Inauguration
So this is something I've been kicking around in my head for a while. Actually, I must thank Marisa for planting the seed with this post and for fertilizing it with this one. Take a moment to go and read it. I'll wait right here.
Got an inkling of where this is going?
The first time I rode my *new* bike I found myself completely altered. Something about the construction, the ergodynamics, was very different. No longer was I hunched over my handlebars, furiously pedalling away - now I was sitting taller, straighter, my head was up and I was actually looking around. My pedalling propelled me forward more smoothly, with less effort - I seemed to glide along. I couldn't help but smile. People smiled back. I even ventured a wave or two....couldn't help myself *grin* - I came over all Angela Lansbury - I think it was the sunflower on my basket. Guess what? A few of those people waved back. And so the idea germinated....
At first, it was a thought for an award..something *I* would give to the folk who *I* thought were an embodiment of the idea, the concept, the philosophy, the way-to-Be, that I was percolating. Who would I give it to? Many names popped immediately into my head. But then it came to me that I couldn't possibly *know* what was going on inside the hearts and minds of everyone out in BlogLand, that my limited scope couldn't possibly reach all those vibrant Souls who could potentially fit the criteria for this..well...thing...for lack of a better word.
It occurs to me that we are all on a similar sort of journey. Naturally, what we do and where we go and how we choose to get there is different, but in essence, our destination looks much the same. We are reclaiming, we are celebrating, we are rediscovering. We chafe against our boundaries, we are challenging our restrictions - some self-imposed, some societal, we seek to take back what was lost or taken from us along the way. We explore with our words, with our art, with our spiritual path - we take on 'challenges' and projects to stretch and push ourselves further toward that destination. And we share it all with each other. The triumphs, the doubts, the disappointments, the memories, the revelations and the Joy. We gather the bones and, together, are singing them to life in a glorious song of celebration.
And because of this, I think we should be shouting it from the highest rooftops, yodelling from the loftiest peaks that we, in all our strivings, in all our efforts to define and re-define Who We Are - are part of a bigger picture, we are all interconnected; a community of women whose spirits may have been battered and bruised, but are intact and gaining strength with every step. We are still casting about in the Shadows, unearthing and bringing to Light long-forgotten things, but we take strength from each other as we move forward, as beautiful works-in-progress. I, for one, feel Blessed to be journeying alongside you all; to be hacking my way through the forest, knowing that somewhere, just off to my left and right and slightly ahead or behind, is another warrior soul doing the same.
So, without further ado...I give you........The Sisterhood of the Purple Bicycle.
This is an open Sisterhood..there are no secret handshakes (okay, well maybe we could invent one but it can't be a secret), no application forms and definitely, absolutely, no limitations. If you want to join, then just grab one of the piccy's (sorry, I'm not technically savvy enough to embed code so you'll have to copy and paste - and these aren't award-winning photos but that's sort of the point) and proudly display it. I also ask that you add a link back to this post with the picture* so that anyone else who would like to join will know what it's about and what it means to be a member. *anyone who isn't sure how to do this, let me know.
And what does it mean to be a member? Well, I have a few thoughts on that....of course, this Sisterhood will be forever evolving and shifting so please, feel free to add in your own when you join in...
~ you are on a Journey....heart, mind and soul
~you vow to stretch yourself, to move outside your comfort zone, to ride that purple bike with your head held high and a smile on your face regardless of what others may think of you for doing so
~ you vow to honour the Earth - to seek the kinder, gentler option whenever possible
~ you vow to Honour and Celebrate the children in your life - whether they be yours or the child sitting beside you on the bus - for exactly Who They Are. You recognize that they are worthy of your Love and Respect as equal human beings.
~ you will post, with pride, any and all of your Sisterhood of the Purple Bicycle moments (that you are comfortable sharing, of course)...times when you pushed yourself, overcame a fear - however large or small; faced a Shadow, battled a demon; put yourself *out there*, took a chance, a risk; leapt boldly, wildly and with reckless abandon toward a dream, a vision, an idea....whether it was magnificently successful or a dismal disappointment - they are all steps along the journey and your Sisters would love to rejoice or commiserate with you
~ you will allow yourself Grace in all things
~ you will wave, without knowing that the other person will wave back....
So, who wants to join me?
Leave a comment if you're joining in and get ready to ride....
Here we are so far....in no particular order...
Cam
Docwitch
Janaki
Grace
Holly
Samantha
Mon
Marisa
Jenell
Rose
Beverley
Toni
Cinner
Sara
Mountainmama
Jennifer
Shen
Mama J
neaseyl2
Earthenwitch
Miss*R
MamaRose
His Precious
Laoi
Kavindra
Tara
Lawendula
IndigoShirl
Debs
Amy
Deborah
Carla
global mama
June 9, 2009 10:32 AM
I am so FLIPPIN' IN! This was beautiful, Mel. Truly.
June 9, 2009 10:45 AM
Welcome aboard, Holly!! Officially the FIRST(besides me) member of the Sisterhood!! xoxo
June 9, 2009 12:15 PM
I added your "Sisterhood Of The Purple Bicycle" picture with a link on my blog. Wasn't sure how to do it at first as I am new to the blogging world, but after awhile I got it worked out. It looks really nice. Thanks.
June 9, 2009 11:44 AM
I'm in too!!! I haven't gone shopping yet for things to really deck out my bike, but it is on my "to do" list. This may be better than joining the "Red Hat Society", something I always tell my husband I'm going to do someday. Thanks for linking to my blog on your post....Marjean
PS Sure would like to know more about your worm compost.
June 9, 2009 11:11 AM
Beautiful, inspiring idea Mel, and perfectly put. Yes indeed, I'd love to join. I will have to post a piccy of my bicycle, though it's not purple.
I love the manifesto for this. I'll post about it later hun.
Bright Blessings xxx
June 9, 2009 1:42 PM
I love this, Mel!
you know, my bicycle is also vintage and not the coolest shade of brown, maybe I'll purple it up this weekend!
I know what you mean, I can't help but smile as I ride mine too! And, people really do smile back!
I will display this button proudly! And post about it today!
Awesome concept, Mel!
June 9, 2009 1:21 PM
This is fun and beautiful. I'm in sista!
June 9, 2009 1:58 PM
Sam, Marjean, Mon, Cam - so happy, happy, happy...to be ridin' alongside yoooze....:)
June 9, 2009 2:10 PM
I am so in! What a lovely idea! XXX
June 9, 2009 3:40 PM
I'm in, too. I've been on the computer too long to post about it now...but I will (as well as respond to your other lovely post).
Oh, funny thought just popped into my head. Have you ever heard the Queen song "Bicycle Race"? My parents had the album, and I remember showing my friend the cover of all these naked women on bikes and giggling like it was so naughty!
Here's a video if you haven't heard it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CTPLUcQAjk
Woo-hoo!
June 9, 2009 5:06 PM
I may not be riding yet physically but am I ever there in spirit!
I love the manifesto! I'm in for sure.
Great idea Mel!
June 9, 2009 8:46 PM
I love this idea Mel! It's beautiful, and so perfect for where I'm at right now...hehe. So please count me absolutely in!
June 10, 2009 8:42 AM
I took the liberty of putting up one of your buttons on my blog - I'll post about it very soon : )
June 11, 2009 10:04 AM
I wrote my first SOPB post!
http://gracefulyoga.blogspot.com/2009/06/butterflies.html
June 11, 2009 3:00 PM
I never in my wildest dreams thought I would join a sisterhood but THIS is just to brilliant to pass up! Thank you for the offering. I humbly accept!
Peace, Love and Blessings;-))
June 11, 2009 3:47 PM
Yay Grace!!! Off to have a look! Thanks for letting us know...
Janaki - welcome!! I'm so, so, happy to know you're here...and yeah, me neither on the Sisterhood thing!! :)
June 16, 2009 12:47 PM
I love this! May I join you all? I'm going to have to post a picture of my bike too... looks very similar to yours. :)
June 16, 2009 11:58 AM
Mel I love the idea, I am in like Flynn. I found you from Hollys blog, not only will I be on the bicycle but a follower too. Thankyou, cinner
June 16, 2009 1:12 PM
Cinner - thanks for pedalling over from Holly's place! So glad to have you along...
Sara - why of course you may!! We're the ones having the most fun, after all....love to see a pic of your bike!!
Welcome aboard, ladies!!
June 16, 2009 5:59 PM
Mel, where's your name? The sisterhood is incomplete without you. ;)
June 17, 2009 3:50 PM
i love this. i'm riding along at my own pace, and posted about it on my page. thank you so much for your inspiration~
June 17, 2009 1:01 PM
Oh, My Goodness! I so what in with the Sisterhood! Just came across your blog through another blogger friend and I simply adore your blog!~
June 17, 2009 3:47 AM
Yup. Count me in.
June 17, 2009 8:03 PM
Jennifer - *blushes* - thank you so very much....welcome aboard!!
mountainmama - so glad to *meet* you..and you're welcome...enjoy the Ride!! PS. I think you'll find there's always someone around, no matter what pace you choose...
June 17, 2009 11:13 PM
I want to be part of this group! It sounds perfect. My whole blog is about my journey through recovery and I have many moments that fit all of your criteria. I look forward to reading more of them here.
I'm adding a link at my blog, as well.
Peace and love
June 18, 2009 6:13 AM
Hi Mel. Its nice to see the wonderful response you've had to your sisterhood. Just wanted to let you know I dressed up my bike this week with a mirror, pink princess streamers, an old fashioned looking bugle horn and added some glitter stickers to my helmet. I would like to have a flag that says "I AM A GODDESS" sticking up from the back of the seat but haven't been able to find one. Guess I will have design and make my own...I wonder...could there be a market out there for Goddess bike flags?
June 18, 2009 8:58 AM
I've finally posted about this one ~ so sorry it took so long.
Much love & blessings xxx
June 18, 2009 8:37 AM
Oh, my ~ Goddess Bike Flags!! I think I'm going to make one!
June 18, 2009 1:15 PM
Shen and Mama J - so glad to *see* you here...many blessings on your Journeys...
Samantha - I KNOW!! How cool would that be?!?!? Definitely have to go design one...
And no need to apologize -- like I said, I knew you were here...xoxo
June 18, 2009 3:09 PM
I love your blog and the idea of the sisterhood is great. I dont have a bike.....yet, May I please join? If so I will post a link to my blog as well.
June 19, 2009 7:05 AM
neasey12 -of course!! Welcome aboard..no *real* bike required...just the desire to Ride!! Glad to have you along....
June 19, 2009 5:54 PM
oh goddess.. yes count me in!! just gotta work out how to do the picture link on my sidebar and I will be away!
June 22, 2009 6:22 PM
Just read about this from Jenell at "Through the eye of the needle". I am definitely in! The philosophy of the Sisterhood is so in tune with that of my own. I'll definitely be blogging about it sometime this week. Thank you mama!
June 23, 2009 10:03 AM
MamaRose ~
Glad to have you along - many welcomes!
June 23, 2009 6:35 PM
I worked out how to do the link on my sidebar - woohoo! now I am really in!!
June 30, 2009 9:38 AM
OO! County me in please!!!
Many Blessings!
June 30, 2009 12:26 PM
Welcome aboard H.P....glad you could join us!!
July 5, 2009 2:01 PM
hooray! i am here via miss*r and would love to join with 'Evangeline'!
July 5, 2009 12:47 PM
Mel, Mel, where have you been all my life?
I just saw this at Robyn's blog ... I'm late, but sister, I am so IN! (even tho my bike is mint green, it's still funky enough for the fun)
July 5, 2009 3:22 PM
Kavindra - why, I've been there all along!! ;) Welcome to the Ride, dahling!! Now you see why we need those bumper stickers...;)
Solsticedreamer -- glad you popped over from Robyn's...welcome aboard, SO very glad you're here...
July 8, 2009 1:55 PM
Hi, came here via Kavindra, my wrecking sister ;)
I like crazy ideas and I believe in global village, tribes, united souls and SISTERHOOD, so I'm in!
Greetings from Germany, LaWendula
July 8, 2009 8:40 PM
WoooHoooo!! Welcome LaWendula!! Any friend of Kavindra's is surely a friend of ours...*grin* So happy you're joining the fun!!
July 10, 2009 4:51 PM
okay i'm finally here and adding this to my blog. glad no procrastinating isn't on that list. ;)
~Tara
July 13, 2009 8:21 AM
Tara - hello and welcome!! You'll be pleased to know that procrastination is something that many of us EXCEL at!!!
July 14, 2009 6:51 AM
Just what I've been looking for. Definitely count me in ... :0)
Blessings, Shirl xxx
July 21, 2009 8:32 AM
Welcome aboard, IndigoShirl..and you too, Debs!!
So glad you're here...
xx
August 18, 2009 4:08 PM
Sounds just like where I need to be right now. Thank you!
August 18, 2009 5:12 PM
Hello Lisa...and welcome!! Glad you've joined in!
September 11, 2009 10:11 PM
love it...and my first bike really was purple.
September 15, 2009 9:37 PM
I added the pic & link to my blog...so off I go!
September 17, 2009 8:43 AM
Happy to have you aboard, Cypress Sun....what colour is your bike now? Nothing a can of purple spray-paint couldn't alter...*grin*
September 18, 2009 4:10 PM
Oh I absolutely love this. I have grabbed the pic and link and have added to my blog.
Kate
September 20, 2009 1:45 PM
Oh no...I don't have a bike anymore...but I do have a stroller! :)
September 18, 2009 4:33 PM
I came here via a circuitous route from meeting people in another group...and that's the best part about blogging...going from a to b to c. Your sisterhood sounds like something I'm totally ready for...even if I don't ride a bike!! :)
September 20, 2009 6:37 PM
Joyous welcome to Sherry Lee and Kate...happy to have you aboard...
Amy - well, there's no law against painting a stroller...*grin*
September 25, 2009 3:45 PM
I truly LoVe this! Fantastic idea!
October 17, 2009 4:11 PM
Purple, bike, sisterhood has found me yay!
October 22, 2009 12:53 AM
I love this...I have added the picture but have NO idea how to link this back to you...can you help?
October 22, 2009 7:01 AM
happy trails, Carla, Deborah, global mama!! So glad you joined in!!
November 3, 2009 5:43 PM
I want to cycle that purple beauty all the way to the sisterhood! Oh yes indeed!
November 7, 2009 1:45 AM
I got goosebumps and almost shed a tear when I read this, I soooooooo want to ride my bike along with you, no matter how wobbly wheels might feel...
November 7, 2009 11:00 AM
Me too!
Brightest Blessings to all!
November 17, 2009 12:56 PM
I've added the picture to my blog and would love to join the Sisterhood of the Purple Bicycle too. :)
November 24, 2009 7:57 AM
living freely without reservation while riding along beside purple bicycles...such fun & loving your beautiful thought....