When I was younger I loved to drive. Not just because of the newness of driving, but for me, driving was actually exhilarating. I used to take road trips all the time. Mostly when I was running away, from one place to another. I have driven cross-country a total of three times. I have driven all the way from New Jersey to California. (amongst countless other endeavors.) Each time, I set out on a new journey I would take a different route. This way I could take a look around. See what was out there. Because I was only 16, 17, 18 when “ I walked off to look for America†sometimes I had company and other times I was alone on these adventures. Sometimes my car made the full trip, and other times, I would break down in a new state or some crazy cities where I would hang out (if only for a day or two) and embrace my new surroundings. I have to say those three years of my life were some of the best (definitely the most interesting) times I ever experienced. I have lived in 7 of our 51 states, and I have stopped inside and at least spent a night in every single state other than Alaska or Hawaii.
*aside from my book Off The Pole, there is probably a book or two about these road trips…I kept a journal every single day on these trips and when I was finished filling all the pages in one book, I mailed it home to my mother, and then bought a new journal. This way, she knew I was still alive, and I knew my journals would be kept in a safe place. *
Anyway…back to the topic. Yesterday after feeling like I was going to freak-the-fuck-out. I did just that. I took a ‘mini-road-trip’. I got into my car. Fresh coffee in hand. Full pack of smokes. Rollingstones played. And I just drove. For two hours.
There is an old highway over here, not the NJTPK and not the GSPKWY, because there is nothing soothing about those fucking highways. But an old highway less traveled. With farms and trees and grass and peace.
While I didn’t have the pleasure of interacting with PEOPLE, I cannot begin to tell you how much better I feel. My head is clear. My heart is at peace. I had forgotten the simple pleasure I used to experience when driving. Before driving became a chore.
I think I can finally sit down without the ANTS IN MY PANTS syndrome and WRITE again. I’m going to work on my book. The biggest writing challenge I have ever taken on.
A book? Do tell…
I have one bouncing around in my head that hopefully I’ll have time someday soon to write.
http://book-rough-draft.blogspot.com/
I ONLY POSTED CHAPTER ONE… BUT I AM UP TO CHPT 12 …THAT’S THE ONLINE LINK!
Get thee back to your book, woman! And your arrival on my California doorstep during one of said road trips was one of the best surprises ever. I still have those jeans 😉
Leslie: I LOVE YOU
good to have you back… being on the road is exhileating… and even thee short trips make me feel sane when i am wandering over the edge…
i have read the chapter of your book… before i read your blog actually… cant wait to buy a copy!!!!!!
Baby you can drive my car……
Yes I’m going to be a star….
beep beep beep yeahhh!!!
Next time you decide to take a road trip, let me know so we can ride side by side in our never ending quest of ass kickin life itself (being that we both have the same car) 😀
I’m glad you feel better Meleah H.
FV
I like to drive too!!! I turn the radio up and drive.
I LOVE to drive …
What a therapeutic journey for your beleaguered soul.
Just what the doctor ordered.
Now get back to your book!!
“Sometimes I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear
and I cant help but ask myself how much I’ll let the fear take the wheel and steer.
It’s driven me before, it seems to have a vague
haunting mass appeal.
Lately I’m beginning to find that I should be the one behind the wheel
Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there
with open arms and open eyes, yeah.
Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there, I’ll be there…”
xox
and thanks to you I can drive!! when it seemed impossible to do……you didn’t give up & you jumped my car!!!! u are multi talented!!!
I have always felt the exact same way about driving – with no particular destination in mind. For as long as I can remember, driving has been one of my most direct routes to sanity.
very cool. You made me remember how much I used to love to drive…the freedom of it….