With a lift in my step

[larryhammer]

As a child, I learned how to run. I ran a lot. I wasn't a good sprinter, but I could run. Especially around in circles. Or down and up the field. I bounded over rocks and along streams. I could move.

In my teens, I learned how to hike. I walked everywhere -- a mile to school each way, miles after school exploring the city, bleeding off restlessness. Through Shenandoah woods and up and down mountains. I could go somewhere. Sometimes I could even tire myself enough I'd fall asleep in under an hour.

In my 20s, I learned how to pace -- a jagged, rapid lope. I was an awkward and rangy young man. I could get where I was going, wherever that was.

Now, in my 30s, I've learned how to stride. The confidence is no longer faked, at least as not as often. I can go places.

Maybe in my 40s, I'll learn how to walk.

---L.

Comments

[azang.livejournal.com]

Is it your birthday? If so....that would make you 21 days OLDER than me!!!

[larryhammer]

No, not my birthday. Nor am I yet out of my 30s. "This post may contain forward-looking information," as my company's press releases sometimes put it.

---L.

[azang.livejournal.com]

Damn! I'm the old one!

So you're waxing? Nice post. Your 40's will be better, and you'll walk...just a little stiffer.

[larryhammer]

Say, rather than old, older. It sounds better.

---L.

[azang.livejournal.com]

Heh? What's that? I cayan't hear ya sonny-boy!

[mcdolemite.livejournal.com]

This is my favorite thing that I've read online today.

[larryhammer]

Woah. Praise indeed.

---L.

Well I am in my 40's

[palomapus.livejournal.com]

and I feel perfectly entitled to run, in circles and straight ahead, and like a gerbil on a wheel at the gym, and I trip and fall, and I walk way too fast (which messes up my fancy schmancy shoes) and I stroll like never before. What I have not mastered is the mosey. I buzz about too much to mosey. I just started my 40's for the most part, but I plan on doing the same - learning how to walk eventually!

This really was a lovely post.

[larryhammer]

I suspect mosey is for my 50s. I'm slow that way.

---L.

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

I can not picture you just walking.

[larryhammer]

What about moseying?

---L.

[palomapus.livejournal.com]

the only thing I can picture with the word "mosey" in mind is that old Far Side cartoon when they had the cowboys in the 50 yard mosey race...

I guess since I am still five years old mostly, I have a long way to go!

[acanthusleaf.livejournal.com]

That's beautiful, Larry. I cant wait to hear about the places you'll go.

My movement these days is mostly in the gym, or drumming my heel up and down as I sit, and sit, and sit.

[larryhammer]

We've been hiking less and less the past couple years, unfortunately -- this year, it's been a dayhike a month, if we're lucky, and that's being more active than usual. Even last year's camping trip had only day hikes, and not backpacking. :-( Though we did hike up the Narrows in Zion (which was bee-oooo-tiful).

I think it has something to do with being a two-writer household, and novels.

---L.

[janni.livejournal.com]

We need to plan a writing/hiking retreat. Morning hikes, afternoon writing. Combine the two, somehow.

The main downside to this writing thing being the way one has to stay in one place to do it, mostly.

[larryhammer]

Also, after a morning hike, we usually want to rest and cool off.

---L.