I like to think I will always take the “high ground” but in truth I do not. I look back and celebrate the times and moments I did not “counter-punch” when other’s sought to provoke me. I look back with a certain sadness when I took the “low path”. It is a choice…
The longer I exist on this planet the more I become aware that “what is unthinkable today” can become thinkable. Who would have thought putting little wheels on suitcases would be worthwhile?
There are things that are “thinkable”… we can be warned over and over about the dangers of “smoking” yet people try it and get hooked everyday. Perhaps it’s just part of being human.
I typed on a 111 year old typewriter; knowing it would be a slow and frustrating process but I did it anyway. It helps me reflect when I make that that extra effort:
After using the 1901 Underwood 5, I went to my 1903 Underwood 4 and found that my inner bias preferred the older machine without rational thought. My mind said the 118 year old looked better and was more fun. My realistic self said the 116 year old typed better and looked fine. And with such a fine 116 year old working typewriter; why did I find excuses to purchase the 118 year old? No good reason at all… except I could!
1901 was when this Underwood #5 was made. It looks great. It types… and is fun to type on. What else does anyone need!
When ever I type a page I look at the end result much in the same was as an artist to a painting. I see words on a page much like brush strokes on canvas. The end result may not suit the taste of many but I like what I see enough to want to put it on display.
In this case I used a 108 year old Royal typewriter. One that shows its age and the final results reflects this as well. For me pressing the keys of a 1911 machine is magic… Seeing the strings of a puppet does not distract from its message… at least it did not when I was young and even the movement of clouds in the sky was wonder!
Just a few reflections of what I have to be thankful for..
I am in year 3 of my return to league bowling. I have come full circle trying expensive balls, shoes and glows and now find success using a cheap plastic ball. Last week I bowled a 79 with the cheap ball… but instead of getting frustrated… I just adjusted. Then I bowled a 202 followed by a 199, still using the low end plastic ball. I learned to trust my self… I first bowled in the 1970’s… I just relaxed and bowled. I had learned something knew… trust one self… believe in your experience and skills… something I should have learned long ago but I just learned. Which goes to show what can happen if you keep learning and trying new things… even when its a old self.
Sometimes I will watch a movie and rush to the original source material. I recently did this for “The Men in Black”… I tracked down the first 3 comics and read them.
Just when I get into a deep dark mood… I pick at the keys of a typewriter and things start to look good again. I start to wallow in despair and disgust… then I press a few keys and a smile appears. Darn typewriters that do not allow my silly thoughts to seem smart (alone in my head they always are… but on paper look less so). Darn the typewriter for bringing focus to my thoughts and forcing me to see right from self-righteous Darn this typewriter as I listen to Hank Williams having fun on the by oh… and Gladys Knight wishing me a happy home… the Mills Brother’s calling for a Cab Driver… darn…. darn… this typewriter…
During the past week my Uncle (94) saw the light and moved on to another place. He had spoken of seeking work far away… I felt that as his soul rose up for future employment the calming breeze that angle wings generate reminded me of calm interactions; quiet strength and examples adults once set.
