You know, one of the last things that I need is extra time to "think", 'cause that's just what I'm going to do, and then some. Given the opportunity, my mind goes into overdrive imagining all sorts of stuff, mostly what I could or should be doing rather than just dreaming about it. During my recent hiatus, I'd remodeled my entire house in just the first couple days alone-the remainder of that two-week period wreaked some serious havoc on my brain (that's far from normal operating capacity as it is, which you've probably noticed by now)
On the other hand, time to think is good for the mind and the soul, just as long as it's done in moderation. In between my impromptu scratch-drafting sessions, making pencil blueprints of a garage addition and kitchen/bath remodel, I managed to find some time to reflect on the subject matter of CLASSIC TRUCKS-to be more precise, the hobby in which it's been devoted to now for the last couple decades. It occurred to me, after what, five years as editor, that old truck folk are very comfortable and set in their ways. Sure, there's been a good amount of crossover from the late-model/sport truck crowd, but for the most part, this is a very slow-progressing group of enthusiasts. Now, before you go jumping to conclusions and accuse me of bad mouthing anyone (which I'm not), let me continue.
When it comes to a lot of things in life, I don't like progress all that much. To me, I'd rather devolve and go back in time rather than advance into the future-I like things simple and basic. In contrast to fast-paced street/hot rodders, I've found the average classic truck person to fit that same mold when it comes to their pickups, especially the manner in which they use them. To some extent, it's almost like there's a very fine line between "restoration" and "modification", though without the latter, I believe it would be difficult for the former to exist solely on its own. From my somewhat younger vantage point, I can relate to pretty much all levels of this diverse group, but I do see the distinct lines of separation between them. With the greenhorns of the hobby being a possible exception, I think this general relaxed attitude amongst us keeps everything in check.
Having a particular comfort level is one thing (and trust me, I like being comfortable), but the world around us has a particular agenda-are we prepared to evolve with it? Do we really need to? Eventually, there'll have to be some concessions made in certain areas if the hobby is to not only continue, but grow. While you or I may not like it, we may not have a choice. I can't speak for anyone else, but if and when it comes down to it, I just might have to turn that level of comfort down a notch or two, as I kind of keep doing what I do.