I was already late as I waited for the green turn light, trying to resist the pull left towards the mountain road. Today would be a good day to drive up the mountain, I mused. Perhaps later, if I complete my tasks before sundown, I reasoned resolutely steering into traffic, following the migration towards city center.
But the mountain still called, the blue of the sky, whimsical clouds floating lazily on the horizon. It is almost spring in Kelowna, February 2, 2012. Groundhog day. A brilliant, perfect day. I feel blessed to be a Realtor. I am outdoors most days, meandering through traffic, mixing at sidewalk cafe's, feeling the warmth of the sun as I unlock a red door. But the mountain still called, the gentle breeze almost non existent, the solidarity of the trees defining the grade.
Finally, at precisely 4:27 I passed through the iron and stone gates at the Kelowna Cemetary, and began the descent to what I perceive to be the most sacred ground in our town. Past the Kelowna Golf Course, past the historical monument marking 100 years of internment, to the turnabout, high above the city at the top of the Mountain.
I sit silently, as the final strains of Guns N'Roses November Rain echoes from my speakers, my iPhone MP3 file is being broadcast through a bluetooth device, powered by the 12 volt cigarette lighter (a relic from days gone by) converted to an analogue signal and playing over the AM/FM radio. This is amazing. That we have the ability to convert the signal. Technology.
Do you need some time...on your own
Do you need some time...all alone
Everybody needs some time...
On their own
Don't you know you need some time...all alone...
The settling sun casts a golden spell, the ultimate beauty seducing me to step from the car, silencing Axl Rose, as I double tap the camera, seize the moment and snap a photo. Captured. Beauty.
Moments later I hit send, transmitting the digital image to a friend, with a caption reminding him of an old Lakota saying attributed to Crazy Horse "Today is a good day to die" and the significance behind the statement. Technology. It connects. It binds. It separates and it disassociates. Or none of the above - it is the driver, who turns the key, and steers the wheel.
We all have choices. Choose wisely.
Comments(3)