Saturday, November 01, 2008

My Landscape

I grew up in what was a lovely place...southern California.  At some point in the late 70s it started turning into the best place in the world to be a vinyl siding salesman.  What used to be orange groves turned into Orange Grove Estates.  What used to be an Oak Savannah turned into Oak Park.  Chapparal turned into Via Chapparelle.

When I blow a low D on my tuba, the piano vibrates in sympathy.  It's sorta cool.  The same thing happened to me when I moved to Wisconsin 25 years ago, something about the landscape resonnated with me.


When I drive the backroads, I always look for Rustic Roads.  They're scenic, lovely, and totally impractical.  That's why I love 'em.  Today, driving back from Wyalusing State Park, I asked the family if they would let me "toodle."  They agreed to let me toodle.  So I followed the GPS and used it to get lost.  The best way to get lost is to know exactly where you are.

The land here vibrates, and it makes my heart vibrate, much like our piano when the tuba sounds a D.  This road today made my heart vibrate...it was amazing.  I'm not sure the last time I felt this way...probably when I found the old Presbyterian church on Sand Hill Road.


I am grateful for my Wisconsin roots.  I was transplanted, but the taproot runs deep and I feel more at home here than any other place on earth.

Respectfully submitted,

  Canoelover


5 comments:

Rosie said...

No matter how far north I move, there's just something about a deciduous forest. Nice pics.

Silbs said...

Lovely...so, why is it that I had to drive to Madison to tell your people that 'Baga had been named the number one paddle shop in the midweat by Sea Kayaker Magazine's reader survey. You guys have to get out more.

Nat said...

No fair throwing salt in the wounds of those of us who no longer live in WI. Does Rutabaga have an R&D division in need of a chemical engineer?

mk said...

Now you know how I feel about Lake Superior. Nice writing here, D.

Carrie said...

Salt in my wounds, Darren.

Really though, I enjoy looking at the pictures. Maryland has its share of beauty as well.