August Vacation

My wife Sarah, son Theo and I just returned from an extended weekend on Hermit Island, Maine. In my old age (I turned 50 last week), I've taken up rock climbing, as evidenced here with Theo patiently waiting above.

Repair as a Metaphor

I like repairing instruments. It's like taking a lonely friend out for a breath of fresh air and some fun. Starts out challenging and ends up inspiring on so many levels.

The more I repair, the easier it is, and the more relaxing and stimulating it is. Sounds like a paradox - relaxing And stimulating? Maybe I'm getting old.

By the way, it's my 50th Birthday on the 15th of August. I so clearly remember feeling that the year 2000 was soooo far away, and I would be OLD then. Now it's 2007, and I still don't feel old. I gave myself a few "birthday gifts" in the past while. I quit smoking, I took up running and rock climbing, I dropped 50 pounds. It's taken close to two years to achieve these "presents", and I anticipate a few more milestones in the near future. Like running a 5K race. We'll see.

Anyway, as I repair my own self, I find that returning instruments to their previous granduer becomes an act of self-reliance, self-reflection and harmony. If all the parts work, AND they work in concert with one another, then the pathway to achievement has been cleared.