What's For Desert?

[DDT (12)]

                                                         What’s For Desert?

“Where ya going after InZane?” I got that question many times at our recent ‘spiritual conclave’ in Billings, and it never failed to produce a smile on my weathered, aging face… I wasn’t being flippant; but, “I don’t have a clue,” was the only honest answer I could offer… Truth is, I didn’t have a clue, not even an inclination… Well…

Actually, I did know what I wasn’t going to do. I was not going to return to that recliner that even now conspires to lavish me with comfort and ease in exchange for whatever vitality and ability I have remaining to be out here in the backyard. Perhaps there will be time for that when I’m unable to do this anymore, but until then… you know…

I have this mental picture of an hour glass… my hour glass of life. There is much more sand in the bottom of that time measuring device, but the upper chamber is not empty just yet… I still have a few grains left, so I can’t afford to waste even a single one. A funny thing about that…

Many folks I talk to think of my ‘journey’ as some self-indulgent, hedonistic, playtime adventure. I do admit there is an element of that, but there is so much more… Fact is, the pleasure is secondary… No, no riding for the sake of riding, as good of a reason as that would be; this is the ‘desert’ of my life… all that has preceded it was the main course…

Work, struggle, pain, self-doubt, disappointment, heartache, joy, triumph, success, and love are all part of the drama… and, I would argue, essential experiences. The path to self-satisfaction and self-respect is not through comfort, ease, and the avoidance of pain and effort. Indeed, I believe those higher aspirations we all seek can only be found precisely by experiencing and overcoming hardship and challenge.

Booker T. Washington is credited with saying, “It’s not the level one achieves that defines success in life, it’s the distance one travels…” Whether or not he did say that, those prophetic words resonate loudly with this pilgrim! No degrees, pedigrees, titles, acclaim, nor wealth can measure a person’s worth…

All that has led me to this point has been the laying of a foundation and the erection of the structure that is this person. Now it is time for ‘finishing school’, the synthesizing of all the inputs, insights, and perspectives into some semblance of a whole… My reward for a lifetime of preparation, perhaps, will be a small glimpse of ‘truth’ and genuine understanding… I do love my life so!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

"Finishing School"  I like it !

[hubcapsc]

I do love my life so!

... the rest of us get a pretty big kick out of it too 

-Mike

[Beardo]

I was one of the many who asked you that question at breakfast at Inzane. I realized after I asked it, how irrelevant it was. Part of what makes riding...and life...so interesting is the unknowns that come up.

After I had separated from the group coming home from Inzane and was making my way home, I stopped for gas in East Glacier Park, decided to take the little Hiway 49 north. There was a sign that said something about Motorcycles consider alternate route, rough pavement. The attendant at the gas station assured me it was ok and very scenic. He was right. No traffic. None. Scenery was breathtaking. Took several great pics on my phone and many more in my memory. If I'd have planned my route...or obeyed the signs, I'd have missed that.

Thanks again for taking us along with you on your journey.

It really was a pleasure and an honour to meet you.

[The emperor has no clothes]

"What's for desert ?"  115*, prickly pears, and a few saguaros thrown in.

(Sorry Bruce, I resisted as long as I could) 

[3fan4life]

I do love my life so!

... the rest of us get a pretty big kick out of it too 

-Mike

+1 

[Daniel Meyer]

Excellent post! 

[John Schmidt]

(SNIP).....After I had separated from the group coming home from Inzane and was making my way home, I stopped for gas in East Glacier Park, decided to take the little Hiway 49 north. There was a sign that said something about Motorcycles consider alternate route, rough pavement. The attendant at the gas station assured me it was ok and very scenic. He was right. No traffic. None. Scenery was breathtaking. Took several great pics on my phone and many more in my memory. If I'd have planned my route...or obeyed the signs, I'd have missed that.....

Beardo, I've been on that road and you're right, we found it a beautiful drive. The main thing there is....don't be in a hurry.  

As for Bruce's travels, as he posts them I see a lot of familiar places pop up. I'd love to revisit them as well but things are what they are. Safe travels my friend.

[JimC]

I have this mental picture of an hour glass… my hour glass of life. There is much more sand in the bottom of that time measuring device, but the upper chamber is not empty just yet… I still have a few grains left, so I can’t afford to waste even a single one. A funny thing about that…

Nice analogy.

I like to refer to my position in life as the end of the rope, it doesn't matter whether I am climbing up the rope, or slipping down, I am going to hang on to some things (the rope) as long as I can.

Riding is one of the things I don't want to give up just yet. Riding through the Tetons, Yellowstone, and the Billings area  reinforced that.

Jim

[Crazyhorse]

Eat some for me Bruce.