When I was a kid I thought I'd like to be an Indian scout. Yes, there's probably a more PC term than Indian scout, but that term is grandfathered in. I thought that would be an awesome job to have. Adventure, discovery, risks, quiet, and all outside. Yup, Indian scout.
Indian scout or not, sometimes I need to take off by myself. I need to go down a path, not knowing for sure where it will end, but knowing I will find my way. I have been in desperate need of a break. My paths of late have been crowded with noisy, stressed-out people, family dinners, last minute shopping, and my life. I had the best Christmas in recent history, but it was definitely time for a break.
Finally I had the chance for a break. It was beautiful, clear day that would let me get a picture I've been trying to find for weeks. My ultimate break involves a four-wheeler, a cooler, my camera, and me. That's it. Sadly, it's not really four-wheeler weather here right now. I can always find something to take pictures of, though, and I do need to perfect my picture-taking skills with my new toy. I took off, not on a four-wheeler but in a minivan, in time to practice some camera tricks I've read about but not mastered, planning to end up on Gin Ridge as the sun was setting. Son #2 asked if he could go along in hopes of spotting herds of deer, but I said no, I really liked to go alone.
Not to be outsmarted by stupid me, fate intervened on the first leg of my journey; I got a rock in my tire. I had to go back home. Son # 2 was still there, and I asked him if he wanted to go with me to the Ridge. Yes, for once I recognized and fixed my mistake before it was too late. My teenage son had asked if he could do something with me, and I had said no. I got it right the second time around. I asked if he wanted to go, and he jumped at the chance.
I drove. He rode. We didn't talk much. Son #2 understands that conversation isn't always necessary. Of all the people I live with, he's the only one who understands that dynamic. He was content to ride and look, and to change my camera lens when I asked. We saw herds of deer, beautiful land, and a stunning sunset. We stopped in the road to look. We decided to go right, left, or straight without knowing what was down some paths. We found our way, we found ourselves, and we found our peace.
I needed a break, and I got it. Son #2 saw the deer he'd gone to see, I found the pictures I'd been looking for, and I also discovered something else. That Indian scout business? It's hereditary.
