to fart around

without commentary...

[When Vonnegut tells his wife he’s going out to buy an envelope] Oh, she says, well, you’re not a poor man. You know, why don’t you go online and buy a hundred envelopes and put them in the closet? And so I pretend not to hear her. And go out to get an envelope because I’m going to have a hell of a good time in the process of buying one envelope. I meet a lot of people. And, see some great looking babes. And a fire engine goes by. And I give them the thumbs up. And, and ask a woman what kind of dog that is. And, and I don’t know. The moral of the story is, is we’re here on Earth to fart around. And, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And, what the computer people don’t realize, or they don’t care, is we’re dancing animals. You know, we love to move around. And, we’re not supposed to dance at all anymore.

– Kurt Vonnegut

Indeed.

It's better outside

Isn't that the truth.

Life is better outside.
Outside is full of uncertainty. And risk.
But outside is beautiful and unlimited.
Go outside. Front the essential facts of life. Learn and live.
Overcome.
Life is better outside

thanks - Grizzly Adam

It's been good here, no snow like in the link, and it's fun to look at it from afar. But the bike riding has been pretty fantastic in AZ. Chunky, smooth, steep, rolly. All of the above. All good in it's own right. Soon, the alarm clock will start with numbers you can count on one hand, signalling the time to go ride. Each season has it's challenges and rewards. When the sun scorches the skin here, the aspens quake there.

It's coming. The garden in the backyard is sprouting. The bikes are dirty. Summer will arrive soon enough.

Tools of the Trade.

Things used to create. A friend posted photos on FB, included some tools used by a tattoo artist, which struck me, thinking, we all have tools we use, and gain satisfaction from the creation of “something”. After looking through those photos, it made me sit and think a bit. Inspiration can come from just about anywhere, if you're willing to listen.

It’s often said, Mining, Manufacturing, and Agriculture are the only items that “create” wealth. That may be true. But there are many things that yield satisfaction when we exercise them to create something. A story, a photo, a meal - the ways are myriad.

Me? This is part of what I do at my “day job”. And it is - The. Coolest. Ever.

Even if most of my day is spent on the computer, I still get to go out and fire up the furnace, heat some steel to 1750 F and watch it glow. Maybe throw some chips. Predict modal frequencies of part and machine. Yeah, it’s good.

Still Photography

The best camera is the one that’s with you - Chase Jarvis

Choose your own adventure so to speak. I always liked that post [link]. I’ve had plenty of adventures, many times due to my own choosing, many times because of the friends I associate [link]. It’s all good. Anyway, doing a little different type of creative work, I guess different from food and bikes. So, here’s two. Old cars, always interesting.

Exuberance for Life

I’ve been told by friends, one in particular, that I always say “that was the best ride ever!” when a bike ride has completed. I think this one earned that saying.

Following in that line of thought, Fall is one of my favorites times of the year. It has that feeling that time is urgent and finite, coming to an end too soon. With fall coming to Phx (what, you didn’t think sub-100 highs meant fall?) we knew the comfortable trips to the north land were waning. My sister laughs at me now when we get together anyplace that requires a jacket. Hey, come visit me in August I tell her, then we’ll see who’s laughing. So, back on track, Flagstaff and Fall.

Some of the usual suspects met up for a ride, Acronym Man, The Frenchie, and me Mike D, no wait, cookiedough it is. First time in many years for Mr. AM, so we decided to do the standard loop, involving a climb up Elden road. Yeah, it kinda stinks, but the fun is earned this way. Mr. AM even did a little extra credit climb, he missed the turnoff and went for the towers. Fortunately for the others in this party, cell phones were involved. With cell phones involved, it meant no extra credit for me, which was pleasant. Anyways, after the little grind up the hill, we get to the top, which sometimes includes a little nap [link] but always involves a little re-fueling.

The top has the feel of fall setting in, everything isn’t quite so green. Seeds, getting ready as the plant dies and sets up the cycle of annual propagation.

Aspens, just starting up their fall splendor.

Even with the changing colors, some flowers are still radiating. Coulter Lupines are still fixing nitrogen from the air allowing next year’s crop to blossom. Again, life from life, with a winter in between.

This ride happened in the afternoon, and as such, hero light was coming. A little backlit, and a lot of good trail. Fall is coming as reflected in the ferns as well. 

Another good ride, and we pause. For me, it’s to enjoy the sights, and just pause and reflect. Maybe even laugh a little, enjoying stories and caricatures of each other. Since really, the ride is a conduit for conversation and stories.

We spend some time laughing, and decide that it’s time for some sustenance. You see, as my blood sugar lowers, I get a little giddy, and let my friends know, it you let my blood sugar get too low, you may find us riding for six or eight [hours]. So, some good stuff here, a peppermint pattie. Yeah, no, it’s not an energy bar, it’s really good candy. Don’t care. It’s good. Like super good. And everybody else gets a little jealous and dons this aporetic look - really?

Onward, traveling like speeders on the sinuous trail through the trees. I keep thinking “light” thoughts, just flying over the rocks in the trail. Mr. AM however, is distracted momentarily, and has a quick vision of leaden balloons. At which point I hear a faint shout “Flat! Flat!” and we come to a quick stop. Hmmm...not one pinch flat, but two. It takes a very special person to have two pinch flats at the same time. Or, very heavy thoughts. Always remember, eternity is down the hall, and you sit there bending spoons. Just an ode to Johnny. Pardon me.

Flats (heh, heh, plural) fixed, and back toward the vehicle we go. Ride devolves into “post-ride” and we plan for dinner. Which happened to be planned for Lumberyard Brewery and Taphouse. Most excellent. 

It’s times like this that remind me life is like one big Calvin and Hobbs strip. Exuberance, always hiding behind a tree, just waiting to tackle me.

Part of the Scene

Riding makes you part of the scene, not just a casual observer, as Mr. Pirsig says.  Yes, I was able to ride to the ride, under my power, not that of the internal combustion engine. No, there were no photos of the trek.  Just a lasting memory of the hedgehog cactus' blooming.  With their magenta flowers opening towards the heavens.  Just one of the things you don't see from the car.

Distractions. Interruptions

Sometimes those are what make the trip worthwhile.  Other times not so much.  But then if there were never interruptions on the ride, we might as well sit on a spin bike in a classroom somewhere.

Wow, how time flies.  Been home ownering a little, photoing a lot.  Spending plenty of time on the 365 project, learning and laughing and chasing the kids.  The camera comes out and everybody quietly disappears.  I'm left standingin the room wondering where everyone went.

I know it's a year old, but this video, plays right into a conversation I had with a good friend about what we want to be when we grow up.  Speaks right on.
http://www.blip.tv/file/1785698

I like the photog, like his work, like his style.  Now, develop my own, as a hobby, not as a profession, I have a job that I enjoy, but this helps keep the creative spark from being extinguished by corporate amerika. Spelling intentional.

The Horizon

Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing
- Shakespeare



Have you ever wondered where your shoes would take you, if you untied them - otherwise known as, the view from my treadmill.

Had to hit the trail early today, forecast was for 113, and while flat road biking my body can keep cool, on steep trails, it's another story.