Putting those Ikea skills to work

Life is one beautiful trip

Are "Ikea skills" something one can put on a resume? Mine are stellar, if I do say so myself. They came in quite handy in trying to erect the tent for the first time yesterday. 

The Zen of Assembly

• The key to good assembly skills is patience. 
• Never try to assemble something when you are in a hurry. 
• Have lots of snacks handy. 
• Take many breaks. Don't expect too much out of yourself. 
• Text a whole bunch of your friends to alternately complain and brag about your progress.
• At the very height of your frustration, remember there is a video on how to do just about anything on YouTube.
• Don't feel bad about yourself because the elderly couple on YouTube filmed themselves assembling the same tent in about 3 minutes. 

Gather everything you will need. Note the cold drink, CheezIts, laptop, and prayer beads.

Prepare a clean work area. 

The instructions showed a picture of a parallelogram. 

Thanks to acing geometry in high school, I was able to make an S curve out of the parallelogram.

This resembles something one could use to communicate with the mothership.

Ta da! 

Today's tune
Wide Open Spaces – Dixie Chicks

Today's gratitude
the angels who surely guide me
the neighbors' new rescue dog
a healthy immune system
living close to the beach
Griffin, always

Talaya

Life is one beautiful trip

Talaya – Phoenican goddess of rain, according to the Obscure Goddess Online Directory. Apparently I channel her powers. Unwittingly, mind you. It's just that every . . . single  . . . time I try to air out a sleeping bag, the rains come. 

My darling, sweet friends, Guy and Kathy called me today to catch up on life and offer camping advice. Guy is Darryl's best friend and they spent many hours on a trail together. Guy has a really great memory of Darryl's gear and guided me on the care and use of it. Surprisingly, and thankfully, over the years, only a couple of items have gone missing. His best advice today was to attach a bear bell to my pack. A bear bell. Bears. Since Guy has never been mauled by a bear, clearly the bell early warning system works. Prior to this, my plan was to let Scooter walk in front of me. He makes enough noise to wake the dead. Which is what I may be if I don't get myself a bear bell. 

Airing out the sleeping bag. Scooter has claimed this one.

Market day

There are at least three farmers' markets in the Charleston area. My favorite is the one on John's Island. It is held in a field, with wide open spaces, food trucks (one for coffee, one for croissants, and more) live music, and is just a lot more laid back. On any given Saturday morning, there will be folks selling local meat, shrimp, vegetables, home made jewelry, herbs, peanut butter, olives. There are chickens, goats, and puppies milling about. 

There is enough time in the laid back environment to talk to the vendors. Johnny sells the most delicious raw milk you ever tasted, and his eggs make for the fluffiest cakes. Today we discussed bartering my baked goods for his eggs. Justin is the shrimp man with a degree in geography. His peaches are good, too. Cece makes jewelry and works at Clothes on a Bus with Nanette. 

The fashionable, friendly Nanette

See? It's a real bus, with more clothes and a dressing room inside.

Today's treasures. Acai berry seed bracelet and a seagrass bag large enough to hold Scooter – when I use him as a bear bell.

Handmade by Cece. Acai berry seeds.

Seagrass bag, large enough to hold Scooter. A steal at $3.

And speaking of buses, look what I found parked right across from me. Sigh. Wouldn't she be the most perfect thing to drive across country? I want one so bad I can taste it. I have fantasies about sewing curtains for one, and making cushions for the back. Probably a good thing the owners weren't nearby when I parked, or I would have made an offer.

Isn't she perfect?

Same color as my old Beetle. And look at that beautiful sky.

Those stickers would have to go though and be replaced with these:

I used to have one of these on the Subaru.

On the way back from the market I stopped at the Tractor Supply. Dear sweet Sabrina called this week and suggested a tarp to go under the tent. Being the girly girl I am, I found one that matched the tent. Thanks SW for the suggestion. Now if it ever stops drizzling, I can practice putting up the tent. Guy did warn me the poles are a bit bent. It had something to do with Darryl and an excess of bourbon. Go figure. 

Song of the day

The Giver – Duke Dumont
cause Jesus was probably a lot more hip than people want to admit

Today's gratitude

the rain
farmers' markets
fresh peaches
capitalism
the underground economy
Griffin, always

Impromptu strategy meeting

Life is one beautiful trip

Who do you think I found in Columbia, South Carolina today? That's right, Dave and Joelle. We met up in a coffee shop, in Five Points, called drip, to strategize the upcoming multi-state odyssey. Then it was over to The Village Idiot for pizza and more high level decision-making.

drip, Columbia, SC

I highly recommend the Nicaraguan. It must be high test because I had a medium, six hours ago, and I'm still wound up as tight as a two dollar watch.

Joelle, well-prepared

We made a number of important decisions. 

Departure date from Dallas: September 28

Musical selection: I vetoed bag pipes, and Joelle vetoed jazz

General direction: somewhere over the California border, by way of Sante Fe and Sedona

Maximum driving time per day: 8 hours 

Maximum time between pee breaks: 4 hours

Must haves: coffee and toilet paper

Dashboard shrine accoutrements: Buddha, St. Christopher, glow-in-the-dark, plastic Blessed Mary, picture of the Dalai Lama

Wardrobe: yoga pants and sunglasses

Have you seen me?

Can someone help me find another Mary? I had one years ago in the Subaru, and the chances of finding her again, after three moves, is slim to none. I think I got her at the Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore. 

It was a fun drive up to Columbia today, and as always, I enjoyed the roadside scenery. 

The local real estate office

Gas prices in Cayce, SC

Today's tune

Low Rider – War

Today's gratitude

dropping gas prices

got the Jeep fixed for half price thanks to G

Dave is a patient, mellow guy (and thanks for the pizza)

safe time on the highway

Griffin, always

Pre-disasters and laughter

Life is one beautiful trip

I laugh a lot, frequently at inappropriate times, and usually loudly, with abandon. It brings me great joy to make others laugh, as well. I recently told a new friend of mine, "I don't know you well enough to get you something you really like for your birthday, so I found something that will make you laugh." Sometimes, others laugh at me when I'm being perfectly serious. 

Pre-disastered

The 1982 movie, The World According to Garp, has left a lasting impression. There is scene in which Garp and Helen are house hunting. The sputtering of a small aircraft engine can be heard getting closer and closer until it crashes into the house Garp and Helen are viewing. Garp turns to the real estate agent and announces, "We'll take the house. . . . It's been pre-disastered." That struck me as a perfectly logical approach to life when you take into account statistical probabilities. 

It is that reasoning that led me to feel absolutely comfortable, placing my young son in my lap, in an open cockpit biplane to fly over the ocean. There had already been one private plane crash that week, so I felt perfectly safe going on that journey. The flight was beautiful and peaceful and exciting – one of my favorite memories. I wonder if Griffin remembers it?

What, may you ask, does that have to do with making people laugh. It was during just such a pre-disaster episode this week that I was the catalyst for the laughter of others. Griffin informed me that the Jeep, which just weeks ago was the lucky recipient of a full engine transplant, was making noise on start-up. Sure enough, I was present to hear Griffin turn over the engine, and sounds like a despairing circular saw emanated from under the hood. We took her to the car dealership immediately to have this sound checked out. In my way of thinking, this is the Jeep pre-road trip, pre-disaster. I informed the folks in the service department of my upcoming cross-country trip and asked them to give her a good check up before I hit the road. They looked dubious.

As it happens, the Jeep dealership is right next door to the BMW dealership, so after we left the Cherokee, in hopefully capable hands, G and I ventured next door to inquire about an alternate vehicle for the trip. As mentioned in a previous post, I wondered whether it would be possible to temporarily swap the 428i, which is a lease, for a 4-wheel BMW for the journey. "What are my options?" I asked the wet-behind-the-ears, sales rep. Yes, this is an example of me being perfectly serious, and yet causing others to laugh. Let us just say that option is no longer on the table. 

Deer Park Monastery

The second chuckle I unintentionally caused this week was from my friend Alice. She and I had been emailing back and forth when I mentioned my plans for stopping at the Deer Park Monastery in Escondido. Her response was, "WHAT! You in a monastery?"  

Their website gives the most concise description. "Deer Park Monastery is a mindfulness practice center and monastic training center founded by the Vietnamese buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay)." I was fortunate enough to hear Thich Nhat Hanh speak several years ago. My late friend, Richard, and I learned, at the last minute, about Thay's appearance in Baltimore, and we were able to dash in at the last minute. Prior and since I have endeavored to read all of Thay's books. A couple of years ago, I was granted the extreme honor of volunteering for The Mindfulness Bell magazine associated with Deer Park. Every article they send for editing is a blessing, and I hope to keep working with them in this capacity for years to come.

deerparkmonastery.org

The song for today

In the spirit of Garp, I wish to share another story with you. The song in the opening sequence is When I'm 64, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. On Darryl's 64th birthday, I sang this song to him. In public. At a bar. Another beautiful memory – Darryl. 

Today's gratitude

pre-disasters and signs from the universe
Darryl
laughter (everyone's)
recorded messages from Ericka Sallee
the soft breeze of ceiling fans
Griffin, always

Found Objects

Life is one beautiful trip

Yeah, I know I've changed the layout already. What do you think? Cleaner? Less distracting? Or shockingly plain for me?

I feel like I just got back from the farthest reaches of Mongolia. I've been on a search for the camping gear – in the garage – in the attic. Sweltering temperatures. Precariously placed, overpacked boxes, teetering on six foot tall stacks. Success! The expedition has turned up three sleeping bags, the tent, a Jet Boil, and several back packs. Now, I just need to learn how to use the Jet Boil and how to set up the tent. Plus, air out the sleeping bags and figure out for which temps they are suitable. 

Now, what do I do with all this?

I do tend to live in Happy Maggie Land. Having never camped, or had any interest in it at all until this trip idea popped into my head, I've developed some rather Polyanna fantasies about how great the whole experience is going to be. 

I will wake up to beautiful sunrises with my pup by my side.

from Living Off the Grid

My friends will join me for baguettes and wine.

I will travel in eclectic style.

from Mara Hoffman

Maybe embellish my tent a bit.

Make new friends.

from Alternative Inspiration

I've started trippin' and I haven't even left home yet.

Today's tune

Put Your Records On – Corrine Bailey Rae


Today's gratitude

short, messy hair
sweet neighbors
writing in the middle of the night
going barefoot
Griffin, always

With a little help from my friends

Life is one beautiful trip

Wow, do I know a bunch of wonderful, kind, generous people. Suggestions, invitations, and help are rolling my way.

• Steve is sharing extra hotel vouchers. Cause sometimes America is miles and miles of a whole lotta nothin'. 
• Gene is my guide to explore Mount Cheaha in Alabama.
• Dave sent me this link to the National Forests.
• Andrew shared his friends' blog, Tales from a Mid-Lifeventure, for inspiration. 
• Cholly has allowed me to twist his arm to "practice camping" before I leave SC.
• Joelle and Robert have given me referrals for more writing gigs. 

Thanks a million!

Cheaha Pulpit Rock, Alabama

Yes, I'll still be working on the road. As long as I have a laptop and wifi, I can earn a living as a writer/editor. Many times Darryl has driven me around looking for hotspots while I held my laptop aloft trying to get a good signal. There is a real adrenaline rush to pushing the SEND button minutes before a deadline. He always swore that hitting the road was the fastest way for freelance work to hit. 

So, is there an APP for that?

I'm pretty much convinced there is an App for anything. Do you know of any for finding wifi signals? Kind of like the ones warning people of traffic problems.

How about a remote camera that will send live feed to your phone? Does that exist? In a small, really inexpensive model? If it doesn't already, Warren, my favorite ex-husband can probably develop it for me. He's brilliant. 

Today's tune

Jax Jones "Yeah Yeah Yeah" Check out the video. Longboards+strollers. Quick, try this before it gets outlawed, like all the fun stuff. 

Today's Gratitude

all of you 
dental hygiene
the U.S. Postal Service
my digestive tract
the internet
Griffin, always

Beautiful Sunday

Life is one beautiful trip

I can't remember the last time I wore real shoes or anything with sleeves. Life in Charleston is hot and humid and wonderful. Every day starts with coffee on the porch or deck. Working from home is such a blessing. For those who are disciplined, we get much more accomplished than what is possible in an office. Conference calls from the kitchen become the norm. Every day I acknowledge what a blessing it is to work in this manner. I am grateful for the long term business friends who continue to support me by referring clients my way. 

I am also blessed with Roxy, my sister (in-law). Where would I be without our Saturday morning phone calls? They have been a tradition for years, since before she married my brother, Gary. She was supportive and encouraging yesterday when I told her I was taking off on this cross-country trip. She has driven across country herself and provides plenty of suggestions. She recommends stopping by Jenner, California, a coastal town of 136 in Sonoma County.

Jenner, California

Listen with me

Today's tune is All the Pretty Girls by Kaleo – 'cause I'm going to see them tonight on Folly Beach.

Kaleo from Iceland

Today I am grateful for . . .

Sunday morning coffee with Baileys
the love of a good puppy or two
going barefoot
new client
my vision
Griffin, always

Daily horoscope

Life is one beautiful trip

Do you read your horoscope every morning? I read two, first thing with my coffee. Whether you believe in them or not, they are always amusing and food for thought. Today’s was a fun example of synchronicity.

A shout out to Norma and her sister for suggestions on the less than populated areas:

“Based on 500 to 600 mile a day and I-20/10 – Meridian, MS – Weatherford, TX and El Paso TX (west side).  There is little or nothing between Weatherford and El Paso, and if she found something, food would not be close.  You know I feel best in Hampton’s mid-range & reliable.  Meridian & Weatherford are both ‘strips’ of motels and restaurants – recommend reservations by noon or shortly thereafter.  El Paso is still ‘business’ and fairly familiar to me since I spent a bit of time there when George was working, so she might prefer Las Cruses, NM, there is less traffic and a small strip of (new) motels and restaurants.”

What to drive?

Here is a fantasy beauty to pull behind. Beats the heck out of the old orange tent for both style and comfort. This 1964 Airstream Bambi is for sale. Not exactly in my price range. A girl can dream, though. 

1964 Airstream Bambi

So far, I have three options:

A) Miss B is a 2014 BMW 428i. What a beauty. Her low profile Pirellis don’t even touch the ground. They float infintesimally above the road surface. The sports package and 0-60 in 5.3 seconds makes her a dynamo for zipping onto the highway, and that all important pro-active driving. In other words, she makes it a challenge to stay under the speed limit. Fuel saving features render a beautiful 27 mpg. Good for the budget. Downside: This is not a weather car. Although I am not likely to encounter snow on this trip, she is a bit light for heavy rain on the highway. The first week I had her, we encountered thunderstorms with tornado conditions for five hours on 95 in the Carolinas. She performed admirably, but I was more accustomed to a 4-wheel drive, and the trip was nerve-racking. The second concern: with rear wheel drive, can she maneuver me into campsites?

B) The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a trusted member of the family. She’s loyal and we love her despite the truly sucky 12 MPG. Clocking in at more than 150,000 miles, she has a brand new second engine that is warrantied for another 100K. Her 4-wheel drive and greater lift off the road surface make her a safe choice for any kind of weather and road conditions. No problem maneuvering her into campsites and beachside parking. PLENTY of space for packing tents and coolers. Plus, ample room to fold down the seats and sleep in the back in case I don’t feel like pitching a tent in the pouring rain, or just need a quick nap.

C) Crazy notion: Since Miss B is a lease, and BMW truly is the “ultimate driving experience” and their customer service is unparalleled (I’m a sucker for the car washes.) You think they would let me swap out for a month? Let me test drive one of their SUV models? Plus – how about the marketing potential? I’m going to be blogging daily on the “experience” and it would definitely be a positive testimonial for their vehicles. Can you tell I’ve worked in advertising for years?

Which do you recommend? Let me know in the comments below.

Today's Tune

Fireball – Pitbull
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMqgVXSvwGo

Today's Gratitude

free online music Baby – keeps me dancing in my chair, and the car, and the kitchen

working from home

new client! woo hoo!

the ability to type 95 wpm

Griffin, always

When does it begin?

Life is one beautiful trip

The purpose of this blog is to journal my trip across the country. I haven't left yet. My plan, as of today, is to leave Charleston, SC, my current home, by the last week of September and start heading toward California. One might think I'd start the journal on the day of my departure, but by the time I put my foot on the gas pedal, the trip will have already been under way for quite some time.

Did the trip begin last week when I told my friend Joelle of my desire? Did it begin in a lively text conversation with Meredith when we discussed the merits of a camp toilet? Did it begin a decade ago when I envisioned riding cross-country on motorcycles with my son Griffin? Maybe it began when I was four years old, when I would wander up and down the street visiting the neighbors. More on that later. We had some very interesting neighbors.

"A journey of a thousand miles . . ."  begins at AAA. Yesterday, I hauled myself over to the local office and picked up the first maps. "I need a map of the entire United States please; I'm making a cross-country trip." There, I said it to Kate behind the counter. I think it's official. 

AAA, Charleston, SC

This is an invitation to come with me. In any way you like. Suggest places to go, people to visit, a good hotel, what to pack. Or, like Joelle, hop in the car with me when I get to Dallas. And Meredith, fly out to join me in California. Definitely post comments and stay in touch. I love to hear from you. Heaven knows it will take me from now until departure to get the blog working even halfway decently.

Last night, at book club, I told the ladies of my plans. I love the Ladies of the Book Club. They, each and every one, are beautiful, loving, supportive, brilliant, and kind. Margaret said that her cousins would love to have me visit them in Memphis. (Yes, definitely. Add another stop to my journey.) And Norma loaned me her National Parks Pass, which is a very generous gift. That will greatly cut the cost of the trip by enabling me free access to the parks, and camping therein, all across the country. 

Every post 

will have a Song of the Day link – whatever represents my mood, just click and listen. Also, every post will include a Gratitude section. Please feel free to contribute to both, especially Gratitude. My goal is not to create a perfect, beautiful, marketable blog. I just want to get the content out there to share and interact with all of you. My love of detail will make me constantly tweak and improve, though. 

Song of the Day

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da – The Beatles

Today's Gratitude (never in any particular order)

healing

prayers

family/friends

morning coffee

dogs

Griffin, always