The view from the side of Regional Road 2
Just outside Woodstock, Ontario, June 2007 [Click to embiggen]
On my way home from Toronto after a couple of days of business meetings, I learned what it was like to park in the middle of Canada's largest highway. As I was cruising the 401, traffic came to a complete halt after someone was killed in an accident just ahead of me. I didn't sweat the delay, mind you. I had my GPS, some tunes, and time - not to mention my life. I counted my lucky stars that I wasn't in the poor victim's shoes as I settled in for a long wait.
By the time they cleared it all away, I decided I didn't really want to be on a superhighway. I handed myself over to the satellite-linked genius of my GPS unit and headed for the regional highways instead.
It took me longer, of course. But I needed a little relaxation after my midtown adventure. Cruising through one small town after another got me thinking about the things we miss because we're always in such a rush to get where we're going. So after I got through Woodstock, I stopped by the side of the road to take it in for a few minutes.
Your turn: Stopping to smell the roses. Please discuss.
About this picture: I thought I'd try shooting into the shiny blue paintwork of my rented Dodge Caliber. Isn't it wonderful how clean they keep their cars?
Nothing like a long traffic jam to put your priorities straight and let you think of how lucky you are. I love gaining extra time for reflection.
ReplyDeleteSubscribed to your new blog. congrats on the new job!
Here via Michele tonight
You always take such great pictures! Its always a treat stopping by :) I like to spend lots of quality time with my daughter. I feel like shes growing way to fast! Before I know it she will be turning 1. My favorite thing to do is set her down on the floor and walk away for a second. (Till she forgets I was there and is playing with her toys) THen I will sneak back in and just watch her "talk" to her giraffe, or roll around exploring till she sees me. Then we hang out and play and read together.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks for stopping by. Michele sent me
Nothing like being that close to a tragedy to make you realize how lucky you are. I say appreciate every day for what it brings. Good or bad, make the best of it.
ReplyDeleteShiny car! Here from Michele's. I thought I was visiting Leigh, but you got there first. I think I'll visit Leigh anyway. because I can.
Carmi, there is nothing like a superhighway to get you where you want to go - and fast (usually). But what I'd really like to do is drive the smaller roads all across North America, and stop to chat and take in the sights of small town USA and Canada. That would all be done without a schedule; sort of a go and do whatever floats my boat at that moment. What a wonderful luxury that would be.
ReplyDeleteThe Interstate is maybe five minutes from the house - sometimes I use it to get up to White River Junction. But, mostly I use the back roads...I try not to be in too big a rush for anything...it doesn't take but maybe ten minutes more...
ReplyDeleteGlad you were safe...
Besides I get too nervous driving on the superhighways...everyone is in a hurry...and usually rude.
Carmi, I must have looked at this picture three or four times before I realized it was a reflection!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot, as Michele would insist that I tell you.
N.
I love the picture. It is amazing what we can see when we view something from a different perspective. My prayers go to the poor victim & family.
ReplyDeleteMichele sent me...
I love the picture, what a unique prespective. I pray for the victim involved in the accident.
ReplyDeleteMichele sent me
That's one of the main reasons why I fear highways. I'm afraid if I'm ever in a car accident, and the rescue workers get a look at my mug, they'll put me out of my misery!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I always like to travel the side roads and sight see. There's alot out there you would never notice on a highway.
that is sad... Death is a subject that has always made me feel very bad to be in that situation where you know someone had died I think I would have gotten off and took some time to relax
ReplyDeletebtw thanks for stopping by my blog and the great comment
Each day, we hear of fatal road accidents and road rages. Too bad.
ReplyDeleteIn Delhi's traffic, how can even think of smelling the roses?
Anyway, That is such a beautiful photo. The blue is well..so Blue!
I think Michele too would like that photo.
Howdy! From Pancake Flats--0h, and from Michele's too.
ReplyDeletehi from michelle
ReplyDeleteI have just had two friends nearly killed in a head on collision and now I have heard of a fatality on the same highway. It is a highway, I travel frequently and yes, it is scary to think that life can be over in the wink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteI try to take time each day to meditate a little on the joys in my life.
I am playing Michele's game, but didn't come your way from there this time. Just decided to visit.
I say there's nothing quite like 'smelling the roses'. While all around us life seems to be in a fast forward mode, the backwater towns and countryside seem to have pressed the pause button.
ReplyDeleteI have been pondering the same thing. As I get ready to travel cross country for my upcoming move, I basically need to travel 3 main highways for 400 - 900 miles at a clip, plus navigate a few beltways and connecting roads. While there is something comforting about going from point A to point B in a linear fashion, I am all about the road less traveled. And so I am wondering which detours may make sense in order to visit points of interest or friends along the way, before I reach my destination and need to figure out the job and living situation. Glad Michele sent me today for this post!
ReplyDeleteI rarely travel a different route to and from work. However, a few years ago when I worked at a different location (for the same company) I had a particularly stressful day. I decided to drive quite a bit out of my way in order to drive home along the coast. (That's the Pacific coast in Southern California). Even though it took me a lot longer to get home, it was well worth the detour.
ReplyDelete