Battered by Chipka
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Description
There are times when—Star Wars fan that I am—I can wholly sympathize with Princess Leia Organa’s reaction to her first sight of Han Solo’s trusty Millennium Falcon (odd name for a ship!) “You came here in that thing?” she asked. “You’re braver than I thought,” she continued.
I think of those lines whenever I’m required to assist in delivering very heavy things to very remote or otherwise difficult-to-access dental offices. The trucks in my father’s sputtering, rusty, rattling fleet all resemble Han Solo’s improbably named spaceship. The only significant differences between battered moving trucks and a fictional spaceship is that there are no alien co-pilots (drivers) who can best be described as shaggy, walking carpets.
The trucks remain in a perpetual state of near-breakdown. I’ve seen their engines more times than I care to count. I’ve photographed components of their various engines in an attempt to take my mind of off…well…near-continual mechanical breakdown. I have to admit, however, that the mysterious machines of Agara and Ükür have something to do with those rusty engines, and frayed battery-cable connections. I think it’s the rust, the corrosion, the dings and dents. I think that it’s all an artifact of boredom more than any real creativity on my part. It’s amazing what boredom will inspire a mind to come up with. I suspect that’s how we have so many interesting gods and goddesses in so many interesting (and obscure) religions too. Boredom is, after all, the mother of invention.
This is…well…it’s a battered battery lead. It demonstrates the belief that hammers can be used for anything and in the absence of a hammer, a wrench can be used to beat recalcitrant mechanical things into submission. On the day that I took this picture, I saw no displays of overt machine abuse, but I saw signs of it. I was drawn to the copper, to the way it caught the light, and it was only in zooming in on Macro setting, that I became very aware of hammer-dings, or wrench-dents as the case may be. I was intrigued by the rough texture, and somewhat amused by the possibility of sparks and sooty, smoky fires. Rover, the ever-present truck-yard dog, seemed somewhat more wary of such possibilities, and so he kept something of a “safe” distance, as I snapped this photo. Rover, I think, knows something more about the truck-yard than I do, but then, he actually lives there, so it stands to reason.
At any rate, here is a battered thing. And as always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.
Comments (21)
kgb224
Stunning find and capture my friend.
RodS
Interesting study in colors and texture, Chip! Another sterling example of finding beauty in the most utilitarian of things. Most excellent, my friend! You know - you could always hire one of those sasquatch guys to drive the truck. It's not a Wookie, but still.... Imagine the fun.....
auntietk
Before my brain made sense of the image, I saw a frog ...
Crabbycabby
Great narrative and image.
bmac62
Years ago all of my battery leads looked this way...in fact I've applied both hammer and wrench to these connectors:) But then in high school I bought "new" tires for my heap from the junk yard...anything that had more tread than bald served me well around town. First rate narrative bringing a more complete picture to me of your dad's fleet:)
helanker
But look what boredom can create. A superb macro just how I love it. HAHAHA! And I sooo laugh of what Tara got out of this photo. She is just wonderful. Now I see the frog too.. lol!. This is such fun :-D An awesome sight and a great morning laugh :)
beachzz
Every day is an adventure--driving about, never knowing when said wrenches and hammers will become necessary. This is a wonderful shot, though I'm highly concerned about the condiiton of those wires--very pretty but yikes!! lol
lick.a.witch
I see a tentacled, bug-eyed being about to devour a space ship! (They walk (float) among us! ^-*) I love the unique view you have of all around you. You rather inspire this crazy woman! ^=^ Great shot and entertaining narrative! ^=^
faroutsider
Supercharged battered frog! (had to laugh at Tara's comment).
GARAGELAND
Top Macro, smart subject.
durleybeachbum
What fun to read!! This pic is really rather attractive, just as what it is, and before it becomes all the creatures that lurk in there. I used to collect owl artefacts and this is very similar (although rather heavier), than a pendant I often wore.
KateBlack10
Great shot and narrative Chip! I saw a frog too like Tara mentioned - I have no idea why but at first glance I thought it was a frog sculpture or something - frog like but made out of metal - strange and beautiful- Love the narrative - I can just envision you waiting around as the machines - sputtering and muttering are being coaxed into working either with a hammer or a wrench made into a hammer- really great shot! Looking forward to seeing you on Christmas if you can make it!
MrsRatbag
That's the soul of an artist, seeing beauty in places where most others wouldn't even look twice. I love the signs of terminals being beaten into plowshares...
MagikUnicorn
AWESOME ZOOM ON THIS ...Thanks for share
sandra46
wonderful image! gorgeous light!
flavia49
wonderful shot!! fabulous details!!
KatesFriend
That's a fantastic macro, full of grungy primary colours and chaotic (because unique is probably not the right word) details. The fittings look now more to have been molded from clay and fired in a kiln rather than mass cast in a foundry. In a way, this inspires respect for the engineers and workers who crafted this vehicle (at least three) decades ago for this can not be its only battered and worn out component. The fact that the machine still can function four days out of five under these circumstances is a testament to their skill. And, if I may, an almost socialist dedication to the cause. Why am I thinking of the kalashnikov rifle?
anahata.c
I'm only doing one image 'per' today, even though there are so many in your gallery I've not commented on yet, but I wanted to wish you a deep & loving holiday season, even though you strike me as the kind of soul that celebrates every day for what it brings & for the powers behind it. I picked this because you posted it on the Solstice, a major moment in the earth (and, as I'm sure you know, the reason christmas was assigned to this time of year, so it could compete with the roman celebration of the sun). I have a feeling these natural shifts resonate deeply in you somewhere. But the image is just spectacular: I know what it is from your (always) scintillating reflections & descriptions; but your capture has turned it into some silvery god emerging out of the dark, and your lighting as well as your emphasis on the tactile nature of those wires etc is all remarkably intense & expressive. It's great that you included those wires, and have given us the intensity of the discolorations. This is Solstice-y for reasons I can't explain, except to say it's something very powerful emerging out of the familiar, and it's light bursting out of darkness: two things I always associated with the Solstice. (We had heav-eeee fog on the solstice---did you see it? The solstice gods & goddesses literally fell on chicago.) Thank you for your comments, always works of art as well as wonderfully supportive; and for this astonishing gallery which I've still not come close to catching up on, but which continues to be a galaxy; and for your presence here overall. And I hope the end of the year is radiant for you & points to a wonderful new year ahead. Maybe I'll see you all in the famous get together in January! I wanted to be sure to wish you wonderful season & many thanks for all you give us here everyday. And I love the image: It's a knockout.
Orinoor
There is a certain beauty in common things, especially ones with such "character". It whispers at a long history, stories both mundane and exciting, the possibility of being part of that ongoing litany of minor excitements. I don't really like new things, except where it is necessary, such as socks. I look forward to another year of such things, old and worn, and your words that bring out the color and flavor of the experience. It is such a gift that you share so much with us; so best of holidays to you and your friends, and thank you.
danapommet
Love the story and analogy of this connection. I have to admit that the copper wire is the best looking part of the whole thing and I have to think – did it start? Dana
nickcharles
Great capture! And always love reading your words.