Todd Brandt

My name is Todd Brandt. I am a Rivercrest Rider. This is my blog.

The name comes from a song my sister's and I stole and rewrote as children, a take on the theme song from the TV show "The Monkees".

We lived on a street called Rivercrest Road, and we would ride up and down that street on our bicycles.

"Hey, hey we're the Riders," we sang loudly pedaling as fast as we could, "Rivercrest is our name."

I grew up at a time when a bicycle was freedom. This was a time when you could ride on the handlebars of your friend's bicycle. It was a time without bicycle helmets or hand brakes. We would feel the wind in our hair until our bell-bottom pants would get caught in the bicycle chain and abruptly put a stop to our fun.

Although I rarely ride a bicycle anymore, I am still pedaling as fast as I can. And singing loudly, even if only to myself. Thus the title, Rivercrest Rider.

There is also a double meaning. We all ride the river of life. A river's crest comes at its peak volume and flow. Our metaphorical rivers ebb and flow with the seasons, periodic storms and sunny, dry weather. We need to ride out the river's flooding and drought conditions both so we are not overwhelmed and destroyed by them.

Life is a journey.

I am not nostalgic for the past; I am instructed by it. I hope and plan for the future and bright days ahead. I live now. Carpe Diem.

This is a place for me to write, think, and learn. Writing helps me. It helps me clarify my thoughts and beliefs. I write for myself, but you are welcome to join me in this journey.

My goal is simple. I aim to be kind, quiet, and competent. Kindness in all things. Quiet in mind, spirit, and body. Competent to the point of distincition.

Thank you for reading.

Todd