In three days I will begin a journey I have thought about all my adult life. I will point my Prius south with a concept more than a plan, and travel around the edges of the United States for the next three months.
I technically "retired" from my job and career in February, but apparently the universe didn't think that passage was big enough. A few days before my retirement party, on my last day of travelling 90 minutes each way to and from HQ, my mother became ill two states away. The following two weeks leading up to her death were: infuriating (the medical establishment and the industry of aging); sad to say goodbye to a woman who led a long and enviable life, and to become an orphan; and profound in the way of what you might call a "good death," among family, in her own home, with caring palliation. (This New Yorker article tells a story so parallel to ours that it's timing and relevance stunned my siblings and me.)
So I crossed out the retirement celebration and the four weeks of readying for a three-month car trip from my calendar. Two weeks after my return home from cleaning out my mother's apartment and saying goodbye to my beloved sister and brother, I have filed the taxes, gotten the "vacation prescription overrides," changed back to summer tires, figured out that my Thermarest Mondo King fits in the back of the Prius (in case "car camping" turns literal), and I'm just about to launch into this adventure.
Maybe the only gift is a chance to inquire, to know nothing for certain. An inheritance of wonder and nothing more.
William Least Heat-Moon, Blue Highway
I have a creative project in mind, loosely. BUT...this trip needs to define itself. I have no idea what it will be like to drive 10,000 miles through 29 states. I'm working on packing light, carrying mostly an inheritance of wonder.
This blog is meant to be more travelogue than creative project. So if you'd like to follow my travels, check back now and then. Happy trails to you and me.
Sending my best wishes on your journey. May it be filled with joy, imagination, laughter, special memorable moments, and most of all, fun. Travel safe 💕🚙
Going all the way with you in spirit and part of the way in body!
Seriously profound ramblings and a gutsy push into an unknown where the purpose is the voyage and not the destination.
And you can stay at our house in north atlanta. Your own bedroom and bathroom with a view of uninhabitated wetlands as your scenery…that is if you don’t count raptors, raccoons, and all kinds of critters as well as dog and cat.
Brava, dear Deena. Soak it up and in. Hope to see you in Arizona before too long. XO.
The white light of safety sent your way. Envious, except for the part about packing light. Not one of my strong points! I will be looking for your posts!
Terry
Happy adventures and safe travels! What wonderful things await you — enjoy every minute!
Bon voyage, friend! Two necessities for a road trip of this caliber: a good pair of sunglasses and inspiring music. Grab you aviators, roll down the windows and turn up the soul. I’ll send some inspiration your way. Happy travels!
I’ve already checked on the MOTH story telling schedule in Seattle to see if there will be a night and stage available for your wonderful story telling skills when you get here in May. I envy your fluid and colorful writing.
Thank you, Jean. I’m looking for storytelling opportunities along the way!
Deena,
This looks so fun! I am excited for, and slightly envious of, your amazing trip! I don’t know if it was me unconsciously thinking of your route, but I was just daydreaming the other day of a road trip along the Gulf Coast and how I would love to see that part of the country. Can’t wait to see you on the West Coast!
Nate