Help support P.E.A.C.E.-share this video with your friends, family, and Peace waging organizations!

I am so happy to present this uber compressed video to you. This is my first real editing venture-trying to get experience for the 2008 trip since there will be more video blogging! It’s a shame that my fancy hi-def files wind up looking so pixelated from the compression process, but if you know that jargon and have some advice, PLEASE contact me.

Help me get a lot of clicks!
Enjoy!

I came across this video while researching organizations that might need the donations I raise this summer.

The below video illustrates how our tax dollars could be better spent. I like it because it isn’t an assault on one’s conscience. It’s a short, no nonsense, practical video that offers alternatives to war. Instead of spending our hard earned tax money destroying a country, we can build our country’s infrastructure. People here in America are suffering. What’s freedom in the midst of suffering and hypocrisy, afterall? Check it out:

New to me this year, maybe new to you, but something we can put under our belts-the MBI Awards. MBI is working hard to make sure the motorcycle industry is serving the rider’s.
You get to cast your vote for various categories: favorite manufacturer, motorcycle, scooter, and more at the Motorcycle Bloggers International Riders Choice Awards web site. Voting is an honest, no-holds-barred expression-topics range from “Object of lust,” to “What were they thinking?”

Although the site is mostly motorcycle oriented, there are a few scooters and scooter companies mentioned. I was disappointed that the Genuine Scooter Company did not receive a nod of honor. Next year I will be casting votes for them and so will you. C’mon, the Buddy125cc is the sizzling new scooter-with a lock on performance and presentation. Philip Mccaleb works hard to keep “America’s Smallest Scooter Company,” making big waves in the scooter community.

None of my favorite scooterists were up for blog awards-although the deserving Crystal Waters was nominated. I did read through the sites of the, “Women rider booster of the year,” and found them all really interesting. I decided to ask Lois, of Lois is on the Loose, for an interview. Stay tuned for that piece, she quickly answered my questions-must be one determined lady.

After finding my way to MBI through Crystal’s website, I decided to apply for membership and am now a happy member of this cool online blog community. Which means I’m hoping for some votes next year….wink…wink……

This summer I will complete “The Missing Peace,” which is a 8,000 mile ride to complete an 19,000 mile Peace sign on the U.S. map. This symbol directly acknowledges that however different the climate and culture in America, our future is interconnected and we create the change we wish to see in the world. Last summer I rode 11,000 miles on a 125CC scooter to complete most of it.

I believe the ability to express meaning through language is a powerful tool and that progress is made when dialog, empathy and insights are cultivated and exchanged within a society. It is obvious that our nation is hungry for change. This change occurs at a social level and moves upward. Change only becomes entrenched in our government policy when we, THE PEOPLE, believe and take responsibility for these beliefs. I believe that while political leaders have worked hard to consciously create a divide among the people, even those working at a grassroots level, it is only the people who can consciously chose to be divided. I have seen almost every person I ask struggle with defining Peace. Before we can achieve real Peace, lasting justice, in the world, we must consciously explore, define and share our vision of what we believe Peace is. Then we must create that vision

As I travel the many miles along this route, I interview people and ask these three questions; “What does Peace mean to you?,” “How do you define it?” and “How would you teach it to your children?” By asking important questions, listening to thousands of people, and sharing the responses through my website, www.peacescooter.com, I am generating awareness that Peace is possible. “The Missing Peace,” is an activists exhibition showing that through principles of non violence and compassion, we can have challenging conversations with our fellow Americans. It is also an activist’s Peace ride in service of her country; encouraging us that these times call for direct action.

I need your support this summer. It is my hope to reach many people and accomplish the most good. I will be leaving Washington D.C. on May 1, 2008 and ending back there in August 2008. Along the way I will need places to stay, food, and gasoline-although at 90mpg, gas goes a long way. However, my deepest hope is for a Critical Mass around the country, that through organizing in the cities I visit, our voices will be represented in solidarity. Your help is needed in promoting P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER, The Missing Peace-a button can be placed on your website, a link to my website, notify your contacts and help with donations. I want to reach as many people and do as much good as possible-your support is key.

The final mile will create this:

And I hope to meet you along the way!
Peace and Respect
Alix Bryan

Wow, I LOVE this picture. I’m thinking this lady, Jenn Babbcock of Wisconsin, has found the ONE dress I MIGHT possibly wear! Ooh, she’s has such a timeless look too, one that never goes out of style. I wouldn’t know what era this was from without the Obama cues. Obama needs to give this lady a regular campaign appearance slot! It looks as though she could leap from buildings, raise bake sale money, lead the PTA and wrastle Hilary Clinton-all before noon and without breaking a sweat!

Thanks to Pete, an independent reporter from Racine, WI for this picture!

Hey y’all. You know I’ve got the Peace fire lit under me, but this week the fire has been inside-as I fight against a horrible flu.

When not shuffling and hacking my way over to work, I’ve been in bed-thinking, thinking.
I need your help, people.

Please suggest Peace organizations for me to research. The rest of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER, aka “The Missing Peace,” will be completed this spring/summer. Along the way, I’m going to fundraise for a worthy Peace waging, progressive nonprofit.

At the forefront right now is the U.S. Department of Peace, http://www.thepeacealliance.org/

The lines are open………..

I sent this letter out to many people and realized there are readers who might not be on the mailing list, so here it is:

The observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and legacy was a day of reflection for me. I thought of the time on my journey when I spent my birthday in Selma, AL. Particularly, about my walk across the Edmund Pettus bridge and the letter I wrote our President from the s teps of the Brown A.M.E. Church. I also thought about the time I spent with all of you and how my life has been nourished by many strangers and the overall experience of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER. So many wonderful people came into my life and confirmed that we share a similar dream of liberation.

A warm bow for your presence here, and your role,whether relative or direct, which contributes to my transformational journey. Back home after finishing a 12 week ride for Peace, I’ve had some time to heal, to reflect and to give thanks for the beauty I discovered and created in the world. So many people in my life have given me the inspiration to delve deeply into my own pursuits and also to appreciate the interconnectivity in our world. One can learn a lot from making a 11,000 mile epic ride, on a little scooter. For now, the most important thing to emphasize is the grace I felt always, each day, while witnessing the convergence of many teachings/beliefs and the reliance on them to surpass obstacles. It wasn’t easy, and I think about that now that the miles are mostly behind me.

On one hand, it seems like time is inching past in comparison to my time on the road, but on the other hand it seems I have barely had time to catch my breath and maintain responsibilities at home/work. Before I know it, another month has passed without extending my gratitude to each of you. I came to you empty-handed and left with my heart full of gratitude.

You offered me your homes, your scooter repair services, and your time. You gave me laughs, your advice, your blessings, and your donations. You shared with me cups of coffee, your definitions of Peace, and your vision for our future. In so many ways, you inspired and encouraged me to keep going. This month, as I compiled the statistics from P.E.A.C.E Scooter 2007, I was overwhelmed by how many blessings I received in 11,198 miles and 85 days. I am especially thankful to Philip McCaleb and Genuine Scooter Company for fully supporting the ride, bringing me in touch with the scooter community and helping raise awareness about Peace.

I will ride again this summer to finish the “Missing Peace”. P.E.A.C.E Scooter 2008 will consist of a approximately 1,500 miles from Washington, DC to Fargo, ND, with more emphasis on video blogging- PeaceTV. The following passage, by MLK, represents the compass that leads me again into service, uniting with others in our nation, our global community, as we work together tirelessly for Peace.
“During these days of human travail we must encourage creative dissenters…As they spread the propaganda of war, we must spread the propaganda of Peace…We must demonstrate, teach, and preach, until the very foundations of our nation are shaken…I have tried to be honest. To be honest is to confront the truth. However unpleasant and incovenient the truth may be, I believe we must expose and face it if we are to achieve a better quality of American life.”

It is obvious there is a confluence of people already embodying the change that is beginning to be demanded from those in power. There is no better time to continue working for peace (peacing) zealously, and I do hope you will work with me!

Thank you for the support you have given. Speak Your Peace has developed from the Peace ride, it is a social art project to host One Billion words of Peace through my website. Cruising through the magical terrain of Joshua Tree National Park, I realized that it was the words of John Lennon, “If a billion people were thinking about Peace, there would be Peace in our world,” which first inspired the Peace Ride, so it seems only fitting to seek One Billion Peace Definitions. Crazy? Maybe, but the Iraq War budget nears One Trillion.

I’m determined to generate income through my art; it is a worth pursuit for everyone to experience an intersection between their passion and income. For now, I’m working hard, though enjoyably, as a barista back home in Charlottesville, VA. In my spare time I’ve been doing some video editing of last summer’s footage and so I created a youtube account where you can not just view those entries, but ADD YOUR OWN. Perhaps your Peace definition video will make it into the documentary I am creating.

Please keep in touch and contribute your words of Peace, but most of all : envision Peace and enjoy your time. Everyday.

With Gratitude and Respect, and pointing TWO fingers, not one,
Alix “Peace Scootergirl” Bryan
Charlottesville, VA

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us walk together…” Australian Aboriginal Activist Group, 1970s

*****VIDEO AT BOTTOM*****

July 15, 2007 was an exciting day, I shot up out of bed and gleefully donned my riding gear. Good ol’ Southern thermostat registered in at 91 degrees. Checking my tire pressure and adding air in full gear provoked some dramatic cussing under the helmet. Even us “peacers” have their moments.

116 miles stretched ahead on a perfectly sunny day. This was it. The kick off day for P.E.A.C.E, after 45 days of intense planning, gears were switching. Now it was time to learn how to ride.

232 miles round trip-my longest ride yet. Before that-120-but on a little 50c-and only to train for P.EA.C.E SCOOTER. Most of the drive to D.C. winds through rural areas. I had just long enough to smell the flowers, ogle the landscape and revel in the adventure ahead. Then, after passing several Civil War battlefields, traffic began dumping onto the road, and then the road dumped into what way to closely resembled a interstate.

In those days, I was a jittery rider. Not just because of my inexperience riding 4 inches above the ground on 12 inch wheels, but the nature of my ride. Riding alone. Riding 11,000 miles. Riding for Peace. Quite possibly, riding off to do the most brazen jackass thing of my life-with the idea I could serve my country. A tour of Peace. Yea. That and the four shots of espresso had me jittery.

Scooting into the nation’s Capitol, I thought about the people who fill its streets with a call for justice; those who fill its halls with injustice; those who visit in awe; those who just live there in a glaring state of poverty. I felt a rush while navigating the streets of D.C. At least if I was hit by a car on the way home- the journey had been brought from seed to stalk. A rush because I hoped this idea would reach many people around the world. A rush because P.E.A.C.E Scooter felt like the most genuine, direct action I could make as an extension of my personal beliefs- walking my talk.

I navigated the obnoxious streets of D.C. to meet Denise, at the Busboys and Poets Cafe. Denise had contacted me via Crystal Waters. Crystal, ever thoughtful and ever responsive, had posted an announcement on scooter boards to rally up support. I wasn’t disappointed that no one showed up for a ride. Well, not that disappointed. Denise had agreed to meet me and I had decided that the departure date was not about ME, not about the long RIDE, but about the CAUSE. The intention was simply to leave behind the corruption and confusion generated in D.C. Politics and reach the people around America. To ask them to say what they really want for our future. To encourage them to speak it, demand it and practice it. No wonder it felt weird to be in D.C.-in a sense I was working through feelings of futility-distrust and disappointment in my nations government.

Some of those general ideas came up over a cup of coffee with Denise. She was so enthusiastic, so smart and kind. I don’t think she agreed or understand some of the points I made, but it was really exciting to meet her. I was expressing that certain anti-war organizations seem to pandering to the left and working for Peace, while in actuality they are doing little to bring solidarity to the movement-which results in strengthening the right, the conservatives. And to me, its the worse kind of “slight of hand,” magic trick.

Anyhow, she’s a lawyer, and gave me some good advice and also did an interview for the documentary. Now, she would have been the first on film, but the opportunity to interview Samuel, a random “peacer”, arose unexpectedly. Denise did offer her house for the night (thanks) but I had no arrangements set up for Marco Polo, so we went our separate ways and I haven’t heard from her since. I ran into intense rain after stopping by the President’s office on Constitution Street. It felt like a baptism though and I was beaming through it all. While stopped and eating samosas until the lighting passed, I created the helmet face out of reflective tape………………………..So, the rest of the story is to be continued at another time……………..

For now, enjoy the UBER COMPRESSED, uber pixelated video I put on youtube. It was filmed in High Def and the files are just too big to really use youtube. Love ya. P.S. The video features orange as a tribute to Denise, she drives the Sunset Buddy.

Above is the picture that I sent in as today’s contribution to One Million Peace Signs- a blogspot where you should definitely RUN FAST to contribute your peace photos. I noticed that a soldier left his definition of Peace on the website last night, for which I am very honored and appreciative.

“How do I define peace? When guys like me, who willfully put themselves into harm’s way through military action, are no longer needed.”

And I say-Soldiers, please come home. You are missed and thank you for your service.

I also want to leave you with a couple of quotes, not to dishonor any soldier for their choice, but to discuss how we might plant our feet firmly on the path to Peace. And I don’t think it’s by going to war.

Another thing thats been running through my head since I became a full fledged “Peacer” is a response to, “Is Peace possible?” And I think, wow, there is Peace SO MANY places that I look. Peace is happening. I think a better question might be, “Why doesn’t our government, our chosen world leaders, make decisions that improve the world without war?” Or, “Why, in this day and age, is our government keeping us from global Peace?”  “Whose interest does it serve to go to war?”

IT IS OBTAINABLE PEOPLE!

If I am brutal, and you use brutal methods to overcome me, you become brutal just like me.

-Krishnamarti

 

There is nothing that war has ever achieved that we could not better achieve without it.

-Havelock Ellis

 

All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions.

-Adlai Stevenson

 

There is no such thing as defeat in non-violence.

-Cesar Chavez

If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.

-Anita Koddick

 

It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.

-Voltaire

 

As long as war is regarded as wicked, it will always have its fascination. When it is looked upon as vulgar, it will cease to be popular.

-Oscar Wilde

 

It’s not the monuments that teach us history. It’s the ruins.

-Carl Hammarén

 

You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.

Albert Einstein

 

Someday they’ll give a war and nobody will come.

Carl Sandburg

 

War does not determine who is right — only who is left.

Bertrand Russell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a hip gentleman known as The Beach Blogger who makes me realize that a message can be left anywhere, anytime, anyplace, anyHOW. It is just important to get the message out; to be the change you wish to see in the world. I caught up with this “Peacer” through One Million Peace Signs, a project that if you don’t know about, you better RUN FAST to visit and leave your peace photos.

Anyhow, I was up in Maine last week and didn’t ever get around to making a snowman. BUT, I did make my first “snowblog.” Daphne shot the video, and I edited 8 minutes of footage into this little clip. YEA!

Ohhhhhh. I’m so excited to share this article with you. It came to me in response to a question I proposed. The question: “What do you think about Obama and Clinton sharing a ticket?”I read the email, I read the following article and then I realized I’m tottering dangerously on a see-saw of my own complacency and maximum discontent.

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THIS:

Do the Democrats offer real change?   
Friday, January 18, 2008
By: Richard Becker

Not for workers and oppressed people. “Change” has become the buzzword of the seemingly endless 2008 presidential primary election campaign, especially among the Democrats.Having been historically locked out of positions of political authority, the African American community, women and all those who are sick and tired of the existing racist and sexist status quo will be excited about the prospect of having an African American or woman as president.

This is an important subtext of the 2008 presidential campaign.
George W. Bush and the right-wing Republicans are also aware of this phenomenon. This was the basis for the selection of Colin Powell as secretary of state and Condoleezza Rice as national security advisor in Bush’s first term, and the selection of Rice as secretary of state in Bush’s second term.

The Bush administration always asserted that it had more representation from women and the African American community than any previous administration. But the record proves that the nationality or gender of officials does not determine their policy. For working people, the imperialist and pro-corporate orientation of the Bush administration was most decisive.

Now, frontrunners Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards each are seeking to represent themselves as new and different, a departure from the status quo. The reason for this is clear: The candidates and their pollsters have discovered the reality that tens of millions of people in the United States are fed up with the way things are going.

With the Republican candidates offering nothing but more of the same pro-rich, pro-war policies, many are placing their hopes on the Democrats to improve conditions for workers and to end the war on Iraq. The Democrats are also beholden to U.S. corporate interests.When it comes to foreign policy, the candidates’ records are even more revealing.

A glance at the foreign policy teams assembled by Clinton, Obama and Edwards indicates anything but “change.”

Hillary Clinton’s top advisors include Madeleine Albright, President Bill Clinton’s second-term secretary of state, and Samuel Berger, his national security advisor. Albright and Berger were involved centrally in maintaining the genocidal sanctions that killed more than one million Iraqis from 1990 to 2003. They also played key roles in the 1999 U.S.-NATO war against Yugoslavia. So, too, did Gen. Wesley Clark, another Hillary Clinton advisor. Clark was the chief military commander in the 1999 war.Martin Indyk, architect of the “dual containment” policy against both Iran and Iraq in the first Clinton administration is part of Hillary’s team. In U.S. foreign policy circles “containment” has been a code word for “destruction” for more than 60 years.Along with the better-known names, Clinton has a gaggle of former military officers advising her.

Barack Obama’s advisors include such infamous characters as Zbigniew Brzezinski, President Jimmy Carter’s national security advisor and architect of the counterrevolutionary war against Afghanistan. Brzezinski described the U.S. machinations: “That secret operation was an excellent idea. It had the effect of drawing the Russians into the Afghan trap. … The day that the Soviets officially crossed the border, I wrote to President Carter: We now have the opportunity of giving the USSR its Vietnam War.” (La Nouvelle Observateur, Jan. 15-21, 1998)Also on the Obama team is Richard Clarke, “counter-terrorism czar” for both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and Dennis Ross, Clinton’s Middle East negotiator and now a fellow at the pro-Israeli Washington Institute for Near East Policy.Other top State Department officials from the Clinton administration working with Obama include Susan Rice and Sarah Sewall, both of whom are leading voices calling for U.S. intervention in Sudan.The foreign policy group of John Edwards includes fewer luminaries, but boasts of heavy Pentagon influence. Of Edwards’ 11 listed advisors, seven are former generals or admirals.

Not going to stop the war

One of the biggest issues in the campaign is the war in Iraq, which is opposed by more than 70 percent of the U.S. population according to public opinion polls. Correspondingly, all the Democratic candidates pay lip service to ending the war. In a fall 2007 campaign debate, however, their real positions were revealed.

Clinton, Obama and Edwards all refused to guarantee that they would remove all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of the next presidential term—2013.Why? The imperialist ruling class, as the leading Democrats and Republicans are well aware, has no intention of leaving Iraq. The largest embassy ever built in any country is now under construction in Baghdad. Fourteen permanent U.S. military bases are being built in Iraq.

Iraq is viewed by U.S. leaders as an incredibly valuable prize that they have conquered, and a key element in their strategy of global domination. They will not leave until they are forced out.On the one hand, they must appeal to majority sentiment by rhetorically calling for an end to the war. On the other hand, they must assure the ruling class that they will be trustworthy protectors of U.S. capitalism’s vital interests in the Middle East. Only dutiful managers for the capitalists can become presidents.

Not a ‘party of the people’   
The same concept is applied to all major issues in every election campaign. The Republicans openly represent the big money interests, while the Democrats pose as the “party of the people.” But it is all a scam, an exercise in dishonesty and deception.

At the leadership level, both the Democrats and Republicans represent the ruling rich. Both represent the interest of empire.

Corporate America fully appreciates that fact.
A 2007 study by the Center for Responsive Politics revealed that the top 10 corporate campaign contributors are giving more money to Democrats than Republicans. Goldman Sachs, a major Wall Street firm, donated 71 percent of its money this year to the Democrats.

Among Hillary Clinton’s top 20 contributors are Citigroup, Viacom, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Ken Starr’s former law firm Kirkland & Ellis, and major subprime lender Bear Stearns.

Obama’s list includes Goldman Sachs and Lehman brothers. Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi gets 62.5 percent of her money from business Political Action Committees.

Throughout history, it has not been the government that has created the political climate for major social changes.

From the labor movement to the women’s movement, to the civil rights and Black liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s, substantial gains have been won by struggles from below. The mass movements created a situation in which many politicians were forced to grant concessions to alleviate social pressure.This is especially true of the Vietnam War—which was largely prosecuted by Democratic presidents. Real hope for the working class lies in building a powerful people’s movement—independent of the capitalist parties—that demands social change at home and stands in solidarity with those who are resisting imperialism abroad.

-Articles can be reprinted with credit to the Party for Socialism and Liberation–

July 28, 2007 Montgomery, AL
Oh, it was hot, deep into the summer, in the Deep South. The historic soil of Alabama, where revolutions were started in 15 minutes, revolutions that challenged centuries of oppression. Thats about the time for it all to go down, from Rosa Parks boarding the bus until the cops escorted her to jail. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, a revolution shaped from prayers, justice, community, and fearlessness not guns. Only 15 minutes for those 600 marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge for Voting Rights to be bloodily beaten by cops, firemen, and the KKK.

Now, the idea that, “We shall overcome,” is one made in a second, and once experienced, one that perpetually propels the spirit towards it goal. Traveling through the hot, Deep South and visiting these historical landmarks helped me touch upon the faith that fueled so many revolutions. The key, I speculated, was the governing ideology, “WE shall overcome,”, UNITY. Now is the time that most Americans have a common bond, a necessary component to fueling successful change; the Civil Rights Movement victory affected not just African-Americans, though it was shaped by their community. Most Americans, at the basic level, want JUSTICE. Because I believe the first surrender comes in thinking revolutions are made by other people, I ask “What does Peace mean to you?” Had Rosa Parks sat quietly in her seat, the next 15 minutes would have been relatively uneventful. Had Ghandi not walked with protestors into the billyclubs of Englishmen, nor King into the billyclubs of our own state/local lawmen, the next 15 minutes would have a different outcome. Clearly, at every given moment, a human can act deliberately, with consciousness towards improving our lot. Do I think this is easy? No. Possible? Yes.

Possible with education; possible through deprogramming yourself; possible through questioning authority; possible through compassion and will to better your lot and others. The Rosa Parks museum was a neat experience, although, like much of Montgomery, has been littered with corporate homogenization. While standing in the beautiful atrium watching a large group of jovial kids, I realized how important it is to hear the voices of our future. Turns out the kids are from Baton Rouge, and they were there on a leadership conference. For this I am thankful, they will make great leaders. I received permission from their group leader to interview them and the kids just flocked towards the camera. I was so impressed with their politeness and their grasp on what Peace means to them.

Without further ado, the Voices of Our Future:

July 15, 2007 I scooted on up to the White House, GWB’s place of business. There I met Denise, who bought me a cup of coffee, and Samuel, who below, offered his definition of Peace. There was symbolism to the departure date, it was in tribute to Jimmy Carter’s “Crisis in Confidence,” speech, an amazing read. Frustrated with our own leadership, and that has a double meaning, the launch from D.C. was not publicized. The trip was meant to celebrate the depth of American experience, to take the sacred idea of Peace away from the capitol and to the people.

Oh, check out the new youtube group at http://www.youtube.com/group/speakyourpeace
This way your voice can be heard. Have some fun, shoot a little video on what Peace means to you and donate it to the Speak YOUR Peace documentary! Shifts happen!

WOO HOO! Here is the first video footage made available, weighing in at 4:08 minutes. Can’t wait to put more up and have more people offer their words. Wow! We are doing it over here, however slowly, it’s happening.

The star of this one is Matthew, from Maui, an Inspirate as he calls himself and others in his improv comedy troupe. The question he is answering, using random prompts, is, “How do you define Peace?” This is an improv game him and the sunshine posse enjoy playing as a way to explore conscious thought. The player has to reply using the letter prompts in a sentence. Make sense? Watch closely, you’ll get it!

I met him at Earth Dance 2007, in Laytonville, CA, a friend of a friend. I played that game, for hours, on the Whale Bus. The whole group was so energizing and fun to be around, living completely in the present.

Without further ado:

Writing you from Maine! Woke up and while the coffee was brewing, I started playing with fruit and eggs. The best thing was when the kids trudged in and helped complete the art piece.

Ironically and SADLY, the day Dennis Kucinich announced his exit from the Presidential race, a card arrived in the mail from PJ Chmiel.

The card was an absolute testimony to both Kucinich and Chmiel’s greatness. Not to be irritatingly verbose but the art, theme, and words were really impressive. PJ designed a grassroots card with suggestions towards everyday actions we can make to foster change. Very cool. Thanks PJ

One question I propose to people is “How do you teach Peace to your children?”

This question seems to help when people are stumped as how to define Peace-that’s the other question I ask people all the time….

So, juices flowing? Please, contribute your thoughts-How do you teach Peace to children?

At work this week they started a new “Quote of the Day” board. So far, these three have been submitted by baristas. There are seven of us, one a week.

“Be careful about political jokes. They might just get elected.” Will Rogers

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King. Jr

“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, You would never think a negative thought. ” Peace Pilgrim

*photo taken July 27, 2007, in Atlanta, GA

In honor of a man who shared with his dream of liberation with the world, and whose legacy still nourishes the ideas of justice and freedom. Today all the Presidential candidates offered their respects, and oh do I pray that they begin to embody the truth he represented. Thing is, I dont’ want to HOPE to get a President like him, rather, that esteemed office shouldn’t be led any other way. Below, a passage from a book I picked up when visiting MLK JR’s tombstone. Peace.

“It is time for all people of conscience to call upon America to return to her true home of brotherhood and peaceful pursuits. We cannot remain silent as our nation engages in one of history’s most cruel and senseless wars. During these days of human travail we must encourage creative dissenters. We need them because the thunder of their fearless voices will be the only sound stronger than the bast of bombs and the clamor of war hysteria.
Those of us who love Peace must organize as effectively as the war hawks. As they spread the propaganda of war, we must spread the propaganda of Peace. We must combine the fervor of the civil right movement with the Peace movement. We must demonstrate, teach, and preach, until the very foundations of our nation are shaken. We must work unceasingly to lift this nation that we love to a higher destiny, to a new plateau of compassion, to a more noble expression of humaness.
I have tried to be honest. To be honest is to confront the truth. However unpleasant and incovenient the truth may be, I believe we must expose and face it if we are to achieve a better quality of American life.”

The places, characters and events that I experienced last summer were so significant that it seemed only right to compile a brief list about ‘em. Enjoy! Don’t see something you want to know? Email me. Cheers!

Key Dates:

• May 29 Decide to do P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER, with no experience or money
• June 14 First conversation with Philip McCaleb, owner of Genuine Scooter Company
• June 21 Philip surprises me by saying that Genuine/Scooterworks will offer full support. I promptly freak out
• July 6 Pick Up Scooter from Scoot Richmond
• July 15 Engines start in D.C. Drive to C-ville, then leave for good on 19th, after confusion over who was dog sitting
• July 31 Reach New Orleans, FIRST PART OF PEACE SIGN is complete
• August 5 Shreveport, LA : same circle of latitude as Iraq
• August 12 Reach the bellybutton of the Peace sign, Salina, KS. SECOND PART complete
• August 13 MEMORIAL FOR DECEASED U.S. SOLDIERS, 3,690
• August 16 4 weeks on road
• August 17 Reach Fargo, THIRD PART COMPLETE. Mileage, 4, 292
• August 23 Cross Continental Divide, elevation 9,000 ft. Finally reach Missoula, MT
• August 24 Meet my partner in Peace. *smiles*
• August 30 Reach Seattle, FOURTH PART COMPLETE. Mileage, 6,200
• September 13 8 Weeks on road
• September 27 FIFTH PART complete. Leave CA after 2.5 weeks!
• October 1 First Time I saw the Grand Canyon
• October 9 Reach Salina, KS, 2nd time. SIXTH PART complete
• October 11 12 Weeks on road
• October 13/AM FINISH. SEVENTH PART COMPLETED IN Crawford, TX
• October 13/PM BEGIN relaxing, in Austin, TX. Homeward bound 2days later.

BASIC STATS:

• 87 days on the road
• Total Distance: 11,198 miles (D.C. to Crawford, TX)
• Gas Expenses: $388 dollars
• Avg. Daily Distance: 203 miles
• Avg. Weekly Distance: 1,000 miles
• Busiest Month: August, 3,600 miles, from New Orleans to Seattle, WA
• Days off: 27 *some unexpected, some pleasant interceptions*
• Longest Drive: 380 miles, Bottineau, ND to Circle, MT
• Shortest Drive: 43.1 miles Palm Springs,CA to Joshua Tree, CA
• Coldest Drive: Pacific Highway 101-Lincoln City, OR to Port Orford, OR. Windy sea breeze, shivering and damp all day.
• Most Complicated Drive: Mobile, AL to NOLA only 116 miles.
• Windiest Drive: Had to drive on shoulder at times, Santa Fe to La Junta, CO. 40mph gusts, from the South.
• Most Irritating Drive: Old Hwy 66 from L.A. to Palm Springs, due to smog/traffic
• Lowest Altitude: 20ft. elevation New Orleans
• Highest Altitude: Taos, NM 7,090ft. elev.
• Highest Crossing: Roger’s Pass, past Continental Divide, close to 9,000ft.
• Hottest Day: 105,Salina, KS to Nebraska, Aug 12
• Coolest Day: 48 deg., Oregon Coast, Sept 10
• State in the Longest: (bliss!) California, 9/11-9/28, 1, 700 miles
  
• State in the shortest: (fear)Texas, first time, 14.2 miles, near TexArkLa
• Number of states I went through: 21 states
• Flat tire: 1
• Tire change: 1, back tire, at 6,000 miles
• Breakdown: 1
• Number of Bridges Crossed: 6 at least
• Longest Bridge: Oakland Bay Bridge
• Times I fell off scooter: 1
• Minutes it took to pack up when I started trip: 20-25
• By the end: 5

Where did I sleep?

• Friends/Omegans: 24 nights
• Scooterists: 12 nights
• Hotels: 33
• Average Hotel Price, on East Coast. $60
• Everywhere else: $15-40
• Free Hotels: 10
• Hostels: 2
• Camping: 6
• Offers from strangers that I couldn’t coordinate: LOTS!
• Random note: Visited the place Terry Nichols lived and the monument in Oklahoma City

My take on the hotel situation. Hmm, more than I had planned, definitely and what cost the most, fer sure. Many nights it rained, many nights it was HOT and many nights I wanted to blog. Most of the time I didn’t throw my stuff in a ditch and camp because I didn’t want to worry if I was safe. If I did it again-I would secure more places to stay before leaving, or www.couchsurfing.com.

Other Long Distance Scooterists that I met
Marke from OKC (8,000 miles) and Mike from NOHO (all the way up to ALASKA!)

• Number of Peace Definitions left on website: 94
  Number recorded (tape, writing): about 20
  Number left to reach a billion: 199,000,886
  Number of Peace Postcards distributed: 1,600
  Number left now: 6
• People who came out to ride: 33 (two motorcyclists)
• People who wanted to and we couldn’t hook up: Holy Crow, too many to count!
  People on the road also on Cross Country trips, on motorcycles: 3
• Miles driven with others: About 700
  Miles driven alone: 10, 497
  Donations from Strangers: 42
  Donations from Friends, some twice: 17
  Total donated through PayPal/Mail/Face to Face: around 2,000
  Anonymous donor: 1,500
  My loan: 6,000. Yes, I am in debt. You can still donate! Every bit helps!
• Trip cost about $1 a mile, rounding up

*bit more expensive because of start up cost. Jacket, boots, saddlebags, helmet, gloves, fancy camcorder, tent, riding pants, external hard drive for video footage. Consider that advance planning could make it much more affordable. More time to work some deals.
BEST IN SHOW/TRIVIA/SALUTES

• Magazine that did numerous kind things for me: Scoot! Magazine
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT MANAGED TO FIRST GET THE PRESS OUT and who can (seemingly) drink the most beer: ATOMIC BROWN
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT THREW THE BIGGEST, BESTEST PARTY: Urban Modo, Austin, TX
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT DID MY SECOND OIL CHANGE and PUT ON THE PLATES: Twist and Go
• SCOOTER SHOP WITH SERIOUS STREET CRED and BEST LOGO: Centaur Cycles in Santa Fe, NM
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT WAS OWNER TO THE HIPPEST SCOOTER: Scooter King/Vespa Portland
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT HOSTED MY FIRST RALLY: Vespa Santa Barbara
• SCOOTER SHOP STUCK HOSTING (graciously) ME AND MY VISITING FRIEND: Scooterville, MT
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT TOOK ME TO A PEACE PARTY: Scooterville, MT
• SCOOTER SHOPS WHERE I THINK I HAD AN IMPACT IN THE BUDDY SALES: Scooterville, MT and NOHO Scooters (those people wrote to me)
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT GAVE ME NUMEROUS PROTEIN SHAKES B/C I LOOKED LIKE TOTAL CRAP: Scheel’s All Sport in Fargo, ND
• SCOOTER SHOP with a FERRIS WHEEL INSIDE: Scheel’s All Sport, Fargo, ND
• SCOOTER SHOP WITH THE BEST MEMORABILIA AND TOTAL COOL ALL AROUND: NOHO Scooters
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT I JUST RAN INTO SAY HI AND THEY HELPED CASH A CHECK: Coos Bay, OR
• SCOOTER SHOPs that BOTH DONATED $100: Scoot Richmond and Vespa Portland
• SCOOTER SHOP that offered me a bit of everything while there and good sense of humor: Tulsa, OK
• SCOOTER SHOP that really isn’t a scooter shop that did towed me and did a major repair, while busting my chops: Circle, MT
• SCOOTER SHOP not affiliated with Genuine that gave me a free plug in the flat tire: Conti’s in Wanatachee, WA
• SCOOTER SHOP where most employees ride Ducati’s but sell Buddy’s, and threw down the red carpet: Ducati Seattle
• SCOOTER SHOP that had the most bizarre sleeping arrangement: Well Necessities, also a sleep apnea clinic (and scooter showroom) Shreveport, LA
• SCOOTER SHOP THAT I SPENT THE LEAST AMOUNT OF TIME IN AND WISH I HAD STAYED LONGER: Encore Performace, Prescott, AZ
• SCOOTER SHOP that received the scooter twice, via shipping- patiently dealt with it, while being totally stylish, oh and kicking me their awesome Corazzo jacket: Scoot Richmond
• SCOOTER SHOP with the all around best showroom (that I visited): Scoot Richmond
• SCOOTER SHOP where I felt like I had the most in common with the owners: Atomic Brown (Coffee, Beer, Buddhism) or Centaur Cycles (they are my heroes)
• SCOOTER SHOP that gave me the best tshirt: Vespa New Orleans “Transportation Revolution“
• SCOOTER SHOPS THAT MADE MY DAYS BETTER: ALL OF THEM!
• Scooterists with websites that were mad helpful: Crystal Waters-www.girlbike.com. Steve Guzman-www.thescooterscoop.blogspot.com. Ellen and crew over at www.scooterdiva.com
• Place with coolest promo item (we all know, right?), BEST JACKETS and fun shop games: Corazzo
  
• Scooter Forum that connected me with lots of people, brought the most traffic and makes good reading: www.modernbuddy.com
• Scooterist of gallant proportions who organized huge end of scoot event: Steve Guzman
• Expensive Gadget used the least: GPS
• Thing I was happiest to have packed as an afterthought: Camelbak
• Top three things that made trip easier: RevPacks, Cowl Protector/Front Rack
• Number of people seen more than once, in different states: 4
• Times I ran out of gas: 3. State I ran out of gas the most: Kansas, 2x
• Biker Bars I went to: 2
• Tshirts gifted to me: 11
• Best book given: The Alchemist
• Number of Festivals attended: 2, Bumbershoot and Earthdance
• Favorite New Performer: My Brightest Diamond
• Dried Beans I went through: Big ol’ sack
• Times I aprox. used stove for making breakfast and coffee: 19
• Patches:10
• Stickers: 31
• Favorite gift: Peace Sign Scooter Seat Cover from Crystal Waters
• Number of sunglasses given: 3
• Number of headphones went through: 3
• Free Haircuts: 3
• Number of gems/stones received: 3
• First person to buy me a cup of coffee: Denise in D.C.
• Last person to buy me a cup of coffee:Steve Guzman
• Fellow Espresso Affcionado: Chuck Pefley, WA
• Autographs signed: 17
• Press Accounts : 19, including one movie interview
• Worst One Written: CNN
• Number of mean comments on website before CNN video: 3
• After CNN video: 7
• Coolest Natural Monument: Joshua Tree National Forest
• Prettiest Drives: New Mexico, Blue Ridge Parkway, 89/89A through Arizona, Highway 1 down CA coast, Highways 2/200 through Montana, Idaho and Washington
• Freakiest Gas Station Experience: North Dakota, near Greenfield. Ugh.
• FANCIEST HOTEL WITH THE COOLEST STAFF: Hotel Donaldson
• FUNKIEST HOTEL WITH THE COOLEST STAFF: Joshua Tree Inn
• STATE THAT TOTALLY SURPRISED ME BY BEING VERY COOL/CULTURAL: Oklahoma
• Motel most similar to Hotel California: PORT ORFORD in Oregon
• GROUNDSCOREs: 1 (40 dollars)
• Best Places with great live music: NOLA, Seattle, Portland
• Best Place to meet fun people while hanging outside the bars: Missoula, MT
• Best Camping Spot: Humboldt County Redwoods
• Nicest Scooterist I met on the road: Bobo
• Scooterist I had a crush on: He worked at Vespa Portland.
• Coolest Random Thing: Someone gives me an Ice Cream Man sticker in Seattle. 5 days later, I meet him on my way to yoga, in Portland
• Favorite Coffee Shops: Butterfly Herbs, Missoula. Cherry Street, Tulsa. Vivace, Seattle. The Ugly Mug, Soquel, CA
• Best Sandwich: Falafel joint near NOHO Scooters
• State that I had never been: North Dakota
• Surprising number of people I stay in touch with who I met through www.zaadz.com: 6
• FAVORITE SMALL TOWN: Ukiah, CA (15,497)
• FAVORITE MIDDLE TOWN: Santa Fe, NM (63,000) or Missoula, MT (61,790)
• FAVORITE IN BETWEEN TOWN AND CITY: Tulsa, OK (382,872)
• FAVORITE CITY: Austin, TX (657,000+)
• City that threw down the red carpet, made me blush a bit from generosity: Seattle
• Irate Drunken felon who ridiculed the cause: 1, in Palm Springs

FREQUENTLY ASKED:
You rode that here? From there?
Does your butt hurt?
How fast can you go?
Do you have a support vehicle?
Don’t you feel scared? Or lonely?
How else are we going to keep “them” from coming over here and bombing us?
Really strange question: Wanna race for pinks? “Your Buddy against my Qlink”

Towns I came close to and just missed: Climax, KS
Places that I am now beyond: Hope, KS and Hope, ID

Ok, as of midnight, January 21, 2008, this is the list. If you think of anything you would like to see there, send me an email.

Thank you everyone who helped make the trip eventful and possible. YAY!

*photo courtesy of http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/bbq/archives/offbeat_bbq/

Past coupla days the theme here has been activities involving the formation of a Peace sign- er, in Wisconsin. Well, just 114 miles down the road from Racine, WI, in Madison, you are invited to the “Grill’n for Peace.” I think Tom Barry, founder, artist and obvious Peacenik is a top notch man. Far as I’m concerned, this is a brilliant event, focusing on the jewels of life; food, old-school weber grills, outdoor gatherings, Peace signs, fundraisers, community and frozen lakes. That’s right. The event will be held on Lake Wingra. This is astonishing to a Southern girl like myself-the only bodies of frozen water I’ve seen lately are in the ice cube tray.

Now, the weather forecast at www.wunderground.com tells me that tomorrow is going to be warmer than today in Madison, a whopping 3 degrees FAHRENHEIT. So, maybe by February 2, temperatures will be a more comfortable 15 degrees. However, we want that lake to stay frozen, since participants will be setting up their Weber grills, in Peace formation, at 10am. Aerial photos will be taken, which I look forward to seeing. Apparently, this isn’t the first time that Tom Barry has used a frozen Lake as a canvas, once he arranged 53 Christmas Trees into a Peace sign in tribute to his former neighbor. Is this guy cool or what? And if you know him, please, ask him to leave his Peace definition over here on the Wall. Otherwise known as the Speak Your Peace wall (SYP)

Now, my apologies to Wisconsinites that I missed ‘em last summer, when I was scootin’ around the country to make a big Peace sign. But I promise I did have some healthy portions of BarBQ in Austin, TX. And I sure look forward to meeting some of these peaceniks when I visit in 2008….

The full story can be read over at: http://www.madison.com/tct/news/268268

*thanks to Pete Selkowe for another good scoop*

*Photo/Karen Sherlock
What better way to spend a cold winter evening than huddled with hundreds of your neighbors, in the shape of a peace sign? What better way to illuminate the senseless violence taking place in Racine, WI and to honor your loved ones and community?

Pete Selkowe, retired journalist, sent the picture below and link to me. Like most of the people who send me mail, I’ve never met Pete. Wish I ridden with him on his “God Protects the Stupid Tour,” from London to Athens, a roundtrip trip done on his PX200, at 58 youthful years of age. That’s a solid 4,300 mile trip involving a ferries AND new languages. Google maps list some of the directions in Greek, like : Λεωφόρος Κωνσταντινουπόλεως. Now, thats COOL.

Incredibly moving is the young man who organized this event, in tribute to his childhood friend who was tragically shot. He addressed the circle gathered and closed by lighting his candle and saying, “I am a soldier of Peace.”

A demonstration like this would be a very powerful thing to do once a month. The organizers wanted to show that humans can all work peacefully towards a common objective-in this case, needless violence in Racine, WI. You can read the article here on the Racine blogspot. One part I disagree with though is the sentence that says working peacefully towards a common objective is, ” A simple message perhaps..though important to the organizer…adults and kids.” Simple message? Yes, but I think it’s one of the most complicated undertakings for us humans. Go ahead, prove me wrong. I’ll meet you at the common ground.