The End of Things
I’ve been blessed with a cinematic form of daydreaming — sequences of images and narration that move seamlessly through time and space to tell a story. I don’t know whether this a common trait among people. It’s provided entertainment and distraction throughout this life. Riding at times provides a stage for a mini-series of adventures both real and imagined. Looking at the Vespa parked in the trees as the sun went down opened the door to a variety of mental adventures.
Recently many readers provided feedback, insight and suggestions in response to an online survey inquiring about possible products and directions that could appear on Scooter in the Sticks. The results will help discern wishful daydreaming from paths worth exploring. For those of you who responded — thank you. You’ve confirmed, rejected and illuminated the palette of vague ideas presented. The data collected will be useful in the decision making process.
There was one area that is worth noting, confirmation really of my own suspicions, is a fear that monetizing some part of the blog will extinguish the personal nature of the stories and content I share. These concerns strongly mirror my own. At this point in my life I do not want to feel constrained by external concerns that may affect how or what I write. And if I choose to create some tangible product to sell, it will have to be something I feel strongly about at a personal level.
Transitioning from one state of being to another
The survey has helped to light the road ahead. While I’m not sure how or when some change or addition may take place, your generosity of idea and opinions has helped focus choices and possibilities.
Considering the scooter against the setting sun, that transition from day to evening is not unlike the change coming my way soon as I retire my career at Penn State. There’s a visceral sense of change in the air, one that will affect the routine choices made on a daily basis along with the direction taken with Scooter in the Sticks.
Thank you for your support with the adventures ahead.
You got me daydreaming about how I daydream, whether in moving or still images, and as I thought about it, I could see it both ways. Ultimately, it seems to me that I imagine things in many more dimensions, sight yes, including moving images and scenes played out, but also dimensions of sound and touch, scent and even flavour. A little like real life, but projected on a smokey haze that dissipates with a wave of the hand as reality intrudes on the dreamer.
Thank you for that.
Thinking about thinking. I suppose it’s not too far from navel gazing. I learned in art school that it’s not a bad thing. Just not typically what most people invest their time with. I liken it all to lying in the grass and looking up at the clouds imaging another world in the sky.
I miss those times.
Now, my dreams can often be more concrete. Like thinking someday I’ll make a video…
I know what I like and I really enjoy reading your articles. You put dreams into my head. As you the song says “don’t go chaining just to please me”. Take care
Thank you Linda for the kind words. I have no plans to stop writing. And taking pictures. And riding!
I like the picture Steve, it reminds me of a vehicle in motion and the sun moving through the trees.
Just think how much better it would look though sitting on top of a mesa in Utah! With maybe a URAL in the background. Out of focus of course!
At retirement one reflects on how insignificant one has been. Humanity goes on as if nothing had happened despite the miniscule changes one might have made on this blue dot.
There is an upside though and that is the temporary joy ones efforts have induced in some hearts.
This is what keeps one involved in the lives of others. Keep up with your great adventures Steve.
Thanks for your insights Mike. Gives me something to think about as I start the day.
Dream State, neither here nor there.
Mor or less from where do I proceed?
Given the number of years of employment at Penn State you are the rarity, same employer, same position more or less, for more years than many careers.
You have not been terminated by loss of job, nor accident nor illness (although the heart attack and subsequent stent was a life-altering kick), nor your own passing. You have been very lucky. Good genes, good marriage and yes good four-legged companions. And then there is your two wheel companion.
Keep dreaming Steve, write that which you wish, we shall be here to read and devour.
I have been lucky. I’m grateful for what I have and the experiences along the way. The road ahead looks exciting. I’m sure to write and make photographs along the way.
It seems we spend our whole working life walking towards retirement hoping that there will be many good adventures and time left to do it in. Change is good even if it is small, it keeps things fresh. However, I do enjoy reading your blog and seeing your beautiful pictures.
Change — it’s so common and relentless though seems to remain ever frightening to so many. I’m excited to walk through the door ahead and into retirement even though I’m not exactly sure what the change will bring. Not unlike riding a new road and excited to see what’s around the next bend.
Thanks for the kind words about the blog and pictures. It’s always nice to know they resonate with someone.
Just having completed two years of retirement, and currently in the first week of a two month ramble with RV and motorcycles, I can heartily recommend retirement! What I can’t say is that I have found more time to write…although I’ve had tons of adventures, the challenge is in taking the time to document even a part of them! Good problem to have, of course, and I am so grateful.
Sounds like you are on a fine journey. Good luck with the miles ahead. I read your Carlsbad Cavern post. Amazing place. Have always wanted to visit. Perhaps Kim and I can wander that way someday…
I definitely recommend it, thanks for checking out the post. ?
It has happened more than a few times after reading a piece on your blog that I am reminded of my own desire to ride a scooter. Riding one early in the morning along Lake Shore Drive is now on my bucket list. Thanks for igniting that memory.
Well, a Vespa is a different experience than the BMW you’re riding. A morning along the lake would be a fine time…