Bringing the Life Back

The door to this room opened with a reluctant creaking of long unused hinges.  So long dormant that they'd forgotten their purpose and were now loudly protesting being called into action.  Have you ever noticed that there's no place as cold and unwelcoming as a room that's long been vacant?  The warmth and life spirit stirred up by human activity has slowly seeped out of the myriad of tiny escape routes.  For a while there's hope that life will return but it fades over time as the emptiness remains. Eventually hope is abandoned.  Instead of the Bluebird of Happiness flying in the door the Chicken of Depression sits on the windowsill and stares morosely into the gloomy dead space.

Fortunately, it doesn't take long to bring a place back to life.  My intent is to throw open the windows to let some fresh air in.  As the room sees the light of day for the first time in years there's a dull gray cast to everything.  The sun's light, long absent from this room, shows that it's the reflection from a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.  It will take a bit of work but this place will soon be as vibrant and alive as it was before.  At least that's the plan.

It's been both a long three and a half years and time that's passed quickly.  Every day has been full but looking back it's gone by in a blur.

I'm still with TEAM OREGON though my role is slowly changing.  I've learned a lot in these years.  For example, it's possible to get to the point where one has no life outside of motorcycling.  For some that's a sweet dream come true but there's also a hidden curse.  One better understands the tales of sailors being pulled along by the sweet song of the Sirens only to find themselves so caught up that it becomes difficult to escape.

Another thing that's been revealed is that motorcycling is a microcosm of life in general.  Just about every phase of a person's life has a parallel in a rider's journey and progress.

Over the next while I'm compelled to share what I've learned.  Hopefully you'll find it a rewarding journey.

One thing that's been a blessing and has kept me from being totally consumed by motorcycling is my photography.  I like to think it's been steadily improving over the past few years.  A lot of that credit goes to Bobskoot.  (Rest in peace, my friend).  Bob generously shared his experience, knowledge, and encouragement with me when I was getting started. This last photo is a composite I put together as a tribute to Bob.  Find what symbolism you will in it.  You're welcome to share your thoughts on it here.  In fact, I'd appreciate it if you would.

Miles and smiles,

Dan