I want to Ride my Bicycle – Queen
When I was tricycle-riding age, I took to the road. I rode my tricycle to the top of my driveway and let her rip. I sped so fast that I had to lift my feet above the pedals to keep them from getting thwacked. It was a thrill. Perhaps my first one. Then I hit the loose sand at the bottom of the driveway with such a force that I flew off my bike and got the wind knocked right out of me.
When I was 55, I took to the road again. I left my career and home of 24 years and flew to Mexico to teach. One week after my year in Mexico ended, Learning Port offered me a job writing storyboards for e-learning modules. I flew halfway around the world to learn a new trade.
Was flying down the driveway on my tricycle an act of bravery, or an act of impulsivity? Was hopping on the plane to Mexico an act of bravery or an escape? Was ending my career as a teacher and coming to Kuala Lumpur to try e-learning a good choice? The answers are yes and no. Yes, because I was in a rut, I only have 30 years of living left in me, and it has been quite a ride. Regardless, these acts propelled me to make the conscious decision to become a writer.
As I settle into my second year in Malaysia, I have not found my comfort zone. Like the arduous climbing hikes I have been on lately, there have been peaks and valleys, which often leave me depleted. I look at the next year as a time to focus on learning how to write for a living. It will be a time for me to practice, experiment with different genres and employers, network, and do what I love.
I can see the bottom of the driveway, but like so many years ago when I sat on my tricycle seat at the top of the driveway, I cannot see the loose sand at the bottom Even if I could, I do not know if it will knock the breath out of me. What I do know is that falling off my bike at the end of the road is part of my learning curve. Maybe this time, I will wear a helmet.
September 13, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Keep going..I am doing similar experiments with similar feelings..going to a writer’s conference in a week…getting my painting studio reestablished…South Dakota is not Kuala Lumpur but there are similarities… Lots of love…Ms.
On Sep 8, 2016 5:53 AM, “Expatriate in Kuala Lumpur – a womans walkabout” wrote:
> Elizabeth Goodhue posted: “I want to Ride my Bicycle – Queen When I was > tricycle-riding age, I took to the road. I rode my tricycle to the top of > my driveway and let her rip. I sped so fast that I had to lift my feet > above the pedals to keep them from getting thwacked. It was a ” >
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September 12, 2016 at 10:00 am
Lisa, when you share your inner thoughts with us so honestly and insightfully, I hope you appreciate the gift you’re giving to each of your readers. Well done my friend!
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September 12, 2016 at 10:05 am
thanks Cindy.
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September 8, 2016 at 4:21 pm
can’t wait for the book which is in the making. good visit with amanda bringing your father and her family for labor day. tonight john warren arrives with annabelle who married in england and i haven’t met her husband but happiest of faces. much love in your adventurous life. aunt p
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September 8, 2016 at 1:28 pm
I remember her well. She was one of the best babysitters.
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September 8, 2016 at 1:10 pm
Hi Lisa: You have a touch with words so don’t stop!! Guess who came to Lyme & Hanover for a visit!!!!!??? Mary wright Dabner….my beloved baby sitter of years gone by. She is 76 and a granny, living in Texas. She and her husband, Dick, spent the night in Lyme with the Steve’s. We had an uproarious evening and talked endlessly about everyone on Mt Holly Road.
Still hot summer here.but guess it’s hotter where you are. Love you! Allie;
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