The Fine Art of Hard Work

Taking a break on a hot summer's day. © Lloyd Lemons

“Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice.” — Henry Ford

Twenty-first-century people; we’re a lazy bunch, and getting lazier.

So many perfectly healthy people look for the no-labor way to get things done. Tell Alexa to lock your doors at night. Let AI edit your photos. Get a car that drives itself. Hire someone to rake those leaves. Don’t pedal, buy a bicycle that runs on a battery.

I enjoy hard work. Specifically, I enjoy physical hard work, the kind that breaks a sweat or leaves you with sore hands. It gives me a sense of satisfaction when I’m finished. Dirty hands and a tired back make it real. And it’s enjoyable to look back on what I’ve accomplished and see the value in it.

For example, at 73, I just proved something to myself. I reported to friends and family, “I’m thinking of painting my house to save money.” And of course, there were doubters. I heard a few snickers and saw the eye rolls. There were also words of caution from certain voices, ”that’s a big job, you should hire someone”. But I didn’t listen.

Well, to the doubters: I just completed painting the exterior of my entire house, and I’m exhausted. But, damn, it feels good!

It was indeed a lot of work. It involved a shit-ton of preparation, including planning the various steps and color options, buying the materials, pressure cleaning, and surface preparation before the real work of painting even started. Then came the brushwork involved in cutting in, then rolling the larger surfaces. After all the painting was done, the installation of new shutters and railings, washing the windows, and the replacement of fixtures.

My reward?

• I saved at least $6000. (But that’s not the only reward.)
• I can stand back and admire the result: a house that looks completely refreshed from what it was a month ago.
• My body feels fatigued from the strenuous workout I gave it, which is more satisfying than the fatigue derived from mindless boredom.
• I can quietly enjoy the satisfaction that I’ve accomplished a great feat, one that can be witnessed and appreciated by others.

That’s a different brand of satisfaction than, say, writing a story, which is words on a page that no one may ever read. When I write a story intended to help people, and people read it and have a reaction to it, that too rewards me with an abiding sense of satisfaction. But when I spend time writing a story that no one reads, there’s an hollowness attached to my hours of effort.

Chop wood, carry water

When I got out of high school, I was lost. So, I started a business. It was a janitorial service. I cleaned a variety of small businesses for a fee each month. It was the type of mundane work that a lot of people dismiss as boring, degrading, or below their pay level. But at the end of my work day, I could stand back, pause for a moment, see the work that I had done, the polished floors, the clean windows, the uncluttered spaces, the freshened air, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment, especially because I knew the people who used these spaces everyday would enjoy at least a small sense of renewal when they arrived at work.

For me, it was like the Zen proverb, chop wood, carry water. It’s about finding purpose in the process as well as the outcome.

People today seem to shun physical work. They look for the automated way, or the digital method, to speed things up and avoid getting their hands dirty.

In my own experience, I’ve had white-collar jobs, and I’ve had blue-collar jobs. I have many fond memories of time with coworkers in blue-collar jobs. The other jobs with endless paperwork and office politics attached are mostly forgotten.

When you can stand back and take a look at your accomplishments, knowing that others will see and appreciate your effort too, that’s a benefit that exceeds the monetary value. You’ve contributed to something that may bring a smile to their faces. 

And there’s a bonus to my painting activity. It gave relief from the constant affront that is our political situation. By finding a way to divert my focus from the nonsense, lies, and outrage perpetrated by the Trump administration and place it on something beneficial, I enjoyed relief from the daily grind of political theater. 

Chop wood, carry water, live simpler.

Just Another Day in Paradise

Nice, but I prefer my backyard with its flora and fauna. © Lloyd Lemons

Lots of work to do before summer

I’m watching paint dry. 

It's the standard joke for people who are bored out of their minds, but it’s 92 degrees outside, and I’m painting the exterior of my house. I thought March in Florida would be a good time to paint, right? Cool weather. Light breeze. But as I put the brush to the bricks, the paint goes on with a high gloss, and within seconds, the gloss begins to dull. The paint is drying as it’s being applied.

That’s only one of my concerns.

I’ve got to climb a ladder, a tall ladder, which is something that makes me nervous, but it’s the only way I can reach my chimney. I’ll pick a day when my balance is at its best to use the ladder. Wish me luck.

I’m seven days into this project. I have the worst of the wall surfaces covered, I think.

But I’m a bit overwhelmed. Not exclusively by this painting project, but I’ve got other things going on as well. Things that are more important to me than painting.

I converted an old Chromebook to run Ubuntu, and now I’m trying to learn how to use it.

I’m converting this blog from its home here to a new home at a Static Site Generator. This will allow me access to the Internet without the threat and inconvenience of corporate and international surveillance.

I am preparing to join the IndieWeb movement to take back control of the Internet from corporate dominance.

These techy things have a learning curve attached. I’m fairly comfortable with technology, having used it for several decades, but the old brain doesn’t have the plasticity it once had. Damn, I hate that!

So I’m off to finish painting, before the real Florida heat sets in, then assemble a new picnic table, and erect a new patio umbrella.

Then, I’ll spend some quality time learning new IndieWeb technologies.

If you liked the Internet in its early days but hate what it has become, give the IndieWeb some serious consideration.

Talk soon. (Dang, I just found some Dusty Sage dried on my elbow that didn’t come off in the shower.)

A Simple Life is More Important Than Ever

Simplicity at its best. © Lloyd Lemons

What would it be like to live life on your own terms? 

It's cold all over North America, and for those who don't know, Florida gets cold too! You may have heard of the falling green iguanas. They're real!

The temps in my town dropped last night to near 20F for about 12 hours. I got up early to check my drip lines outside. They protected my plumbing, for the most part, but left large icicles hanging from the spigots. 

As I made some early morning adjustments, I felt the frigid air bite into me. It reminded me of being a kid in Michigan. I haven't experienced those winter chills in decades, but the memory is still vivid. 

My cold feet and fingers brought back memories of the dreams I had as a young man. I was going to be a businessman and take on the world with my many ideas and idealistic notions. A few simple dreams came true in varying degrees, but for the most part, I've worked very hard all my life, and while I'm marginally comfortable now, I never achieved the level of prosperity that could have followed the intense effort I put into everything I attempted. 

Making adjustments

After failures and many difficult times, I realized many years ago that living comfortably was the most important thing for my family and me. Yes, having a huge home in the country, horses in the barn, and fancy vehicles in the driveway would have put a smile on our faces, but for how long and at what cost? 

There was a moment, when my sons were in their teens, that I decided the challenges inherent in our system would take too much out of our lives to continue the pursuit. 

It took soul searching, but I eventually became focused on living differently. Keeping up with the Joneses was never my intent, but now, success, in my mind, had been redefined. The calls from the wild struck a chord and have been with me ever since. 

No one lying on their deathbed ever said, I wish I had spent more time in the office.

If only I had more time, I could've have really made something out of myself. 

Thoreau wrote: This spending of the best part of one's life earning money in order to enjoy a questionable Liberty during the least valuable part of it reminds me of the Englishman who went to India to make a fortune first, in order that he might return to England and live the life of a poet.

That logic, based on materialism, makes no sense to me. 

I was no longer interested in checking off the boxes of so-called accomplishments that we establish for ourselves when we're young. The scripted life felt increasingly uncomfortable and foreign to me. I was done living vicariously; I no longer wanted to live under society's unrelenting standards. 

Universal changes are afoot

The world is chaotic right now. Much of it was exacerbated by the US president. Thoreau's "questionable Liberty" has more meaning today than perhaps at any time in our country's history. Any thinking human must ask themselves, is Liberty still an attribute on which we can depend? 

We need to live our own way now, not later. Not next week. Not tomorrow. Our tomorrows have limits. Our Democracy has limits. 

The pursuit of happiness is an Americanism. We may have underestimated its requirements. Equating money with happiness is for people who bought into the system. A system that is largely corrupt, on an uneven playing field, and manipulated by the rich and powerful. 

Real happiness comes in shades and can be achieved in a variety of ways. We should seek happiness, but not by using the methods of Wall Street. Happiness can come if we understand the true meaning of wealth. 

Wealth is health. Wealth is family. Wealth is community, love and empathy.

Life is as simple and as complex as one makes it. Choosing a life of simplicity may be the way to survive during the current political and economic crisis. 

Best wishes to you all.

It's About the Ride, Your Best Ride

A small group is about to head out for a 30-mile ride on a rail trail. © Lloyd Lemons

I got a little nostalgic on this one

I’ve been an avid road cyclist for 20-years. A little over three years ago I had my fourth spinal fusion surgery. That long recovery time, combined with a few other medical issues in the interim, kept me off my bike for a while. I’m doing pretty well now, and I recently dusted off the Trek and the Serotta and found myself back in the saddle.

It was awesome! It’ll take some time, but I’ll get my legs back.

I used to write a blog called Cycling Nirvana. After my ride the other day I was going over some of the posts I wrote. I decided to reshare the one that follows.

*  *  *  

Ask a dozen cyclists what they like most about cycling, and you’ll get a dozen different answers. But, as time goes on, and their experience deepens, their answers will often change. That’s another great thing about cycling: It sort of evolves with you. As you become more seasoned, the act of riding a bicycle morphs into something different that you often love even more. The more you ride, the more you’ll love to ride.

What resonates with you?

A friend of mine, a long-time cyclist in his 70s, once told me that cycling can be whatever you want it to be. Want to race? Then race! There are races for every age. Ride for fitness. Ride long distances. Ride in the mountains or along the beach. Or ride simply because when you’re on your bike, the air seems fresher, colors more vibrant, and you feel more alive. Your bike can be a source of enjoyment in so many ways and on so many levels.

Out for a sunny Sunday afternoon with a ride along the river. © Lloyd Lemons

Make your ride the best ride

Explore the cycling culture in your town. You might find a great bunch of people to ride with. Are they cyclists you can relate to? Fitness-wise? Age-wise? Style-wise? Try a ride or two with them to see if they’re a good fit. If you don’t care for big rides or big groups, go solo and do your own thing.

Know your bike

Become “one with the bike”. I’ve known many cyclists who love their bikes so much, they name them. But seriously, is your bike comfortable to ride? Make sure it fits you well. You should know it well enough to fix a flat or make minor repairs or adjustments if something happens on a ride.

Develop riding confidence

Confident cycling comes from experience and understanding the rules of the road. It’s important to know how you and your vehicle (the bike) can safely co-exist with the other vehicles on the road. Experience also builds good bike-handling skills.

I’ve just written a little booklet on safe road cycling. Check it out.

Preparedness is also key to confident cycling. Carry with you the things necessary for your trip: a multi-tool, a food bar, hydration, a spare inner tube, spare cash, or whatever you think might become necessary if there’s a delay in the ride.

Make it a memorable ride

In the early stages, you should know where you’re riding to, a destination, a neighboring town, or around your community. Later, when you have more experience, it’s really fun to explore. Let your adventuresome spirit carry you along to less charted courses. Take in the sights and sounds and smells of the planet as it goes by, and use your camera to capture it.

Share your ride with others. Post a short ride story with a photo or two on your favorite social media. You’ll be delighted to see how many friends will respond with favorable comments.

Cycling can be an awesome escape! Make it an adventure. Make it part of your lifestyle. But beware. It can be highly addictive. Always remember: When you’re on your bike, it’s about the ride, your best ride.

A Better Holiday

Christmas in Senoia, GA. © Lloyd Lemons

Learning to understand each other

The drive home was long — thankfully, two hours on the freeway were the worst of it. The other five hours, through wooded miles of winding roads, were virtually traffic-free. It was the perfect time to reflect on the previous five days.

The visit itself was pleasant this time. No awkwardness. No unspoken frustrations. No raised eyebrows. No angry words. At first, a tentative compliance between hosts and visitors — youngsters and parents. Later, a relaxed camaraderie, easy laughter, and joyful gift giving. Ill feelings dissipated. A quiet, friendly calm. A welcome change to a niggling problem that was never elucidated. I won’t question success. The future seems bright.

On My Mind

A mid-century Smith Corona manual. © Lloyd Lemons

Getting unlost - 12.15.2025

This is a recurring post about what’s in my headspace at any given time. It’s partly for me to commit publicly about what I’m up to at the moment, and it’s about you, too. Maybe it will help you think about your life, and focus on things you’re curious about, want to do, or ideas you’d like to see come to fruition. I invite you to comment below.

I’ve had a frustrating year. Politically, it’s been a disaster. Enough said about that! Personally, I worked through a variety of medical problems, and feel pretty darn good going into 2026. And professionally, I’ve been kind of lost.

Why?

I’ve been a professional writer for 40+ years. I’ve written content for corporations all over the world. The COVID lockdown decimated that work, and it never returned. At 73 years old, no one is rushing to commission me for writing work. (Believe it or not, there are people who think that someone my age has outlived their talent -- yes, it’s true.)

So I intended to start writing things that would please me. I began by writing a series of memoir-ish type stories that my kids could read and hand down to their kids. But as these things often go, they’re not much interested in family history.

After the memoir stuff, I fell into a spell of moody inactivity that has been difficult for me to kick. I guess it’s the type of numbness that often comes with retirement. The problem is: I AM NOT RETIRED. I have not stopped thinking and dreaming and planning.

And I never will.

I keep myself busy with refurbishing our old house, gardening, and planning my next writing project. My problem has been the planning part. I seem to just keep planning. And planning. And planning. And the writing hasn’t been forthcoming.

Well, that type of thinking had led to analysis paralysis. The good news is: it has ended. I have resumed consistency in my writing practice and am sharing my eclectic ideas, stories, and experiences once again. Today, I am focused on returning to the writing that has always kept me curious and helped me think and learn more about myself and others.

I hope you’ll continue to follow me.

H/T to Brennan Kenneth Brown for his brilliant article.

It's Gift Giving Time!

Like new Trek. Less than 100 miles. 

If you ride a bicycle on the road or have loved ones who ride on the road, it's important to know the rules and ride safely. Here's just the booklet you need, and it will make a great Christmas gift! -- https://payhip.com/b/7uCv0

As a side note, I have this pristine Trek for sale.

Enter the world of road riding with speed and style. Own this pristine 2007 Trek Pilot 1.2, 54cm. Fits 5’6″-5’10″ rider. Comfortable riding position, EZ pedaling 27-speed drive train. Aluminum frame, carbon fork, Shimano Tiagra components. EXTRAS: dual platform multi-purpose pedals, Selle Anatomica comfort leather saddle, narrow handlebars, 2 water bottle cages. Made in the USA.

$400. (Venmo or Zelle)