The summer of 2016 has been one hell of a season for me.  I’ve had many different experiences, none of which had anything to do with summertime.  No vacations, camping trips or amusement parks – no my experiences have presented themselves as challenges, decision making, choices and risks.  All revolved around writing.

An opportunity appeared, not with bright lights and publishing contracts, but with workshops, new faces, new ideas and old standbys.  Culminating in knowing yes, I’m still on the right road, but need to get off at the next exit and have a look around.  Take time to see and enjoy the area, and that’s just what I did.

Since then the most amazing things have happened.  I’ve had more chances to write, explore the craft, take it apart and understand how it works.  Oh I am by no means saying I am now any kind of expert – but I feel so much stronger and better about what I’m doing and how to do it.

Taking a chance – maybe with a job, a move, a decision that is out of your comfort zone is important.  Yes it is a risk, but no matter what – you will learn and if you are open minded – you will grow from it.

The most recent risk for me was saying yes to writing an article for a magazine about an event.  Not a wedding, or park opening, not a dedication or local government ribbon cutting. No this event came up unexpectedly and allowed me to surround myself with machines and the people who ride these machines.  What machines?  Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Yeah I know!  Crazy right?  I’m writing a blog about a writers journey, I’m in the beginning of  the rewrite for my first novel, yet here I am surrounded by some of the most incredibly engineered motorcycles in the world, and I’ve been asked to write about them at the 2017 Launch Party in New York to introduce the new models.

So what’s my point?  Take writing risks!  As much as the thought intimidated me, I stepped out of my comfort zone way of writing, and said yes, and then I figured out how to do it – then I did it.  YOU are the first to read my article below.  YOU are also the only one who can decide what you are and are not comfortable writing – but – keep your eyes open.  You might be surprised by what you can write, or are willing to try writing and just how fulfilling that can be.  I’d love to hear about the risk you took and how successfully you handled the curves, that this life seems to enjoy putting in front of us.

Breathe Deep, Think Peace

Patty

Hudson Valley Harley Davidson 33 Route 304  Nanuet, NY 10954

2017 Launch Party!

The unveiling of the new 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycles did not roll into Hudson Valley Harley Davidson – they roared.  As smooth as Cool Hand Luke.  (For those of you who may not be familiar with Luke, in a nutshell, he refused to submit to the system.) In Harley Davidson’s case – they are not only creating, they are constantly perfecting and advancing the technology of their systems.

There has never been a failure in communication between Harley Davidson and its customers.  The 2017’s are the perfect example of listening and hearing what riders have asked for– you can ride hot but your engine will run noticeably cooler.  I invite you to check out www.hdhudsonvalley.com for yourself and explore the new models like The Ultra Limited Low, “Settle into the low seat for high miles” Or the very popular Iron 883. “A great leap forward in the dark arts.”

Yet the HVHD Launch was not just about the bikes, it was about the people.  The party began in the parking lot.  Beautiful bikes stood on either side of the entrance to the new sleek industrial design in the Hudson Valley location.  An arch of colorful balloons, music and laughter filled the inside of this huge space. Only a handful of miles from the new bling of Westchester’s much anticipated Tappan Zee Bridge.  HVHD stretches across the Hudson Valley as a dealership who has had the bar set higher than ape hangers.  With not just a fully stocked New and Preowned motorcycle selection, but with exemplary Customer Service. As I watched the final preparations being made, it was obvious, everyone on the HVHD team was excited.

I spoke with several guests who sipped cool drinks as they waited to view the next years sizzling new bikes. What surprised me was the praise of the type of dealership Hudson Valley Harley Davidson is, and the reputation they are creating after just three months since the grand opening.  Two words – No Pressure.  The goal is not just to sell you a bike, but to sell you a bike that is the best fit for YOU.  It has nothing to do with the most expensive one, or the one with the most bells and whistles, it comes by way of simply having a conversation.

What kind of riding do you do?  Long rides?  Short rides? How tall are you?  What feels right when you sit down, sit low, sit back?  How much experience do you have? They want you to be comfortable and able to do what you want to do with what you choose to ride, safely.  It’s not about the deal – it is about the rider.

It’s not a party without food right?  Hot fresh Free pizza and beverages were available,which allowed groups of visitors to sit, eat and talk without feeling rushed or compelled to make a purchase.  It was to enjoy the event and the day with each other.  Which was evident since people stayed all day and some well past closing!

HVHD wants to develop relationships, not one night stands.  It has a friendly, warm atmosphere with a knowledgeable staff, an impressive selection, fab clothes, parts and accessories in a great location.

You might have heard the saying, “Home is where your story begins.” But it is on a motorcycle, on the road, where you fill-in the chapters and continue writing. So, Happy New Year – a little early.  Where will your ride take you?