Sudden Changes
I had a plan. An early morning departure for Altoona to pick up my mother-in-law for a visit. Breakfast at Tom and Joe’s Diner followed by a leisurely drive back to Boalsburg where we could all spend the day together. It’s nice to have plans. Then the call she’s not feeling well and those plans evaporate.
Suddenly the day lays open. It’s relatively cool at 68F. A heavy overcast softens the light and whatever scorching the sun may want to inflict. As I write these words I’m mildly shocked it didn’t feel much desire to go for a ride. Perhaps the approach of my 70th birthday has mellowed my riding obsession.
The half mile journey on the Vespa to the Pump Station for breakfast revealed a desire to relax, read, and just soak in the world. Perhaps the unlooked-for gift.
If I time things right I can get to the Pump Station between the early morning commuters and the daily groups that gather. Seeing just a few cars I know my timing is perfect.
The Invisible Man
Before moving further I confess my diet may be simple but will hardly qualify as nutritional by the standards of many. Starch, fat, sugar, caffeine and a tiny dose of vegetables. But that Everything bagel toasted with butter and topped with cucumbers and tomatoes is good enough for me. And hot tea and a couple cookies complete the gastronomic satisfaction. Fully prepared to sink into solitude I already consider the day perfect. A success despite last minute changes.
There is an immense satisfaction at sitting outside the Pump Station without a care in the world beyond my food, tea, and book. I sit invisible and able to enjoy a few moments living fully in the moment.
A Final Consideration
I meandered through the Pennsylvania Military Museum on the way home, wondering if some sudden lust to ride would overcome me. But as I stood looking at the world all I wanted was to relax. The Vespa plays a part in relaxation and sometimes it whispers “go home.” I’ve learned to listen and accept that not every day or every ride must be an adventure.
The unlooked for gift is the acceptance that embracing the moment before me where I actually live is far better than living in some imagined future that doesn’t exist.
Wisdom in the form of an unlooked-for gift.
Perfect! Very well said. That is the secret to life, or at least one of em. That’s a reason I ride: just concentrate on the now, on the road and the curves, on the temperature and the smells. Forget about all the other stuff for a few hours.
I agree. Sounds so simple. Not so easy to embrace…
Yes the moments of solitude relaxed and watching the world pass by can be a refreshing sojourn.
Yes it is. I had to learn to make time for such things. That required me to slow down, not rush, and accept it was ok to be “lazy!”
Enjoy ALL your writing!! Have U wrung-out the little Green-Hornet yet? Hopefully, it happenz
If you mean the Honda Trail 125 I only have ridden it about 200 miles. But I’ll be taking it for a long adventure in the mountains soon. It’s a fine little beast!