I suppose when we continuously reflect on our life with eyes of gratitude, it amazes even us. Not in the sense that we have such a more fabulous life than anyone else, but in the sense that sometimes it is easy to fall into the Too Good To Be True trap of life. Like when you find yourself asking “Can life really be this good?” Not because all of our problems went away, but because we have learned that we can choose to look at them as opportunities. In short, perspective really does make a huge difference. Although it’s not all the difference. There is still other work to be done to maintain a life of prosperity, rather than frustration.

Just in the few recent months, we have had so many great experiences and opportunities, that to reflect on the whole year becomes a little overwhelming. In the last few weeks, Ronn and his dad won (along with a whole team of people, of course) the State Championship their first time coaching together. I got to learn a new art — digital photography. You can see some of my commentary on my experience at What I Learned About Football.

Ronn also bought a new MacBook computer, which he has been dying to have for years, so he is in computer heaven. But I am too, because I got a new computer out of the deal–a smaller, but faster one. What a deal! Although, after checking out his Mac, I probably won’t be too far behind him getting one. His computer is just rad, simply put. And yes, I inventoried that word and I am pretty sure it’s been 10 years, at least, since I have used that word to describe something that is way cooler than the word “cool” can describe. But hey, if it fits, use it!.

Thanks to our friend Gail Essex, Ronn and I had the opportunity to do a restaurant review for a magazine that you know and love, but that we can’t name because we are supposed to remain anonymous. What a blast that was! And then they asked us to do it again! Rad, is what that is!

In the last two months, Ronn and I have had the opportunity to become regular columnists in the new Good Times magazine, the Arts & Entertainment guide for West Texas. Believe it or not, there really is stuff to do in West Texas and if you don’t believe us, pick up a copy at your favorite bookstore, restaurant or pub. Their calendar of events is one of the best I have ever seen. Ronn and I have a column called Rubber Side Down. It has to do with motorcycling, hence the name! Thanks to our friend Gilbert Cadena for his stroke of genius on the name. We are really excited about that because it gives us the opportunity to spread the love–the love of riding motorcycles!

All throughout the year, I get the privilege of working with people to help them pursue their dreams because that is my business. But in the last couple of months, Ronn and I have had the privilege of working together with some people that we really care about alot and helping them to pursue their dreams. Our friend Cynthia Clack is going to high places with her Eye of the Tiger: An International Rock Opera. She has an invitation from the Chinese government to go perform her story throughout China. WOW! As if that isn’t enough to blow your socks off, we get to be involved, to boot!

Then there are our friends Josh Fee & Anthony Montanino, the artists of Dim Lit DayLight. We have had the privilege or working with them toward their dreams and aspirations as they tour the country sharing their lyrical poetry with their fans. And yes, it really is lyrical poetry. Very rarely do I find myself listening to the lyrics of songs. Usually, I am just listening to the music and, thru repitition, I occasionally learn a few words to the chorus. But with these guys, you can’t help but listen to the lyrics. It’s the lyrics that draw you in and the music is just a bonus.

And then there is my friend Wallace Craig, fellow photographer and blogger. It always amazes me how you can spend time around someone in one setting and never know you are crossing paths with them in another. But that is what happened with Wallace and me. He has alot going on. You can check out one of his blog sites, Streams, which, to the best we can tell, is the oldest blog in Midland. He also has a photoblog where you can see some of his work. You can also check out Big Gold Dog (Wallace loves Golden Retrievers), where you can link into alot of his other photowork, such as one of my personal faves, New Mexico. There are lots of others, trust me! I told you he had alot going on! Maybe in 2007, I’ll start a photoblog, too–with Wallace’s help!

So that’s just the last few months. What about the rest of the year? Hmmmm…… Well, in September I got to ride Pulchritude (my motorcycle…her name means amazing beauty) to see my parents in Beaumont. What a trip! And yes, the pun was intended. It was a great trip, but it was also a trip! I am convinced there is such a thing as motorcycle therapy. I know there is because I watched myself experience it! You can read more about my trip in our Travel Blogs section.

In June, I rode to Dallas for a client’s grand opening, but got to ride with another client while I was there. You can read about that adventure here.

I suppose this post would not be complete without mentioning that we bought two motorcycles this year, which is where all this began. We bought motorcycles in April, again with the help of our friend Gilbert Cadena, and started Piglet Paper in June. Here’s our plug for Gilbert….If you want to buy a motorcycle, well a Harley anyway….GO SEE GILBERT!

I also started writing poetry this year. Not really sure how that happened. Just one of those things where the words employed me to write them. You can read a few snippets here. There are still others I need to post, but haven’t yet.

Ronn and I took some road trips this year, both on 4 wheels and 2 wheels. Those are always good, because somehow when I get away I remember what I already know and just forgot–to not take life so serious. I surrender the paraphernalia of life and just enjoy the present. Road trips, even if you are on 4 wheels, are still great therapy.

Our own personal growth this year can’t go without mentioning. It is because of our personal growth that we have been able to do many of the things we have done. With such a full year, we have learned that opportunities come from growth and sometimes they are just opportunities FOR growth.

I am sure there are things that right now I am forgetting, that are worth mentioning, but in the interest of brevity (as brief as I can be, which Ronn says isn’t very brief) I will close. We just know that 2006 was a FABULOUS year that came with lots of growth, but lots of rewards. So if growth precedes reward, we intend to do alot of growing in 2007. Perhaps the place we could start is blogging more throughout the year, instead of at the end of the year?!?!

We’re off to unwrap the PRESENT(s)! TTFN!