Hi all. My real name is Ophelia, or is about to be. I'm having it changed along with my surname as I was just recently divorced and it occurred to me when they asked me if I wanted my maiden name back (I didn't) that I had never liked my given name, and this was the perfect opportunity to change it all. I chose Ophelia partly because I love the Natalie Merchant song, but more because of what that song represents to me - power, freedom, choice, and pain - because they do all go together, but I choose them all.

I don't have a motorcycle; I've never owned or driven one. I have ridden the back of a few and some small bit of touring (almost a week) on the back of Sportster, enough to learn that there is a reason why people buy touring bikes for long journeys. I've always wanted a bike of my own. So, this coming March, I'm going to take the course, get licensed, and buy a used Triumph Bonneville America. And then, I'm going to get on it, load up my saddlebags with a little gear, and drive across America, or at least as far as I can get on my own energy, money, and as time and weather permit. I'm going to pitch a bivouac tent where I sleep, so I'll have to work out my stops. I'm serious about traveling light.

My reason is simply this: I want to see this great country and I can't stand driving in a cage. And, I specifically want to identify an area I want to move to, because I can't stand living in freezing cold weather all the time, and shoveling my way out of multiple feet of snow. I'm thinking Tennessee at this point, but someone pointed out Olympic Valley, which is, of course, in WASHINGTON state, which means I've got to cross the continental divide. I was kind of planning to maybe go as far as montana or wyoming but I wasn't really planning coast to coast. Soooooooo we'll see how far I get. Regardless I'm not really on an agenda. The point is to have fun and interesting experiences and try not to get drenched too often or eaten by bears.

I am also 46 years old and firmly under the thumb of my cat, Clover, who is 12 which makes her 60 in cat years so she is technically my senior. She is really a good girl and a very sweet animal and I love her dearly. I will make sure she is in good, familiar hands during my trip.

Since I just got amicably divorced, and my husband bought the house, I'm moving to new digs in the next couple of weeks. I practically fell into a "room share" (common up here, means renting a room from the owner of the house) which is really close, really cheap, and the house is nice and had porches front and back, which I love, AND a backyard. And I get on extremely well with the landlord. First time in my life I'm actually looking forward to a move.

Tonight is Christmas Eve. I'm spending it by myself, but I don't feel lonely or sad. I'm looking forward to renting a movie and probably spending a lot of time reading this board and the other one I belong to, for pipe smokers. Because I do "smoke" a pipe. I put it in quotes because pipe smokers don't inhale, which is why I do it. I absolutely love it. It's the only hobby I've ever had that came close to how badly I want that Bonneville. It's too cold out to smoke unfortunately. I'm just glad to be able to relax, know my rooming situation is worked out; it's the end of a long cycle of difficult, effortful, painful change and coming out the end of the tunnel is indescribably, well, a relief beyond words. So tonight I feel grateful. And soon I will be able to start giving back the life I have been so freely given. I feel connected to everything and everyone. So I'm not really alone. It feels pretty good.

Oh, and how I got here; I live near Boston, Massachusetts. I moved here because I was born on the South Shore of this state, moved to Florida when I was 15, lived there for 20 years, and suddenly realized I was free to leave. I was feeling nostalgic so I moved back here. I hate heat and Florida is VERY hot. Unfortunately I discovered I may have enjoyed winters up here as a kid, but as an adult I really don't. This is also way too expensive, and I'm way too close to the city. But, I got married and had to make a lot of compromises based on jobs and so forth, and so here I am. Since I'm not married anymore... well you know the rest of the story, you just read it!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night! Drive safely out there! Love, Ophelia

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