Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Trail 125, and a Kawasaki W650

Experiencing the World

by 6 Comments

Soybean field in morning sun

A crisp fall morning, dew clinging heavily to soybean pods as sunlight works to burn away morning fog, these are the things that kindle the desire to be riding into a new day.  The journey from bed to the road isn’t always easy; the desire to sink into bed just a bit deeper, a while longer is strong.  Following my disposition I would probably never see a sunrise or experience the mysteries of  dawn.  This morning I had chores to do but was glad to be out on the road to be experiencing the world.

Writer Joyce Carol Oates has commented on the concealed benefits of chores:

As a farm girl, even when I was quite young, I had my ‘farm chores’ – but I had time also to be alone, to explore the fields, woods and creek side. And to read.

I have to agree — riding my Vespa to do chores and errands almost always provides those things.

Vespa GTS in the fogA longer than normal walk with an insistent dog got me on the road later that I would have liked.  The sun had already burned off the heavier fog that can completely shroud this area.  It did not diminish the quiet though to be alone with my thoughts and explore the place where I live.

Cornfield in fog

Autumn is screaming.  Farmers are chopping corn and the leaves have already dropped from the ash trees next to my house.  Before long there will be snowflakes in the air.  Still, it’s worth stopping and looking around.  I remember the first time I make a photograph of this particular field nearly twenty years ago and it still holds the same visual attraction.  I’ve parked the Vespa here many times so I could walk around and wonder what I’m seeing.

Vespa GTS in a foggy field

Opportunities to explore and make photographs were hampered this morning by the influx of traffic into the valley for Penn State’s homecoming football game.  I didn’t want to cope with the tens of thousands of vehicles that fill the roads and streets during the run up to the game so I put the camera away and turned towards State College, Pennsylvania to take care of a few errands.

Farm field near State College, Pennsylvania

Had to stop to make one last picture before heading into the gauntlet of football traffic and hopes of a loaf of Gemelli’s french country bread.  No luck on that score then on to Wiscoy for Animals for a back of bird food and on home to relax.  It’s dark now but the effects of the ride linger.  Can’t wait for the morning and one more chance to move through the world…

Thoughts on Easter Sunday

by 9 Comments

As a child Easter meant coloring eggs, going to church, and waking up early to see what treasures were left by the Easter Bunny.  As the years passed holidays took on a more reflective quality. While they continue to be opportunities to connect with family and friends, more often for me they become reminders of what is important.

Not long ago I watched Highlander, the 1986 film by Russell Mulcahy about immortal warriors and was unnerved by the scene in the in the above YouTube clip — a potent reminder of the clock marking the minutes and days of my life.  It follows an entire lifetime in a few minutes with one character immortal and the other not.

Sitting in the living room typing this note, looking out the window at the greening landscape, the spring flowers, the birds busy finding materials for nests and family, I can’t help but think every moment has is precious and I should act accordingly.

Life flies past in a dazzling array of experience and memory.  As hard as I try to pay attention I continually get swept up in the noise of living.  A holiday can allow me to step away, slow down, and see what’s in front of me.  So can a movie.  Riding remains a reliable pathway to attention, focus, and appreciation of living.  When riders utter the word freedom this is what often comes to mind.  The road sets me free.

This morning I took a lazy, meandering ride to meet my friend Gordon. As the Vespa flows through the landscape I have a chance to think about the paths, options, and opportunities available to me.  And all the people who make the journey rich.  My wife Kim, her fire and spirit, love and support, kindness and compassion…  She helps keep me pointed in the right direction.  Family and friends fill my world in ways they’ll never know.

The clock is ticking.  It makes everything precious.
Be careful on the road.  Warm wishes for your own experience, family and friends.  To the embrace of the time each of us has ahead…