I smiled as I rang the true vintage bicycle bell. Shaking off childhood memories, I kept walking to see what other finds the auctioneer might have going on up the block.
Bikes aren't made like this one anymore.
That's when it hit me. That little piece of chrome reminded me of the bicycle my eldest sister had when we were kids. Her's was a gorgeous slightly metallic dark blue green, made in England that she won in a holiday card selling contest held by where we went to school. She looked quite chic riding it home the first time in her school uniform. I will never forget the smile on her face.
The auctioneer's voice sounded far off in the distance when my subconscious mind decided I had to have Ms. Robin Hood. My heart began to race and a lump formed in my throat. If I win I'll ride in her in honor of my "best sister" as we were known to call each other. Images of her turning around and asking if I was okay when I used to try to keep with her during our bicycling together flashed through my brain. She often had to stop and wait for me.
Holding up the number seven (7) bidders card which I had commented might bring luck when it was handed to me during registration I felt my sister was with me in spirit....There was no way Ms. Robin Hood wasn't going home with me as long as she had anything to say about it. I just knew it.
"Number 7 thank you"
Tears welled up in my eyes as I stepped up,
grasped the handle bars and wheeled away my prize.
That, and for some inexplicable reason felt the need to explain why I bid.
"It reminds me of my sister's bike when we were kids.
She passed some time ago. She was only 27."
A few other attendees went awwww and the assistant said
"There you go; it was meant to be"
My dearly beloved couldn't believe it since I have only ridden my "new" bike 4-6 times in over a decade of owning it. Actually, neither do I.
While some of you may be participating in the cycling challenge with Sande from A Gift Wrapped Life,
I will be riding with my sister when I'm feeling up to it.
Happily ringing "our" American flagged old fashioned bell.
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26 comments:
Oh Rita... I'm misty eyed yet overjoyed for you and Ms. Robinhood! She's just beautiful! Your photos of her are amazing too! I'm thrilled to tell you that mine (I haven't named her yet) has the exact same bell which tells me that everything happens for a reason and we were meant to find these girls on the very same weekend :)
While your sister will be with you in spirit, I'm counting on you to be with me.
XO
I forgot to mention that we have the same basket and rusted handlebars too :)
There is no such thing as coincidence my friend!
Oh...this is just the sweetest post! I am so happy you won it, it couldn't go to a better place! Thank you so much for sharing this...
What a truly lovely story (I lost my brother at 19, and I know how great these memories can be)...I'm so glad you have Ms. Robinhood! Great post and I'm so glad to have found you (via La Dolfina). Have a great day! Beth
what a sweet story! I think she is a beauty and I would have been crazy bidding to get her. Glad she has come home to you. great pictures with a sweet story.
I always see people riding their vintage-inspired bicycles in the summertime down the shore. And I am always so envious of how picturesque they look!
I couldn't help but notice your photo of Barnegat Lighthouse! I've been going there and staying at LBI for the summers my entire life. It truly harbors a lot of fond memories for me and my family!
That is such a sweet story. It is odd how some things can be so incredibly compelling - I too have stumbled across an object that for some reason I was simply destined to own. The satisfaction of acquiring them is all that much sweeter. I hope it brings you a lot of you - and memories.
-Sanity Fair
What a truly beautiful story, I am so so glad she is yours!
What a great story. I'm so glad that this bike found its way into your life. I'm sure it brings back the best memories of your sister each and every time you ride it. xx
A wonderful post and I loved reading the story. That old bicycle is gorgeous and I love the bell and basket. :)
Sort of a spiritual experience -love the story!
Regarding the Vintage Bottles with Shells, a commenter left a tip for you, suggesting clorox bleach for inside the bottles!
What a beautiful story - thank you for sharing...made my eyes tear up.
I've nominated you for an award on my blog...
http://sallyleebythesea.blogspot.com/2010/04/honest-scrap-award.html
Have a great day!
A most touching post...I adore both of my sisters so I understand the emotion. The blue bike is charming too and am glad that it will remind you of happy times with your best sister.
:)
Hey my Sweet Rita... I tagged you in a couple of fun games!!!
xx
Oh my! How cute!
m ^..^
What a wonderful story! Such a lovely bike and its beautiful that it brings you loving memories of your sister. May you have years of happiness riding and reliving those memories.
This is a lovely story...and I'm a softy for old bicycles.
I've been eyeing one, sea blue, in the window of a vintage shop in my beloved Old Town...I best stop and check the price, I just may have to get her.
COMPLIMENTI PER IL BLOG....L'HO APPENA SCOPERTO!
Such a wonderful, warm story...This bike reminds me of the one I have in my garage.:-)))
What a beautiful post, very touching! I'm so glad you got the bike and that it brings you such warm and loving memories of your dear sister!!! It's a wonderful bike just to sit in the yard and hold flowers in the front basket if you choose not to even ride it!
:) T
How touching! It truly was meant to be yours and I'm sure your sister was looking down on you and smiling! xx
I love the beach and I'm loving your blog! discovered you today through La Dolfina. You have a devoted new follower. xo Erica
A beautiful find and lovely heartfelt story. I too had a dear sister that passed at 25. So glad you have it! xo
What a wonderful and happy ending! Thank you for sharing this touching experience with all of us - and joyful riding with Ms. Robin Hood.
Awesome Bike. No Need to justify that purchase at any price. That said, the story that goes with it is beyond words.
I have just bought myself a lovely robin hood as a restoration project for me and my daughter, your story made me shed a little tear :) xxx
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