Pondering and Pedaling

Monday my friend Noah and I planned a last run on the ski hills. On arriving at the trail head I found grey slushy snow with mud peaking through. Not idea skiing. So Thursday my bike, complete with studded tires, hit the bike path.

One ( there are really so many) wonderful thing about riding your bike is the time you can let your mind wander. Jumping from a song you heard recently to what you're going to make for dinner to what paint color a leaf you just past would be. I often find an art dilemma or a creative impasse will resolve itself as I pedal along. Among the wanderings of my mind suddenly the perfect solution to my current art problem will surface. In fact, yesterday I made a hand signal to turn right and saw my shadow on the pavement. My mittened hand made me laugh. Then I thought, why haven't I ever painted Signore Greve and Celli winter biking? I could see them humming along with snow covered mountains regal in the background. (the picture shows a summer scene I did a few years back) OH OH I know, Signore Greve with skis strapped to his back on the way to the ski hill! Him in a ball topped ski hat and Celli with his own scarf fluttering in the winter air. Idea after idea flowed.

I came back to reality quickly as the trail got more and more challenging to navigate. The creek had overflowed on the trail and a series of mini ice bergs, soft snow and chilly water required full concentration. I am sad to say I wasn't dry when I got to my destination but I was creatively inspired!