September 13th, 2o11
So here are the complete pieces to my 1947 CZ motorcycle. Everything you need to have a motorcycle is right there, albeit in pieces. I’ve been slowly working on this project for a while now, but now it’s high time for me to knock it out. I’ve taken everything apart and thoroughly cleaned, re-painted, and re-finished every piece with the soft gingerly touch that is often only reserved for cradling a baby.
My old man used to tell me if you’re going to do something, you may as well do it right the first time. I hated this advice as a kid, but over the years have come to appreciate the benefits of not cutting corners. Taking the time to analyze every part, every curve, and every nick can be overwhelming. I get this itching in my bones to scrap the whole thing and toss it back together. But then I re-settle myself and find the place to focus, appreciating every part for it’s unique purpose.
It’s easy to tear something apart, but putting it back together is where the value comes in. Do it right the first time; take the time to care for it in pieces.
Hi David,
I admire your patience. It’s interesting how you have to slow yourself down to do it right. Why not to buy a ready-made motorcycle?
My father has built his summer house all by himself. It took him a long time.
People who build things fascinate me.
I don’t build, I pay for things, he, he.
Hope to see the pic when the bike is finished.
Greetings, love your blog as always.
Derek
Derek, you’ve always got the right words. I’m going to be excited to post the finished product, and a nice little video of me riding it away!
Sage advice. Imagne how satisfying it will be when you are all finished and you know you did it right. Your papa will be so proud.
Most importantly, though, you are going to look friggin’ cute zipping around on that.
Thanks Caanan! Though I was aiming more for tough and rugged. I guess I’ll take what I can get around here.
Hi David,
Since you like building stuff, maybe you find this interesting:
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/dan_phillips_creative_houses_from_reclaimed_stuff.html
This guy builds houses from reclaimed stuff. And he is entertaining and informative.
Makes you think.
Derek
Thanks for sharing that Derek. Strangely enough, I’ve watched that one before. I’m watching it again though now (after all, I’m at work and it’s my last Wednesday in an office ever again!!).
That’s quite a project you have going on. You definintely don’t want to cut corners on this project. I know that I would want my motorcycle to be in great condition. You’ll feel better about it if you take your time and do it right the first time.
In the very least, it helps when something breaks down. You’re already familiar with every piece!
David you can be cute and tough & rugged at the same time!
Do it right the first time – its fabulous advice. I tell my kids that often.
Brains that work in such a way to be able to break things down to its parts and visualize how they are supposed to go back together fascinate me. Very cool.
Thanks Liane.
Well, I wasn’t always good at tear down and putting it back together, but it’s a skill I’m learning and getting better and better at every day. It’s refreshing to know we can ‘re-shape’ our brains.
Dave–this is a great point I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. I like the notion of your old man’s, to take the time to do it right the first time. I’ve always taken the opposite approach to my writing, because revision is so important I didn’t worry about getting it right. (I don’t think anybody gets it right the first time they write something creative, you know?) But I do think I can get it closer and better if I take my time and plan. It’s such a good reminder. Thanks! Off to write…
Good point Baker. I hadn’t previously considered writing…
Perhaps this idea better applies to editing!
Ha! My old man says the exact same thing. He goes for the directions while I’m skipping right to the assembly. I’m impatient and he’s efficient. And as much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ve made mistakes more often then not because of it.
Solid advice.
Exactly that Chris! I spend waaaaay more time and money and headache when I aim to skim a bit around the edges. There’s also a calming beauty to taking note of everything you have and caring for it all.
that definitely doesn’t look like a motorcycle to me. i thought it had more parts. but maybe i’m just unimaginative. building things in 3d is not my forte.. take something 2d, drawing and painting, on the other hand, and I can rock that pretty well. this reminds me of the book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” Good book..
You know Janet,it doesn’t look like much a motorcycle to me either right now…
Let’s hope that all changes soon!
Ah, the joy of a labor of love. Converting hard work into a labor of love is winning approach to life. I see it again and again… your father is right… successful achievers gain all there is to gain because the give all there is to give.
In my life David, there has been nothing richer than taking a seed and building into something. A business, a project, a dream.
I try hard to get the folks I know to invest in this kind of experience because there are so many rewards to it.
The knowledge you attain, the skill you build which can be used elsewhere, the creative patience you acquire, then of course the satisfying end result. Plus there is nothing like the pride in achieving something completely from your own sweat.
I don’t have one (yet) but I am a bike fan and cannot wait to see the bike when it’s done.
You’re a poet, Pea! I hope you get that bike soon. The cruising life is a cherished one!