A Timely Tune-Up...

[DDT (12)]

A Timely Tune-Up…

Surprises and lessons in life are all around us… Everywhere, actually, but so often we don’t see them for whatever reason… Then, when we seemingly least expect them, they can pop out at us in the unlikeliest of ways we would never have anticipated…
 
We all tend to ‘see’ things and subconsciously 'measure' them based upon some template stored in our brains someplace… We see what we’ve seen before and conclude there’s nothing much new here… However… What had seemed so routine and predictable only a moment before can turn out to be nothing at all like what we were so sure was… Yes, it was like that the other afternoon…
 
Following a rather long day in the saddle, which had turned hot late in the afternoon and even held some threat off to the southwest in the form of building clouds… We’d made it in good order, though, although this rider was more than a little tired and run-down; we went to the motel, checked in, and parked at the room for the next two nights… Whew, we’d made it… I wondered how soon it might be before a nap would be had.
 
I’d noticed a ’93 Goldwing parked two spaces over from our girl… and I’d automatically assumed I likely knew the story: I couldn’t have been more wrong… Steve appeared from nowhere and began chatting with this weary traveler, but strangely it seemed worthwhile. Instead of dozing off while watching some episode of Gunsmoke, I had a pleasant conversation with a rather interesting character who would influence me in ways no one could have foreseen.
 
There weren’t any sudden ‘ah-has’ or revelations; more, a gradual awareness that came to me over the course of several random, brief interactions that evening and the following morning… We chatted only briefly a few times that evening, then again early the following morning. He invited me to join him for breakfast next door at Shoney’s, and there we shared much information, some even surprisingly personal, but mostly general observations from our journeys of life. Why would complete strangers do that?
 
Impossible to say, really, as the reasons can be as many and varied as grains of sand on a beach. What is important is that they do take place. Our perceptions and thoughts are so heavily influenced by our emotions, physical state, and surroundings that their direction and tone can take on wildly different structures depending upon our responses to just a few variables. I found that quite true with me at the time…
 
Frankly, I had been approaching a low point. I was tired, hot, and uninspired when I finally dismounted for the day. Actual thoughts of perhaps my riding days were in their final stage, and the end was coming soon at long last crossed my mind. My enthusiasm was totally absent, and my interest in continuing the coddiewomple had apparently evaporated sometime recently without me even noticing its passing. The prospect of not continuing is rather bleak as far as I’m concerned, so… the end of my entire journey may be closer at hand than I’d imagined… I needed a change in focus for sure!
 
Steve could have no idea at all of the important and pivotal role he would play. Nothing in particular that I can point to, but just the right amount of energy, congeniality, personality, openness and frankness, and the ability to speak articulately combined with a willingness to listen intently, to show empathy yet remain objective and open-minded… He is a good conversationalist and a worthwhile acquaintance; one I found to be a most pleasant person with whom to spend some time.
 
We all travel the path of life, and we all cast ‘shadows’ in ways we never realize. His shadow touched me more than he could possibly know, but it came at a time when I sorely needed it. This was not one of those profound life-altering experiences, I don’t think… or was it? Certainly, I was in need of a major spiritual lift, and he provided that opportunity at precisely the right time for maximum impact.
 
Funny, I think I actually did do all of the ‘heavy lifting’ here, as it was my thinking that required alteration and my ‘vision’ in need of correction. He was the catalyst, to be sure, however, and his many interpersonal skills went a very long way in aiding this weak student to simply view the exact same circumstances in such different and positive ways. I now feel refreshed and ready to wander some more… What an incredible difference the perception of only a few modest details can make in this complex adventure we know as life…
 
DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

“Steve could have no idea at all of the important and pivotal role he would play. Nothing in particular that I can point to, but just the right amount of energy, congeniality, personality, openness and frankness, and the ability to speak articulately combined with a willingness to listen intently, to show empathy yet remain objective and open-minded… He is a good conversationalist and a worthwhile acquaintance; one I found to be a most pleasant person with whom to spend some time.”



You are pretty good at all of that also my friend 

Sometimes we are sent just what we need. I’m glad Steve became part of your VisionQuest. I feel a lot better knowing the fire hasn’t burnt out yet. 

[Sweet Cheeks]

I am glad to hear your fire has been rekindled.  When you get ready for some cooler weather, Woodland Park is still awaiting the arrival of summer. 

[Rams]

Inspiration comes from many sources and directions, one never knows what the future holds.   Roll on my friend and do what you do so well.   You provide many of us with inspiration whether you know it or not.

I was once told the devil was coming for me, I asked what he was riding because if it wasn't a Valkyrie, he  better kick it in the ass if he hoped to catch up.

Rams

[t-man403]

Heck, I’ve been trying to tune you up (check in) every now and then but for some reason not connecting with you via “What’s App”.
I figured, he’s riding and doesn’t hear it but there would still be a visible icon notification so that can’t be it  so maybe he got a new phone and hasn’t loaded the app or hey, just doesn’t look at his phone at all! 

So I’m glad to see you checked in here  and everything is on the right track! 

[DDT (12)]

Sometimes we are sent just what we need. I’m glad Steve became part of your VisionQuest. I feel a lot better knowing the fire hasn’t burnt out yet.  


Rob,

Thanks for that, ole buddy! Hey, you'll get no argument here with that statement! It sure seems true in my life, at least, and... Well, I am mighty glad Steve became part of the 'Quest' too... Lots of folks, in fact, have been part of the many, many 'experiences' that have led me to this point... Come to think of it, you're one of those 'Vision-Quest enabler' group members, yourself! I always appreciate your comments... I do appreciate you even more!

DDT

I am glad to hear your fire has been rekindled.  When you get ready for some cooler weather, Woodland Park is still awaiting the arrival of summer.  

Janice,

The fire never went out completely, but it was down to a small 'fuel-starved' flicker. As Rob accurately pointed out, sometimes people and/or events pop up as if they were sent, and... Anyway, I have indeed recovered, and I'm joyously mobile again! Be very careful with the casual invitations you toss around, my friend... The thought of 'summer-less' weather and the cooler alpine temps of your other home sure do sound appealing!!!

DDT



Inspiration comes from many sources and directions, one never knows what the future holds.


Ron,

Oh so true, amigo! I've been close on several occasions to consideration of an 'exit' from this life of the endless road trip, but... for that inspiration you speak of appearing at odd but very timely intervals... Anyway, I'm back at it again only now with renewed vigor and enthusiasm... I still have yet another follow-up with my urologist in Montgomery little over a week from now, so... For now anyway, I'm still more or less tethered to the southeast... After that, I'm going to mosey northward generally towards the Yooper, but there just could be a longcut that catches my eye... Our girl is certainly game for that, so...

DDT



Terry,

Holy cow, my friend! I do apologize for that! Heck, I'd completely forgotten about 'What's App'... The icon on my phone for that is on the last of three 'pages' well away from all the ones I routinely use, so... Anyway, I haven't even thought of it in some time! It would have been good to have chatted with you, too, particularly during those dark days while I languished in lethargy! You and the whole crew up there are always full of good cheer and hopeful outlooks! Any chance your PM will ease the border barrier so some of us can head up there for some in-person spiritual uplifting?

DDT

[Mooskee]

Heb 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."

May God send the perfect ministers across your path.

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
I very much enjoyed reading that!  

 
We all tend to ‘see’ things and subconsciously 'measure' them based upon some template stored in our brains someplace… We see what we’ve seen before and conclude there’s nothing much new here… However… What had seemed so routine and predictable only a moment before can turn out to be nothing at all like what we were so sure was…
***********
 What an incredible difference the perception of only a few modest details can make in this complex adventure we know as life…
 
DDT

Very true words there!..…. I believe.  I have, late in life, discovered the great benefit of keeping an open mind and trying to guard against pre-conceived perceptions.  I have also discovered just how hard it is to catch those pre-conceived perceptions in action and shut them down.

I am glad that you are back in “tune” and out there in the back yard!

Bigwolf

[DDT (12)]

Mooskee,

That certainly rings true for this happy wanderer! One of the major joys of my lifestyle has turned out to be the near constant interactions I have with strangers... of all walks of life in all corners of our continent. My life has truly been enriched by the sheer diversity of perspectives I've gained by being able to 'see' things through different eyes. Many of those conversations occur when I truly need them just as in the case I described above... Many thinkers will explain those saving moments differently, but I choose to see them just as your scripture reference points out... Thanks for sharing that!!!

DDT



Jerry,

Thanks for saying those things! You and I have had many conversations about our 'thinking' processes and the challenges of remaining open-minded, objective, receptive to 'new' information, and... of truly seeking answers rather than mere validation of already held beliefs and opinions... Among the many things that make you a most worthwhile conversationalist is the fact you've already come a long way down that path yourself... Thanks for your comments, feedback, and special, unique insights... and especially for sharing them with this curious student of life!

DDT

[t-man403]

Any chance your PM will ease the border barrier so some of us can head up there for some in-person spiritual uplifting?

DDT

I’ll give him a call today and let you know! 

[DDT (12)]

Terry,

That'll be great, man! Thanks for taking care of that for us... There are more than a few of us who'd really, really like to share some of those special wings & thangs with you and your entire crew! Y'all do know how to live!!!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Terry,

That'll be great, man! Thanks for taking care of that for us... There are more than a few of us who'd really, really like to share some of those special wings & thangs with you and your entire crew! Y'all do know how to live!!!

DDT

Bruce, I know planning ain’t your thing. But, you should keep an eye out on the Canadian’s Valhalla meet up in Sept. Brenda and I are planning to make it (especially now that T-man is going to have a talk with Trudeau). I know them Canucks would love to have you join in. 

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

I hear ya, man! I have had it on my mind, and I'd dearly love to make that one... Knowing now that you and Brenda plan to attend also... well, that would be icing on the cake to see y'all too. Some really great folks in that group, many of whom I've met at other times, so I completely agree it will be a good gathering! The location is a major plus, as well! You know me so well... while I have no 'plans', per se, I am figuring to figure on figuring when the time draws nearer... especially now that Terry is on the job with helping Trudeau make the right call and access seems likely!

DDT

[DDT (12)]

Jerry,

You also mentioned 'my backyard' in your reply... Yeah, we're back out cruising around the 'yard' and really enjoying it for the most part. I could do without some of the heat we've encountered, but other than that... BTW, I think I'll attempt an explanation of the 'backyard' reference for those who may not know...

I actually got the idea from a bumper-sticker on a motorhome I spotted once upon a time, but it just seemed to capture what our girl and I were sharing... It's become sort of 'an inside reference' sometimes used to describe the roaming range. Anyway, where ever she is, that's my 'home'... she is my home...

My Home: "A tiny little place, but you won't believe the backyard!!!"



DDT

[Farside]

Jerry,

You also mentioned 'my backyard' in your reply... Yeah, we're back out cruising around the 'yard' and really enjoying it for the most part. I could do without some of the heat we've encountered, but other than that... BTW, I think I'll attempt an explanation of the 'backyard' reference for those who may not know...

I actually got the idea from a bumper-sticker on a motorhome I spotted once upon a time, but it just seemed to capture what our girl and I were sharing... It's become sort of 'an inside reference' sometimes used to describe the roaming range. Anyway, where ever she is, that's my 'home'...

My Home: "A tiny little place, but you won't believe the backyard!!!"



DDT

Love learning of your recent experience Bruce. Steve was introduced to you in my mind by faith
As you were introduced to Steve to fill a role he seeks. Faith is what is in our hearts that give us the strength to continue on to our dreams or give us that rejuvenation of life we all need. Great story Bruce and that is what I got out of it; just increased my faith level. 

[DDT (12)]

Keith,

I appreciate your thoughts and I get your reference! I agree with what you've said, BTW. Everybody sees things differently, but for what it's worth, my Faith and belief have grown tremendously through this present life's direction... my version of a 'VisionQuest'. Looks like your crossing the path of Sweet Cheeks has certainly impacted her life... her entire direction! Good on ya for that, too...

DDT

[Ice]

Bruce,

Thanks for sharing this story. I know many of us envy you and your ability to wander endlessly, I know I do.
I think we all go through a phase in life where the thought of hanging our helmets on the hook does come up and we need something to hit the refresh button before we actually do.
For me there had been some big changes in the past couple of years and I realized that I was going through the motions of riding, but I was missing the spiritual aspect of it that made it so enjoyable. I had the thought come to me that maybe it was the end of my pursuits of riding along the lonely stretches of road that had always brought me joy. You could say I was in a funk, it just didnt seem to give me the same pleasure as before, had no idea what had happened but there it was. I did not like it, but had no idea how to change it. Still I rode on, and that feeling just would not go away.
One day not too long ago, Petra and I were riding these beautiful mountains here in Idaho and out of the blue, WHAM! there it was that feeling that made the ride fantastic, the feel of the road, the smells of the countryside, the twist and turns all felt right again. I always describe it as my bike and I have a symbiotic relationship, she tells me what she is feeing, I feel it too and I understand,  we share the road the spirit of riding, a true joy.
No I didnt get it from a stranger as you did, but somehow, someway it came back and as you said, it was a tune up, the refresh button had been hit and life is good.
Keep on riding my friend and we look forward to seeing you in the UP in a few weeks.

[DDT (12)]

Yuri,

Thanks for sharing your experience on this crossroads aspect of the adventure! I guess it happens to all of us at some point... and certainly this was not my first time nor do I expect it will be my last. The particular stimulus or the exact details cannot be the same for any of us, nor even the same in all of our own cases, but... they are real, and they do occur!  As you've said, sticking it out and continuing on are indispensable parts of reaching those 'refresh button' opportunities... Hanging in there for this rider has always resulted in me being taken to an even better place... Looking forward to seeing you and Petra in Newberry!

DDT