I’m a rules-follower. Period, full-stop. And it irks me to no end when I see others not following the rules. Doesn’t matter what rules. Just the rules, man. Any rules. All of ‘em. All the damn time.

And they’re not just guidelines. We have rules for a reason.

Like, here in Gunnison, don’t ride your damn bike on the sidewalk. There are signs posted everywhere. There are even little inlaid tiles at the corner of each street downtown. NO bikes on sidewalks.

Yet, constantly, I watch multitudes of bikers careen down the sidewalks every day.

And speed limits. Speed limits are rules. Not suggested, not optional, not “kinda-sorta-if-you-feel-like-it-today” things. They are set for a reason—to protect the rest of us from being run over or flattened by 2-ton contraptions of steel.

And parking spaces designated for those with a blue “handicap” placard or sticker. They’re there for a reason. Respect that.

I’m clearly irked today. It’s Memorial Day weekend here in this tourist town—complete with GINORMOUS rigs hauling boats and jeeps and 4-wheelers and bikes and any other toys you can think of—driving way too fast down our pedestrian-filled roadways.

The wind is blowing too—fiercely. So much gustiness out there that a weather alert popped up on my phone for a “Red Flag Warning.” Meaning high speed wind gusts and very, very low humidity combining for a scary scenario in which fires will move quickly over dried out terrain. I got the alert. Did everyone else that is here visiting? Will they be careful and follow the rules for when and where it’s safe to have an open fire—IF it’s safe out there?

Clearly irksome. How to find peace amongst the irksome things today? Need that serenity now. This is where a fine cup of coffee, some jazz music and some essential oils come into my world.

Wishing you all a safe and serenity-filled, rules-following holiday weekend in which you hold your loved ones close and revel in being grateful for the small pleasures in life.

Blessed be.