Darkly Colored Felines of Fury

Author

Patrick Audley

Location

49.131061-123.193855Steveston#49 11391 - 7th Ave.RichmondBCCA-BCCanada

One third of my life is behind me. Looking back on my life I’m forced to admit that it has not been the smooth, brightly lit street I expected as a child. Instead it was a meandering cobble lined path, filled with adventures and ravines I would never have foreseen, with highs and lows that dwarfed my early guesses. I am both humbled and amazed at some of the experiences on the journey; at some of the truly amazing and profound people that have joined me for parts of it. This is a good time for contemplation; a wistful look back and a climb to the nearest hill to see what might be ahead.

The Road Behind

The journey started with the solid foundation my family gave me – it was a childhood that was unlike any other I have seen. My mother taught me to program at the tender age of 6; my father gave me the eternal gift of curiosity shortly after; my grandparents inculcated a deep sense of values and duty. From these beginnings, I have spanned the globe and taken flight in ways that none of us could have imagined. I have been graced with three women in my life that have reshaped and grown my view of the world by turns; I treasure them all deeply still. Danielle the stalwart companion and mirror; Elizabeth the muse and inspiration; Kathy the maiden and teacher. From all of these people I’ve learnt so much, done so many things, changed so much.

I have scaled urban mountains aligning lasers, experienced hidden religions, built super computers, engineered new lifeforms, walked paths thousands of years old, plumbed the depths of the mind and come back mostly sane. I have loved and lost many times, felt pain and joy I could not have imagined.

The Woods Ahead

Turning forward, where does the road lead? I have returned to my home to find out. I have given up predicting the future and am endeavouring to walk blindly forward. I know that I have had my best growth and learning where I least expected it. To sit in lonely contemplation and await the future is hard. So, I am looking for the next change, the next turn in the road. If I had my sparkly druthers I would ask for a loving, stable relationship, a full time job that keeps my interest, and a change of pace in life from the hectic start-up laden gallop to a slower more contemplative cantor.

So, without much ado, this next month of Summer shall be devoted to seeking a full time venture to captivate my mind and talents as well as a the occasional moment of peaceful rest. If you are reading this and remember time we have spent together on the path, drop me a note and we’ll have a beer/coffee/virtual drink. If you think you might want to join me for a few turns, I am always glad for the company.

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

Robert Heinlein