Which Way from Here?
As I move into the new year, I am really asking myself which way from here? I have taken some new steps forward, but they are proving to be more challenging than I had expected. They are also making me ask some questions. I will say, that I like what is happening, it just isn’t playing out as I expected…At least not yet.
So what are the changes I am making for the new year? Well….I am mostly removed from social media. Instagram has become something that I really despise. I have started with removing all apps from my phone as well as deleting my Instagram accounts. What was once an incredible place to view and MEET talented adventurists and photographers is no more. It’s simply terrible. Facebook isn’t any better. I am holding onto this at least for a little bit to try to sell one of my sewing machines and probably 3 bicycle frames and frame kits. But then it’s gone too I only log in on my personal laptop as time and life permits.. The one I am keeping I also strongly despise as well, Linked In. But I am keeping it as I am still a working professional.
Why did I do this? Honestly, I simply don’t enjoy them any longer. I am not trying to self promote, or promote a business or brand. I also keep reading more and more about the loneliness of humans in this place of over digital connectivity. It also doesn’t help that social media is now propaganda and we are being played and divided strategically. I just want to first see if I can walk away. I also want to see what I do and whom I become when I use that time I wasted on constructive things like writing, creating and exercising. In a world of digital connectivity, this is digital suicide. Oh well, let’s give it a real try and I consider this an experiment.
Truthfully, I had removed/deleted Facebook and Linked In from my phone months ago. Instagram went before Christmas. To be fair and honest, I thought this change would give me so much time and inspire a creative explosion. Unfortunately, it has not.
But, bit my bit, I am settling into my new routines and seeing the opportunities to simply do things and see things differently. I’m excited by the change. I fully intend to keep this effort going.
As a first step towards my creativity and trying to connect differently, I am launching a Post Card Project. Read about it here. I’ve got a couple of sign ups already. I intend to write about it a bit more and where this inspiration came from sometime soon, but until then head on over there and have a look. I’ve got two postcards with original art going out this week!
Other than that, I’ve been moving forward on a few projects and things that have been bugging me for some time that I did not have time to tackle. One in particular is taking my espresso machine apart and modifying the temperature and the pressure. It’s been off for some time. The results are fantastic and I am getting so much more flavor out of my coffee each day. I also have a rolling chassis on the original Go Far, I mean Far Go. BTW - I know the levers on that rolling chassis don’t work with the derailleur I have mounted. I am still tweaking bar/stem before mounting the correct STI levers. But….It’s getting close and I hope to drop it off at Heath Creek for Ben to work his magic on the brake set up for me. I also designed a new frame bag for it. Will I have time to sew it myself, or will I pay the pros at Cedaro to build it for me? Honestly, due to some other things happening in my life, I am leaning towards having Cedaro build it. I am pleased with where this project is going and I”m excited to have this rig rolling again. This bike changed my life direction at one point. Will it change it again? Who knows.
I’ve also been riding a bit, both indoors and out. I finally broke down and bought a smart trainer. While I hate it, it is giving me some much needed time when I simply do not have the energy or desire to get outside. I am also riding outside when I have both the time and the conditions are right. This past weekend was simply fantastic and I did a good half day, end to end MN river bottoms ride on my fatbike. I haven’t done that in several years. Conditions were A+ and I just kept going.
Time is going to dictate how this plays out. I know it’s playing out differently than I thought already? Will it get on track? I can’t wait to find out.
