Mother’s day is like seeing a rainbow… it is just something to look on and enjoy.
Mother’s day 2022
On the keyboard
When typeing out my frustrations, most of the time I would just take out the paper and toss it; I felt better and that would be the end of it. Today I kept my words because I realized the advantages of having to take the time to pull out the piece of paper, scan it then upload it. Unlike just type and press and the world see’s your thoughts without benefit of any reflection by the author. Not that reflection stops all things better off in a trash can.
What I mean is I learned one thing about my manual typewriter effort my complaints are not earth changing and that is a good thing… and perhaps it is better to think my thoughts are not set in stone and only on paper. In the time it took to process these words I have time to reflect on just saying: “Have a good day everyone” have joy where you can find it… thank you for your time. On twitter I would have run out of space…
Looking for good…
I have allowed myself to get caught up in the troubles of the world around me and overlooking all the good that is around me. My internet went down… I called in the problem and the next day a repairman showed up on time and found that in the past 6 years my dish had shifted out of alignment and caused intermediate disconnects. Instead of needing a new dish he adjusted and things are the way they should be. It will not bring world peace but it allowed me to remember that sometimes things do work out.
For Mr. Sidney…
When I look back on the films of Sidney Poitier I view a positive possibility of what America is. The high road toward the future with hope and steadfastness and a big heart for others.
80 years ago….
In 1941 my father was still a teenager and he joined the army. He spent 4 years overseas and came back full of goodwill, hope and love for America. The reality of discrimination and the limits it placed on one’s ability to be all one could be was a fact but not one to complain about just something to work thru; in his view a 40% chance of success meant success was not just in reach but a done deal.
I keep recalling this open hearted view of what could be and the approach to life that defined for me what was called “the greatest generation” and as time removes more and more of this generation I take time to reflect and thank all who stood up for their belief’s and did good because they could.
Just thinking…
The last time I looked at bicycles knew of road bikes, hybrid, city, adventure, dirt bikes as well as mountain bikes. Today I find “gravel” and even “CGR” (cross, gravel, road) and then I recall “touring” bikes. I also ran across cruiser, endurance and the list went on. All I wanted was something to ride without much thought. The more I looked the more I wondered about speed, weight limits, gears, brakes, and comfort. Seems that comfort for some is second to speed…. and it seemed that while everything changes by name… you still pedal to get where you wish to go… so what’s most important remains the same.
New view…
A decade ago I scanned an image I thought I have captured everything of importance. Then I took another look at the hard copy and flipped it over and my view of what was important changed
2nd Thoughts…
On the bicycle ride across Iowa a person rode past me with an electronic device that spoke out loud Speed, Distance Traveled and total climb completed. The voice said: “You have traveled 4.5 miles, at 6.3 miles per hour and completed 500 feet of climb.” You have traveled 4.6 miles, at 6.2 miles per hour and completed 510 feet of climb.” “You have…” I’m not sure I could stand having such information for long… I saw bikes with GPS that told them where they were and what route to follow. When someone wanted to SAG (get picked up) the first comment was to use a cell phone and call for support… back in the day it was put your bike (wheels up) on the left side of the road and wait. Putting this in perspective I had a person ask if plastic water bottle’s existed when the ride first started… (seems the plastic water bottle was invented in 1973).
2021 Bicycle Ride Across Iowa
In a corn field far far away… in the summer… on a bike… that’s where I will be!
500 miles and the fun begins
It use to be that around 350 miles on my bicycle was when long distance riding became fun; up to that distance it was a grind and just getting in shape. This year I had to reach 500 before I felt happy every mile I rode and the next day started with a smile instead of a groan thinking about getting on board a bike. How lucky I am to still have the ability to enjoy the day.
