Ramblings From Justin Penney

Here are a few rituals that I think should be reflected upon.

The creation of a classic cocktail is a wonderful precursor to a fine drink. The muddled mint in a Mint Julep, The squeeze of lime in a Gin and Tonic, and the swirl vermouth in a proper Dry Martini are the fine moments before the party.

A reserved sound check before a concert is wonderful. Caressing your instrument, tuning it, then asking it to perform with you. The best sound checks are succinct and thorough.

A classic wet shave (the full thing with a brush and a cake of soap in a mug) is one of the best ways to start a day. Warm, wet and smooth ... hopefully that's exactly how the day will end.

Suiting up for a ride on a motorcycle offers its own type of Zen. I always start my cycle before starting to suit up as it needs preparation too. The armored jacket, calfskin gloves, and helmet are such purposeful items that you can't help but feel like a warrior preparing for battle at the intersection of rubber and tarmac. The motor of my mount crackles impatiently while I take a breath and take stock of the world: the weather, my mind, my health, my family ... everything that matters goes through my head.

# posted by Justin @ 9:31 PM