As a child Easter meant coloring eggs, going to church, and waking up early to see what treasures were left by the Easter Bunny. As the years passed holidays took on a more reflective quality. While they continue to be opportunities to connect with family and friends, more often for me they become reminders of what is important.
Not long ago I watched Highlander, the 1986 film by Russell Mulcahy about immortal warriors and was unnerved by the scene in the in the above YouTube clip — a potent reminder of the clock marking the minutes and days of my life. It follows an entire lifetime in a few minutes with one character immortal and the other not.
Sitting in the living room typing this note, looking out the window at the greening landscape, the spring flowers, the birds busy finding materials for nests and family, I can’t help but think every moment has is precious and I should act accordingly.
Life flies past in a dazzling array of experience and memory. As hard as I try to pay attention I continually get swept up in the noise of living. A holiday can allow me to step away, slow down, and see what’s in front of me. So can a movie. Riding remains a reliable pathway to attention, focus, and appreciation of living. When riders utter the word freedom this is what often comes to mind. The road sets me free.
This morning I took a lazy, meandering ride to meet my friend Gordon. As the Vespa flows through the landscape I have a chance to think about the paths, options, and opportunities available to me. And all the people who make the journey rich. My wife Kim, her fire and spirit, love and support, kindness and compassion… She helps keep me pointed in the right direction. Family and friends fill my world in ways they’ll never know.
“Life flies past in a dazzling array of experience and memory. As hard as I try to pay attention I continually get swept up in the noise of living.” Eloquent.
Poppawheelie: Thank you. I think experience and memory are a gift. And riding fuels both!
A very thought provoking post. I had never seen the movie but it is a good clip to remind all of us that we are mortal. I just celebrated another birthday and similar thoughts came to mind.
Richard
Dude- time to get the long ride done. You keep putting it off. No wonder death is on your mind. No rides in the great beyond…the bourne from which no traveler returns. Eh?
Dear Steve:
Easter is a time of spiritual renewal, and I cannot help but find so many parallels to “Highlander.” The theme song, “Who Wants To Live Forever,” sung by the late Freddie Mercury of Queen is one of my favorites. I suspect all who ride are a bit like the immortals… But as far as I know that was only one truly immortal. His death and subsequent rising is the cornerstone of Western Civilization.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
RichardM: Yeah, birthdays have a way of doing that. Most of the time I don’t think too much about it. But I do want to keep riding and riding…
Conchscooter: I like your comments especially when I have to look up a word — bourne. You really think a long ride would put all these thoughts aside?
Dear Mr. Riepe: I kept waiting for the punchline. It’s strange to see you serious. Must be your New Jersey upbringing.
” Riding remains a reliable pathway to attention, focus, and appreciation of living.”
For as often as I’m consciously aware of this when I’m actually on the scooter, I wish there were a sure fire way of remembering it when I’m not. Well put, Steve!
Steve: Thank you for a much-needed “Slow-down-and-smell-the-roses” story. With my retirement in February came a real sense of the need to invest my time wisely. Your post on Easter Sunday put a point on the idea.
Tom Keene