The more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the religion of solitude.
Aldous Huxley
I love the quote by Huxley on solitude. Not so much to think of myself possessing a powerful and original mind, but rather to excuse my life long attraction to solitude.
I’m not sure if it’s a result of my genetic programming, the fact I grew up an only child, or just an accident or circumstance. What I do know is I’ve spent a lot of time apologizing for wanting to be alone.
But I’ll save this topic for another post. Right now I want to take a moment to consider the year which has raced by, and the new year ahead.
And to wish anyone reading these words my best wishes for a happy, safe, and satisfying New Year!
Onward into 2022
The coming year is uncertain. I don’t know what’s over the horizon. But I’m excited by the journey and have faith that the road will be passable. And that whether I’m riding the Vespa scooter or my motorcycle, I’ll find the same thrill at being alive in the world that I have in the past.
Life is Simple. Less is More.
The older I get the more I appreciate the simple things in life. Like a good book, a night’s sleep, or a walk with a happy dog. I’ve spent a good deal of my life making things more complicated and stressful. I look forward to the coming year to continue to shed those habits and look towards a simpler existence.
A Nod to Gratefulness
Walking down the hill from the house to the Pump Station Cafe to meet a friend I paused to look at the heavy sky over Shingletown Gap. Dumb luck has me living here. Gratitude allows me to appreciate the blessing.
I pray I hold tight to gratitude in the coming year.
Happy New Year!
One last wish for everyone to have a safe, healthy, and happy new year. Whether you’re a rider, a walker, driver, or couch surfer, I appreciate the time you’ve spend reading these words. I will return to more “riderly” subjects in the next post.
Onward into 2022!
A most happy New Year to you as well, Steve. It’s been…quite the year, and I think I can speak for both of us (among numerous others) on this count. I agree on the notion of winnowing things down to the stuff that counts, paring away the proverbial static that may have once held signals of some importance. That which remains can be invested with greater attention and enthusiasm. And, in spite of certain things (and perhaps because of my most-recent mishap), I’m coming into the new year with more enthusiasm than I might have had otherwise. And I might still manage to make it out your way sometime this newly-minted year. Hope your first new day of this year is both relaxing and cheerful for you, Kim, and the doggos.
“That which remains can be invested with greater attention and enthusiasm.”
I think one of the main reasons I work to pare things down is that statement. It’s hard to focus in a world full of stuff.
So far the new year is quiet. A long walk and then relaxing. I hope your first day has been kind as well.
Guid new year Steve. Good luck and good health for 2022.
Thanks Bill. Have a great New Year.
Happy new year Steve, your stories are a pleasant readings in this turbural times.
Greetings from the Netherlands
Thank you for the kind words George. Best wishes for a safe and happy new year in the Netherlands!
Happy New Year’s to you Steve and all my fellow riders that follow this treasured site.I hope to follow the less is more trail this year except for my ukulele collection which i plan to dedicate more time and become a BETTER player….Peace to all and two wheels ahead ..Don E in Texas
Good luck with your ukulele adventures Don. I’ll watch for a YouTube channel for your performances!
Wishing you a Blessed and Happy New Year as you continue to ride into the distance here and there.
I’m excited to ride more this year. No destinations in mind but just being out in the world. Whatever I do, I’ll report back here.
Happy New Year!
Amen to all of this, Steve. I especially like this…”I pray I hold tight to gratitude in the coming year.” I couldn’t agree more.
Gratitude
https://youtu.be/dQdfs5S6jyA
Thank you Chris for sharing Brandon Lake’s performance of “Gratitude.” A reminder of the importance of being grateful, especially amidst turmoil and suffering.
First picture. What a nice self portrait. Makes you look downright handsome.
If there was a thought bubble above my head it would say, “I sure hope this one works.” Half of the ones I tried were out of focus. I’m not patient enough to do those pix well. That one was a lucky shot. Handsome? I only see gray hair!
With advancing age, I think we all comtemplate the unknown of the coming year. Probably more so than in years past. The unknown future seems more unknown with each passing year. It’s always been there, but as I retire from my teaching schedule, and as my ageing body makes its demands, I’m just more aware of it. May the coming year bring you all you desire.
I understand Frank even though I’m a few years behind you in the count of years. The unknown takes on a different feeling as I get older. Not bad necessarily, but definitely different.
I hope you and the family are well. I enjoy seeing the images you share on Facebook and marvel at the things you see.
Best wishes for 2022. I am sad to report that I no longer ride my 2019 Vespa Primavera, as my local dealership closed down. Supply line problems, as he reported that small Vespa dealers could receive no product, Pontedera deciding to ship new scoots to CA, NY, and Chicago. Local motorcycle shops “service what we sell”, and my closest Vespa dealership located 115 miles away in Derry, NH. Reluctantly traded my beloved scoot away for a 2022 Zero FXE, which is truly amazing ride with an 80 mile range. Still a throttle twister. Keep your columns coming Steve and enjoy your upcoming rides that you will chronicle for us lucky readers.
Sorry to hear you had to part ways with your Vespa. Dealers do seem to be harder to find, and service even harder. I’ve wondered if I’ll stick with a Vespa when mine finally dies. The nearest dealer is 110 miles away. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Our local BMW dealer sells ZERO motorcycles. They look pretty cool. Sounds like a good alternative for you.
I hope you have a fine New Year and be safe on that new machine!
I always enjoy your posts. Them Huxley’s were an interesting family, that’s for sure. I vacillate between social and solitude. I have bills to pay so social supports that sort of thing. So many things I enjoy are solitary activities, like gardening, riding bikes/scooters/motorcycles, playing banjo/guitar, making and fixing, reading, so many things I like involve just me or very few others. I’m certainly enjoying my quiet new Years Saturday and I hope you are too.
You don’t see many families celebrated anymore as people of science and letters. That sort of generational accomplishment doesn’t live up to the celebrity standards of today.
Retirement has allowed me to slide into a much more reclusive lifestyle, and the pandemic has supported that as well. I do enjoy time with others but not too many people and not too often. I seem to be drained quickly of energy around other people. Maybe I’m paying too much attention to them!
Be well and have a great New Year.
Happy New Year Steve, both to you and Kim! I like the first self portrait, it conveys: “Come on world, I can take it!”
You’re right Dom, I can handle whatever comes along. What choice do I have?
Happy new year Steve !!!
Laurent.
Thank you Laurent!
Pleasant surprise in the post this morning. Thanks for the pics, thoughts and smiles Steve … Continued good health to you and yours and may your 2022 adventures run deep and wide … Cheers eh! 🥂
I’m glad I could share something pleasant. Hopefully posts will be more common in this new year.
Thank you for the good wishes. I hope you and your family enjoy the same.
Happy New Year Steve. I’m looking forward to a good year of riding in 2022. I hope it’s good for you too.
I hope it’s a good riding year also Jim. For both of us.
Happy new year, Steve! Your post made me realize how much of much life I spent not only apologizing for wanting to be alone but also apologizing for pursuing things that enrich my life but those around me didn’t value. I’ve definitely gotten past being put on guilt trips for being “selfish” but it took a lesson that took a long time to learn.
May 2022 bring you happy days in the saddle. Cheers!
Life lessons worth learning always seem to take time and work. But always worth the effort.
Thanks for the good wishes for 2022. I hope you find happy days ahead as well!
Enjoy this New Year and to all that it will be. We live in a Beautiful part of this keystone area. We are Blessed
This is indeed a beautiful area Mike.
Hope the new year is treating you and the family well!