Overcoming the Uphills
Biking in Cortina with the Dolomites in the background.
With my son moving into his first apartment and my daughter heading off to graduate school, I thought it would be the perfect time for one last family vacation. We decided to bicycle a route my husband and I had done several years before and that we loved for the spectacular views, incredible food and easy segments--northern Italy's Dolomite valley--Venice to Verona.
The first time we bicycled this course, we were with other couples who were all in great shape and gave a competitive edge to the week. This time around, I decidedly reminded myself that it is the JOURNEY, not the destination that is the vacation. Spending time with my family, the conversations we had, the vistas we saw together, the meals we hungrily scarfed after 25 miles of biking--that was the stuff to relish and not rush through.
Except the uphills.
I distinctly remember one particular sharp uphill when we first biked the Dolomites where I had to get off and walk my bike. I wasn't the only one, but I was embarrassed especially when I realized that I had a few lower gears I could have used. This time around, I was determined to manage my cycling better, to be prepared for it beforehand, to pace myself and bite off inches at a time till I reached the top.
Lately I've been trying to challenge myself in my painting too. I completed a series of seven paintings (so far) called, "Finding Your Homestead". The thought of doing seven paintings of one subject would have felt daunting to me several years ago, but finding a subject matter that resonates with me, a technique that intrigues me (collage and textured mediums), and an unusual canvas size (24" x24"), let me feel that many of the paintings just painted themselves.
I've given myself another challenge--painting on larger canvases. My last piece, from my time in Italy, is a 40" x 30" "Waiting for the Morning Rush". Like taking on the uphills, I find I can't rush through the painting. It came in several layers, working on different areas, and RE-working areas. I remember master artists and teachers telling me to slow down and not rush to the end so quickly. I think I'm beginning to get that, especially on a large undertaking. Enjoy the process.
So, if you are wondering how I did on that hill...I STILL HAD TO WALK MY BIKE!! C'mon, I'm six years older than I was before! But that was the ONLY time, and while others complained of sore knees and two guys had to be hospitalized for a heart attack and a concussion, I fared pretty darn well. I'm trying to approach the uphills as best I can--accepting the challenges and taking them bit by bit till I've reached the top. That's where you find the best views!
The first time we bicycled this course, we were with other couples who were all in great shape and gave a competitive edge to the week. This time around, I decidedly reminded myself that it is the JOURNEY, not the destination that is the vacation. Spending time with my family, the conversations we had, the vistas we saw together, the meals we hungrily scarfed after 25 miles of biking--that was the stuff to relish and not rush through.
Except the uphills.
I distinctly remember one particular sharp uphill when we first biked the Dolomites where I had to get off and walk my bike. I wasn't the only one, but I was embarrassed especially when I realized that I had a few lower gears I could have used. This time around, I was determined to manage my cycling better, to be prepared for it beforehand, to pace myself and bite off inches at a time till I reached the top.
Lately I've been trying to challenge myself in my painting too. I completed a series of seven paintings (so far) called, "Finding Your Homestead". The thought of doing seven paintings of one subject would have felt daunting to me several years ago, but finding a subject matter that resonates with me, a technique that intrigues me (collage and textured mediums), and an unusual canvas size (24" x24"), let me feel that many of the paintings just painted themselves.
I've given myself another challenge--painting on larger canvases. My last piece, from my time in Italy, is a 40" x 30" "Waiting for the Morning Rush". Like taking on the uphills, I find I can't rush through the painting. It came in several layers, working on different areas, and RE-working areas. I remember master artists and teachers telling me to slow down and not rush to the end so quickly. I think I'm beginning to get that, especially on a large undertaking. Enjoy the process.
So, if you are wondering how I did on that hill...I STILL HAD TO WALK MY BIKE!! C'mon, I'm six years older than I was before! But that was the ONLY time, and while others complained of sore knees and two guys had to be hospitalized for a heart attack and a concussion, I fared pretty darn well. I'm trying to approach the uphills as best I can--accepting the challenges and taking them bit by bit till I've reached the top. That's where you find the best views!
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