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