MY NEXT RIDE: A FANTASY
Clarification: Not my last ride.
As enjoyable as it appears, there comes a point during the fantasy when the Corvette Stingray that I have eyes for turns into a pumpkin rotting in a cold October field. Discovering that the MSRP begins at 60 grand, before bells and whistles, chokes the joy out of me. The lip gloss, mascara, eye shadow melt into the grimacing countenance of the wicked witch of the west. The dollar figure makes me groan. There is no way to justify owning a car that costs that much money. How much time will I spend in it? What will it do for me? It seems my 80-year-old self, fumbling for the thrill of a 28-year-old, gets the picture in living color. Todd A-O. Mental pictures of veterans standing at intersections with cardboard signs, older automobiles still usable and perfectly adequate, my ripped and age-softened t-shirts and jeans, come to mind. Who am I kidding? I still drive a twenty-seven-year-old SAAB and I love it.
Gratitude arrives in a warm feeling of being pulled back from the brink of avarice. A stove, not quite red-hot, lurking in plain sight to burn with agony my foolish dreams; to leave the scars of reaching beyond, not just my means, but miles past mindful judgement and sensitivity. Every time I’ve seen a flashy car and notice the driver has gray hair and painful posture poorly concealed by pressed, stain-free, fashionable designer work clothes I feel a sense of pity. I have already done that back thirty years ago. I had the fast-back Mustang and the careless look of blue jeans and jacket. Hippie embroidered denim shirts and youthful tanned skin. That was then. I was noticed by tall blonds in heels. I saw the looks of appreciation slide out from under beautiful brows and bouncing locks. It’s time to be serious about things that serve our species. I admit to the fun of those heady days of being able to go out at night and hoot with the owls and then come back the next morning and scream with the eagles. What a ride that was! Seeing the detailed photos of fast machinery, bright yellow Corvettes, reminds me of overeating rich delights and tossing it later. I’m cured. All I needed was to flip a few pages and feel the compression spring of the clutch pedal and the press of my back against the leather.
Thanks for listening. I’m back.
Playing Fair and Being Kind 
I LOVE this piece. Your writing and wrestle with the push-pull of aging is tremendous.
Will talk tomorrow. Happy pagan fertility day—bunnies, eggs? Love, Nina
On Sun, Apr 21, 2019 at 8:30 AM Playing Fair and Being Kind wrote:
> Gentle George posted: “MY NEXT RIDE: A FANTASY Clarification: Not my last > ride. As enjoyable as it appears, there comes a point during the fantasy > when the Corvette Stingray that I have eyes for turns into a pumpkin > rotting in a cold October field. Discovering that the MSRP ” >
Thanks, Neener. I haven’t found any of Satan’s Testicles yet. Still searching!
Yes, sometimes window shopping is better than buying the object of desire, isn’t it? Saves a lot of money, and you’re not tied down to another possession!
I’ve got three vehicles in my yard now. Room for maybe four or five more. I don’t think I have room in my heart though.
Thanks, Arlene!
This one hits home. I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks, Lynne. Has Spring arrived in Minnesota yet?
Hahaha!
Since you just saved *at least* $60K is now the perfect time to ask a little finacial help for some vitamins and supplements?
Alternatively, perhaps you’ll send me an awesome vinyl face mask that covers everything—particularly the mouth—and yet leaves the eyes fully functional. (Instead of trying even more stuff to heal my lips and skin, I could just walk around in that all the time….)
Hahaha.
I’m sorry to hear you say that the skin rashes are still a big part of your life, Grace. I remember when I first visited you in Charleston that was raging then. No idea from the docors what it is? Have you any ideas?
I’m sorry to say that I’m supporting family members now; that I have no money to lend. I wish I did. What is going on with that skin?
George, honestly I don’t know. Dermatologist diagnosed it as “Balsam of Peru” allergy, but I’ve been avoiding everything (tomato, citrus, cinnamon, clove, all kinds of my favorite healthy foods!) but still this horrible rash. 😢
Much love to you and your family!
I was getting skin problems. Itchy spots, rough skin patches. My left leg also was causing some pain just under the skin layer first thing in the morning when I drove my car. The pain would leave after the car warmed up. I added a few things (non-vegan) back into my diet and the pain and itching healed after a few months.
You may be missing something in your diet.
I’m back to eating more vegan and the pain has not come back.
Good luck.
Side trip: sound like mid-Iife crisis car! I admit when I see an “older” guy with a flashy car, that is my first thought, followed by pity. I wish women had the privilege, we always shouldered the life issues, whatever they were, we didn’t have the luxury of having a ‘mid-life crisis”