Privacy of the Mind

Even though I tend to be a non-traditional kind of guy, I’ve still spent some time lately thinking about things that make me thankful. Seems like a good time of the year to do that. I decided to compile a list so I could look back at it when I need to, as I recognize that I often lose sight of these things.

I’m most thankful for my kids, Matt and Lindsey. They make life worthwhile on a regular basis and continue to amaze me with their individual talents and creativity. I can’t wait to see the paths they choose in life, I’m sure I will be surprised and delighted.

I’m thankful for the comfortable life I’m fortunate to lead. Even my relatively simple life represents an incredibly rich lifestyle to so many people around the world. I forget that sometimes when I’m obsessing over the latest gadget or farkle I think I can’t live without.

I’m thankful that despite the health challenges I’ve faced in recent years, I’m still strong enough and healthy enough to do things I enjoy. Whether that’s getting out and hiking around with a camera in hand or hopping on my motorcycle for a long day in the saddle.

I’m thankful for friends that challenge me sometimes and support me at others. I really don’t let that many people get close in “real life” but I do have several friends that I’ve known for years and treasure. I couldn’t imagine life without them.

I’m thankful for music, life would be so boring without a soundtrack. To me, it’s like cool water in the middle of the desert… a fundamental and essential element of living. This week I’m especially thankful for this song from Idlewild…

I’m thankful for books, they’ve been my companions as long as I can remember. My television sometimes goes weeks without being turned on, but I’m never without a book close at hand. I’m doubly thankful that both of my kids have already gotten into the habit of reading and raid my library.

I’m thankful for the internet. It’s become such a critical part of my life I’m not sure what I would do without it. I research a wide variety of topics on a daily basis, I communicate via e-mail and IM, I play games, listen to music, watch videos and of course I’ve made a number of good friends along the way, most I’ve never even met. It’s a technology that has changed my life in so many ways.

I’m thankful for my motorcycle, it’s been a source of much adventure and freedom in recent years. It lacks a lot of the fancy features and gizmos that some motorcycles have these days but wouldn’t trade it for anything else. It suits me and my riding style just fine.

I’m thankful that the weather forecast for Thanksgiving Day is for sunshine, because instead of attending a traditional gathering I’m planning to hop on the aforementioned motorcycle and go do a little solo exploring of the coastline north of Seattle along the Puget Sound.

Then I plan to come home and throw a steak on the grill and feast on red meat charred over an open flame on a cold, clear winter day. Because thankfully, I’m non-traditional like that…