i can't even concretely remember the last time i went skiing. i want to say it was shortly after my aunt died and everyone gathered to have fun together in her memory. that was 6 years ago, and during that time i just didn't feel any desire to go out.
but after nearly 3 years of living in sub-tropical Kyushu, the winters (or lack of winter as i'd always known it) take their toll. i'd listen with a twinge of envy as my friends and family members relayed tales of this year's snowstorm, billions upon billions of intricate white crystals falling from the sky. the way they packed onto a hill underneath a pair of freshly sharpened K2s or a board.
so when an acquaintence of mine was organizing a "last chance" trip up to Hiroshima to indulge in the last vestiges of winter, i had 2 words: FUCK. YEAH.
the snow was very loose and granular like large grains of clear sand, but soft when you invariably fall down on your ass. i surprised the hell out of myself, mastering the basic snowboard move pretty quickly.
when you stare down a hill, barely able to gauge the grade and go anyway, and say to yourself "aww, this isn't so bad..." when your legs give out from holding the same beginner's position all day and cause you to fall on your ass.... when you have to stop all mental activity outside of getting down that damn hill.... almost falling down but finding your balance again and jerking yourself up... when you realize that sometimes falling failing can be more beautiful and artistic than sticking the landing...
god what a feeling.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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