Dear editor,
Your editorial on procrastination [Procrastination jeopardizes chance to experience local attractions, the News, Sept. 22] struck a resonant chord here, as I also have that problem. I used to think the things I like would be around for as long as I’d be. Wrong. They disappeared almost before I knew it.
So, you’re right – do it now, while you still can.
Here’s part of an article about a major project of mine, a working miniature of a circa-1920s steam-powered crane/excavator (glad I didn’t procrastinate too long on that one):
“By 1972, I had accumulated most of the equipment needed for such a project, realized I wasn’t getting any younger and that I had better get started while such things could still be done. As it turned out, that was a more timely decision than I knew. . . .
“Why did I build it? I’ve always liked to watch the wheels go ‘round, especially when they’re steam-powered. And maybe because this machinery is a kind of reminder of a time long-gone when some of our present problems hadn’t even been thought of. In any event, I’m glad I did it when I did; one thing I’ve learned is that if you want to do something, do it as soon as you can because you never know when it will be too late.
“Watching the clam pull itself into the ground as the closing line snakes through all those sheaves, to the sound of the engine and the smell of steam and hot oil, made it all worthwhile. Not to mention the amazement of spectators, most of whom never saw the big ones at work. And the small boy growing up in the plastic, throw-away age asking, sort of awe-struck, ‘Is that made out of metal?’
“Steam machinery buffs will understand.”
Jerry Brown,
Culver City
