If you thought this would be about exericse or textiles, you’re in the wrong spot.  However…give it a read.  Like most people, mind-numbing songs race through my head for inexplicable reasons.  I’ve given up trying to make sense of it and, instead, mostly enjoy the experience.  After swimming laps a few days ago, my senses were overcome with the heavy rhythm of Blood, Sweat and Tears’ classic “Spinning Wheel.”  After it paraded through my head a few times, I drew a few conclusions:  1) ah, those inane 60’s lyrics, 2) why this song after all this time?, 3) I loved their song “Redemption”, 4) and I just don’t get the metaphor of riding the painted pony and I don’t care if I ever figure that out.  So, there.

I do think the song has metaphorical properties and they seem to fit the events of this past year.  It has been quite a year.  I suppose any one of us could say that about most any year.  But this one stands out for me.  As the aforementioned song says, “What goes up, must come down.”  Perhaps a checklist may be in order.

• Retirement – I wasn’t really ready.  I loved teaching, I loved the students.  I didn’t respect my health.  I’m retired.
• Loss – my uncle, the Energizer Bunny of a myriad of wickedly serious health issues, finally made his journey home.
• Health – I work on this each and every day.  Juggling two chronic illnesses is a challenge but I’ve never been one to “go gentle into that good night.”  Apologies to Dylan Thomas on that one.
• Moving – I did it, enough said.  Another post on this topic will follow in the future.
• Lessons – I know who my friends are, who my friends aren’t.

“Spinning wheel, got to go round.”  This is true.  Life continues.  I’ve been asked if I’m going to reinvent myself.  Why would I do that?  Is there something so innately wrong with me that I need to be someone else?  No, there isn’t.  But I understand the concept of reinvention.  Seems to me it’s just time for me to do what I’ve really wanted to do all of those other years when I was otherwise occupied.  I have a long list.

“Catch a painted pony on the spinning wheel ride.”  For this I leave the accompanying photo.  My painted pony involves water.  Join me.  Most mornings I’m there between 9:30-11.