Summer of 2012

The DayMaker is back. This summer’s blogging hiatus grew into hibernation. Traveling many miles, and  experiencing emotional highs and lows, I have had an unusual summer. And, before I knew it, it was Labor Day! 

In early July, I spent a couple of weeks in The South, lapping up Southern Hospitality, love, and friendship. In North Carolina, I spent quality time with my daughter Asila and son-in-love David. 

Asila's personal trainers at Empower Personal Training developed a partner workout for us.

I met up with old and new friends, including some darling children who bestowed my grandma name on me! I am proudly “Nama Annis” to these toddlers.


 My brother Tom and his family drove down from Virginia, and we had a mini-reunion. How those precious grandkids have grown!

The Cassells Clan

In Greenville, SC, I communed with motorcycle pals at the Women on Wheels® International Ride-In, and I visited other buddies in Georgia.  It was an action-packed couple of weeks.

With WOW (R) Women Cris and Kathy

After returning to the Oregon Coast for 10 days, I climbed onto Big Red and headed out for Carson City, Nevada, for the Women & Motorcycling Conference. There I met up with my Sunblazers friends from California and Oregon, my best riding companions. 

Elaine & Sylvia

Laurie and Virginia

At the end of the conference, I rode home to Bakersfield with Sylvia and was able to have time with her and Trudy and Trudy’s sis, Rebecca. Our friend Beth made a marathon trip from Oregon to join us. It was a lovely time. Around the dinner table, we had an opportunity to have a heart-felt conversation of appreciation. And, Trudy was in good form. 

Beth, Trudy, me, Rebecca, and Sylvia

Trudy loved her birthday, and though it was a few days early, she enjoyed this mini-cake that Beth brought.

Eighteen days later, Trudy slipped away peacefully in her sleep. As we knew the time was near, I had made the trip back to speak love into her ear and help support Sylvia and Rebecca during this last stage.

Though it was a tough summer in many ways, I am grateful to have been wrapped in the love of so many and able to be available for dear friends.

Once again I was reminded of the power of love and the impact of being human and forthcoming with our feelings. It's a beautiful and sustaining thing. 

~ xoA ~