This is me, swinging from a tree at an undisclosed location in Laurel Canyon a few weeks ago. The swing takes you far out over the abyss, where if you fall it’s a good 30 or 40 foot drop into rocks and prickly bushes. Broken leg at least, you know?

I didn’t want to do it at first- it really didn’t look safe and the pivot point for the swing was way the heck out there. I honestly wasn’t sure my weight and momentum would bring me back to the safety of the ledge. But then a few guys showed up and two of them did it. It looked fun. So, I gave it a try. I took a running start (after all, one must COMMIT to one’s actions!) and flew out over the abyss. Woohoo! It was sooo cool! Then I did it again. Damn, it was fun!!!

I found out later that one of the two other guys was a real life stuntman for the movies. And the other guy told us he came really close to getting stuck out there and falling when he did it the last time. I think I’m glad I didn’t know that until after I trusted that I could do it. Oh, yeah- and those of you looking for an allegory here? Nice. And you’re right. I’ve swung over the abyss this year… and I didn’t fall. Screw any of you who placed bets against me, you should know better by now.