When I Grow Up...

This photo is a manipulated version of a photo I borrowed from Sustrans.

I'm not sure if it is the fact that I turned the big five-oh this past fall, or maybe that my son is approaching college age, but I've been doing a lot of thinking lately (as if I didn't think enough already)...mainly on what I want to do with the second half of my life; what I want to be when I grow up. And it's interesting how your views change as you get a bit older (mine did). For me at least, I don't want to be defined as something. For so many years I was (and still am) a chef, among other titles. Everyone has their own personal labels, I suppose. It's like when you are at a cocktail party and uncomfortable conversation often starts with...what do you do? As if what you do defines who you are. I've mentioned this somewhat recently but I think I finally figured it out. When I grow up I want to be an old man. A really nice and considerate old man (to himself, others, and the climate); an old man who is full of inner peace...and sill rides a bike. This, I think, is a lofty aspiration that is achievable. It'll take some work (there's always work to do, often inner-work), but I think I can do it.

Urban Simplicity


Comments

DanT said…
Joe,
I will be 61 next month. I have found that the search for contentment and the tranquil but active mind are the way forward, for me anyway.
Contentment means different things to most people but contentment IS NOT found in greed or consumerism.
Bicycling works,
DanT
Joe said…
Dan, ice to hear from you. And thanks for the inspiring words.
Cheryl Bell said…
I don't know you, but started reading your blog a few weeks ago (which I believe I found through Ed Cardoni's Facebook page). I was so moved by this entry that I posted it on my Facebook page with the following comment:

"This was posted on a blog by someone living in Buffalo who is a . . . . no, by someone who lives, and cooks, and bicycles in Buffalo. It starts out quite mundane and clichéd, and then becomes startling, illuminating, and profound! And the image is lovely too. I think he has found the answer to the question!"

I hope you don't mind, but I thought I should mention it to you. I really enjoy your writing and your beautiful images!
Cheryl Bell
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1667675846
cbell911@earthlink.net
Joe said…
Cheryl...Thank you for your kind words. My little blog keeps me out of trouble in the evenings :) Actually, the photos--taking them and then writing about my daily adventures--in an odd way is a sort of meditation for me...a meditation of the greatness of the mundane things of daily life. Thanks again. Peace.