DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
|
 |
« on: May 03, 2017, 02:15:15 PM » |
|
“Regrets? I’ve had a few… but then again, too few to mention…”, so the song goes… All of us have been there, of course… and, we all will unavoidably return there again. It’s just human nature to err, and with the benefit of hindsight we can clearly see all the boo-boos, stumbles, and bumbles in our respective pasts. Shoulda, coulda, woulda… didn’t… “How could I have done something like that?!,” we sometimes ask ourselves… We might even catch ourselves occasionally moaning and shaking our heads in disbelief at the memory of some events in our lives that appear so obviously foolish to us now… The trick, they say, is to learn from those missteps and move on… Not to dwell upon our failures and fumbles, but to apply the wisdom, often embarrassingly, sometimes painfully, acquired to help us do a better job down the road. I try to do that myself; but, frankly, there are some doozies in my past that I hope none of y’all ever find out about! If some of those ever did leak out, I’d be mortified to the point I’d have to just run away and hide… I suppose a companion thought to that should be ‘to keep things in proper perspective’… To acknowledge that we’ve made far more good calls than bad, and that on balance things have worked out reasonably tolerable. To not beat ourselves up too much over those bloopers, nor to allow negative thoughts and memories to cloud or unduly influence our judgement going forward. By the way, let me apologize right here and now, if anything I’ve ever written appears to sound like bragging or gloating about my present circumstance… That quite simply is not the case at all! It’s just that I’m so giddy about everything, I just don’t seem able to help myself… I feel like celebrating every waking moment!!! I’m now sitting here in a cabin (actually, a one bedroom, fully equipped, basement apartment), that I rented over the internet… WOW! Not a palace, by any means, but spacious, comfortable and well suited for the needs of this solo gypsy trekker… as the most pleasing aroma of bacon sizzling in a pan on the stove this very moment permeates the air! In a somewhat remote area of south-central Utah above 7K feet in elevation, in a canyon carved out by the Fremont River at my back door, barely a meandering stream here now, but with ample evidence it has at other times been a raging torrent. Snow-capped mountain peaks are visible off in the distance, as are amazing views of the canyon wall on the north side of this depression in Mother Earth… A ‘roll of the dice’ that has paid off handsomely for this fortunate rider… The early morning sun brings out all the vivid, deep reds, oranges, and browns, plus the paler hues of every other shade of earth-tone color imaginable on that ‘barren vertical wall’… Those colors contrast and highlight the various strata of countless layers of rock, volcanic ash, and sediment deposited over untold millions of years. All of that, while at the same time other random, pattern-less ‘piles’ of colored stone and sand give stark testimony to the power of wind and water to corrupt and erode anything and everything. The surprisingly uniform ‘hoo-doos’ carved through erosion out of the canyon wall are now prominent in the early morning sun… In the gray dawn before that brilliant golden light reached them, however, they appeared as an army of ghostly silhouettes standing shoulder to shoulder, silently, barely visible in the shadows for who knows what purpose… A chorus of angels preparing to sing? A band of marauding Vandals ready to pounce upon us? Perhaps they are there simply to remind of us of the skeletons we all have in our own closets… The scattered, sparse splotches of muted grays, greens and yellows of the vegetation in this harsh environment remind one of the struggle of life here and everywhere else… Sustained life is a constant series of trade-offs, of the juggling and balancing of innumerable factors in the attempt to survive, possibly even to flourish. Letting go of the things that don’t work well while exploring other, new features that might facilitate improvement in condition is a never-ending, perpetual demand of ongoing life… It is so energizing and inspiring to see all of this and to attempt to fathom all there is to try and comprehend! So, here I sit trying to capture all of this with mere written words… That can’t be done, of course, but the hopelessly inadequate effort is part of the enjoyment of this experience for a novice writer like yours truly… It makes me feel so humble and grateful to just be here doing what I do… to be alive and able to be here… Yes, I’ve had my share of missteps and flubs throughout the course of my life… However, it is the cumulative sum of all the choices I’ve made, good, bad, and ugly, plus the vagaries of happenstance and fortune too, that have led me to this place and time… I wouldn’t want it to have been any other way… DDT      |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: May 05, 2017, 06:07:01 AM by DDT »
|
Logged
|
Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
|
|
|
|
..
|
|
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2017, 02:22:07 PM » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
The emperor has no clothes
|
|
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2017, 04:01:03 PM » |
|
Thanks  I've NEVER felt your stories were anywhere close to bragging. More like an honest assessment of life. It's been nice to hear them and reflect how my life fits them. I've just recently been reminded life is not always unicorns and rainbows. Reading your stories helps me realize it's how we deal with setbacks that defines us, not the setback itself. Ride safe my friend. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
BobB
|
|
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2017, 04:14:32 PM » |
|
Hope you didn't burn that bacon before you finished the story...
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8743
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
|
|
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2017, 04:29:39 PM » |
|
While I find your words to be very colorful, SOME PICTURES WOULD BE NICE!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
 Troy, MI |
|
|
Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
|
|
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2017, 04:55:02 PM » |
|
Remember, you haven't really lived until you've stumbled and bumbled to the point of being humbled! Another good 'n! I love riding among the Utah Hoo-Doos, too. You can almost hear them whispering. Stay hydrated out there. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
|
|
|
R Bowers
|
|
« Reply #6 on: May 03, 2017, 05:42:45 PM » |
|
Pictures would be nice but with no pictures everybody has their on ride in their mind. So ride on my friend.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
msb
|
|
« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2017, 03:53:25 AM » |
|
There are times that we find ourselves in a place, a time, and a state of mind that all seems just right, and you have captured here in words the exact feeling that I'm sure many people including myself feel in this instance. Thank you for continuing to take the time to do this on your travels.. your posts always offer a positive outlook on life's journey. Stay safe |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
|
|
|
Ice
Member
Posts: 1223
Whatever it is, it's better in the wind.
On a road less traveled.
|
|
« Reply #8 on: May 04, 2017, 05:05:40 AM » |
|
Bruce, you stated "So, here I sit trying to capture all of this with mere written words… That can’t be done, of course, but the hopelessly inadequate effort is part of the enjoyment of this experience for a novice writer like yours truly… It makes me feel so humble and grateful to just be here doing what I do… to be alive and able to be here…" If there ever has been a poet of the written word of Motorcycling you are it my friend. Every time you write, you take us along on a wonderful journey, we get to see what you see, feel what you feel and also many times get to understand what you are thinking of at the moment of experience. I for one thank you for all your adventures and if being able to live your life is bragging, well my dear friend BRAG on, as for I yearn for the day I will be able to ride the road of freedom as you. See you in the wind. Yuri |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
|
|
« Reply #9 on: May 04, 2017, 05:29:10 AM » |
|
Thanks, Paul... And, thanks for the helpful suggestions on the other threads... DDT Thanks I've NEVER felt your stories were anywhere close to bragging. More like an honest assessment of life. It's been nice to hear them and reflect how my life fits them. I've just recently been reminded life is not always unicorns and rainbows. Reading your stories helps me realize it's how we deal with setbacks that defines us, not the setback itself. Ride safe my friend. You seem 'to get' what ever it is that I'm trying to convey when I post, Rob... I like that! The lessons of life are sometimes hard to accept, but necessary if we are to progress, sometimes even survive... I do sincerely appreciate your always positive replies! For what it's worth, I like your style and thoughtful way of analyzing different things... You have some real depth, and I do respect that!!! DDT Hope you didn't burn that bacon before you finished the story...
Nope, but I did take a huge risk doing that! I'm not one particularly good a multi-tasking, so I'm mighty happy things worked out OK. I'd started this story before my tummy had informed me I was guilty of serious neglect... I couldn't delay making breakfast, but I didn't want to abandon my post either while I was on a tear... No pig parts were harmed in the making of this thread... DDT Remember, you haven't really lived until you've stumbled and bumbled to the point of being humbled! Another good 'n! I love riding among the Utah Hoo-Doos, too. You can almost hear them whispering. Stay hydrated out there. Yours is another reply I always look forward to reading... Like some others, your comments affirm that my intended message was received, but your style is also rather entertaining, too... brief, but... I'll bet you could write some great feature posts!!! Anyway, thanks... DDT Pictures would be nice but with no pictures everybody has their on ride in their mind. So ride on my friend.
When I was a child in early grade school, our teachers would read stories to us right after lunch... Just words spoken with no visual aids... save what we conjured up in our own minds! Like you said, and for me anyway, that became a very special experience. Besides never having learned how to take good pics, and not having a clue how to post them on here anyway, I'm just not a photog... I'm glad you see what I'm up to here and don't have a problem with it... And, many thanks for your encouraging reply! DDT There are times that we find ourselves in a place, a time, and a state of mind that all seems just right, and you have captured here in words the exact feeling that I'm sure many people including myself feel in this instance. Thank you for continuing to take the time to do this on your travels.. your posts always offer a positive outlook on life's journey. Stay safe Mike, you're another one who seems to understand what I'm really trying to get at... Even at this late stage of life, I still have many unanswered questions and areas of understanding that need development, fleshing-out... My journey is so much more than simply sight-seeing or checking off items on a bucket list! It does make me feel good when you and some of the others provide feedback that tells me I'm at least making some sense! DDT Bruce, you stated "So, here I sit trying to capture all of this with mere written words… That can’t be done, of course, but the hopelessly inadequate effort is part of the enjoyment of this experience for a novice writer like yours truly… It makes me feel so humble and grateful to just be here doing what I do… to be alive and able to be here…" If there ever has been a poet of the written word of Motorcycling you are it my friend. Every time you write, you take us along on a wonderful journey, we get to see what you see, feel what you feel and also many times get to understand what you are thinking of at the moment of experience. I for one thank you for all your adventures and if being able to live your life is bragging, well my dear friend BRAG on, as for I yearn for the day I will be able to ride the road of freedom as you. See you in the wind. Yuri WOW, Yuri! Now my headbone is so swollen I may not be able to go outside here in a minute!!! No kidding, you, too, are a kindred spirit who really gets it regarding this special spiritual journey that is a gypsy wandering in search of the essence of life, the what, why, and wherefores... Much of what many folks think is the point is really just a pleasant backdrop for the real meat of our journeys, and it is nice to find others who see what I'm driving at... Patience, grasshopper, your day is coming! Thanks for your always insightful and positive replies!!! DDT |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: May 04, 2017, 05:40:20 AM by DDT »
|
Logged
|
Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
|
|
|
|
|
DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
|
|
« Reply #11 on: May 04, 2017, 05:47:16 AM » |
|
You're welcome! Wish me luck... I'm about to get the skillet out again and undertake a mission... After that, I'm going to scratch the itch to ride to some as yet undecided location or in some undetermined direction... No bad choices possible out here, though, any which way is good!!! Hope all is well beside 'the bridge'...
DDT
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
|
|
|
|
jim@98valkyrie.com
|
|
« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2017, 09:24:44 AM » |
|
While I find your words to be very colorful, SOME PICTURES WOULD BE NICE!
Bruce, I wish I had the time to ride unencumbered and just go where the wind directs. I can take photos better than I can write. I can put up a ride report or two occasionally, but nothing to match your wit and humble musings. I would love to ride with you - you capturing the essence of the moment in words and me snapping and posting the photos. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
|
|
« Reply #13 on: May 04, 2017, 03:47:53 PM » |
|
While I find your words to be very colorful, SOME PICTURES WOULD BE NICE!
I whole heartedly agree. BTW, I was taken back a bit (this being a family forum), then I realized we have different definations of what a "Hoo Doos" are.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
|
|
|
|
Pappy!
|
|
« Reply #14 on: May 04, 2017, 06:05:39 PM » |
|
If the view is that good from a basement I definitely have to get Lesa and I out there!
All kidding aside...have a mental pic of the area but can't picture what the Hell a Hoo-Doo carved out or a canyon wall looks like. Enjoy! Hope to see you soon.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
The emperor has no clothes
|
|
« Reply #15 on: May 04, 2017, 07:42:11 PM » |
|
If the view is that good from a basement I definitely have to get Lesa and I out there! All kidding aside...have a mental pic of the area but can't picture what the Hell a Hoo-Doo carved out or a canyon wall looks like. Enjoy! Hope to see you soon.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
|
|
« Reply #16 on: May 05, 2017, 06:40:49 AM » |
|
Well, I tried... I've just spent four of the most frustrating hours in recent memory trying to figure out how to post some pictures... I've even called Troutdude and asked for more help. Nothing but 'Xs' to show for my efforts, though, I'm afraid... I'm about ready to pull my hair out! On second thought, what I really need is to go for a ride! I'm giving up for now...
Perhaps I'll try again later, but I'm making no guarantees... Oh, and please, please, please... don't anybody tell me,"...it's easy, all you have to do..." If it was easy for me, I'd have already done it!!! Heck, it would be a lot easier to just give up posting all together...
DDT
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
|
|
|
|
grandpaweaver
|
|
« Reply #17 on: May 05, 2017, 08:32:45 AM » |
|
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Isaiah 41:10
|
|
|
|
solo1
|
|
« Reply #18 on: May 05, 2017, 09:09:25 AM » |
|
Before there was a Brady and photographers, there were writers who could describe details as if you were there.
Thank you Bruce for a really neat story complete with "I was there" descriptions.
Reminds me of staying in a log cabin in October, during a rain and hearing the acorns hitting the tin roof, and my eyes following the sound as they rolled down and off the roof. The rain lent a nice soft sound to that. Now how would a photograph show that ?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
The emperor has no clothes
|
|
« Reply #19 on: May 05, 2017, 11:57:03 AM » |
|
Well, I tried... I've just spent four of the most frustrating hours in recent memory trying to figure out how to post some pictures... I've even called Troutdude and asked for more help. Nothing but 'Xs' to show for my efforts, though, I'm afraid... I'm about ready to pull my hair out! On second thought, what I really need is to go for a ride! I'm giving up for now...
Perhaps I'll try again later, but I'm making no guarantees... Oh, and please, please, please... don't anybody tell me,"...it's easy, all you have to do..." If it was easy for me, I'd have already done it!!! Heck, it would be a lot easier to just give up posting all together...
DDT
Please don't . Believe me, I know it's not easy. I tried off and on for 4 years before I finally got it. But to be honest with you, I enjoy reading your stories without pics. For 99% of us pics add a great deal to our stories. You have that unique ability to paint a pic with your words. There has not been one story of yours that I didn't have dancing photos in my head while I was reading. (Now if I could just get rid of all those voices in there)  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Pappy!
|
|
« Reply #20 on: May 06, 2017, 09:55:01 AM » |
|
If the view is that good from a basement I definitely have to get Lesa and I out there! All kidding aside...have a mental pic of the area but can't picture what the Hell a Hoo-Doo carved out or a canyon wall looks like. Enjoy! Hope to see you soon. Meathead...the latest AAA Living magazine just came in and had that exact photo on the cover! In the article they mention the Hoo-doos....Who'da thunk it ! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
