Paros becomes busier daily. The tourists come through, then leave. I stay. My friends and colleagues stay. We live here and thrive in our respective communities, circles within rings. I have to admit that I am amazed at how life is working for me these days. I suit up, show up, don’t push, breathe and keep things light. I take my pictures, ride my bike, etc…Here are the bullet points:
–I am working towards a small solo show for November, centered around, and exhibited in, the small cafe in which I am currently tapping away on my Macbook.
–My Macbook is in fine running order. Fully cleaned, reseated RAM, etc…No overheating. Thanks to Pararam in Naoussa for that, and only 20 euros! In the US it would have been three times that amount.
–I had a nice discussion with a friend the other day about working and showing your work, i.e. “putting yourself out there.” On being prolific. We cited the author Michael Chabon. He is my age, more for less. He has published a lot of books. Not all of them are Pulitzer Prize winners, but he has published a lot of books. That’s OK. If people want to know what you are doing, you should show them. Once a year, big or small, grand or humble. It all matters.
–I rode my first long road race last weekend. The Circle of Paros, 61km around the island, began at 17:40 Saturday. It was my first long race, first road race. I rode the course on my mountain bike last Wednesday and made it in 3 hrs 15 min. That’s with fat tires, 5 stops for water, and not being exactly sure of the route. Afterwards some more experienced riders advised me to load slick road tires on my MB and ride that way. So I did it. I just wanted to knock off 16 minutes. My final time was 2:37:48. And I had a puncture that delayed me 6-7 minutes. Here is a Youtube link. It’s in Greek but it’s fun to watch…
–There was a moment (fleeting!) when I almost quit. I was only 6km into the ride. But I decided to push it anyway. Not give up. I overtook many and made it to the big hill-climb towards which I was looking forward before the race officials closed it. I made it. My “Franken-Bike” worked well, but an actual road bike would have been better. I now have my eye on one. A friend is willing to sell me his Boardman road bike. It is essentially new, but the frame is too large for him. We shall see.
–I would be unable to thrive, enjoy life or otherwise be part of these circles, these rings of communities, without the support and advice of many. For me, I can trust my instincts only so far. Even the wisest and experienced turn to others for guidance and direction. It is best to not pretend you know what you are doing. That would be arrogant folly. Hubris. That’s a Greek word.
The “Franken-Bike.” I took the 26×2″ mb tires off and replaced them with 26×1″ road tires. Not ideal, but it did the job.
–JDCM
