Driving is not my favorite past time. Being a cautious driver, I observe the speed limit, rules of the road, and the antics of others. My only wreck was in 1973, when I totaled my brand new sunshine yellow Mazda RX3. It was a very fast car, driven by an even faster young lady. The jaws of life were involved to extricate me, uninjured and furious that they would be using such a device on my formally beautiful car. Confusing, as the devastating damage couldn’t be seen from the inside where I was sitting. Luckily, I wasn’t injured, those being days of the 1900’s, before air bags and seat belt laws .
Yesterday, with taxes in hand, I left with my postal delivery in hand My new little town is just that. Very little. The US Post Office is about two miles away from my house, all on country roads, usually empty. Leaving my neighborhood, there are a few twists and turns and then……. The Straightaway. Yes. A portion of the road that just begs for speeding. There are houses on one side, and BLM land on the other. It gives off a sense that no one is watching. Anywhere. I speed on this stretch of road.
Now, I don’t mean to. I know it is highly rude to the people living on this stretch. The road is clearly marked 25 MPH. My speedometer clearly says 40 MPH as I speed on to the STOP sign. There are families that live on this road, enduring the speedway right outside their kitchen windows. Each day, I promise to do better on the next trip. Each time, I speed.
Little Town, USA, in which I live, has another peculiarity. Very seldom are there visible patrol cars of any kind, any where. One reason could be that there’s very little crime in our town. At least, that is what I wanted to believe. However, the little bank was robbed yesterday. My bank. With my quiet, professional tellers that like to give big happy smiles and wish you the best day when your business is done. The sweetest people run my tiny little bank. With only four or five employees, they are polite and efficient, providing a sense of family while you bank. A man with a gun robbed them yesterday. He stole their happy place. And mine. He hasn’t been caught yet.
My little town has crime. Lots of it. Something not to be forgotten, as springtime can conjure a heightened sense of complacency.
So, it’s easy to speed on this quiet little stretch of road, without giving it a second thought in my quiet little town that has next to no crime. Until yesterday, when this senior citizen lady in her souped-up white Jeep with the sunflower tire cover (ME) came rolling around the bend, already going at a pretty good clip.
Rounding the corner, engine roaring and waiting for the straightaway, brakes were applied immediately when trouble appeared ahead. Patrol car lights. Yes. A sweet neighbor was sitting, mortified, in her beautiful SUV, while the officer was writing up a speeding ticket. I guess I’m not the only one that shoots down that road like greased lightning, rattling the neighbors. I slowed to 23 MPH as I carefully passed the officer and his perpetrator, formally known as my neighbor.
It brought me back to the moment. I can’t forget to follow the speed limits. Watch for signs. Avoid erratic drivers. And, stay in my lane.
Things always go a little better when you follow the established rules. You can avoid collisions and road rage by doing so. It may take a little longer, but by observing the speed limit, you will get to your destination safely. Going a little slower, you can enjoy the scenery and blue desert skies. You have more time to react to pot holes or stray items on the road. You can watch for renegade mustangs crossing your path.
All those points apply while going through life, as well. Speeding through, you miss so much. Quarantining at home, time has slowed and sometimes even seems to stop. The days still go by at the same rate, but pass more slowly. The great outdoors begs for leisurely walks through beauty. In solitude, I’ve found time to consider life and the direction I want to go.
There are so many choices to make now. Physical choices involving the yard and my 2021 landscape additions. Choices of spring clothing and footwear. Choices in home decoration and organization. The list is endless. However, physical choices are only a cover for the deeper spiritual and emotional landscape of life. It’s there where we all fight demons and find angels. In the quiet of the desert, I find the solitude gives me wide open spaces in which to dream new dreams and put nightmares to rest, once and for all.
Today, I’ll be practicing safety first, with doors locked and a watchful eye. The bank robbery makes me want to bake a plate of cookies, delivered warm to my financial friends. They will be re-evaluating their own safety procedures, while hugging each other a little tighter. Masked robbers with a gun steal more than the money they take. Innocence was lost yesterday, in this, out little wide spot in the road.
Slow down, my friends. You never know who is watching around the corner. Just waiting for you. Could be your friendly highway patrol, or a bad guy. Keep your eyes peeled and slow down.