This year's birthday mail included a card that was perfect in oh, so many ways. Titled "Zen Dog," the card features a very relaxed pooch in too-cool shades, lounging in a little purple boat on bright blue seas. Underneath, my new favorite words of wisdom: "He knows not where he's going; For the ocean will decide - It's not the DESTINATION...It's the glory of the THE RIDE."
I love this idea, this dog, this card. And I love that I received it after spending a great day in the mountains with the proud owner -- Bowman Gray IV -- of an impeccably restored 1972 BMW. Bo invited me to come along on a cruise of the Blue Ridge Parkway (to benefit Parkinson's Disease), and I thought it would be a lovely way to spend 9/11. Seems I'm always working on 9/11, and on the 10th anniversary of that forever-etched-in-everyone's-mind day, the idea of enjoying North Carolina's natural beauty seemed the ideal antithesis to the necessary, but heartbreaking, tributes taking place.
Bo's car goes fast, up to 130mph he said, and he handles it like a pro. As he navigated the twisty turns of Highways 89 and 66, I focused on the breathtaking vistas (and trying valiantly to NOT eat my hair, which is still in knots!). I took hundreds of pictures, waved at the fabulous couple from Miami who drove behind us and learned a bit more about: a) cars, b) E.B. White and c) bluegrass and/or country music.
Now, I'm settled at the computer - charged with putting words to the experience for thousands of loyal readers - and I find myself feeling grateful for "the glory of the ride." My chosen professional path takes me on all kinds of adventures, and with each and every one, I am forever reminded of a favorite old saying (paraphrased without the benefit of enough coffee!): "Life is measured not the number of breaths you take, but in the number of moments that take your breath away."
Arrivederci!
