Along the lochsa River

Money isn't all that matters

Drug-dealing gangs and Wall Street tycoons have one thing in common, they are into it for the money. They both miss the point when it comes to promoting quality of life.

In the wake of the Los Angeles riots, I hope we do more than just rebuild the money-making activities. Quality of life should be a priority. Last summer, I made an investment in my quality of life and lost money in the process. I took a 9-week leave of absence from my job and rode my bicycle across America. Then I took Amtrack back. It would have been more cost-effective if I had taken the plane, but I wanted to see more of America than the "in-flight movie."

At the gentle pace of a bicycle, I had time to see that America is a beautiful country. I met many nice people on the way and saw a lot of interesting things. People take interest in the stories I tell and the new additions to my photo album. With all this interest, the trip was an investment in my social life. 

Investment planners might say I was irrationl to take so much time from work and spend much of my savings, but no price can be placed on the beauty I saw in America. These friendly memories feed my soul amid the bad news of looting gangs and corporate raiders.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  If you like to take nature shots, you're not alone.  Millions of people around the world enjoy taking pictures of animals, flowers and trees.  Spread a little good will and take those rock garden pictures.  If you have some funny pictures or action shots, there's always an online forum for people who love to exchange photos.