A ride seems so simple, just roll the scooter or motorcycle outside, get on, thumb the starter and go. Escape down the road with scarcely a concern for anything but the pavement passing below your feet, wind pushing against your body, and everything is perfect in the world. It should be so simple but the tyranny of responsibility, that collection of grown up chores and tasks conspire together to make the simplest pleasures seem childish, inconsiderate and selfish. At least it seems that way at the end of a long day when energy levels are low and frustration is high.
With one driver in the house last week retrieving the Vespa from Kissell Motorsports (technician Chad installed a new drive belt, rollers, pads along with a change of engine and transmission oil) was a planning adventure to beg rides, take buses and walk to various locations.
My dog Junior is a faithful teacher, ever reminding me of the power of setting any business aside and taking time to watch the sunset. Except when there is a cat nearby or food is involved, he is a remarkably relaxed creature. Taking a few minutes to do the same myself certainly helps ease the burdens of a day.
A morning photos of daughter Aleta’s Yamaha Vino scooter on its way to get it’s annual safety inspection, part of the choreographed dance that would lead on towards retrieval of the Vespa. I had forgotten how capable the Vino is on our local roads.
Examining the long shadow I cast while launching tennis balls for the dog I’m reminded of the power I do have to control what I do and don’t do. Sometimes it takes a different look at myself to figure out what’s going on.
Reflective moments during a busy week are more common for me during visits to cafes and coffee shops. And of course rides. Unfortunately this past week the scooters were unavailable and I just had a lot to do.
Piled up, one chore, one task, one appointment piled upon the next, even the Sunday morning photography discussion could damper any sparks of creative thought. Paul continues to appear with inkjet prints made during a wide range of activities and travels.
The best I could must we some quiet reflection on the images being shared and a small amount of personal berating at not yet returning to the darkroom to produce new work. Instead I remain under the thumb of chore and task. I’ve come up for air though and the rest of the week looks brighter and less clouded by grown up responsibility. Maybe I’ll even ride to work tomorrow…
Work life balance is a constant struggle to be sure. As I age, the tension between them seems to grow.
Maybe I’ll ride to work today too. Thanks Steve.
Riding to work is a perfect excuse to put a scooter or motorcycle to use. I’m surprised more riders haven’t figured that out.
I feel I’m losing the battle for balance at the moment. Rough couple weeks but a fine glow in the sky right now as the sun heads for the horizon makes it all seem ok!
I am actually making good progress towards achieving work-life balance in my own life…..the lack of an easily available scooter I can empathize with, it would be nice if the URAL dealer I frequent was closer.
The Tyranny of Responsibility….I like that phrase, descriptive and encompassing and yet bearable with the right perspective….Junior’s of course.
Dom,
Having a dealer close is comforting. And there is always the opportunity for a sudden and unexpected upgrade or purchase. So far I’ve avoided that. Have had my eye on a couple late 80s R90s though. Wouldn’t that be a cool addition to my riding tools?
Add to the list a medical appointment Steve….
You do have a four four-wheel skateboard in the form of the Honda Fit.
Have a firend who has two Fits. The most basic one for his employment runs and his wife has the loaded version with all the toys .. So far he’s happy after two years. Low cost cheap to operate. And they’ll just squeeze in to his garage and he may close the door so they are covered in the winter. Now as to your Vespa; it too required maintenance and I can well understand the feeling of “loss” not having wheels when you need them. As to Junior,
like most males, food is an over-riding passion. Smart dog, smart owner!
Junior is a little too passionate about food. He just robbed Kim of her dinner while she ran outside for a second. He’s in the dog house now so to speak.
I like the Honda Fit. The only vehicle I can see in its place right now is a Fiat 500. I guess I am partial to little cars. Loved my 1970 VW Beetle and our 1970 VW Campmobile. The FIT and the Odyssey are sort of like a similar pair…
I tried to ‘ignore’ you when you were taking the photos. I can stiffen up somewhat when I look directly at the camera. You are really good with that camera. I guess all those years shooting professionally you were bound to get good. I like the way my photos look in your photos and especially the one with Gordon and me. It looks very natural.
Paul
Paul,
You are an easy subject, even in your most uncomfortable moments you are aware of the camera and perform! You know what it’s like — shoot for a long time and it becomes more intuitive and your observational and technical skills blend to make it far easier to produce decent images. Practice is the key.
Steve:
One day I was just thinking about dog food. We used to feed our dogs the same stuff. Every day I would take the bag of IAMs dog food and scoop some out into a dish for our dog(s). The same type of bag that we would always buy from the pet food store. Sometimes we would mix it up a bit and get the chicken, instead of the other flavours, but mostly it was chicken. Day in and day out, every day we would take that bag of dog food and scoop out some for our dogs. As soon as I would grab the dog food bag, it would crinkle with the paper noise and our dogs would come running over. I would make them sit, sometimes paw, they were so eager . . . they would wait patiently for me to scoop up the dog food and then it would make the tingling sound as it fell into the stainless steel dish. Soon I would place the bowl down on the floor and they would have to wait for my command before they could start eating. Every day it was the same. The same bag of dog food. They couldn’t wait to slurp it up and soon their bowls were empty of dog food.
bob: riding the wet coast
Junior is mesmerized by food and knows every food related sound — dogfood bag, bowls, water, the works. Can’t fool a dog!