Objects of Affection

You are what you love

(page 1 of 3)

Is it wrong to love a thing? A ridiculous question! Of course we love our things. The objects that fill our homes—especially the things we truly love—define us in a way. They manage, without saying a word, to speak volumes about what is important to us. 

GARTH CALLAGHAN
Builder, Motorcycle Racer, Gardener

As a builder, Garth Callaghan, has crafted a home that suits all his needs. Close to Hailey off Buttercup Road, the one-acre compound has a beautiful house filled with light. “There is not a window covering in my house,” he says. He has uncluttered views of the mountains to the west of Hailey and is close to town, but with a country feel. He also has a home office, in addition to one in Bellevue. “That way I can work early in the morning or late in the evening.” The single father of two has built a compound which features a garage for his various bikes and toys, and a barn which contains a work area for small construction projects, houses a travel camper, and most importantly of all, has a large area where he can doctor his Suzuki 600. For the past three years, Callaghan has competed in various super bike series on tracks throughout the Northwest. “Going fast is such a blast,” he says. “I like the stuff that gets my blood rushing a bit, but you have to be smart about it.”
 

His Object

Clearly, his motorcycle. But, his close second might surprise you.
The principle of complimentary opposites, known as yin and yang, is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy but you can definitely apply it to native New Zealander Callaghan. How else do you explain a man who races motorcycles 175 miles per hour and launches a paraglider off Baldy, but says he cannot wait until the snow melts so he can enjoy his garden? Not much adrenaline to be found pruning juniper bushes, but Callaghan claims he loves the dirt and solace of his garden in a sense even more than the asphalt and rubber of the racetrack. “I like the color and textures of the garden. The fire red of the maple in the fall and the pink blaze of the flowering crabapple in the spring are just spectacular. I love getting out there and racing motorbikes, but I love coming home to this.” >>>