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The Yield: Motorcycle ride offers new views, some surprises
<i>Originally published in the July 10, 2009, print edition.</i>
“I’d like to ride over Kiester way.” Stan said, pulling on his helmet. “The hills are so beautiful.”
“Sounds good!” I said, struggling to put on the goggles I had purchased to keep the wind out of my eyes.
He held out his hand and I felt graceful as my leg cleared the seat. It was our first ride this spring, since the weather has been cold and rainy. It felt good to run away from the responsibilities at home for a bit. We pulled up to a new road at the Kiester sign. “This road has a new seal coat and that’s a hazard I don’t want to deal with,” Stan said. “Too easy to have an accident on the gravel.” I appreciated his caution.
I was both excited and apprehensive as we turned to a different road. I like new places and different scenery. Still, I like knowing where I am, and nothing seemed familiar. I feel out of control if plans are changed.
The road Stan chose was wide and well-kept. Lovely farmsteads with neat, short, clipped lawns and freshly painted buildings slipped past. There was a quaint old church in the background from a large sign advertising it as a church camp. The gravel pit was not scarred; instead trees had grown where some of the gravel had been taken from the ground. Water sparkling in the pit seemed to wink at me.
A lone monarch butterfly seemed oblivious to our noisy cycle. It fluttered around the beans and then disappeared.
I had time to think and enjoy this ride after my two-year stint writing the book, “The Yield.” Now it was time to sell it, but even more, I would meet some of the readers at the signings planned for our readership throughout the state. I look forward to that.
Writing the book had been something new for me; like this wonderful road we took, it was full of surprises and delight.
How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of him who brings good tidings. Isaiah 52:7
Upcoming book signings
• Blue Earth County Fair, Garden City, Aug. 1, Classic Car Roll in by 1903 Curved-Dash Olds, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Amboy Arts Festival, Sept. 12, Frame-It-Gallery 112 East Main, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
“The Yield” can be purchased at www.bookhousefulfillment.com, Good News Bookstore in Fairmont and The Lighthouse in Mankato. Remember to have your book before you come to the signing.
Sue Peterson has been writing “The Yield” column since 1978 and has been a staple of The Land. She may be reached at sustan2@bevcomm.net or 1010 East 5th St., Blue Earth, MN 56013.
Matthew 6; Psalm 37:5-7
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