
There is a story behind this. It starts in the year of 1983, when I was 22. I met a man and married him. It was a difficult marriage that ended in 1989.
Amidst the difficulties however, and as a result of this union I developed two long standing relationships: a love of motorbikes and a love and respect for Alison Wafer (pictured above).
The marriage ended and eventually so did my contact with Al.(Please don't think the two events were related).
In September of 2008, I met and fell in love with a man who arrived into my life on a Moto Guzzi 1100 Griso.
"Oh you just love him for the bike", say those evil doer's.
Well sheesh - look at the bike! Nah. He's the bestest, this man.
So after 15 years of quietly observing motorcycles, sideways glancing quick, pointing out the sound of a Ducati to my kids and thinking "That's all in the past", I met Col and willed Alison back into my life.
Alison has been a motorcyclist since her maiden years. I tracked her down via the net and her blog (see this is why you need to keep writing blogs - your old pals find you!)
Et Voila! Australia Day shall now be remembered as the day for reunion.
So I meet the man of my dreams - someone I respect and admire, say yes when he asks me to marry him, get to ride on the back of a motorcycle I sniff/pat with delight AND meet up again with the most interesting woman I've ever met.
And - that's AND! - I decide to learn to ride myself knowing I am completely protected and supported by these two exceptional artists of life.
Life is good!
Alison's artwork here.
Charcoal sketch of (Ben Wa)by Alison Wafer.