Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The story of "Toe"

I had a minor accident on the motorbike the other day. I was trying to park in a tight space and while it was still running it fell over on me and we both fell into a fence and crushed some tropical vegetation—in the center of town. I think it was still running because my hand was frozen to the handle while someone helped me up. I pretty much smashed my toe and any chance of ever riding a motorcycle again. It took most of the afternoon for my heart rate to return to normal.
EDM #199 Draw a toe

This is a Piaggio Fly 125 (beautifully designed Italian motor scooter) and I am deathly afraid of it. Since the "incident" I have only ridden as a passenger, under duress. I usually try to find some excuse not to go, but eventually I cave and there I am on "The Fly" wincing, gulping and pointing out danger. HATI-HATI as they say here.
EDM #70 Draw something you are afraid of

I am also afraid of cheese. I think cheese is quite delicious, but soooooooooo many calories and that makes it dangerous because one may possibly loose track of how many delicious calories one has had. Sure there's protein, but not enough to outweigh that fat content. So call me crazy...
EDM #189 Draw something dangerous

I rented a bike the other day so I could get around on a much safer mode of transportation. Sometimes I have to ride (I actually have to merge into traffic) onto a four-lane highway known as "The Bypass". This would clearly not be legal in the USA. The rest of the time, I ride cautiously watching for cars and motorbikes that may cut me off, pull out in front of me, pass on the right or come straight at me in my lane and I'm hugging the curb.
Yes this is a much safer way to go...
EDM #35 Draw a bicycle

21 comments:

Alex said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alex said...

I didn't know that this is a long post, so I deleted the one which I commented only on the bike.. nice lampu ^^
And you're afraid of CHEESE? ^^ But I love cheese!! But that mousey picture is just so cute. I am also afraid of scooters... or more like people who ride on them. The drawing is very nice though!
I am sorry that you hurt your toe. I hope it gets well soon.

Anonymous said...

Ouch! Hope your toe is well on the way to recovery. It sounds as if you are really brave on your bicycle! I always enjoy your sketches and your tales of life in Bali. (But not that you got hurt...)

Shirley said...

Heal quickly! And be careful.... Your paintings are as wonderful as usual. I look forward to the latest installments of life in Bali and you never disappoint.

Unknown said...

I love your work, especially the colors of the bike and your shoe! Very nice work!

laura said...

A wonderful narrative! Your motorbike accident sounds traumatic--but you're right, that is a beautiful machine!
Sadly for me and all the clothes in my closet, my fear of cheese is easily overcome by my agressive and fearless taste buds.

Linda T said...

So sorry to hear of your accident. Your toe will mend, but I know how scary riding on motorscooters and motorcycles is. I actually learned to ride b/c I was curious and my son has a motorcycle, but it is nerve-wracking when there is nothing between you and the pavement or another vehicle. Be careful. But your art and post were delightful to see and read. I love your Bali adventures.

leigh said...

What wonderful posts, as usual. I hope your toe is better soon. I love the bike. What shade of yellow it that? I love it! Take care!

HeartFire said...

Wonderful drawings, esp, your foot, not so wonderful to get injured... I enjoy seeing your sketches and reading about your adventures! Mend quickly.

Sandy said...

Oh Lord I am with you - walking might be safer?? - or taxi?? ;-) I am with you on the Danges: bike, scooter and CHEESE - lucky only the toe got injured - Great Sketches!!! Be Safe!

Donna Mulholland said...

Great sketches! Oh, the bike story could've been much worse.

... how do you feel about riding a horse?

(Oh that poor toe .... XO)

Donna Mulholland said...

Oh dear .... sometimes text doesn't quite catch the intended emotion. I meant it to come across as "Oh POOR YOU! YOUR POOR TOE. YOU MUST HAVE BEEN SO SCARED!!!! YOU MUST'VE felt that you had a very close shave and PAIN! POOR YOU!"

XO I hope this one comes across a little better .... I truly am a caring person. Really!

A Brush with Color said...

Wow--wonderful images, and I'm amazed at your accident! That does sound frightening. I'd be a nervous wreck. My son lived in Bermuda and had to have a Vespa, and I worried constantly about him on that thing. Thankfully he was always ok, but you're so exposed--makes me nervous.

Margaret Ann said...

Dang! That's really scarey!!! Best wishes for a quick healing!

On an artistic note...the red in your pedicure/blood is really awesome...What color??? A mix or straight from the tube? A great energetic series!

Revelle Taillon said...

Love how you put the orange on just one side of the bicycle! Makes it so different and intense. Nice effect!
Revelle

Sherry Pierce Thurner said...

Oweee! That's quite a story, Jennifer. I've never had the nerve to ride a cycle, especially with sandals on. But I have to say that if you come to Wisconsin I can help get over your fear of cheese. They don't call us cheeseheads for nothing!

winna said...

what amazing drawings---the cheese one delights me to pieces---all are so very well done and the story capturing---hope all is well now...

Spinneretta said...

Ouch! I hope your toe feels better soon! You need to get back on the scooter (with some protective gear ;)) and conquer your fear! As for cheese- well I think it is delicious too and I NEVER listen to the fear of calories :p But then, I am in charge of the food here so I make sure everything else is healthier :D
Love the pictures!

Caroline said...

Oh, sorry you had that accident - hope your toe heals quickly. I'm not surprised you don't want to get back on - they're such dangerous vehicles and everyday here in KL you see some really outrageous driving.On a more cheerful note - I loved the sketches!

Wren said...

Love this sketch! Your colors are fantastic.

ale balanzario said...

Very nice blog, and great watercolors.

Ale

http://withblueberryheartquiltscorner.blogspot.com/