An Unexpected Adventure

As I’m sure you know by now, riding (motorcycles) is one of my greatest hobbies/passions. There is an entire community of people across different races, backgrounds, genders, lifestyles, etc. who share a certain bond because of riding.

I’ve been blessed to meet so very many people through this passion. One woman I’ve had the pleasure to meet has recently been diagnosed with a rare and extremely aggressive cancer. A group of women decided to do a fundraiser for her…because in this community, we try to take care of each other and the rest of the people around us.

I was planning on attending the fundraiser, which included quite a few of my favorite things: a women’s ride, a paint class, and giving back. The date didn’t line up with my schedule since it overlapped with the last weekend that I’d be able to spend time with all of my kids before my son leaves.

My family decided to take a very short road trip to Laughlin, Nevada to play on the river and just hang out away from home for a night. I rode to Laughlin, while the kids drove together. On the elevator an older couple noticed my helmet and asked what I ride. You’d be surprised at how many conversations start among strangers because of something simple like that.

While I wasn’t able to be present for the days’ festivities, I was able to participate in the way of purchasing raffle tickets (to go directly to the woman and her family), and donating a few things. I got together with a few of my friends who have their own businesses. Together, we donated over 10 additional raffle prizes.

I donated two signed copies of my debut novel, another friend donated a custom t-shirt and 2 gift certificates, another friend donated 3 gift certificates, another donated a custom bag and a gift certificate, and another donated a gift certificate.

All in all, the group had an amazing day. She led the ride.I’m sad that I missed the event, but so very happy that I was able to contribute in a small way and that all of the women who were able to attend seemed to have an amazing day. (I loved seeing all the photos!)

Monday morning, I checked my raffle ticket numbers against a few of the items that weren’t claimed on Saturday. I actually won two items (and neither of them came from the donations I helped secure.) I was shocked, because I don’t typically win stuff like that.

One of my gifts is a spa pedicure. You can never go wrong with that! The other gift was hard to tell what it was. I claimed it on the post and asked what I won. Imagine my surprise when I was informed that I won a trip to Cancun!

Ironically enough, my passport just arrived a couple of weeks ago. I made the comment that I want Jamaica to be my first stamp, but I had a feeling it would be Mexico. I suppose I claimed this trip long before I knew how it would happen!