Happy Christmas!

And so this is Christmas,
and what have you done?
Another year over,
a new one just begun.

John Lennon

Thus begins my favorite Christmas song. John Lennon, wishing us all a happy Christmas but also asking us to consider our behavior, and not just in the context of being worthy of gifts from Santa. What, indeed, have we done in the past year to make this world a better place for ourselves, our children, our fellow beings?

I'm starting this blog in order to share a few thoughts, ideas, stories, and photos with those who happen to find it. I have no illusion and make no pretense this will change any hearts or minds, but you never know. Time will tell whether this particular Christmas offering will be a gift to anything but my own vanity.

For vanity surely enters into the decision to start something this public, just as it plays a role in the production of any kind of art or the launching of a political career. Whatever the actual value of your work, you must have some ego to think your ideas, your words, your painting, or your policies are worth public proclamation. So be it.

Judging by some of the blogs I've read, mine certainly won't be the worst out there. I'll post whenever I have something interesting to share. That could be once a week or three times a day, we'll find that out together.

My background is rich in variety and experiences. My working life has included taxi driving, professional photography, writing and editing, and selling and marketing motorcycles. I've been to all but two U.S. states, all but one Canadian province, and a number of countries overseas. I've lived on both coasts of America, as well as in the middle. My favorite form of travel is by motorcycle, and you'll certainly see some commentary herein about that.

I intend to discuss my thoughts about politics, travel, motorcycles, photography, and anything else that grabs hold of my brain. If you find some of it interesting and worth reading, great. If you find some of it worth discussing, please use the Comments section (but keep it civil, please). If you find it all a bit boring, well, it didn't cost you anything but a few minutes, right?

Thanks for taking a moment to read this. I hope you'll come back for more.