Remembering Good Times, Having Faith in Tomorrow
If I had to choose one photograph that depicts the joy I feel while riding it would be this one of my friend Paul Ruby leaping in the air on one of our many early morning rides. This photograph was made over ten years ago but that feeling has not diminished in frequency or power.
During the coming days and weeks, many of us may entertain our darkest fears and concerns.
I have. But I also have choices. I plan for the worst but continue to hope for the best. Part of that process stems from the fine memories I have of life in the rear view mirror, a strong belief that all things pass, and faith that there will be a new tomorrow. I just don’t get to know what it will be until it gets here.
Until that time I daily give thanks for what I have. Finding gratitude, even in a storm, warms my spirit and fuels hope. I produced a short VLOG entry on some of the things rattling in my head.
I hope these words find you safe, healthy and with a positive view of life ahead.
Love the Walk & Talk, Keeping it fresh. Peace
Thank you Mike. Hope things are going well for you and Elaine.
We R doing well, Work wise things still brake so I have ear open for situations that happen even when there’s Physical distant Social awareness happening. after all this, lets get together, I have some old slides that I would like to share on our Harry Johns winter camp out.
Wow. That winter camping trip was a long, long time ago. Would love to see those pictures. We were kids back then. Who else thinks it a good idea to go backpacking in the winter in a snow storm?
Well done, as usual.
Your soothing voice of reason was a welcome relief in these turbulent times.
Thanks Bill. We are living in strange times. I figure this is a good time to be calm.
I agree with others, very well done! You may have a post-retirement career!
It’s a big shift from writing. Putting myself in front of the camera brings out different thoughts and ideas than when I am at a keyboard. Not sure if it will rise to a career but for now it’s an interesting activity. I trust all of you to tell me when I’m wasting my breath!
Enjoying the blogs, Steve! Looking forward to more.
Thank you Richard. I’ll be doing some more.
THAT was outstanding in its simplicity and soul. Just a great vibe and the message was SO very much needed. It was moving, is what it was and to just say well done isn’t enough.
Thank you so much.
Thanks for your kind words of support Fred. It’s good to know that my ramblings have some value in this strange world. I find a gap between the reality of my daily life and the life that I create in my head. Talking about it, writing about it helps dissuade me from the worst fears and concerns I can create.
Very nicely done. I’m new to your blogs and have been looking at them for a few days now.
I enjoy your calmness and thoughts.
Thank you Douglas. I’ll continue to produce more VLOG entries until I determine they provide either myself or readers with no value, or if I find I’m not cut out to be a VLOGGER. After 15 years of writing posts, these videos are a big change.
My dogs keep me calm!
Steve, you have to change the banner at the top of the blog. We need a springtime photo! Thanks!
Thanks for the reminder Tom. I made a quick change. I’ll have to look for something more striking.
Thanks so much! I am sure a photographer of your unique perspective and skill will find just what you – and all of us – need.
I’ll try Tom. I’ll try.
Nicely don’t, thanks for the tour of the grounds .much nicer than watchin the News.
I’m careful with the news and things I absorb online. Don’t need a lot of extra fuel for my imagination. Nor the frustration that arises at times.
Glad you found my hairstyling good enough that it didn’t warrant any comments!
My grandfather wasn’t a church-going man. But every Sunday morning he would watch CBS Sunday Morning without fail. I bring this up because I recall every episode ending with these “Moments with Nature” segments. They were devoid of anything man-made, and were filled with the sounds of running rivers, joyful birds, even the wind. What stands out in my memory was the peace that I would feel during those moments. I feel the same thing when I read your blog or watch your new video entries. Thanks for reminding me of that.
I remember those segments Andy. Being older than you, I was able to watch Charles Kuralt wander America and find those places in nature. They were burned into my brain and I’m certain they influence me now.
Nature. It has been a siren song since I was a child. And beyond. So many of my favorite books follow that theme. Walden, the Leatherstocking Tales, The Thousand Mile Summer, and The Man Who Walked Through Time to name just a few. They all have that quiet and serene feeling.
Be well and take care of yourself.
Thank heavens, finally the dogs! I love watching big dogs run. My Black Lab was a joy to see at full gallop. It’s one of the things I miss about her along with her unquestioning loyalty. My Yorkies just don’t look the same. I would love to get out on the bikes but I have no errands to run and it feels like a nonessential thing to do. I just satisfy myself with starting them once a week and listening to the music they make. Time to ride will happen soon.
I too love to watch the dogs run. I’ll try and capture a bit of that action to share.
It’s warm today and I thought of pushing the Vespa and motorcycle into the driveway and giving them a bath and making some notes for maintenance. But instead, I may take the dogs for a long walk…
Thank you Steve. Your words and voice carry me, gratefully, back to central Pennsylvania. I am relieved to hear how much you care about all that I hold dear.
Keep writing and blogging, please.
Steve
Central Pennsylvania is a fine place to weather the pandemic. Lot’s of space. One of the many reasons I never left this place after arriving as a freshman at Penn State back in 1972. I was instantly attracted to the landscape after my first ascent of the fire tower on Little Flat. It was still open then and the surrounding trees had not yet masked the views. What a great place.
I plan to keep writing and blogging until I’ve exhausted ideas and energy!
I felt as if you were speaking to me personally Steve. Well done.
Thank you Steel. I’m glad you heard something.
Thanks for the gentle reminder. We do indeed have so much to be grateful for and perhaps this pause will give each us a opportunity to reset, to think about the sorts of things that matter most. Maybe rearrange a priority or two? That is a wonderful pic indeed, I’d say joyful. Take care and be safe.
Each day seems to bring new opportunities to rearrange things, rethink things and find patience and gratitude. For me it’s all about my attitude. Once I accept I can’t change what’s happening it’s much easier to find some peace.
Be well. It’s will be time to ride again someday!