Going Barefoot

Today I bared my feet. I was barefoot for almost all of the day. And if you know me, you will know this is not usually the case. Like many people, I wear shoes. I like the way they feel, especially after they are worn in. I like the way they cushion hard surfaces. I like the traction, warmth, security, and freedom that comes from wearing them.

But I also see the beauty of going barefoot. So today I rolled up my corduroy pants and felt the carpet and the grass and the cold linoleum tile beneath my feet. Why was today a barefoot kind of day? It probably had something to do with the coming of spring. When the weather is warm my feet are less likely to be cold. I don't like cold feet. They distract me and make me feel strange.

Many people, including me, wear sandals. But (as some of you already know) sandals make me lazy, so I normally try to avoid them.

Here's to barefoot days, and beaches, and a good pair of shoes when you need them.

(Oh yeah, in case you're wondering: I took this photograph during last summer's bike tour, on the beach in Pacific City, Oregon.)

Photos From Last Summer

I feel an avalanche of photos getting ready to tumble down off my hard drive. It's 1:31am, a perfect time to do some blogging. Outside my window the night is quiet and dark. A large hardback book (Martin Guitar Masterpieces) sits between my laptop and my lap. I've been going through my bike tour photos and now it's time to share.

Janice really enjoyed this sign. I have no idea what this race is about, but it looks like it will be in August this year.



Portland, Oregon. This horse wasn't going anywhere.











Banana slug. Oregon coastal forest. Our second site for tree sampling. We had to watch where we were walking. These creatures get really big (upwards of 9 inches!) although this little guy was probably only about 5 inches.



Thank goodness for hostels and old guitars.











At the end of the tour, after 100 days in the sun, the cap was more pink than red.




















Living green. My favorite color in the world.












Juggling containers of yogurt in the supermarket. I couldn't help myself.




A ball bearing I found on the side of the road in Oregon.











Central Oregon. I took a bunch of photos here. This place was a true major chord. It reminded me of The Shire from Peter Jackson's The Fellowship Of The Ring.