What is hairspray doing in your toolbox?

One of the first things I changed on my Stella was the grips. The stock ones were hard as a brick and boringly plain. In the usual web search for tips on making the switch, I came across multiple recommendations for aerosol hairspray as a good lubricant and glue for putting and keeping the new grips on. All the web posts were right and some hairspray did the trick.

Two plus years, and one sorry trailer ride later, my throttle side grip had come completely off. I slide it back on and rode around for several months with it slipping and sliding around--always smart. And of course, at every stop light I was giving it a whack to slip it back in place.


Finally, last weekend I stopped being lazy and searched the hall closet to see if my trusty can of aerosol hairspray was still around. Since I don't remember the last time I used hairspray on my hair, I was pleasantly surprise to find a can. Off I went to deliver some long overdue TLC to the Stella.

Unlike that first time around, but not surprisingly, the old grip slide right off. I peeled off some of the goopy stuff left over from the original job, sprayed the handlebar end and inside of the grip with hairspray and ta da--back in business.

Think it's about time for the hairspray to live outside with the other scooter tools.

Scooter World!

Getting a new scooter magazine is always super fun--it's even better to see your own stuff inside! Couldn't be more excited to see Polly Scoots in the Dec. 2007/Jan. 2008 edition of Scooter World. Big thank you to all the folks at Scooter World for including my belt buckles in the holiday gift guide!

Go get yourself a copy!

Winter Wonderland

It's cold out there, but at least it's finally pretty. Guess this is the only scoot in our collection hitting "the road" tonight.

Self Portrait

I'm overdue for a post, but also overdue for some good sleep. So I'm stopping in to say hello and, hating to post without a pic, pulling something from my collection. There's a story behind it, but I'll save that for another day.

For now, I'll just peak out from the fragmented wonder of a mirrored turtle mosaic. Never fear, there was a scooter lurking in the background!

$3.61

In case there was any question, the answer is "yes, you should buy a scooter." Even with the prices topping $3 a gallon, it only cost me $3.61 to fill the tank this morning. That should take me about 90 miles on my little 50cc scoot. By rough calculation, that means it will cost me $0.16 in gas to commute to work one way.

Mornings just got a little better.

Progress

Cleaning up a mess is never as fun as making one, but sometimes it just needs to be done. I spent some time over the past week putting things in order and thought I'd take a moment to share the progress and offer a look into the Polly Scoots workroom.

My two main work surfaces are a super-fun peanut shaped red table and a super-functional unconventional workbench. The peanut table came from Ikea; the unconventional workbench was pieced together from pieces found at Community Forklift, a great surplus, salvaged and green building material supply center.

The top of my bench is a solid wood door (which just happened to exactly match the closet doors in my house). One "leg" was the base of a kitchen cabinet; the other was intended as a hanging unit. Together they make my workbench the perfect height--comfortable to stand at while working.

My fall cleaning binge inspired me to create a "shipping center" on one corner of the table devoted to envelopes, bubble wrap, boxes and my trusty scale. I also restocked my "customer appreciation supplies"--thank you cards, coupons and fun freebies to include with every order. Let your holiday shopping begin!

Signs of the Season

I'm in the home stretch of my big fall cleaning project. It wasn't so bad that I've been at it all week, but sometimes it does feel that way. Chipping away at it between everything else has made the project take far longer than expected, but the end is in sight.

Before digging in today, Ryan, the pups and I headed out to the nature preserve for a morning hike. We basked in the signs of the season.

Buy Handmade

Okay, I'm coming off a serious creative binge and my room (not quite worthy of the 'studio' designation at the moment), is a disaster area. Prep for the DC Craft Mafia's holiday show on Saturday had me working overtime, while keeping up with Polly Scoots online and mailing out yummy packages to my awesome customers.

The result: it's time for some serious organizing. And while I'm at it, I need to find a home for my six foot tall ficus who will be wintering inside. What does all this have to do with the handmade pledge badge up above?

Dealing with the mess makes me a little batty. Since I've told myself I can't make anything new until things are in order, and putting things in order for long stretches of time really isn't all that enjoyable, I thought I'd remind myself of the bigger picture and part of the reason its all worthwhile--handmade really is better.

There's nothing I find scarier than flying into a new city and, on the drive from the airport to your hotel, realizing that the plane could have touched down in just about any city U.S.A. and looked just about the same. How long would it really take you to figure out you weren't where you were supposed to be? That the pilot headed north instead of south? That you AND your bags landed at the wrong airport?

How do you tell where you are when the strips malls, chain restaurants and suburban sprawl lining the highway look so much like what you passed on the way to the airport? Mega box stores, outlet malls, brand-name hotels, chain restaurants--it's all the same, same same.

How much different, how much more unique would the landscape look if only there was a place to buy handmade? If you didn't have to hunt for the quirky, arty neighborhood in the revitalized area downtown to find something truly unique?

Check out some Polly Scoots in person!

I've been burning the midnight oil in preparation for The UNusual Suspects Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, Nov. 3, in Bethesda, Md. Several brand new pieces will be on display and ready to go home with you.

This should be an awesome show--come check it out!

Sat., Nov. 3, from 12 to 8 p.m.

The Anatasi Room, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, Md., 20814

Riding the Goat Man

We got some much needed rain this week, but that didn't bode well for our scheduled "Goat Man" ride. Overnight we got more than three inches of rain and by 9 a.m. (just an hour and a half before our meet up time), the pouring rain was just starting to slack off.

By 10 a.m. the rain had stopped and the sun was starting to peak through. We gassed up the scoots and headed to the ride meet up point.

We were a small group, but that always makes it easier to keep everyone together. It turned out to be a great ride through some scenic country. The seven inches or so of rain that had fallen in the past few days left a few road hazards, including tree debris, high water and gravel, behind, but everyone made it through just fine.

The abandoned buildings at Glenn Dale Hospital were spookier than usual as someone has cleared off all the overgrowth in time for Halloween hauntings.

We stopped in for some lunch at Rip's in Bowie at the mid-way point, then headed on our way. High water took out part of Governor's Bridge Road, but Ryan navigated us around it and we rejoined the road later on.

By ride's end, we'd traveled about 70 miles round trip and the sun was out for most of it. Maybe we'll spot the goat man next year.

Exploring on two wheels

Today Ryan and I explored Baltimore on two wheels--but we left the two-stroke exhaust fumes at home. We joined hundreds of other cyclists and walkers in the 14th annual Tour du Port. The event takes you on a great tour of Baltimore's waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods while raising awareness of the benefits of bicycling, walking and mass transit in our communities.

While Ryan was ready for the 22-mile loop, I've only recently returned to the bicycle scene. In rides around our own neighborhood in recent weeks, I'd made it to six miles in one shot, so the 10-mile loop was more my speed. He was a good sport and took the shorter route with me.

The ride started over near Fell's Point and traveled around the harbor to the top of Federal Hill--a lovely spot for taking in a view of the Harbor.

From there, we traveled out to Fort McHenry (birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner) and hit the six mile point as we circled the fort along the water's edge.

The trip back to our starting point included a drive by of the American Visionary Art Museum. Not wanting to cause a traffic jam of cyclists, I didn't pause to snap a pic. But, if the inside of the museum is anywhere near as spectacular as the outside, I'll definitely be stopping by soon!

The return trip took us past the Maryland Science Center, Harbor Place and the National Aquarium en route to our final destination. Before reaching the end, we stopped for a closer look at the Seven Foot Knoll Light (I'm a sucker for lighthouses).


At ride's end, Ryan's odometer topped 12 miles, but mine read a little under--good to know that my scooter isn't the only thing with wonky technology! Anyway, it turned out to be a lovely day for a ride and I'm happy to say I successfully reached the end.


Ryan's already talking about taking on the 22-mile loop next year--we shall see!

Gearing Up

I'm a little obsessive about wearing suitable riding gear--you'll very rarely catch me out for a quick spin without a jacket, gloves and full face helmet. Sure it takes a little more time to suit up and I'll have a few more things to carry or stow when I get to my destination, but it's much better than the alternative. Even a minor spill can result in some painful road rash. And who really wants all the random things that hit you while riding (from bugs to small rocks) bashing you in the knuckles, eye or arm and tarnishing an otherwise delightful ride.

For some local jaunts this weekend, I traded my armoured jacket for a leather one--much more stylish and less bulky for walking around town. And it was the perfect temperature for it--not too hot, not too cold--gotta enjoy these lovely fall days while we can.

A blustery day

Well, it's a good thing I spent some time earlier this week cutting out the backdrops for some new scarves. I just returned from a ride into the city on this, a very blustery day indeed. I was oh so happy to have a fuzzy fleece scarf wrapped snuggly around my neck.

I've got a new idea or two in mind for the applique and plan to get stitching soon. Look for them on Polly Scoots soon!

Ride Invite--Washington, D.C./Baltimore Metro area

Chasing down the Goat Man – Saturday Oct. 27.

What: Come ride through the haunts of the Goat Man, a homespun legend of the Prince George’s County, Md. Our satyr may be escaped from a government farm, a science experiment gone awry. Or he may just be a human wildman, displaced from a now abandoned sanitarium and left to roam the countryside. Does he hide under the Crybaby Bridge? If you scooter stalls there, it may never start again. Travel the scenic and sometimes surreal backroads of Prince Georges and Anne Arundel counties tracking down Goat Man sightings and pieces of the legend. The 60-mile ride will take 2-3 hours depending on what the groups wants to do for lunch. It includes a few stretches of country highway, but is mostly winding back roads.

Who: Motorized two-wheeled enthusiasts of old and new stock are welcome. Your rides should be able to maintain 45 mph. Many 50 cc scooters may be inappropriate. Maryland has a helmet law so please abide by it.

Where: IKEA in College Park. Ride will meet up near the Starbucks in the new condo-strip mall at the front of the IKEA complex on Route 1. It is just north of the Beltway interchange and south of Beltsville. It will end there as well (though feel free to peel off for home where you wish). If you would like to trailer or van your scooter, please drop a line for directions to an appropriate side street or driveway, not far away. From D.C. drive straight out Rhode Island Avenue for just over 10 miles.

When: Meet up beginning at 10:30. Ride leaves at 11 a.m. sharp.

good morning

It doesn't take too much anymore to make my day--so it was great to start up the computer, do my first check of Etsy and see my button gracing the front page. But really, who wouldn't want to look at scooters?

Thanks to CMEscout for making such a stellar list!

Savoring the seasons

Autumn is the perfect to time to explore the great outdoors. On Saturdays, it's fun to load the kids (our dogs) into the back seat and find a park before it gets too crowded with people. We're lucky enough to have a nature preserve not too far from our house--it has become a favorite destination.

We've been sadly lacking in rain this summer and it shows. The picture above was taken about a month ago. The one below was taken just last Saturday. The lake, already crowded with vegetation, is getting even harder to find.

Despite the weather, there's still lots to explore. Wonder what happened to this tree??

The holidays are coming

Time flies when you're having fun. That means, while you're riding around town enjoying some awesome fall weather, the holidays are steadily drawing nearer. I know, October is WAY to early for many to start making their list and checking it twice, but if you're in the market for a custom scooter something, it's the perfect time to put your thinking cap on.

Many items from Polly Scoots can be created or customized just for you--don't be afraid to ask! Want a scarf in polka dots and black? Looking for wine glass charms featuring your Vino 125? Have a burning desire for an ornament to match your scoot? Need a few buttons for your club? It's all possible--just drop me a line with the details and we'll go from there.

Ornaments are just one example of custom goodness. Let me know what colors you have in mind and I'll do a mock up with some options for you to choose from (samples in red and green below).

In five days or less, your ornament will be in the mail to you (during October that is). Things will probably take a little longer as the holidays draw closer, so get your order in today! Or, check out a few ornaments already completed and in need of a good home.

Scooter Practicality

Sure it gets 80 miles to the gallon and is just plain fun to drive, but "is a scooter practical" the grown up inside you asks. If the ability to haul home "stuff" is included in the list of what makes your transportation practical, then worry not--a scooter will do.

Among the things my husband and I have carried by scoot: the weekly groceries (each driving our own scoot), gold fish (not recommended), luggage and camping gear for a weekend rally, all the essentials for a day at work including a full change of business clothes and, most recently, two sad shrubs.

What do you need to get the job done?

Many modern scoots include ample under seat storage--great for holding your helmet while you're in the store and hauling your stuff on the ride home. My little 50 cc Vino is great for trips to the library. Oversize books, DVDs and paperbacks all find a home under the seat.

Have a vintage bike, Stella or Bajaj with a pesky engine under the seat? No worries. Just pack your trusty bungee cords. They're great for strapping things to whatever part of the bike is handy.

If you've got a glove box, fill it up! I once made a lunch run to Campero Chicken and safely brought back my meal, including a fountain soda, in the glove box.

If you've got a front or rear luggage rack, add a cargo net to your bungee collection and you're pretty much set for life. You name it and you can quickly strap it on--just be careful not to get too carried away and overload things.

The much maligned purse hook also really comes in handy for holding your purse (duh) and any other bag, paper or plastic, with a handle.

And when all else fails, there's always your trusty back pack! That's scooter practicality.

Chasing butterflies

It doesn't get much better than this. Morning temperatures in the 50s; temps in the 70s/low 80s for the ride home. And maybe best of all, no humidity! Ah, if only fall lasted a little longer in our nation's capitol.

Forget playing hooky during the dog days of summer--hop on your bike and bask in the shady splendor of autumn. Chase a butterfly or two.

On the road again

I may only have one ear (luckily the other was found and just needs to be reattached), but I'm finally back on two wheels. My ankle isn't 100 percent better, but it's close enough.

To celebrate my mobility, after some yummy lunch at a local Labor Day festival on Monday, we took a 50 mile ride out of suburbia. We explored a "new" tree lined and twisty road to its end before heading back home. For once I left the camera at home and was probably the better for it. It's really amazing what a ride through the country can do for you.

Ho hum

So life has been pretty boring for me of late. A nasty head cold followed by a sprained ankle have had me feeling rather "ho hum." And, worst of all, have kept me off my scooter for almost three weeks now--needless to say, I'm getting a little stir crazy!

This lack of mobility has left me feeling rather sluggish on the creative side as well, but I did manage to get a piece finished (all be it a week late) in response to the creative challenge in the Etsy forums. My entry, some hot new stickers (pictured above), feature cayenne, purple haze, nectar, mint leaf and corn silk from the fall color chart.

My ankle is slowly getting better and I have high hopes for getting back in gear soon!

Mark Your Calendar!

Be sure to save a spot on your calendar for the UNusual Suspects Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, Nov. 3, in Bethesday, Md. Polly Scoots is excited to take part in this awesome show presented by the D.C. Craft Mafia.

Guess I better start making my "to do" list!

Postcard from the road: odds, ends and oddities

As our journey north began two weeks ago (and finished just a few days after that), I figure it's about time to wrap up this set of entries. Ryan has promised to provide a post about small displacement motorcycles available outside U.S., but in the meantime, I'll finish with some additional images from the road.

A grape squashing frog in North East, Pa.

Great stuff for your yard

A noble chief in Dunkirk, N.Y.Llamas at the Toronto Zoo

Warnings at the local church

Beautiful centerpieces at the reception

Public recycling options in downtown TorontoSage advise at Dunkirk