Grand View of the World
It’s been one year since I had a heart attack. The road since has been a scenic tour of the countless expressions of life racing by minute by minute and a vast collection of moments that make a life. Riding home last night from the Moto Hang I had to stop to make one more photography of my Vespa scooter against the background of a painted sky just after the sun went down.
I’ve wondered more than a few times during the past year why I keep photographing the scooter. For a long time I told myself I needed the pictures for my blog. But I know now there’s something else at work. Perhaps the scooter is me, standing in the world and acknowledging time and place, creating reminders of where I’ve been and where I’m going.
There’s some karma and coincidence in play. A year since a heart attack, a full moon approaching overhead, and here I am writing the 1000th post on Scooter in the Sticks.
There’s no way to know what tomorrow will bring but for the past year I’ve looked forward to each day, each ride, each gift that comes my way. Riding a Vespa through the countryside brings everything into focus and leaves me breathless for the next mile.
It’s been quite a party…
the scooter represents you in time and space….that’s some heavy metaphorical thinking right there….
It’s always curious what comes into a mind while tapping on a keyboard. Or walking a dog…
Life is best experienced as a series of small moments like sips of wine.
I agree. Hard though to slow down enough to see a small moment or take a sip instead of a gulp…
Yup…Karma and Coincidence.
Like when you’re 25 miles into a ride…on a beautiful day…you dont know which direction to take next…decide to go left, not right and there stands a Pennsylvania Black bear….yeehaw…great decision. So smart…Not really.
Blessed more like it.
I’ve only seen a couple of bears while riding but each time it was a gift to see the lumbering beast. But on those beautiful days when you just make random choices everything seems to be right…
CONGRATULATIONS. 1000 posts is quite an accomplishment AND a great gift to all that read your additions each day or two.
Nice way to begin the day. I will take a ride on my Vespa later today after work. Can’t wait! I thoroughly enjoy the ride.
Thank you Karl. When I think about a thousand posts I’m kind of amazed it’s still going. Not many things in my life that last that long.
Hope you had a fine time on the Vespa. Stay safe!
1000th post and a one-year post heat attack celebration. Good excuse for a ride and a nice cup of tea!
Congrats on both.
I did go for a ride but skipped the tea in favor of a bowl of soup. Will post something tomorrow. Best exceptionally lazy today.
Congratulations on the 1000th post! I’ve often thought the same thing when stopping to take a snapshot of the bike. Wondering if the only reason for taking the picture is for a blog post… Sometimes it’s just an excuse to stop and walk around a bit.
So you managed to escape the Moto Hang without a new a new Triumph in tow, eh?
Making pictures is a well worn habit so it’s no surprise I have it at work with the scooter rides. There are rides where I’m kind of writing and creating while I ride and the experience is definitely different than when I’m just wandering.
The Triumph is still in my head. Who knows what will happen in the future.
Really. 1000. That’s really something. I’ve always though SITS was an extension of your life no more no less. I’m headed for freight liquidator in Altoona. I’ll call you to see if you are interested.
You’re right — it is an extension of my life.
12 months
365.25 days
8760 hours
525600 minutes
3153600 seconds
1000 postings…
If you have a full length mirror in the house;
stand in front of it.
Undress, all the way.
Right down to your birthday suit
Now, what do you see?
Front, back, and both sides
What do you want to see?
What do you think you see?
What do others (hopefully just your wife) see?
Decide how you shall survive the next years of your existence?
From the day we came into this world we are dying in one way or another.
May I suggest on this one year anniversary
you plan your demise and your disposal.
Now?
Write your will, and have it notarized.
In the last minute instructions with your medical
power of attorney, make note of A.N.D. (allow natural death)
in lieu of DNR (do not resuscitate). We all have to transition at some
point in the current time of existence; just do it.
Purchase your burial plot in the stone orchard if you so wish;
perhaps place a marker with your name on it with the date
of your arrival and leave the date of your departure blank.
Plan your funeral however you wish.
Write your obituary, you know yourself best,
place it with your funeral directions and your will.
Tell Kim and your offspring where things are just in case
Then, continue as before however the stress
at your end shall no longer
be part of your existence.
I have for me, as there is nobody, no family or friends
that shall be burdened with my disposal.
Then once completed, file the papers where
somebody can obtain them
when required.
Now continue your journals and keep riding.
I turn seventy at the end of May;
my physical body feels ancient.
Reading your journal gives me the freedom
I can not experience otherwise.
Congratlations on your anniversary!
I can’t argue with anything you’ve written and I should do all of it.
I’ve already done the mirror thing. And with the camera. Self inspection and portraiture was a common theme in art school and something that I’ve continue to engage from time to time. I’m fascinated with the aging process — the things you can see and those you can’t.
Disposal, burial, plans, etc — much to do. I have made sure my kids have access to Scooter in the Sticks to make the final post.
Thanks for sharing this. Lots to think about.
And an early Happy Birthday to you!
That’s a serious milestone well worth achieving. Where you lead, I hope to follow.
You’re on your own path David. Don’t follow me — who knows what trouble that will get you in!
Seriously though, while it’s nice to look back at where I’ve been I’m more interested in what’s along the road ahead.
I’m glad that I’ve re-discovered your blog. I spent some time yesterday reading a number of your entries and I was inspired to get excited again with my GTS 300! (I also have a brand new Triumph Street Twin).
BTW, your posts are very well written and thought-provoking!
Ps. I’m an old guy who just started riding 10 years ago at the age of 56 🙂
Thanks for the kind words about my posts here on Scooter in the Sticks. I’m happy to hear they helped inspire you to rev up the GTS. Having had my eye on a Street Twin for awhile I can only imagine the agony of choosing between them.
Good luck and be safe riding. Hope you have many more years ahead on the road.
Keep going Steve we all love reading your posts.
Brent
Thanks Brent. I’ll keep riding and writing until I can’t. At least that’s the plan!