Like at Cadillac Ranch, I truly admire the American impulse to build something big in the middle of nowhere. Maybe even something huge, just because. Something so big it’s impossible to ignore, something brave and bold that represents belief and passion. Here’s what someone in Groom, TX built:
I'm just grateful there's no massive dead Jesus hanging there.
At 190 feet tall, some people claim the cross was the biggest in the Western hemisphere until someone built a slightly taller one on I-70 in Effingham, IL in 1995. (Readers of Life on the High Wire might remember Effingham.) There are actually bigger crosses, but still, it’s pretty damn big.
The Reason
I’m not saying I agree with this person’s beliefs. No. But I appreciate the builder’s commitment and effort. And it got me thinking about creating something from nothing, leaving a legacy. What’s my legacy going to be? What about yours?
What huge thing would you build if you could?
Most people’s legacy is their children, for better or worse. (For the record, my in-laws got one better and one worse, despite their best efforts.)
Also for the record (and I’m sure you already know this), if there was a corpus, it would have been a crucifix instead of just a cross and most probably built by a Catholic.
very good question on ones legacy! are you looking for an even bigger word/concept – something about contribution to society? unfortunately, very few of us make much of a dent (respectfully disagreeing that children are not a legacy or de facto a contribution to society, but merely progeny), but it’s great to think about and something to strive for.
Deborah – I do know that, but thanks for pointing it out. I’m a recovering Catholic!
wse – I think legacy can be as big as you want it, and yes, I mean contribution to society, leaving the world a better place, etc. I like to ask myself (and you all) these big questions once in awhile – keeps us on track.
Legacy…wow, I’m going to have to think about that. Truthfully I’ve never thought about a legacy, sounds profound and imtimidating. Feel like I’m doing my best treading water trying to get through life as balanced, happy, and drama-free as I can. Maybe my legacy is to leave the planet with no trace that I was here.
Chris Bundy recently posted..Taos Pueblo
Re the legacy, here’s what my new-found long-lost friend John Ling told me yesterday: Sow a thought, reap an emotion. Sow an emotion, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny.
And that’s all the profound I’m going to venture into today. And maybe until, I dunno, 2013 or so.
Summer Wood recently posted..why blackberries
I love your blog! The link was just posted by a friend in the comments section of my blog. I dropped my book and read your posts from the beginning.
You are hilarious and brilliant, but I guess you know that.
I can’t wait to read more about your travels.
Jennifer
p.s. I gave away all of my stuff and moved into a small RV in March.
Chris – Though I barely know you, I’m sure you’ll have a positive impact on the world. Won’t your art be at least part of your legacy?
Summer – Yes, baby steps! I always say that, but not nearly as eloquently. Thank you.
Jennifer – Thank you for the much too kind words. Glad you’ve joined us, and I can’t wait to read about your adventures! If you post again make sure to click the Comment Luv button, which will show us your latest blog post.
Legacy?
Get drunk, drive fast, sleep naked and die broke. Come sliding in sideways and spent through those pearly gates. You will surely be remembered as someone who knew how to live life to the fullest, if not a full life.
I’m going with Chris too. Take only memories, leave only footprints. No trace.
I must question your motives,I thought. Why was she changing her strategy, or at least her approach in general to scamping. This formula of ending with a question to generate conversation is a fall back to what worked so well with lifeonthehighwire .Was it I thought, to steer the conversation away from the freudian. Then I reread the blog, and clearly, the question read, What huge thing could you build if you could? Clearly freudian interpretation could be taken. The majority answered by way of Legacy, simply put, I’m steering clear of the Legacy suggestion and choosing to grow something entirely different. I would want to build the most completely conceited and biggest ego possible. For me, it would truly be a challenge to maintain, since much of the time my self worth is getting hammered.
I miss the free form style of the travelogue, with descriptions of food and the occasional video. Return to the freestyle. If, I said it was sexier, would that have any sway.
…and Summer Wood, thank you for your response on your site.
Scooter – I too love the idea of skidding into the my last days on the planet. No reason to play it safe or save experiences up for later. Later is now.
Rob – A gigantic bloated ego! That’s the way to go. (Back to free style tomorrow, since God knows the only thing I’m going for here is sex appeal.)
OK OK I really did build something really big, and with God’s Help. I almost lost a finger doing it, but that’s another story. I gre it. I just wanted to try out the Luv Comment button. Feel free to visit, the most visitors I’ve had has been 8, if I get more than that, I consider it Viral.
Sincerely,
The Tusk
OK what I do Wrong?
The Tusk recently posted..Large Things
you learn something everyday
Yep, it worked!
Deborah: thanks for the warning – I’m crossing Corpus Christi right off my list.
Deonne, this is a great site, and if I didn’t have a library book due tomorrow I’d sit back and read the whole thing (your whole blog, instead of my whole book) now.
P.S. I just joined Jennifer’s group, too.
Roxanne recently posted..Embarrassed
Roxanne – Thanks for joining us!
fly under the radar, leave no trace.
that crucifix does neither.
Mr. Chevere – Right. Flying under the radar is impossible for something that tall.