It Has Been a Long Time…since I have updated my Motherfreedom Page. I am of the persuasion that if you don’t have much relevant to say, then shut up. My kids are raising their eyebrows at this … but I thought all my “tips of the day” were pretty relevant.

So.....about our beloved Casey: The Eastside HD Family plus many many others have been grieving our loss of a friend, mentor and brother. He fought a valiant battle with cancer but in the end, he decided to go out his own way….cutting a few weeks off his time with us, but in his own words to those of us sitting with him at his awesome house that he loved so much, “I am ready to go - in fact I am looking forward to it!” Many of us spent quality time with Casey as his time on earth wound down; he was gracious to the end - well sort-of - Casey will always be Casey. Over the past fifteen years or so, Casey and I made a lot of memories, all good, he was such a special person and I know all of you that knew him can say “ditto”. He will always walk the halls of the Parts Department - Red says so!! Casey remains forever one of the “good guys”.

A note about Casey’s beautiful mother. I was privileged to meet “Pris” and chat with her a bit. Casey had spoken of her so many times over the years - he was so proud of her and she him; her spirit and gentleness was amazing. Casey was a good son and I think it was a little surprising to his mom and brother and sisters that Casey was so revered and had so many friends... Can you imagine what a little demon he was when he was a kid? Could be though - one never knows for sure - that side of him emerged when he started to ride Harleys!? Rest in peace dear friend.

Like all of Americans, at least I would hope this is true; I have been concerned about our amazing United States of America. There have been many conversations here and there with friends and family about where are we going and where have we been as a nation. I remember when 9-11 happened and I was with a group of friends riding from the headwaters of the Mississippi to the Gulf. Everyone in our group and those we met along the way were looking for flags, shirts anything with red, white and blue, to affirm our love of country. I found a lone small flag and duct taped it to the back of my Harley and as our group of twenty or so bikes travelled on to New Orleans, cars and trucks would honk and we would get the “thumbs-up” sign; we all felt a bit of pride in our hearts at the camaraderie that we felt riding through that beautiful country seeing the levies come into view, and finally the ride over the long bridge to the ocean.

Over the ensuing years, this patriotic button- busting feeling has been sleeping. I was reminded again of how much I love the United States of America and all it stands for. while surfing TV channels the other evening; reminded of the pride I take in my actions of “doing my part” by hard work and “taking care of business” i.e., a mother, a business woman, a wife, a daughter, a neighbor, a volunteer, a voter…you get the picture.

This epiphany was brought about by the new 2010 documentary of the Harley-Davidson Story. We have all seen at least one story on TV about Harley-Davidson - the bad-boy bikers, the AMF takeover/giveback, and so on. This is a new documentary, simple in message, and more personal with insight into what the Harley and Davidson families had to deal with both inside their families and with the building of their motorcycle business. It contains many of the same facts, but while viewing this, it was more relevant considering what is happening in our economy and the concerns we all have for our children, our selves and friends. Many years have passed since the Harley and Davidson families founded and devoted their lives to a product they believed in and lived day in and day out. Although we don’t have quite the world war and the depression era that Harley-Davidson survived, there are many problems in our country that need to be solved. Can we solve them all? Can you or I make a difference today? I subscribe to the theory that when you need to fill a cup, if you fill it too fast, it will all just swish out the other side; fill your cup a teaspoon at a time. I love the concept of the Tea Party people: instead of just sitting at a kitchen table or complaining over a burger at McD’s, these Americans are visually standing up for America. Where will this lead us? I don’t know, but at least I am visually seeing people who are asking for solutions and willing to give the time to show their patriotism. These people are doing something – which is what we all need to do. Agree/disagree?? Don’t get nervous here - this is not a political statement rather a showing of my American hand - Let’s Take Back Our Country!!

By now dear reader you are either saying “right on brother” or searching for Bev’s phone number…but if that is the case at least you are doing something, feeling something…complacency is not the answer. Please call or stop by to have a cup of tea with me. Better yet, watch the new 2010 Harley-Davidson documentary that ends with “Harley-Davidson is the only U.S - based motorcycle manufacturer”. The documentary is a tale of people believing in their product and in their country and in their families and in a lifestyle….not unlike the Thompson Family.

Take Back Your Country - get a flag and duct tape it on the back of your Harley and see how it makes you feel when you ride down the road. Bet you get a lot of thumbs up!

Footnote: received an email today from Kemper and his posse checking in during their ride through Canyonlands (Bev and her boyfriend’s fav ride of all) on to Zion’s and Bryce Canyons and the North rim of the Grand Canyon. Get going America - Take Back Your Country - one Harley at a time!!

Thanks for listening…

Motherfreedom