Dedicated to Andre

A blogger with Multiple Myeloma known as Andre has had a tough struggle of late. He is best known for his love of competitive motorcycle riding, but he is also a truly gifted photographer. I first discovered his blog when I was "introduced" to the illness over a year ago because of a relative's diagnosis. His lively, and aggressive, commentary about his battle with the 'beast' gave me hope and in return, when he had downturns, I tried to offer some uplifting words or energy on his behalf.

As a motorcycle rider myself, I fully appreciated the "wind in my hair, bugs in my teeth" experience, even if I had to finally give it up for reasons other than health. So perhaps the combination of being a rider and photographer like Andre, though clearly not as proficient in either (!!), along with the MM connection, created the blog-bond between us.

During these past 15 months, I have journeyed across the U.S. from Florida to Washington and up the Western coastline. I have seen thousands of 'bikers riding, enjoying the freedom and the views of this impressive country. And in part, because of Andre's blog, I started my own. This photograph of the highway across the Navajo Nation through the Painted Desert is a route Andre took on one of his 'cycle trips and his photos are much better. You can see some of them here: http://wandering-tourist.blogspot.com

So, today I want to dedicate this blog with photographs of places of beauty I have seen and tried to capture - to Andre, if only to bring a point of light in his direction. If thoughts are like prayers and have wings, may they all fly in his direction....