Month: March 2018

Message in a Bottle

My great-grandma owned a typewriter, and when my family would visit relatives in Florida over Christmas vacation, typing on it was entertainment for me. On one visit, I typed an entire copy of Yoko Ono’s book Grapefruit. As kids, my brother and I had to write to a far-away relative every Sunday as one of our chores. At the time, it felt like an actual chore, but now, it’s hilarious to look through them and see what we wrote. I got a card back from my great-grandma once, thanking me for a drawing I had sent, and she added, “I don’t know if you are going to be a writer, an artist, or both.” God, I wish I had gripped those words like a life raft in fifteen-foot waves. If you receive any encouragement toward your goals, don’t forget about it like I did. Bottle it and let it buoy you in pessimistic, confusing, or disappointing times.  

Photo: Platte River, as seen from Fort Kearny Recreation Area Hike-Bike Trail, NE

The Power of Schmaltz

A couple years ago, I started visiting a lot of antique stores. Although I do like old objects- each item with its own history, handmade objects crafted with incredible attention to detail, made back when things were made to last- I figured out that what I liked most about antique stores was the music they played. It seemed fitting to hear Jo Stafford singing “I’ll Be Seeing You” or “You Belong to Me” while surrounded by Depression glassware, toys made of tin, and heavy wooden trunks. Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, “Moon River,” Ray Charles, Glenn Miller, “In the Good Old Summertime,” Nat King Cole, “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home,” Elvis, “Love Potion Number 9,” and the teen dance music of the 50s and 60s enchanted me. Although a lot of the lyrics and subject matter feel schmaltzy and dated, there is something charming about those Golden Age of Radio songs and jukebox classics. I guess it’s just nostalgia. But I shouldn’t underestimate the power of schmaltz- after all, Wilbert Harrison singing “Kansas City” always made me want to hop in the car and take a road trip, and look at me now. 

Photo: carnation

The Spirit of 66

I get really excited when I see anything related to Route 66. Like a lot of people, I’m captivated by the idea of it: the spontaneity, the adventure, the discovery. The truth is, I probably would have hated it: the clogged streets, the crowds, touristy souvenir shops, the roasting summer heat. When I see photos of Route 66 in its heyday, each lane of traffic as long as a freight train, all I can think about is trying to make a left turn out of a gas station.  

Ironically, I drove five hours straight through to visit the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma. It was the only Point of Interest on the atlas to capture my attention that day. The museum came at a good time on my trip; I’ve been traveling too far too fast. It was a good reminder to slow down and savor my time.

When it comes to Route 66, I don’t think there’s anything special about that particular asphalt- it’s the style of travel that’s appealing: pick a road to drive on, and stop at whatever catches your eye along the way. Be present. Wholly experience the journey. The good news is that the spirit of 66 can be replicated on any road, in any town- even in your own neighborhood.  

Photo: Roman Nose State Park, OK

Photo: goat at Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo, Hot Springs, AR

Before entering the petting zoo, staff members handed each guest two or three slices of Wonder Bread. Once outside, you’re allowed into some of the pens, so there’s no fence between you and the animals. Most goats came up and started chewing on my clothes and climbing up my legs, trying to reach the bread. This little cutie would walk up calmly, stand a couple feet away, and politely ask with this look.