the picture dude!!! He's passed out under the tire of a semi...I hope the driver looked before he/she pulled away!!!

The Sturgis of Bicycle Riding...Ragbrai 2007

Friday, July 27th thousands of bicycle riders ascended on the town of Dyersville, Iowa. And since I'm always on the search for a fun time and the fact that my sister and her husband live there I trekked up to Northeast Iowa to see the action. Margo and I got up early and went down to where the bicycle riders were entering the town and welcomed them with Morning greetings...clapping and cheers. It was fun to see all the different people come through the tunnel that the volunteers from Dyersville had created. During the evening we went down and partied with the riders on their final night and had a great time. I did keep thinking the entire time though that I wished that the bicycles were motorcycles and that I was actually in Sturgis, South Dakota partying with all my fellow bikers!

21 Shrines

For the longest time this Catholic Chick...meaning me...thought that Shrines to Mary were called Novenas. WRONG! I did a little research and the Novena is actually the prayer or prayers that you say during a 9 day period of time or something like that. OK so funny story...my sister and her husband live in a very Catholic community in northeast Iowa. One weekend I was visiting them and we were driving around. We started counting Shrines to Mary...one, two, five, ten...the three of us were laughing and marveling at all the different shrines...twelve, fifteen...it got to the point were we had to find just one more...we were shooting for 20 and would yell out loud when we would see another one. Kind of scary that 3 grown people were finding thrills in doing this on a Saturday night. Well before we returned to their home we had counted 21. I would have to say Tim and Margo live in a very Blessed Neighborhood with 21 Shrines to Mary watching over them.

Bike Down to I-Town

Kristen(left)Stephanie(right)
Me(above) with the Street Glide aka Zippy Pickle!:)

Kristen, Brent, Dan, & I traveled down to the best bike night in Iowa on Friday! It was awesome to hang with Kristen,Brent, and Dan. Great Ride and Great Friends. Beers and Fun! Love I-Town!!!! Can't wait til the next one!!

Jasmine Cain - The Inside

I listened to the most incredible female artist that I've heard in sometime. Jasmine Cain's album The Inside is incredible. Holy Shit...the entire album is awesome. The song that got me the most was November. It was so haunting and brought tears to my eyes. The other song that really got me was Sweet Euphoria. Jasmine is from South Dakota so naturally she will be in Sturgis for the big rally. Check out her myspace page for the dates and times. www.myspace.com/jasminecain

How do you like me now?

This is probably silly but whenever I post my picture I always get that song from Toby Keith in my head...How do you like me now? This year was my 20 yr class reunion and I kind of failed to attend even though I was so going to. I think I look pretty damn great for 38 yrs old! Yep that's right...I'm 38 yrs old and damn proud of it. And this 38 yr old chick is going to be an Auntie! My sister Margo and her husband Tim are going to have a new baby in March!!! I'm so darn excited. I think baby Ketels will be a girl and she will drag race cars and ride motorcycles. And if a little boy is born he will drag race cars and ride motorcycles. LOL :)~ Boy or Girl doesn't matter as long as he or she is healthy. So anyway...Congrats Margo and Tim! I bet LaRue has already been to Von Maur and bought up some baby rack bargins. LOL!

Share the Road!

I have a plea to Cage drivers...SHARE THE ROAD!!!!(for those of you that read my blog and are not motorcycle riders or passengers and don't know the biker speak...Cage = Car,Truck,Van,etc.) Don't drive right on top of us when you are behind us. Don't try to share our lane with us. If we meet on a two way street and you have to wait on the other side before you can pass by the cars on your side then wait...you don't try to go when a car goes by, don't you usually wait until they are past so you don't hit each other?? YES!!! HELL YES YOU DO!!!! Don't think you can out run a motorcycle by turning in front of us...we are coming at you faster then you think. I realize we are sometimes difficult to see but you also need to look around...don't just look in your mirrors...turn and look in your blindspots too. It could save a life!

113th Cavalry leaves Camp Dodge, Johnston

Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry is based at Camp Dodge, Johnston and performs reconnaissance and surveillance missions to assist commanders in planning and executing combat operations, the release said. The unit was last deployed for peacekeeping operations in Kosovo from September 2003 to September 2004. - KCCI.com

The 113th left for Camp Shelby, Mississippi before their deployment to Iraq. May your guardian angels watch over you during your deployment to Iraq.

God Bless America and God Bless Our Troops! Keep them in your hearts always. Without their selfless acts we would not have the freedom we so take for granted. Freedom isn't free! Don't ever forget it!!

Best Bike Night in Iowa!!!!

Ok...I'm voting this the best bike night in Iowa! The third Friday night of each month bikers from all over Central Iowa show up in Indianola, IA for the best bike night! If you love live music, beer, good eats, 1000+ motorcycles, and good looking biker men then this is the bike night for you. Oh geesh I forgot...for the guys there are good looking biker women too. Hope to see ya'll on June 15th!

Big Barn Harley Davidson

Ok...so they sold and changed the name of the Harley Dealership in Des Moines. Granted the building was constructed to look like a big huge barn but that didn't mean the new owners needed to take it so literally. Over night it went from Zook's to Big Barn Harley Davidson. They could have at least made the name more fun and called it like Hawg Farm Harley Davidson...Big Barn??...Come on.

Remember Our Fallen Heroes

Please pause for a few moments this weekend to remember Our Nation's Fallen Heroes and the sacrifice they gave for our freedom.

Virginia Tech

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this horrible tragedy. And this is probably very cold to say but I hope that the gunman is enjoying his after life in hell!

Blessing of the Bikes

I've always heard about it but have never had a chance to go, so I was so happy that I finally was able to make it to the Blessing of the Bikes Saturday! I'd say there were about 200+ bikes at Zook's HD. I love being around all my fellow bikers. It's such a great feeling to be in the company of like minded people. If you've never been to the Blessing of the Bikes before you have to go. It made me feel so good asking God to watch over us while we travel the open roads this summer and fall. We need all the prayers we can get everytime we leave our house and go on a journey. Ride hard but Ride Safe this summer and fall. And first and foremost, having a wonderful time doing it!

Poor Imus!

Ok...so the guy made a mistake. Hasn't everyone?? I guess the media must have got bored with the death of Anna Nicole and decided to pick on him instead. Yes...what he said was something he shouldn't have but are we even sure that he knew what a Ho was? Or was it more about the Nappy comment? My father in law had no clue and he's around the same age as Imus. I have decided to be done with all media, with the exception of my beloved internet.(giggles) I think I'm going to watch the local news and that's about it. I'm tired of all the stuff that the media tries to influence us with. I think it has poisoned our society.

The thing I don't understand is that both of the companies that fired him...did they even take into consideration the good he did for others in our country. I mean seriously people...he helped kids with cancer and our soldiers coming home from the war. I sure hope even with what has happened to him he continues the good he has done. I have a feeling he will.

FINALLY!

We finally got the Zippy Pickle out today and took her for a long spin! I'm so glad I wasn't Ms. Tough Chick today...I was so happy I decided to wear my leathers...it was still a little chilly with the wind. It sure felt good though. I love riding...it's just such a spiritual experience for me. Makes me feel one with the world. Lots of people knock Iowa but there are some awesome country roads out there with great twisties. And now that Spring is finally going to happen it's going to begin to look so beautiful once again!

Happy Spring and Happy Riding to all Motorcycle Enthusiasts out there!

I knew I was asking for trouble...

I belong to an artist challenge group even though I'm really not a real artist. Our last project was to create a mask. Well if you know me you know that I'm very All American and I support our military! My mask was red, white, and blue and I had a star coming out of the mouth of the mask that said Support Our Troops. I shared my mask with the group and gave my little speech of why I created it. After I was finished I was attacked about my beliefs about the war and our country. I guess I should have expected it but it blows my mind how many people just don't get it. And it really blows my mind how artists say they are so open minded but yet if you do not have the same views that they do you are suddenly ignored. After my experience last night I'm thinking of discontinuing my attendance of these events. I'm never one to judge someones opinion on something. I'm open minded to their beliefs and thoughts. I guess I expected more from these people. They all tend to forget how lucky they have it for being able to do as they wish each and every day of their lives. And who knows what this war is really about...maybe it's about oil, maybe it's about stopping terror, maybe it's just GB being a bully...I don't know...I just know that without our military watching over our country and other countries we would not be able to live the way we TAKE FOR GRANTED each and every day of our lives.

Saturday Evening Thoughts...

Wow...we had one huge winter storm here in Iowa. March sure did come in like a lion and I'm more than ready now for spring! I keep dreaming about the wind in my hair and long rides on the motorcycle.

I was out at Zook's HD a couple weeks back and sat on the coolest Sporty I've ever seen. The 2007 Sportster XL 1200N is one cool looking bike. It's the perfect size for a shorty like me. It would look really awesome in black with the HD Skull package of accessories.

Caught an interview on Imus in the Morning with Bob and Lee Woodruff. Bob Woodruff is the ABC Anchor who survived an attack while covering the war in Iraq. Bob and Lee wrote a book about his recovery and what it has been like for him and his family dealing with his brain injury. I have to say that Lee Woodruff is one of the most amazing women I've ever heard interviewed. She has turned this experience with her husband into something positive by helping wives of injured American Soldiers deal with what they are going through. She's an amazing woman!

My new favorite reality tv show is Real Housewives of Orange County. My favorite house wife is Vicky, probably because she's actually a Midwest Gal who moved to the OC and she is just so fun. It's just fun watching these women and their glamorous lifestyles. I do really think that Lauri wouldn't have gone after George if it wasn't for the fact that he lavishes her in expensive gifts. He looks like a regular joe made it rich. But hopefully I'm incorrect and she's not that shallow. And hats off to Jo for moving to LA and living her life for herself. Anyway...love the show.

Don't forget to say a prayer for our Soldiers in Iraq and all over the world!

What No Power??!!

This morning at 7:15 am the power went out. You truly do not know how much you rely on electricity always being there until this happens. You would have thought the world had come to an end! At about noon the silence was just too much and we had to go to Border's for a break from the deafening silence of the townhouse. Thank goodness it's back on and as you see the Internet is working too so I'm able to blog this horrible event. I'm kidding about it being horrible. Now my parent's on the other hand are still without power in NE Iowa. Hopefully they will get that back very soon!

I also have a plea to everyone out there. DO NOT WATCH THE OSCARS TONIGHT!!!! I talked to my sister this afternoon and she reminded me that they were on tonight. I said to her that I was boycotting all award shows and she said "WHY?" I gave her my explanation and she told her husband. He is wishing that my sister was joining in on my boycott. Sadly she will not be. Sorry Tim!

Ice, Wind, and Snow OH MY!

Wow...this is one yucky day. I'm ready for spring, oh so ready! I have had a chance to read today. I bought "4 Blondes" for 4.99 at Borders. It's by Candace Bushnell, writer of "Sex and the City". It really is a great book. Almost finished with it, which is amazing because I usually take forever to finish a book.

Last night I watched "Jarhead". I had wanted to see this in the theater but never made it there. It was a very good movie. I'm a sucker for a good depiction film about any war though. I remembered sitting at home in Cedar Falls watching the beginning of Desert Storm. I was sitting at the kitchen table at my parent's home...I had a candle sitting next to me and lit it and said a prayer for our Troops. I remember watching it everyday. My sister and I attended a support march for the soldiers that were called to duty from Waterloo. My family sent a care package to a young soldier named Thad Smolinski. I wrote him and another guy named Rowdy...or something like that. After the war I never heard from them again so hopefully they survived. I'm sure they did. I still have the letters somewhere.

I've been doing this insane workout called, "Fighting Fit, Fighting Fat". Wow...I feel like I'm back in Jr. High in Mr. Schultz's gym class. He was a Marine Drill Instructor turned Jr. High PE teacher. I was always scared of him. He was a major hard ass guy. I was just looking at the Peet Jr. High website and it looks like old Mr. Hardass retired but Mrs. Bolger is still there.

Gosh, I sure hope the power doesn't go out. It just doesn't stop raining. Actually maybe it is sleeting now. And the wind is blowing like crazy. Glad this weather keeps happening on the weekend because I'd had to fight my way to and from work. I have no problem driving but some people just don't do well in this stuff.

So Vilsack dropped out of the Presidential race. Go figure...go on Leno, drop out of the race. He says it was because of money but I have a feeling it's more about, NO ONE KNEW WHO HE WAS!!! I really like Rudy Giuliani even if he is a Republican. I think he handled 9-11 very well. He kept New York City going even after that horrible day. He did good things for the city of New York even before 9-11. While in office crime in NYC decreased, he cut taxes, turned NYC from being in the red to being in the black, welfare reform, improved education, made New Yorkers want to remain in NYC since a poll noted that 59% were ready to leave the city, and he also began an agency to protect the children of NYC. Anyway...I like him and if he's the nominee I will vote for him in 2008.

Hmmmmmmmmm...well...I think I'll get back to my book. I'm interested in seeing what happens to Princess Cecelia next. She's so insane! LOL

Say a prayer tonight for our Men and Women in Iraq.

My Boycott is on...

I am boycotting all awards shows and I think it is good that I am. My blood would have boiled last night watching the Dixie Chicks win. I used to be a huge fan of theirs and they do have every right to voice their opinion about how they feel. I just think that even though everyone has different views on the war that we all need to put those aside and support our Troops. Maybe the Chicks do but I haven't seen any evidence of that. If you have some please leave a comment so that I can find the articles.

The reason for my boycott is because I'm tired of all of the celebrities being put on a pedestal. They have created these award shows to pat themselves on the backs in front of the world. It's kind of sick if you think about it. They are such pre-madonnas showing off their gowns and tuxes. Maybe I'm the only one that feels this way but I kind of doubt it. As in a previous post I stated that we should have award shows for our Troops and Civil Servants instead. Why do we make celebrities so important? Some of their lives are so scandalous and we actually celebrate them?? It blows my mind. Don't get me wrong, I love watching a good movie or listening to good music but I don't see why they need to parade across a stage in front of the world to receive an award. Anyway...I could go on and on about this forever and it probably won't ever change. I just don't have to waste my evening partaking in it. It really has no value to enhance my life. I'd rather read a good book and expand my mind a little bit that way.

Good Girls Go to Heaven, Harley Girls Go Everywhere!

Plane tickets to and from Vegas - $250
Hotel Room in Vegas - $79
Riding down the Vegas Strip on a Harley - Priceless!!!!

I had lots of fun in Las Vegas. The Karaoke bar at the Tropicana was fun. Karla and Mitzi were Hilarious! My stomach is still hurting from laughing so hard. And of course I had to go out to the Harley Dealership and buy a couple of things. Every trip that I take I have to go to the local Harley Dealership. The one in Vegas was huge. The best night of the entire trip was the night that we met Sherry and Carlos. They were sitting on the patio at the HD Cafe. Mitzi and Karla started talking to them while I was inside looking at shirts. Well because of them I got a ride down the Vegas Strip from Carlos. He was the nicest guy and his woman Sherry was very cool for letting him do that. I can't thank them enough.

I love Las Vegas and can't wait to go back again. It's ever changing and never a dull trip! Plus the Margaritas at Margaritaville are the best I've ever tasted.

Super Bowl Sunday and Other Thoughts

It's Super Bowl Sunday! GO COLTS!!!

I'm really excited, Mitzi, Karla & I leave for Vegas on Wednesday. It's finally almost here. It's going to be great leaving this bitter cold weather for the mid 60's. I would have to say Winter is my least favorite season. It's alright at first but then it just drags on. I start thinking about riding and I get anxious for spring to arrive. I know it's only a few months away, I'm just ready for it now!

I've stayed true to my resolution of getting in shape this year. I just have to keep going and I will.

This year is my 20 year High School class reunion. Wow, where does the time go? If I knew than what I know now I would have looked at life a little differently. But hey Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda, right? I was a wild teenager and didn't really care to much about school. I was a boy crazy girl. But with all that said I've made more out of myself than I ever thought I would. I think it's shocking to my folks too because man did I put them through some times. One thing that I did get from my Father was his good work ethic. I don't think that man missed hardly a day of work at good ole John Deere the entire time he worked for them. My folks gave my sister and me a really good life and I'm so thankful for that. There are so many kids that don't have all the things that I did growing up. Another thing that is shocking to me is that I've actually become a pretty good driver. I did some major damage to my Camaro a couple times during HS and my Dad always teased that my real dad was really Richard Petty. My folks also took us on great trips around the USA the entire time we were growing up. Pretty damn lucky is all I have to say.

So I wonder who is going to be the Democratic and Republican candidates for President? The thing that worries me most is what is going to happen with the War in Iraq. I want our troops to come home but I also think that Iraq isn't ready or may never be ready to run their country on their own. I fear if the US Military leaves there we will have to deal with more terror threats and that a dictator like Saddam Hussein will take over again. Sitting here in my home in the Midwest I tend to forget how much we are hated around the world. I take so many things for granted. Today a reporter was interviewing a retired Military Commander and he said that at the end of each day we need to take a moment to think about the Men and Women serving our country around the world and give a prayer of thanks for what they do. I think of the Toby Keith song American Soldier...they are doing their job, protecting us, dying for us...what a sacrifice and what a total love for ones country. It gets me right in the heart when I think about it that way.

The geese keep flying over by the hundreds. They are beautiful when in flight. I love watching them in their V formation. Hearing their honking gives me a sense of calm. I love it when they fly over the house around dusk each night. It makes me wonder where they go each day. The seem to be flying toward Saylorville Lake. Maybe they land somewhere by Camp Dodge. Maybe someday I should follow them and find out. :)

Almost Super Bowl time. Prince is performing during 1/2 time. Love Prince...it will be interesting to hear if he sings any old songs. He said that after his last tour he was only going to sing new stuff. I found my Prince Shrine the other day when going through a box of stuff. I remember sitting in my room with candles lit, listening to Purple Rain, Controversy, and Dirty Mind. He was amazing to me. I finally got to see him in concert the last time he came through Ames. I went with Margo(my sister). It was amazing. So amazing that I couldn't help but cry.

Well...pregame time. GO COLTS!!!

Thoughts to end 2006 with...

I'm sitting here on a cold and snowy New Year's Eve sipping a glass of champagne and thinking about a few things that I need to blog about before the end of the old year and the start of a wonderful 2007.(which will be a year of change and a year of personal growth for me. At least those are my goals!!)

I'm again saddened by the number of soldiers lost in Iraq. The death count is now at 3,000. God Bless our Troops! Let's win this thing so that they can come home!

Drew Tate...go back to Texas! It's not fair to bash Iowa just because you didn't have an awesome season. You should feel proud that you got to come to our great state and play for the Hawkeyes!!

I think it's time for Dick Clark to pass the torch officially to Ryan Seacrest. I want to remember you from the American Bandstand Days.

To Brett Favre...you are one of the greats. No matter what you decide I love ya and I'm not even a Cheese Head.

To Billy Lane...although I'm disappointed in your judgement I still think you are one of the most talented Chopper Builders.

To Harley Davidson...I'm still waiting for my free 2007 Dyna Low Rider. Ok you didn't promise me one but a girl can dream that one will magically appear in her garage can't she?

To my Family and Friends....I love all of you and can't wait to make memories with you in 2007.(Mitzi and Karla...Vegas is only a little over a month away!!!) (Dan...Sturgis 2007???)

To Sasha Mullins...your book Bikerlady Living and Riding Free is awesome. Thank you!!

Let's start celebrating people's lives other than Stars. I'm so over Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie that I could scream!! And why are the stars going over seas to adopt children when there are so many here in the USA that need homes? I'm all for helping children in 3rd world countries but we need to help the children who are homeless in the United States first.

We need to boycott any awards show that celebrates stars. Why do we have them put so high on a pedestal? Their job is to entertain us. That's it...bottom line! We need to have awards shows for our Troops, our Police Officers and Firemen and women...for people who make a difference helping people, such as Teachers and Social Workers.

To Jessica Simpson...I even know the words to 9 to 5.

Ok...I think I'm getting tipsy. I better close. Thank you to everyone who touched my life in 2006. Here is to a great 2007!! Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!

Whatever you decide...

We Love You, Brett Favre!!

Harley's Angel

My Friend Kathy made me this ornament last year for Christmas. I totally love it. Love the Harley's Angel banner. That would make a good TV show...Chicks on bikes fighting crime and Willie G could be the voice inside the little box. And Bosley...who could play Bosley?? Dave Perewitz or maybe Paul Sr.

Happy Holidays

I'm a little late sending out Holiday Wishes. I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season and that Santa was very good to you.

Sam Elliott

Don't ask me why but I had to put a couple pictures in my blog of Sam Elliott! My friend Kristen and I compare bikers to Sam Elliott all the time. They are either Sam Elliott in Mask bikers or Sam Elliott in Roadhouse bikers. I know...wacky but fun! One thing is true, he is one HOT older man and a pretty decent actor too!

Harley Girl's Sunday Morning Reflections

Well it's Sunday morning and I'm sitting here with my cup of joe, trying to decide what I'm going to do with my day. I need to finish Christmas shopping for my nephews and neice. This is a wild fact about me, I hate to shop! The only places that I ever enjoy just spending long amounts of time at are the Harley Dealerships.

This time of year is so busy. I had 2 parties and 1 studio tour event to attend last week. Made me tired. My friend LaRassa is an amazing artist. The building that her studio is in had an open studio night. I went and hung out, drank a little, and watched people with our friend Katherine. Then the 3 of us went down to Centro for pizza and cocktails. What a great restaurant. Our waitress was awesome. I love it when I go somewhere and enjoy the entire experience. It just makes it all worthwhile. Katherine and her husband Larry are leaving us the end of the week to move to NC. I'm really going to miss them. What a great couple of people!!

Last night we went to see our friends Mitzi and Todd. Mitzi asked me if I want to go with her and a friend to Vegas in February. I'm in!! I love Vegas. I'm a night owl so it's the perfect place for me. Always open...always something going on. I hope we can go down to Freemont Street to Hogs and Heifers. It's this biker bar in old Vegas that I've heard about. Can you tell my idea of fun usually revolves around something motorcycle related. Harley Shop, biker bars...ha ha!

Ok...well...better get going. It's already after 9. Need to get as much out of the day as possible. I feel like lately I live for the weekend just so I can chill out a little bit. I don't know why, when you are a kid, that you want to grow up so damn fast. If anyone wants to give me a billion dollars so that I can just chill and have fun, that would be an amazing Christmas present!! I keep thinking that I'm going to make a cardboard sign and stand down on Merle Hay and I -80 with the homeless guys, that says, "I work over 40 hours a week. I want a new Harley but I still can't afford it. Help a sister out!" LMAO....I haven't done it yet...pride gets in the way with that. And I think those homeless guys might try to beat me up. They have a pretty good gig going on at that corner.

If anyone actually reads this...LMAO...Have a great Sunday and a great rest of the month. Happy Holidays and God Bless America and our Troops!

Freedom Isn't Free

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops

Skull Bike

Is this the coolest bike you've ever seen or what? 

Treat everyone with kindness

The holidays can really be a hectic time and a little stressful. People get all freaked out and forget how to be courteous to one another. Try to make a conscious effort this holiday season to treat each other with kindness and respect. Take a little time to do something nice for other people instead of treating others with disrespect. We all have so much to be thankful for and we just sort of take it all for granted. We need to put a little respect and kindness back into this world because it's become so fast paced and all about me me me!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend it with the ones that you love.

8th of November

Today marks the 41st Anniversary of the battle in War Zone D. To all of the Soldiers who served in Vietnam, thank you! To all that did not make it home alive or are still missing...you are forever in our hearts!


I love Big & Rich's song "8th of November". The last line gets to me everytime....He was 19 and green with a new M-16 just doing what he had to do.


Support your Local Vietnam Vets MC!!

Friday Fantasies

I found this great blog called the Bored Housewife. She's a great writer. I totally enjoy her Friday Fantasy entries. My favorite is called Blue Collar Caller.

www.boredhousewife.blogspot.com

Happy 1st Birthday!

It's my blogs first birthday! Thanks to everyone who stops by and reads my many thoughts. It's been fun writing them. I'm excited for another great year! I'm sure there will be lots of interesting things to blog about.

Another WTF Rant!

Ok...what the hell is up with these wackos from that so called church group? Protesting military funerals and holding up signs saying that...I can't even say what their signs say, it sickens me that much. How can this be Christian? One of their signs says...God hates America...and I'm saying back to them...If you believe in this God hating God that hates America than I think maybe you should leave!! My hat's off to the Patriot Guard/Freedom Riders for attending the funerals that these wack jobs protest. The Patriot Guard/Freedom Riders shield the family from as much of their nonsense as they can. Those are some strong willed men because I don't think I could hold my composure if I was around those people for 30 seconds. My heart hurts just thinking about the fact that the Soldiers who die for this country are dying so that wack jobs can protest their funerals and say such hateful untruths. It's seriously all so f'd up! Ok...I need to end this because my blood pressure is through the roof just thinking about those IDIOTS!

God Bless our Fallen Soldiers and their families!

HarleyGirl

This is me, the chick behind the many thoughts! 

Great Biker Site

Check this biker site out the next time you are surfing the web.

www.abelsweb.com

Are you living by it?

You have to watch this amazing video from Harley Davidson!

www.livingbyit.com

Call me sappy but I actually got tears in my eyes! Trust me...I believe!! Amen!

You had it all Billy!!

I sit here broken hearted. My Chopper God has fallen from grace. Billy had a blood alcohol level of 0.192, which was more than twice the legal limit and was driving on a suspended license. Billy was charged with drunken driving manslaughter. If Billy is convicted he could spend 15 yrs in prison for manslaughter and 15 yrs for driving on a suspended license. This amazing artist has suddenly met a roadblock and I hope that someday he will rise above this all and create more amazing bikes. Billy's friend Indian Larry changed his life after spending time in prison and hopefully this will bring Billy back down to earth so he can once again focus on the real gift he was given, being an amazing Chopper Artist.

Sasha Mullins and her bike Tigerlily

Sasha Mullins is one cool biker chick! Check out her website at www.bikerlady.com . She has written an amazing book about Biker Women called Bikerlady: Living & Riding Free. Every biker chick should read this book! It's inspirational and has so much history about women who forged the road for female riders today.

So disappointed!!

Well Dilana didn't win the other night on Rockstar Supernova. Tommy, Gilby, and Jason selected Lukas instead. Guess the boys were too afraid they'd be shown up by a girl. Rock on Dilana...you are one awesome chick and I'm sure you will make it further than Lukas will after Supernova ends their tour.

Farewell Marine

Grab some tissues before you watch this. It's very moving.

http://www.pcsuccess.us/yrg/farewell.html

Great Quote

People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs.

Billy Billy Billy???

My Chopper God did a bad bad thing! Hit and killed a moped rider while trying to pass 2 cars in a no passing zone. I just hope he wasn't drunk, that will make it all the worse.

Let's Say Thanks

I received an e-mail today from a friend of mine with a link to a website that I think you all should go to. Please go to www.letssaythanks.com and send some postcards to the Men and Women serving our country. They all deserve a huge thank you for what they do each day. What a sacrifice they make so we can be free.

God Bless our Troops and keep them safe. They are all heroes in my eyes.

Anything Boys Can Do Girls Can Do Better

Is this the cutest picture or what? Go Little Biker Girl!!!

Who needs a snowmobile? Obviously not this guy.

I thought Harley Riders were hardcore! That's one hardcore Kawasaki rider!! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

I'm proud to be an American

Let's face it, since September 11th things have changed in the United States. We view things much differently now, or at least I do. We all need to wake up and realize that one of these days something could happen in our own back yard. The US Government allowed people into our country assuming they would be going to school in Montana. What happened? They split up and were found all around the United States. 3 of these so called students ended up right here in Des Moines, IA. Wake up people!! Do you really think that just because we live in the United States, that suicide bombers couldn't show up on our streets? Why did these men scatter all over the country? And how come the US Government never gives us the straight story? I really doubt these guys were like..."Oh, my life long dream has always been to visit Des Moines, IA." Come on, get real!! Seriously my fellow Americans....WAKE UP and stop being so damn liberal about everything. Stop worrying about who we might offend because when they are walking into the local Starbucks with an explosive device strapped to themselves, it will be far to late.

Dilana what the heck girl??

Ok...I try to not get all caught up in reality TV but I'm sooooooooo into RockStar Supernova. Gilby Clarke and Dave Navarro...need I say more? NO! Well anyway, I totally dig Dilana. She's a total performer and could front the band but she had to go and get bitchy and cocky. Sad but true, when you are a strong female you really have to watch how you come across to people. Your strong will can be construed as being an out and out BITCH! So anyway...I hope Dilana didn't hurt her chance to front Supernova. I totally think she could do it! She has my vote...GO DILANA!!

Save a Hog RIDE a Biker!

I thought this cartoon was great. There are always all these sexy pictures of chicks on bikes out there and so I thought I'd objectify men a little bit. HA HA!!!

Thirty Two Flavors Lyrics -- Ani DiFranco

thirty two flavors

squint your eyes and look closer
i'm not between you and your ambition
i am a poster girl with no poster
i am thirty-two flavors and then some
and i'm beyond your peripheral vision
so you might want to turn your head
cause someday you're going to get hungry
and eat most of the words you just said

both my parents taught me about good will
and i have done well by their names
just the kindness i've lavished on strangers
is more than i can explain
still there's many who've turned out their porch lights
just so i would think they were not home
and hid in the dark of their windows
till i'd passed and left them alone

and god help you if you are an ugly girl
course too pretty is also your doom
cause everyone harbors a secret hatred
for the prettiest girl in the room
and god help you if you are a phoenix
and you dare to rise up from the ash
a thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy
while you are just flying past

i'm not trying to give my life meaning
by demeaning you
and i would like to state for the record
i did everything that i could do
i'm not saying that i'm a saint
i just don't want to live that way
no, i will never be a saint
but i will always say

squint your eyes and look closer
i'm not between you and your ambition
i am a poster girl with no poster
i am thirty-two flavors and then some
and i'm beyond your peripheral vision
so you might want to turn your head
cause someday you might find you're starving
and eating all of the words you said

Why am I torturing myself?

If you are a biker you know that August is the month for the annual pilgrimage to Sturgis, SD. So as you can tell by the date of this blog post I'm here in Des Moines, IA and not in Sturgis, SD. I keep continually torturing myself by going to Sturgisrally.net to watch the crowds on the webcam. Oh how I wish I were there right now. Ok...enough blogging, I need to keep hitting refresh so I can see the next group of people walk by the cam. Next year it will be me walking by that cam and waving "hi" to another poor soul that's not able to make it. But for now I'm that poor soul, dreaming of Sturgis and all its fun and scenic roads for riding.

I want a prize dammit!

Ok...so I'm driving down NW 62nd, which is 25 mph. Along the side of the road is one of those machines that tells you how fast you are going. Everytime I drive by it I think to myself...I was right on 25 mph. I should get a prize dammit!!! Or hey, if you are driving faster than the speed limit the lights start flashing on it...shouldn't you get a prize then? I mean you made the lights flash. I'm not really going anywhere with this, I just find those machines kind of funny. I guess they must stop people from speeding because they keep using them. I just think if you hit 25 or make the lights flash you should get a prize of some sort...and I don't mean a ticket either. :)

Dilana from Rockstar Supernova - One Cool Chick!

Dilana from Rockstar Supernova! Ok...I knew I liked this chick from the first time I heard her sing but now that I see she's a biker chick I like her even more. If you haven't checked out Rockstar Supernova and heard this woman sing you are truly missing out. She gives me chills with each performance. Even if she doesn't become the lead singer for Supernova, I think she's got a career ahead of her in the music biz. I'll buy her albums.

Look around you....Share the road with us!

Wake up cage drivers and look for us. We are sharing the road with you and you need to look around before pulling into an intersection or changing lanes. And you wonder why we have loud pipes on our motorcycles even though sometimes that doesn't even work. I'm saddened once again because of the report that another fellow rider lost his life because a driver of a cage failed to yield. Thomas Maske, 36 died of injuries from a motorcycle accident that occurred July 10th. An 18 yr old driver will be charged with failure to yield.

RIP Thomas...may you ride even freer in heaven.

Me and My Gang??? HUH?

Ok...Rascal Flatts, go back to making good music. The new me and my gang song is awful! Have you read the lyrics....

Way on down to southern Alabama With the guitars jammin' that's where we're headed Straight up to Butte, Montana singin' Lord I was born a ramblin' man California to Oregon Even New York City got one or two hillbillies ready to hit the road It's a brother and a sister kinda thang Raise up your hands if you all wanna hang with Me and my gang We live to ride, we ride to live Me and my gang Jump on that train Grab a hold of them reins We gonna rock this thang, cock this thang Me and my gang We got hippies, gypsies, freaks and geeks High class women in Daisy Duke denim Bangin' on gongs and singin' our songs dude named elrod jammin' on an ipod Beer and bonfires Wide open throttle, Coors in a bottle It's all for one and ONE FOR ALL YA'LL It's a brother and a sister kinda thang Raise up your hands if you all wanna hang with Me and my gang We live to ride, we ride to live Me and my gang Jump on that train Grab a hold of them reins We gonna rock this thang, cock this thang Me and my gang

And what's up with this We live to ride and we ride to live lyric? I didn't know that Rascal Flatts ranked up there as an Outlaw Country group.

Funny stuff

Today on my way to work I saw the funniest thing....A trucker girl sticker on a mini van. It cracked me up.

The New Zippy Pickle!

The new ride! Sweeeeeet! Happy 4th!

The Best Harley Dealership in the USA!

My All Time Favorite Harley Davidson Dealership!!!!

My 2 Cents Worth

There is a column in the Des Moines Register called 2 Cents Worth. There have been a lot of people calling in and complaining about loud pipes. Well my 2 Cents Worth on that is loud pipes save lives. Thank god for the sound of the pipes because most people don't even think about looking in their mirrors or checking to see if a motorcycle is possibly riding in their blind spot.

She's a Beauty!

What an awesome looking ride! 2001 Heritage Softail - If you are interested in buying this motorcycle go to Zook's HD in Des Moines, IA. Just traded it in on a 2006 Street Glide.

I totally love this bike! Sweet Ass Bobber built by Radical Cycles Des Moines, IA 

Tragedy on Saylorville Dam

The other night at 1 am, two young adults lost their lives in a motorcycle accident by the Saylorville Dam. Witnesses say that the couple was traveling along at around 100 mph when they lost control and hit the guard rail. So very sad because I'm sure the gentleman's female passenger was in heaven riding with a good-looking motorcycle guy before tragedy showed it's evil head.

The thing that bothers me most is all the talk that helmets would have saved their lives. Get real people, they were traveling at approx 100 mph. That means when they hit the guard rail their bodies were still traveling at 100 mph. They were thrown onto the rocks above the dam. I seriously doubt a helmet would have saved them. Their internal injuries would have most likely killed them even if a helmet would have been worn.

I don't feel because of the wrong judgment of this motorcycle rider that a helmet law should be passed, it should always be the rider's choice. And the rider's actions were to blame in this tragedy, not the fact that a helmet was not worn. I do feel that every motorcycle rider getting their license in Iowa should be required to take a Motorcycle Safety Course. Automobile drivers have to, so why should motorcycles be any different? I took the Rider's Edge course and there are other courses given throughout the state that are just as good, including the classes at DMACC and the ones given by ABATE of Iowa. I learned so many things from this class. I thought, heck motorcycle riding will be a snap...how wrong I was. By taking the class it made me so much more aware of how serious you need to take controlling your motorcycle while still having an amazing time.

I am saddened by the loss of these two young adults and by all of the other motorcycle related deaths in Iowa this year. It makes my heart sink when I hear another fellow motorcycle rider has lost his or her life.

Enjoy the freedom of the ride...just remember your not in a cage and the only thing protecting you from harm is yourself.

Ashton & Demi in Des Moines???

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore were in Des Moines at Aura. It doesn't sound like Demi was very nice to the friendly Des Moinesians who requested pictures of the couple. And then Ashton couldn't get a helicopter to fly in and pick them up. Come on Ashton...you grew up in freaking Homestead, IA...come back down to earth would ya? Hopefully Demi doesn't eventually dump her boy toy or Ashton might end up back in Homestead reminiscing about the days when he was famous. Don't forget where you came from Kutcher.

She has the best Job ever!!

Natalie Jackson of Motorcycle Freedom probably has the best gig on the planet. She gets to ride amazing motorcycles and gets to meet amazing biker people. I just watched a free MagRack show that she hosted about the Ventura Chopper show in honor of David Mann. She got to see Mann's incredible biker art and she interviewed up and coming chopper builders. She even got to interview bad boy Russell Mitchell of Exile Cycles. Lucky her!! Hats off to Natalie Jackson, one happening biker chick!

Burt Reynolds

You know...Life was so much simpler way back when Burt Reynolds was a hunk. :)~

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was an excellent flick. A total must see chick flick! It was refreshing to watch and made me cry in all the right places. Guys beware...I'm sure it will make you yawn but it would also be the perfect opportunity to snuggle close with your female loved one and comfort her when she cries during the touching scenes. :)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants gets 5 stars!

Pink - No More Stupid Girls!

I would like to give a big round of applause to Pink! Her song "Stupid Girls" rocks and I think it let's the world know how a lot of girls and women in America feel. Women are so much more than just looks. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy looking good but I also want to be recognized for my brain.

Melinda & Candace

I had the most enjoyable night last Wednesday. My friend Melinda and I went out for dinner at the Court Ave Brewing Co. and then went to the Civic Center to hear Candace Bushnell speak. Melinda is a great woman and someone I really look up to and Candace Bushnell wrote my favorite HBO Series of all time, Sex and the City. It was a wonderful night. What cracked me up the most though was the amount of people that must have been offended about what Ms. Bushnell was talking about, because they got up and left the speech. I think it's a great idea to either go to something like that with an open mind or to do a little studying up on the speaker you are going to listen to. She wasn't even that raunchy but I keep forgetting we are in conservative middle America. Plus if you have never seen the Series Sex and the City you really wouldn't know what she was talking about 1/2 the time so why waste your time. ha! She said one thing that the character Carrie Bradshaw said in the Series....You really need to take good care of your relationships with your girlfriends because they are people you can almost always count on but men in your life will come and go. It's too bad that you don't learn that when you are a teenage girl and boy crazy. I don't know how many times I brushed my friends aside for some stupid boy who dumped me a few weeks later. I would go crawling back to my friends who I'd abandoned, they'd take me back but after a few more times of doing this they kind of wrote me off. I don't blame them one bit though. I think I have the best friends that I've ever had at this point in my life. My friend Michelle from work is a great friend and I cherish my friendships with the gals in Art Group. Anyway...back to Candace Bushnell, I really enjoyed her talk. It was great to see her and hear what she was really like. She's definitely a New Yorker. The best part of the night though was the fact that Melinda shared her extra ticket with me and that we had a really nice conversation at dinner.

Rob Zombie

Saw Rob Zombie at the Val Air Ballroom on April 13th. I'd have to say it was probably the best concert I've seen. I would have loved to have gotten closer to the stage to see Rob but I would probably be deaf. I haven't rocked like I did that night since my hair band loving days of the 80's. I was headbanging with the best of them. I had a great time. Thanks for a great show Rob Zombie. Now you just need to come back to Des Moines and play a much larger venue like Wells Fargo Arena!! It sure did rock though.

Crotch Rockets

I just don't get young guys on crotch rockets. Tonight I was driving to art group and there were two young guys on crotch rockets behind me. The one kid kept popping wheelies right down the city street. For one thing where the hell is a cop when they do these stupid stunts. I've seen them going down I 80 popping them. Insane!! I guess it's their life that they are putting at risk but it just pisses me off. Riding a motorcycle is not something to take lightly. It can be a deadly machine, even more deadly than a car. One wrong move and splat...you can be eating the pavement. I seriously think that young guys on crotch rockets think that nothing can happen to them. Well big mouth me, as I drove by them, rolled down my window...slowed up and said...For god sake Ride Safe! I'm sure they called me a bitch and probably some other fun words but seriously I don't care. Optimistic me hopes that they thought about it and it may have saved their lives tonight as they cruised Des Moines on their bikes. I try not to be a hater of this sub culture of motorcyclists but they are seriously so much different than Harley Riders. I'd be lying if I said that Riding your bike like you stole it isn't fun but I think riders of motorcycles other than crotch rockets use their heads more often than the crotch rocket riders out there. Ok...I'm done venting. Enjoy the Freedom of the ride and Ride Safe!

From Crash to Romantic

I watched the movie Crash the other night. Amazing film about racism in the United States. If it wasn't for the brief nudity I think it should actually be shown to junior high or high school students. And so what about the brief nudity...have you seen the music videos lately. Just show it. There is such a strong message in the film and it was incredible how so many of the characters lives crossed paths. You never know when your enemy may be the one that saves you, so you should treat everyone you meet with respect. If you haven't watched this movie, even if you are the most racist person on the planet, it's a must see! RENT IT and open your mind!

On a much lighter more romantic note. I wasn't trying to be a voyeur the other night but I was standing out on my deck and saw the most romantic sight. There is a woman who lives in the townhome across from mine and she must have had a date because I think she's a single woman. Anyway, her and her date were dancing in her living room and you could see it through her window. It was so cute and so romantic that it brought tears to my eyes. It brought hope to me that romance hasn't died. :)

Winged Migration

If you haven't seen the film Winged Migration it's definitely a must see.

Hell's Angel The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the HAMC

Well I finished Sonny's version of the story. A much better read than Hunter Thompson's book. While the guy did have a rap sheet a mile long I felt like I learned a lot about his life and the story of the Hell's Angels. The last paragraph of the book brought tears to my eyes...My thoughts overpowered the roar of two hundred Harleys gunning through the Alps. I know I've paid a terrible price for my freedom. I've learned the hard way that to understand my heart is to understand the evil that lurks inside. I can't hide behind religious traditions and superficial heroes. It's impossible to be delivered away from man's constant inhumanity to man. As a warrior, you've got to know pain and sadness alongside joy and solitude. It is to those who long to ride - forever free - that I write these words...and the Angels shall be Kings! Wow...that's some deep writing. I think these men where a misunderstood group. People were too afraid to let them have their freedom and had to mess with them every chance that they could. The Hell's Angels are a brotherhood of some badass mfers but the true Hell's Angels stuck by their brothers at any cost. If you are a lover of the freedom you feel riding a motorcycle you should definitely read this book. I've just started Freedom Credos from the Road by Sonny Barger.

Hell's Angels: Hunter Thompson vs Sonny Barger

I finally finished Hell's Angels by Hunter Thompson. It was really a very boring account of the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club. I felt that Hunter Thompson used the Angels to get a story to write his book. He really didn't tell any of the real stories about the club. He didn't really even go into great depth on any of the things that really happened while he was with them. It was like he was afraid of them and in the end turned on them. I've started reading Hell's Angel The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club. So far I'm enjoying this book so much more and I look forward to getting a different prospective on the Angels than I did with the Hunter Thompson book. I'm fascinated with motorcycle clubs as a whole. I really feel that in the 60's if the police and the government would have just left the Angels alone there would have been far less problems. By the police and government making such a big deal out of the Angels I feel that it fueled how they acted. I'm not saying that the Hell's Angels were a group of stand up guys but I do feel like they were given a bum rap just because of how they decided to live their lives. I watched Easy Rider the other day, there is a scene in the movie where it is implied that regular people are afraid of the freedom that they see motorcycle riders having. I think that is true. General people just don't get the freedom and never will. I look forward to Sonny Barger's side of the Hell's Angels story. I better get to reading!