Harley Davidson Community

To begin, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles is a community that is known nationally and around the world.

What makes this gorup a community, one would have to ask is that though they may come from different walks of life-social classes, work enviroments, race or nationality, etc. several characteristics remains the same about this group. They love their motorcycles, freedom of having the natural elements flow across their bodies, and the commonality of having a free spirit. One thing that is profoundly noticeable about most people who ride motorcycles is that as they pass each other or if they are in a location where other bikers are they will usually migrate towards each other. The glue is the motorcycle that holds these groups together.

The majority of interests for these individuals is the fact that there is freedom behind the ferrin or the handle bars. I've often been told that there isn't anything better then being seated on your bike without being confined to the inside of a vehicle. They like the fact that they can see all around them. Most people who ride their Harley's are looking for a way to escape the stress and daily pressures that life throws at them and this is one way to release some of that pressure. Spending an hour on a leisurely ride with no worries is a commonality most riders will express. They can leave it behind for a few hours to a few days. There is no need to talk and visit, just to ride- that is where the value of this community lies. Tho, there is a line of unspoken communication of respect and understanding between them. They don't need to be stimulated with verbal communication to feel that they are of worth or value. They all ready know it.

I think that there can be a few differences within a community of this sort. An insight into that more would be because of the different members that form groups that identify what their beliefs are or what they stand for. I would assume that in the circle of Harley Davidson groups that if one rider was to enter into a group and clearly come from a negative group there's going to be conflict. If you're not a good fit within that community there will most likely be negative dialogue to start utnil someone can come forward with some clear understanding and patience so things wouldn't excalate. There are some good and some not so good groups and discretion is usually the key one finding which Harley Davidson group you want to participate in. For the general public, the 'outside' community that doesn't understand the Harley Davidson community will typically stereotype this group as being rough riders, unemployed, trouble makers, pot heads, on and on the list can go. I won't say that some do or don't, but the community uses that measure and gauge to label them out of fear or ignorance. I don't believe that there is tension within the community, I think the majority comes from the outside.

I belong to an affiliation of Harley Riders at a local church I attend. What makes me want to be a part of this community is that fact that they believe in Jesus and are not bashful in proclaiming their faith. And, in that, we particpate in facilitating charitable events such as Poker Runs, fundraisers and outreaches to meet a need that may need to be met, fellowship with other riders (believers or not), and educating the public what it is we do and encourage conversation and dialogue. I enjoy the community I belong to and though this is not the only one, I would go on to say that is one of my higher priorities of belonging to a community and making that commitment to others in the group.

What's In Your Wallet?

What a great question~What's in my wallet?
Rarely do I carry a purse or a wallet. I find them cumbersome and I don't have those nice square shoulders that resemble shoulder pads that hold a purse shoulder strap. My purse shoulder strap always make their way to the inside cuff of the location of my elbow. It drives me absolutely batty. The less I have to be responsible for the better I can enjoy my time doing what I'm doing and focusing on what is around me.

I'm notorious for losing my wallet. I have several though. Thus, because I always lose my wallet I rarely carry one. I took a gander in my wallet and it didn't speak much to me. I'm not one to clean my wallet out, but once a week. What I found most interesting is that I like to keep my Starbuck reciepts as if they were those little green stamps my mother used to save when I was a child. You could order things out of a catalog with those stamps. I wish I could turn those green reciepts from Starbuck's into cash, I'd be rich. Just like another student wrote, 'predictable', as I am too. One would know from looking into my wallet and reading the reciepts it's two cups of coffee at Starbucks every day. Never predictably unpredictable, but predictable so much that the barista's know my order. It is being processed before I ever hit the counter to request it. Now, what great service is that? Totally AWESOME!

It's quite evident that I don't carry cash. I usually use my debit cards, rarely credit cards. I like to use the debit cards, then I don't have to fiddle with the cash or worry that I'll lose it. Tho, it's just as easy to use the debit cards as cash too if someone really wanted. I have a few business cards from locations from around the county that I like to have on hand in the event that I need something. To someone who found my wallet they would have no clue as to why I even carry one. There is nothing in it. I like to travel lightly and carry as little as possible. For the most part I carry my driver's license and a debit card on me. So, it is really rare for me to even have a wallet. As I said, I do have them, but very rarely will I have it with me.

So, again back to the question~What's in your Wallet?
Nothing.
Which would tell a stranger that I'm a very concious person of how I carry and store my identity. I'm very simplistic in nature and personality. If all they had to go on is what was in my wallet, I think they would percieve that I'm very guarded about what can be found out about me, what they learn is the fact that I love to go to Starbucks on a frequent basis. They may even think I'm a share holder in the company.

Why Water Spouts?

The question can be posed, "Why water spouts?" I'm drawn to the water and I guess when I look at the analogy of life it's always moving and flowing, coming and going. Sometimes our lives are stagnant like a lake choked from it's oxygen levels and we feel suffocated. Other times, the tide comes and goes and leaves us exhaling for breath as the tide pounds against our chest with anxiety and intrepidation wondering if we are to stand in the surf will we sink or will we be brave enough to take the next step.

I stand amongst the water spouts of life every day. It is here that I'll share those seasons of tidal changes of experiences as I percieve them from my port holes of vision.

May my light continue to shine.

Cheers!

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