An evening with Robert Bly

Remember him? Going into the evening, the book I was most familiar with, was of course, Iron John. I've read poems of his here and there, and he was always very elegant in his words regarding war (from Viet Nam to the current war in Iraq). But having him read from his books was a treat! His relationships with his "farming parents from Madison, MN", to the "falling and rolling leaves", to his own wife and children were discussed in very profound ways, in his many published works. I especially loved the way he learned about his Norwegian Heritage by living amongst the Norwegians in Norway. How this experience helped him to forgive his alcoholic father, his quiet, passive but loving mother and how he came to be a poet. And he was funny as hell to boot! Pretty racy (and "worldly") for this neck of the woods, but exactly what this transplanted girl needed.

He had a full head of wild white hair and he dressed in colorful, beatnik colors that all managed to work for him! He looked more like a San Franciscan poet than anything else. I liked him so much that I am going to see him again this morning!

It probably helped that I was able to get an "outside" ride on my bike yesterday after two indoor days. Just shy of 40 miles, and just above 40 degrees...but outside. I had so many layers on I felt like french dessert; I'm not used to wearing so many clothes when I ride, but here it is the only thing that will allow you to ride outside. There were just slight (5-10mph) winds, but even just a little breeze is enough to chill you to the point that it hurts if you don't have enough gear on.

Working in a bike shop for as long as I have, I used to sell this really expensive Assos biking wear in Palo Alto. I remember thinking, "now who in their right mind can ride in this stuff? they'll overheat as soon as they get to the first climb!" Therein lies the answer. No climbs. No overheating. In fact, I'd need to wear a couple of those jackets to stay warm enough here.

Allright...I need to get a "commuter-bike" ready for riding to the SMSU today, then try to squeeze a ride in between sessions, and then try and make it home in time to motor-pace Mike since he's feeling better! Have a great day!