Sometimes I have to recall that the primary reason to type and post is just for the fun of it. Not to give profound thoughts. Not to pass on wisdom. Not to become deluded by my own image of the greatness of my verbiage. Just to enjoy pressing keys and seeing words on paper is enough. When I recall this simple fact… words rush to page… without being blocked by thoughts of “why… what…” etc.
I type on the Woodstock #4 and ramble about nothing much… which is a good way to celebrate on a Woodstock.
Unless you want a page full mess… the typewriter forces you to think about what you type! And when you think before you say… it can cause thought… and we all know that is a road not often traveled.
I am one of those who believe that the United States is a great country that needs to improve and grow to become even greater. Perhaps the gaps in perceptions would be less if those with so much… realized just how much they have… and those who have so little; did not have to hear about all the things others feel have been lost.
It may be silly to think I can ride a bicycle across a state and feel safe and secure. I believe that anyone with a bicycle regardless of color or creed of type of bike will feel the same joys I do. Eat the same buttered corn on the cob and feel the friendly feeling that the plain folks of Iowa have for guests. This is America to me.
There have been times as I drove to Iowa that I have been followed by the police… more times than I can count for long periods of time and this is America as well. I know both worlds; the kind and the not-so. I value the kind more.
The America of today is full of people who have opportunity and rewards far beyond what my parents could imagine. An Uncle of mine had dreams of being a elevator operator… and his peers felt he was being “uppity” because only “whites” were allowed to push the elevator buttons back in the day when America was greater. I know I could have any job I wanted… that I could achieve all my goals because during that time when America was great… great people like my father could not go for dreams they sought because of someone saying a person of color would not/could not do or be allowed such work.
Perhaps if we understood this improvement in out society…. and accepted it as the greatest of all achievements… the gaps between us would be easier to bridge and communication would flow with ease. No need to shout and have no one hear;  we would just be the same citizens after the same goals of equality and justice for all.
But then I don’t think big… just how to ride a bike across Iowa… where I heard someone say: “Is this heaven?”… “Just Iowa”…
There is nothing like a 99 year old Woodstock to improve your day and mood… press a few keys and its summer cool!
When I moved to my new house…. I did not notice the Confederate flag on display across the street from me and I don’t care. I learned long ago that what is in a person’s heart is not reflected in a flag they show. 51 years ago I learned that some of the most open/honest and dependable friends I gained were more accepting of a person of color than those who grew up North.
If I expect people to judge me by my character…. I have to be willing to do the same.
In 1915 came the Woodstock No. 4 typewriter. In 1969 came the Woodstock Music Festival. The one hundred year old… can do more than bring back old memories it can create new ones!
Sometimes you just return for a good time… and the Woodstock No. 4 is!!
I liked the eraser holder (also good for pencils), it looked “cool”… it is responsive; quick and fun!! The No. 5 has a ribbon selector and no holder… I like this one better!!!
A lot has happened since 1594… back then you could be the center of attention for 9 days…. now you are lucky to get 10 minutes! Â It could happen to you!
