Incense and Peppermints Lights My Fire
Strawberry Alarm Clock and The Doors
It was 1967 and I was 12. “Incense And Peppermints” and “Light My Fire” were rockin the airwaves. Girls were appearing on my radar, but that sublime first kiss was still a year away.
I received ski equipment that Christmas. My Mom smiled and my softhearted stepdad, Dan, went into the bathroom to cry. My brother, Dwight, was serving in the Marine Corps in Viet Nam, and it was disturbing not having him there.
I took up downhill skiing. It was cold. My first year, it rained as much as it snowed. My friends who were top athletes took more risks and learned faster than me, but I did OK. Something my friends didn’t do was write letters to ski equipment manufacturers.
Research & Teaching
I subscribed to all of the ski magazines and sent off dozens of hand-written letters requesting more information. Most weeks something would arrive in the mail, and I’d digest the data.
None of my friends did this.
I learned how to correctly pronounce Raichle, Dynastar, Kastle, Nordica, and Rossignol. I was an early adopter of the newest technologies in skis, boots, bindings, poles, clothing, and accessories. I would wear out the ears of anyone willing to listen to news of emerging ski stuff.
Backwards
I studied the various schools of thought around instruction, and when friends began to ski, I augmented their lessons with private tutoring. I even learned to ski backwards so that I could stay in front and provide tips.
Down… up… and around…
At school, I usually received “average” grades and didn’t stand out. This happens when one works hard to be invisible. Very little of the curriculum interested me.
Cycles
Anyway, I’ve been this way my entire life, with many fields of endeavor. I love to research and learn, synthesize and teach. I enjoy spending lots of time alone figuring things out, and then exiting my cave to share info that helps people. Then, back into hiding I go!
Hubba Hubba
This blog will be my “information hub”–like the hub at the center of a wheel–that connects my many on-line projects. I’ll also post exclusive content that appears only here.
You talkin’ to me?
I imagine that much of what I publish here will be answers to questions, so go for it. Or, you can leave a comment below.
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Tags: curriculum, girls, learning, research, school, schools of thought, skiingWhat do you think? Please enter your comments below.
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I’ve known you (is it?) 30 years and didn’t know you skied. I’m looking forward to the girls-on-the-radar posts.
Well, lets see. I was there. How’s that? I was there when you were twelve years old and I was there when you were twelve hours old. Moms are like that.
I remember that Christmas. I put carols on our new reel to reel tape player from our son in the Marines and you came out of your bedroom rubbing your eyes…then they lit up when you saw the skis. A real Kodak moment and me without a Kodak. And you won a slalom race. Did you think I’d forget?
Watching you research was awesome. And watching you teach was “awesomer.” I remember when you were researching Jeeps. If we had been able to buy you one…it would have messed up everything.
You’re an amazing, warm, bright, funny, loving, powerful guy. Yes, yes…I know all mothers say that…but this one can prove it. I can get enough testimonials to fill many three-ringed binders. Do I have to? Please don’t tell me that I have to!
didn’t even know you skied, or at least don’t recall..cool stuff, i like your writing!
Kirk: I didn’t know you skied either. I remember incense and peppermint too, great song. I loved Wake me Buttercup too.
I’m glad you are starting this blog and knowing how knowledgeable you are, I will be back to post questions! Thanks for all the friendship and support you’ve given me over the years.
Enjoyed what you wrote initially and would appreciate more. (Please?)